We will use supervisors to assist with job walks and estimating while the other skilled feild employee's clean and process scrap that builds up in the yard.

We usually contact the GC's we work for and see if they are in need of any supplemental labor(by ticket). We usually are able to keep 5 or 6 guys working. We have had times when it turned into 3 months. That can be a pain but we only go to the good GC's(they pay their bills). So we don't mind. It also keeps our name fresh in their mind, and we have a guy or two on the "inside".

That's a good idea. I would bet the guys are happy also to be working? Have you had anyone quit and go to work for one of the generals after they worked for them?

NO. Like I said we only do this for the better GC's. (2 to be exact) I should say that these are clients we have had for years and whose management are top shelf.

neyc, do you carry their insurance (like a temp agency would) or do you have the GC cover them temporarily? I'd like to try this out myself.

We treat it like a change order to an original contract, or start a new contract. Keep in mind that alot of these jobs we started(as demo or abatement contractor) are well into the rebuild phase. Our guys have tickets signed daily. Yes, the paperwork can get deep but we make a decent buck and provide another service to our client.
To answer your question they are our employees, we pay all burdens and mark up our rate accordingly. I feel you lose the ability to stay in control if you let the GC carry them.
Another plus to this is we put a junior foreman on this work and they get to learn how things are put together as well as all the interface between trades.
Our clients realize that our laborers can pour concrete, cut penetrations, rig, run a lull, etc. At first they may balk at the rate, compared to temp agencies but they realize that get what they pay for.

Good stuff, thanks. I agree with you about the skills our guys have, just try to get someone form the local rent a drunk wh can run a saw, torch, hammer, skidsteer or whatever. I have actually had temp agencies tell me that I can't have their people use anything more complicated that a shovel!

You bring up a good point but I have a question: Maybe this should be a new post:
Is it harder to find a good laborer or a good operator?

I think its harder to find people who are willing to do heavy manual labor or rather who don't mind doing it when machinery isn't practical. I have seen guys get "promoted" to operator and would never lift a finger afterwards unless it was attached to a joystick. Do you find this to be the same where you are?