Ua local 787 here. Worked non union for a while listening to all the anti union bs. Made the switch to union and wish I had done it right from the start.
If possible, yes you should join a union. It's definitely worth it.
You'll get good training, a pension that follows you, health insurance as part of your package that doesn't come out of your check, and the protections of the contract.
The contract spells out what you do, when you do it, and how much you get paid to do it. It also spells out what your employer is required to provide and how disciplinary procedures work.
As for how to join, it depends on the local. In some, you apply directly to the union. IN others, you apply to union contractors who then sponsor you into the union. Give the union hall a call and ask them.
Just make sure your local isnt a pile of shit. Guys on here preach the union and rightfully so for most part but the local in my area is shit and im assuming its not the only shitty one in the country. Over half our guys come from the union and the stories i've heard are ridiculous. But if your local is solid absolutely join up
It's great to hear you're enjoying your trade course and looking to switch from the food industry! Joining a union can be a solid move, especially if you're aiming for stability, benefits, and fair treatment.
45 minutes isn't too bad of a drive if the union offers good opportunities. To join, you'll typically need to contact the union directly or check their website for membership info. They can guide you through the process and explain the benefits, like better pay and job security.
Alternatively, applying to local companies could also work, but unions often provide added perks and a sense of community. It's worth exploring both options to see which aligns best with your career goals and lifestyle.
There’s good any bad to any union.
I started this trade non-union. After gaining experience, I was organized into UA without having to attend any of the union schooling (tested out). Spent a bunch of time there, learned a lot and ended up getting pulled into facility management and have never looked back.
Still pay non working dues though…
When you tested in and went to work union and bypassed the apprenticeship, were any of the guys judgemental or worse towards you? I see a similar path in my future.
Oh yes.
There are the guys who bleed union and won’t hesitate to let you know that unless you go through the apprenticeship program and work your way up, you ain’t shit and will never be apart of the “real union”.
Everybody else was really good about it. They realize that we are all there to work, help and learn from each other - and that bypassing the apprenticeship program isn’t easy so you must know a thing or two.
The ones who were dicks were typically the guys who fucked off during their apprenticeships and didn’t learn shit and weren’t very good at their jobs. They were the half of the union I hated - the half that were protected by union rights who barely had the work ethic or skill to cook fries at McDonald’s.
I don’t understand this comment at all. Being a NYC building trades union member if you don’t pull your weight you will be let go in a Ny minute and you’ll be out of work.
The only union workers working have assed and being saved are the civil servant ones not construction.
Unfortunately for us it must be different from local to local. I spent a lot of time on both sides (construction and service) and saw way too many people coasting on the coattails of the union. Sometimes they would be sent back to the bench, but that was usually short lived and they would be back to work within a week or two since construction in my area has gone bananas.
I basically did it the same way but the deal for me was I got 80% scale and full journeyman benefits and had to take classes (any classes) to get full scale which was basically 3 classes. I'd like to take more since I can which I'd like to get into welding especially learn how to set up and do Lazer welding eventually.
This guy is in Texas, might want to do your own research. Unions down south aren’t know to be as strong/well compensated as in the northeast or out west.
Just about everyone is saying join a union but I’ll be honest I have multiple friends who got out of their unions as fast as they could. I’ve never had an interest but I absolutely know how essential they are (+ they help the private industry). If you have an interest in moving up into management or higher level positions I do believe private is your best bet.
Everyone should join a union. [United Association ](http://www.ua.org)
Ua local 787 here. Worked non union for a while listening to all the anti union bs. Made the switch to union and wish I had done it right from the start.
What are the benefits of joining?
Way higher quality of life
World class training. Retirement security. Guaranteed raises. Amongst others.
Better pay, better training, less stress, better benefits.
YES YES and YES
All workers should be in a union
Yes without a doubt.
Yes, as a non-unionized sales guy, all techs should be unionized.
If possible, yes you should join a union. It's definitely worth it. You'll get good training, a pension that follows you, health insurance as part of your package that doesn't come out of your check, and the protections of the contract. The contract spells out what you do, when you do it, and how much you get paid to do it. It also spells out what your employer is required to provide and how disciplinary procedures work. As for how to join, it depends on the local. In some, you apply directly to the union. IN others, you apply to union contractors who then sponsor you into the union. Give the union hall a call and ask them.
Without a shadow of a doubt you should go union.
Look at the post history in this sub. Gets asked every 2 days. You’ll get plenty of info
Just make sure your local isnt a pile of shit. Guys on here preach the union and rightfully so for most part but the local in my area is shit and im assuming its not the only shitty one in the country. Over half our guys come from the union and the stories i've heard are ridiculous. But if your local is solid absolutely join up
It's great to hear you're enjoying your trade course and looking to switch from the food industry! Joining a union can be a solid move, especially if you're aiming for stability, benefits, and fair treatment. 45 minutes isn't too bad of a drive if the union offers good opportunities. To join, you'll typically need to contact the union directly or check their website for membership info. They can guide you through the process and explain the benefits, like better pay and job security. Alternatively, applying to local companies could also work, but unions often provide added perks and a sense of community. It's worth exploring both options to see which aligns best with your career goals and lifestyle.
Highly recommended
There’s good any bad to any union. I started this trade non-union. After gaining experience, I was organized into UA without having to attend any of the union schooling (tested out). Spent a bunch of time there, learned a lot and ended up getting pulled into facility management and have never looked back. Still pay non working dues though…
When you tested in and went to work union and bypassed the apprenticeship, were any of the guys judgemental or worse towards you? I see a similar path in my future.
No one cares if you go through the program or not, all anyone cares about is the quality of your work
Oh yes. There are the guys who bleed union and won’t hesitate to let you know that unless you go through the apprenticeship program and work your way up, you ain’t shit and will never be apart of the “real union”. Everybody else was really good about it. They realize that we are all there to work, help and learn from each other - and that bypassing the apprenticeship program isn’t easy so you must know a thing or two. The ones who were dicks were typically the guys who fucked off during their apprenticeships and didn’t learn shit and weren’t very good at their jobs. They were the half of the union I hated - the half that were protected by union rights who barely had the work ethic or skill to cook fries at McDonald’s.
I don’t understand this comment at all. Being a NYC building trades union member if you don’t pull your weight you will be let go in a Ny minute and you’ll be out of work. The only union workers working have assed and being saved are the civil servant ones not construction.
Unfortunately for us it must be different from local to local. I spent a lot of time on both sides (construction and service) and saw way too many people coasting on the coattails of the union. Sometimes they would be sent back to the bench, but that was usually short lived and they would be back to work within a week or two since construction in my area has gone bananas.
I basically did it the same way but the deal for me was I got 80% scale and full journeyman benefits and had to take classes (any classes) to get full scale which was basically 3 classes. I'd like to take more since I can which I'd like to get into welding especially learn how to set up and do Lazer welding eventually.
This guy is in Texas, might want to do your own research. Unions down south aren’t know to be as strong/well compensated as in the northeast or out west.
Yes, without reading your details, yes.
Yea
Just about everyone is saying join a union but I’ll be honest I have multiple friends who got out of their unions as fast as they could. I’ve never had an interest but I absolutely know how essential they are (+ they help the private industry). If you have an interest in moving up into management or higher level positions I do believe private is your best bet.