We all seek the silver lining in tough times. The purported upside of the economic downturn is the fact that contractors are bidding work at or below cost to survive. But at what price? Remember the adage: "You get what you pay for."

If price is the sole criteria for a contractor to get the job, then quality will be compromised. To win at the low-bid game, businesses will use cheaper material that wears out faster. Workers will see hourly wages cut. Health insurance coverage and retirement benefits will be reduced or rescinded. Such measures don't do much for employee morale. Shortcuts and inferior work will result.

Contractors provide blue-collar jobs for people who have no desire to further their education beyond high school or trade school but who have valuable skills. Unfortunately, they are part of a rapidly disappearing middle class. Their job options are limited. Expecting a rock-bottom price for their work will push them ever closer to minimum wage living conditions. Takes the shine off that silver lining, doesn't it?

Cindy Parks

Chapel Hill