Polish Construction Workers HISTORY In 2000 there were 986,141 Polish immigrants in New York State. They compromised of 5.2% of the entire New York State population. Over the past thirty years, the biggest demographic change seen in the construction industry is the fact that many workers are increasingly becoming non-unionized. In 1976, over third of the construction workers were associated with a union, while in 2000 only a fifth of them were. The Davis-Bacon Act is an important piece of legislation for construction workers. It was passed on March 3, 1931. It protects the wages of construction workers on government jobs and requires that employers provide fringe benefits to their employees.
 
BACKGROUND In 2005 there were about 9,145,000 construction workers. 2,333,422 were foreign born workers, or 11.1% of all of the foreign born workers, but 17.9% of male immigrant workers. Of the total workers born in the U.S. 5.6% were construction workers; and 10.4% were U.S. born male workers. Out of the total number of construction workers in the U.S., 7.0% were of Black or African American ethnicity, 1.2% were Asian, and 26.8% were Hispanic, while 3% were female. ORGANIZATION Polish construction workers in New York City do not have an organization where they can meet and discuss their work issues. Some belong to their specific trade unions. However, there is a possibility of getting help, as the need arises, through the Polish and Slavic Center, which is an organization with the goal of assisting Polish and Slavic immigrants. Up to date there have not been any large-scale coordinated movements aimed at improving the situation of the many Polish construction workers. There are a few big challenges, which Polish, just like many other immigrant construction workers meet when they do want to organize. Throughout my research I encountered only a few workers who either were a part of a union or knew somebody who was a member of one. Based on my interviews, the number of Polish construction workers organized in some way is miniscule, an estimate of up to five percent (there is no official number). Typically, the ones who are organized have been in the United States for a longer period of time (about five years). They live here with their families and do not plan to go back to their motherland any time soon. They admit that their working conditions, benefits, and pays have risen substantially. Most of them didn’t have any fringe benefits at all and their employers didn’t care much about their safety. Most of those who are not unionized, do not feel a need for an organization. Although their pay is much lower than the one of unionized workers, all of the men I encountered make above minimum wage. Most of them get paid the agreed upon hourly salary regularly. The ones who do not, find another job.