Actually the problem is that a bunch of high school dropouts were doing the work because they were “referred” by previous employees and family members. You could only get in if you knew somebody. They hadn’t had a real interview process until a few years ago when I got in. The place was/is a mess and I just couldn’t deal so I left.
Yes, a lot of the work is no-brainer, like assembly and presses but manufacturing and machining like I do, there aren’t any high-school drop-outs that are going to be able to do it, or at least do it properly. That’s why assembly/etc. makes $4 less an hour. The rest is skilled trade and it doesn’t matter where they work, they get their $30/hr regardless and don’t try to tell a welder or pipe fitter that a drop out can do his job, you’ll be lucky if you leave on two feet.