Recently, I was surprised to hear two younger contractors express the opinion that hazing is an old school problem and rarely occurs today. I am not suggesting that it does or does not occur in their shops but I did ask how they knew for sure? Both replied that it was not part of their business environment. I know a young union carpenter who recently completed his apprenticeship. I am certain his employer believed his environment would not allow hazing either. Almost as soon as this young man was hired, he wanted to quit. I assured him this hazing was only a phase and would pass.
How many good, young people has our industry chased away? We will never know because hazing is not reported—the solution is to quit. I had lunch with a subcontractor who had a young man quit that morning. He noted this person had real potential—he just up and quit after a week. The reason given was this kind of work was just not for him. I wondered if he had possibly been hazed. My friend felt that was not possible as all the crew liked him. But does that mean anything? We know victims rarely say, “I am being bullied.” Who would do that when you can just quit? Sadly, reporting it would likely just make things worse. I grew up in the trade with apprentices and witnessed hazing. I was fortunate, my last name was on the building, so hazing me would likely get you fired. I was protected.