Nuclear shipbuilding requires highly qualified workers who can also find well-paid civilian employment. Labour estimates must allow for that competition and for increases in the cost of living. The work can impose substantial time demands and restrictions on travel or leave. Pay must remain attractive enough to recruit and retain people under those conditions. Treating specialist nuclear labour as a cheap input produces unrealistic construction budgets.
Notable Point · 2:40:02-2:41:22
Nuclear shipbuilding wages reflect scarce skills and civilian competition
Nuclear shipbuilding labour costs reflect specialist qualifications, outside employment options, and demanding working conditions.