Tankermen's skilled bidding war

Austin Golding, president of the Vicksburg, Miss.-based Golding Barge Line, is calling it a “skilled worker bidding war.” His company is pulling out the stops to retain its credentialed tankermen who oversee the prepping of tank barges and the transfer of fuel and liquid cargoes. In a tight job market, these workers are being lured by companies outside the industry. The competition realizes their skills value by training, credentials and vessel experience in handling dangerous cargoes. To encourage them to stay, Golding Barge is increasing wages later this year. “(A)s long as they are sustainable, that’s a story that builds good will and (shows) that we’re a good-paying industry that has careers, not just jobs,” Golding told Work Boat. He began working on the family’s towboats after graduating from Mississippi State University in 2009. Having a “skilled worker bidding war” is actually a good for the employer and employee,” he continued. “You get people that other people want and people think really well of the people you have,” Golding said. “We’re glad we got that person, and we’ve just got to retain him.” It is a tight job market, but there are “still people who see this as a great career opportunity, and we’re still the top of the choice list for those who want to walk away from home, not sit at a desk and have a chance at advancement,” he said. “They are still coming through the door.” The industry is facing increased regulations, increased wages and “more hostile working environment,” such as high water and bad weather,” he said. The modernizing of inland locks and dams, and understanding the impact of climate change on the rivers are also pressing priorities. (Source: Work Boat blog 03/10/20) https://www.workboat.com/blogs/washington-watch/taming-tankermen-in-a-skilled-worker-bidding-war/