I always make a point of learning the names of the laborers on any show that I work on. Many Propmakers, which is what they call the carpenters in my union, look down on, and even speak down to the Utility Craftspeople, commonly referred to as “Labes” or Laborers. While I disagree with that attitude on a humanitarian level, I have a more practical reason for my behavior. On a TV or movie set the Laborers control both the movement of materials, and often, access to equipment and tools. I have always found that my efforts to be friendly with the labor crew are rewarded with whatever assistance I need during the course of the work day. If I am consistently friendly to them, and treat them as a valuable part of the team, they usually go out of their way to get me what I need and help however they can.
Every business that I have been involved in has a hierarchy, a structure of responsibility, based on seniority, or position, or pay scale. Maybe it is human nature, particularly in a competitive field, to feel superior, or look down on those you might consider below you by one type of measurement or another. But I have found that treating everyone well not only increases my enjoyment of the work day, but also my standing within that environment. When people notice you interacting easily with all of your coworkers it builds trust, and admiration, I believe.