I did a lot more than run a crane in those years. You probably wouldn't have lasted a week max. You would have been like a lot of young guys who ran home to momma in WV first bus south.....
Only people who offer less to an employer than the average worker feel like they have a target on their back, all else equal. That is, unless, if you are in a union where they weak workers are protected at the expense of the stronger workers. And don't say I don't know what I'm talking about. I worked a union job for almost 10 years. Basically ran the place, but was paid less than the lazy window lickers just because they had been there longer. I realized it was a scam and got out. Have a much better job making much more money in non-union job now. Think I called in sick twice in 10 years. One of those days must have been brain washing class. You definitely did not miss that day.