Hello, everyone.
This is Enta.
I tried to think about why construction contractors dislike working on projects for major general contractors.
I, too, have worked on many construction sites run by major general contractors over the years.
I've been through a lot of unpleasant things, lol.
Of course, I’ve also had experiences where I thought, “That’s really impressive.”
Actually, the most instructive aspects are the meticulous safety management and process control.
I think that's really impressive. (It depends on the director and the person in charge.)
On the other hand, there are plenty of parts where you just think, “Come on, this can’t be right!”
That’s why there are so many contractors who say, “We don’t take on projects from major general contractors!”
I'm going to try writing about that.
These are the reasons contractors walk away (in no particular order)
1. Doing radio calisthenics first thing in the morning is fine, but exercises that involve jumping while wearing a back brace! (It’s truly hell for someone with back pain!)
This is exactly the kind of behavior that shows they don't care at all about the construction workers (who suffer from back pain and other chronic conditions)—and this is the one thing I just can't stand!!
2. Even though we’re constantly told to “hurry up” on the job site, the morning meeting drags on for a full 30 minutes or so.
3. Since each worksite has its own special rules—such as “This is the rule here”—it becomes hard to know what’s actually true (it takes some getting used to).
4. Everyone is confused by the one-sided safety rules
5. Easily shut down operations on-site with a surprise safety inspection (Let us do our jobs)
6. Being suddenly told to meet an unrealistic deadline, such as “Get this done by tomorrow.”
7. Lunch meeting starting at 12:45 p.m. (I guess some people can't even take a break, huh?)
8. Things tend to change depending on the director’s mood (or whatever)... (I’m flabbergasted.)
9. Safety management is important, but the general contractor’s guidance is perfunctory and high-handed. (I don’t understand why they speak to me informally when we barely know each other.)
10. The daily morning KY activities and safety chants have become “rituals”—there are just too many different types imposed by the general contractors, and it’s unbearable.
11. In many cases, criticism is offered without any support for improvement. (There is an overwhelming demand for corrective action reports alone, and the imposition of arbitrary rules.)
12. Even if additional work outside the scope of the contract arises, you’ll be asked to handle it free of charge as part of the “scope of the contract.” (Do they think labor costs are free?)
13. They refuse to adjust unit prices even when material and labor costs rise. (They change every year, you know?)
14. The structure where “general contractors secure profits while subcontractors scrape by.” (Is the purchasing department the root of all evil? lol)
15. Delays in communicating design changes and the contractor’s intentions lead to confusion on site. (Work often comes to a halt simply because decisions aren’t made.)
16. A relationship in which the voices of subcontractors (based on their construction experience) are not easily reflected.
17. Weekends can sometimes be taken up by paperwork, safety patrols, or sudden calls
18. Just because a company is a major player doesn’t necessarily mean its labor management is sound; the burden tends to fall disproportionately on subcontractors.
19. Finding fault with technical intern trainees’ documents. (Even though there are government-designated forms, they force trainees to use the general contractor’s proprietary forms.)
20. Independent interviews for Technical Intern Trainees and Specific Skilled Workers (If they’re not allowed to start work if their Japanese isn’t good enough based on the interview, won’t the number of companies that can hire them drop sharply in the future?)
Depending on the circumstances, this could potentially constitute a human rights violation (a compliance violation in this age of compliance?).
(↑↑↑ Stunned)
21. When construction defects or problems arise, the blame gets shifted onto the subcontractors. (This actually happened just recently—the “I never said that” incident, lol.)
22. Cases where the general contractor focuses solely on dealing with the client, while the subcontractor takes the brunt of the pressure on-site. (I really feel for the middlemen.)
23. The slope contractor has to handle all the delays in the earthwork! (That’s really terrible, isn’t it?)
24. Purchasing has too much power, so we have no discretion (financial authority) on the ground!
25. I’m asked to provide even irrelevant historical data, or forced to create pointless documents (What does “just in case” even mean?).
26. Once you sign the contract, that's it! You'll be stuck with it forever!
27. Excessive safety measures and excessive rules bring operations to a standstill
28. Since I have to wear fall arrest equipment (safety harnesses) for absolutely everything, I can’t move anymore!! (It might save my life, but I can’t get any work done, and I feel like I’m being financially ruined.)
29. The Myth of the "Absolute" Air-Conditioned Suit—Even at Temperatures and Humidity Levels Where It Doesn't Work
30. Use your lunch break for meetings
I can’t say I don’t understand how the major general contractors feel.
It's to protect the company, isn't it?
And is that to keep things running smoothly on site? (Or am I just spinning my wheels?)
When you look at the negative aspects like this, the only impression that remains is that the company is only thinking about itself.
I just get the feeling they're not even considering working as a subcontractor for other companies, you know?
This might sound like I'm complaining, but it's not a complaint—it's purely my personal opinion.
I'm writing about various things that have happened to me.
Well then, don't take on general contractor work!I'm definitely going to hear that (and in a really bossy way, lol).
I know you have a valid point, and I’m truly sorry, but we’re short-staffed, so I’ve been called in.
I’ll probably keep getting called in. That’s how badly they’re struggling with staff shortages and contractors leaving. (I’m not trying to take advantage of the situation or anything.)
Since that's just the person's subjective opinion, I think it's fine.
I’d like you to say that right to the face of a contractor who feels the same way (or has had the same experience) as I do.
Then we'd both feel a lot better, lol (for both of us ^^)
Since we both take pride in our work, it’s only natural that we clash—but that just shows how seriously we’re both committed to what we do.
Even among the contractors I know, there are quite a few who don't take on projects from major general contractors.
I hear that when providing a quote, they ask which company is the parent company to decide whether or not to take the job.
Or, I hear they’ll issue a “no-go” quote.
I think we'll see more companies like this in the future.
There are a lot of companies out there that feel like, “It’s not worth it to begin with, and on top of that, we’re constantly being told unreasonable things—we just can’t take it anymore!”
Well, we've had our share of issues too, so I think we'll probably steer clear of major general contractors (like supermarkets and such) from now on, lol.
Please spare us the excessive safety measures and excessive house rules. (Isn't the All-Japan Construction Association form good enough?)
Also, the difference between the good ones and the bad ones is so extreme that I can't keep up lol
If a good branch manager asked me, I’d be like, “Fine!! I guess I’ll do it!” but lately, it’s been nothing but bad ones, lol (just my opinion).
While showing mutual respect and demonstrating the coordination skills expected of a major general contractor,
I hope major companies will create a system that allows subcontractors to make a decent profit as well.
Only the big companies can get the government (government agencies) involved to work out those kinds of financial issues!!
Major companies are also struggling because their subcontractors are quitting one after another.
That's because subcontractors handle most of the major companies' technical (construction) work.
I hope we can reach a time when we can all get along well.
(Whether it's the craftsmen or the construction managers), if they just keep saying to each other, "Well, you try doing it then!", it doesn't make for a very pleasant atmosphere.
We’d like to move forward by making adjustments in a more constructive manner.
See you later.
