Would-Be Workers Set For Days Camping Out For Carpenters' Training Program
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Hopeful prospective workers camped out Saturday in an attempt to gain a spot in the Carpenters' Union training program.
As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, the would-be workers camped outside the union headquarters at 395 Hudson St. in the West Village in tents, sleeping bags or just on cardboard. Up and down the line, the hunger for work was visible in their eyes.
Would-Be Workers Set For Days Camping Out For Carpenters' Training Program
"This is my life. This is my future," said Billy from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. "If it's not this, I don't know what I'm going to do."
He continued, "If you're not out here and you're not willing to go through this, I don't think you deserve the job basically -- you know what I mean?"
The prospective workers will wait in line until 9 a.m. Monday to get one of just 750 applications, and hope they win a coveted spot in the training program.
"It's a lottery so you know, just say a prayer and hope for the best," Billy said.
Many said just the chance for a good-paying union job with benefits was worth the wait.
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