Paying contractor deposit on Labor

[Wendy S.]

Good day, I know this topic has been discussed numerous times so I may be venting or just tired that contractors believe they should get significant deposits on labor.

For projects under $50,000, with the owner paying for the materials sourced by the contractor, how much is a reasonable deposit on labor for the job to get started?

Contractors have more leverage as they can put a lien against your property for valid work done. So it's a no brainer for the owner to pay them.

What do owners have? The potential of a pyrrhic victory?

Looking at a job for $28,000.

Contractor wants $8,000 deposit for labor.

Another for $38,000 labor only

Labor request deposit $15,000???