I’ve been in construction for my entire adult life and this is a fairly recent phenomenon. By recent, I mean post 2008 crash when everything started rolling again and craft workers and supervision/management couldn’t fill all the available positions. Since then (if you’re any good) you can almost literally write your own deal. Prior to the crash, it was tough to go anywhere because loyalty and longevity was something in most folks minds.
I’ve lost some good folks recently, but never in a lateral move. What I see primarily is guys who’re not really ready for the next step up in their career getting crazy offers and promotions because our competitors are desperate.