Pittsburgh’s water fountains haven’t been turned on for summer because there’s just one plumber, even though they've been trying to hire more
· Jun 19, 2024 · NottheBee.com

In our baby-busted, over-aborted, over-credentialed society, 56% of people have a college degree today.

That sounds really great. We're an educated people, right?

But as Pittsburgh is finding out, there's a high cost to everyone aiming at the cubicle farm. Namely, there aren't enough blue collar workers to go around.

As we enter peak summer heat, Pittsburgh's public drinking fountains haven't all been turned on yet because the city only has one plumber on staff to do all the work. And despite job postings, they can't seem to find another one.

'Residents want their water fountains,' said bill sponsor Councilor Bobby Wilson, whose North Side constituents made him aware that several fountains had yet to be turned on last week.

The city's lone plumber is responsible for turning on all of the city's fountains, filling all of the city pools and managing all other plumbing issues that come up. The city is budgeted to have three plumbers, but two vacancies remain unfilled. Wilson cited poor pay as one reason.

The city is having to farm out city plumbing jobs to other capable professionals in county, school districts, or other quasi-public agencies at overtime pay to try and meet their needs.

They rushed a bill through to raise the salaries of the job listings. The listing is up to $30 an hour.

If these trends continue, the only way we'll be able to quench our thirst is by ordering a fruit drink from the Doctor of Black Lesbian Empowerment studies at Starbucks!


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