What type of contractor advocates for decision making regarding crew size and wages based on merit?

The correct answer is merit shop contractor because this type of contractor emphasizes a work environment where hiring and wage decisions are based on individual performance and the merit of the workers, rather than being influenced by union agreements or seniority. Merit shop contractors typically advocate for the ability to choose crew members based on skills and productivity, leading to a culture that rewards hard work and competence.

This approach contrasts sharply with union contractors, who typically adhere to collective bargaining agreements defining wages, working conditions, and hiring practices. Open shop contractors may allow for both union and non-union employees but are not specifically focused on merit-based decision-making as a core principle. General contractors oversee entire construction projects but do not imply a specific stance on wage and crew size policies. Thus, merit shop contractors uniquely focus on meritocracy, making them the answer to this question.