I don't care much either for H2B workers either, BUT I agree with JustinJames, people just don't want to work hard anymore let alone travel every week for most of the year. I remember exactly what he was talking about, drama and foolishness when a job needs to get done. Not to mention someone blowing the show every week and that is tough when you lose a strong crew that can move a Sky Wheel or Music Fest, then it falls back on the one who stay to do more work.
Now, that being said if shows could provide a little more "benefit" it might sweeten the pot a bit to attract workers, JustinJames you say that you all pay a lot better and I am sure you provide nice LQ as well, so absolutely a step in the right direction. But if in addition shows could offer some type of health insurance/401k for the future (maybe shows could get together and get large group rates with carriers) then that could help even more.
But yes nothing will help the drug/back ground checks situation if these folks don't stay clean and out of trouble, and yes we need those two items in this business.
Sadly today most American's either want to live off the government or work some soft desk job. Think about it, who still plants their own gardens (I know some do, but not as many as used too), why because its hard work. They want to order already prepared meals online, heck I have seen people even hiring folks to put up their own Christmas lights.
I remember the large groups of people as well waiting at the gate wanting to work on set up, and we always seemed to have at least some tear down help, I haven't done that in a while, but I bet its a lot harder getting green help nowadays.
As much as I don't like one trailer music rides (no offense JJ), I get it, shows and operators can't find enough help to move those big 2 and 3 trailer rides because people don't like to work anymore.........and because the silly federal government has made driving a truck such a hassle, but that is another soapbox.
But just my thoughts.