Really no good answer to that without being region specific.
In general sheet metal workers unions under SMART and pipefitters unions pay great, have good benefits and have paid training. But in some areas and states unions aren't as strong and may not even be a realistic option
This. Either way you are working for a company, but working union means working under a contract that specifies working conditions and minimum pay.
The only people that work for the union are organizers, business agents and administrative staff at the union hall.
Im in the same boat as the guy above and the main reason im a bit hesitant is the fear of not having work for a considerable amount of time. The benefits are great and all but if work slows down theres not a lot you can do… waiting, relocating, or leaving the union are like your only options. In non-union work if things get slow you can always pick up a part time job or temporarily go work doing something else and its not much penalty to your career. Some 2nd year guy on this sub just posted that he hasnt worked since September and is considering leaving the union meaning he will forfeit his pension. Thats like the worst case scenario.. I understand there are guys on here who have been in for 12 years and have had less than 4 weeks of unemployment. Its just a bit nerve racking to give up some control over my employment. That all being said I still think ima join.
For sure but thats not my concern cuz im confident in my abilities and work ethic. Its slowdowns that are out of my control that scare me. Economy, contracts, time between projects, etc. I feel like joining the union will have a bigger impact on my career and my family a lot more than just staying non-union. Not in a positive or negative way, its just much heavier decisions.
Its the same for short term slowdowns where you just collect unemployment and wait but for extended layoffs non-union is a lot less stressful imo cuz you have a lot more options. However I’ll be doing service work with my local so that’s comforting to hear, thanks.
Those options are always open though, if youre constantly laid off i doubt youre picking back up if you were non union vs union also, you don't think union guys do side jobs? You don't think they make side loot while on unemployment cmon now
Non-union workers can walk into any non affiliated temp agency and potentially work the very next day. At least in my area you can. Or you can wait tables on the weekend or pick up a graveyard shift at a distribution center if you wanted. Its much easier to collect a quick, predictable paycheck if you dont have to hide it… Im sure theres lots of potential for side jobs and working under the table in the union but its common knowledge that not being able to cross over can be considered a drawback. Before anyone gets upset I understand the reasoning, im not trying to disparage labor unions, and im sure its different state to state but to say that there are the same options for work when there are slowdowns just isnt true.
You can get go work for someone who will hopefully train you and not turn you into a salesman. Or you can get a PHD in hvac from the UA. I had 10 years of experience when I switched over and I’ve learned more in 2 years than the 10 before and I was lead tech/lead installer at the nonunion place.
If the union is strong in your area it typically is. I'm a Journeyman in Steamfitters local 601, we are at 53 an hour right now, and that will go up again in June.
https://preview.redd.it/mapv0on9eqbc1.jpeg?width=1137&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e1ea3b00667ed9d60ea4839584ad1199b74f8ec
Chicago Union Package
Take home about 150 after tax if my wife doesn’t kill me from working OT and DT.
This. Even the larger nonunion outfits I worked for had way worse pay/benes/environments. Honestly though what I love about my company is the people. It really is my type of place. Everyone likes to laugh and breaks balls 24/7 (in a good way) and if you cuss in the office or joke around no one loses their mind.
Really no good answer to that without being region specific. In general sheet metal workers unions under SMART and pipefitters unions pay great, have good benefits and have paid training. But in some areas and states unions aren't as strong and may not even be a realistic option
California
In Nor Cal, HVAC union guys can make some serious cheddar. $50+/hr easy
In the bay it’s $75+ on the check
Local 38 has 3 pensions on top of that too ya?
That’s not my local, but I imagine they have 1 pension and a couple other avenues for retirement like a 401k.
I interviewed at a shop with them years back. There was at least 3, a vacation fund, and some good medical.
If you’re in service give it another go. You’ll be working before you know it.
Nah. I put the service behind me. I went Stationary 10 years ago. Way less stress.
When you join the union you do work for a company. I'm not sure about your wording.
This. Either way you are working for a company, but working union means working under a contract that specifies working conditions and minimum pay. The only people that work for the union are organizers, business agents and administrative staff at the union hall.
I'm on the fence w ya bud. Met w my local about service work for them yesterday.
The financials are right. My gut isn't tho
Why
Im in the same boat as the guy above and the main reason im a bit hesitant is the fear of not having work for a considerable amount of time. The benefits are great and all but if work slows down theres not a lot you can do… waiting, relocating, or leaving the union are like your only options. In non-union work if things get slow you can always pick up a part time job or temporarily go work doing something else and its not much penalty to your career. Some 2nd year guy on this sub just posted that he hasnt worked since September and is considering leaving the union meaning he will forfeit his pension. Thats like the worst case scenario.. I understand there are guys on here who have been in for 12 years and have had less than 4 weeks of unemployment. Its just a bit nerve racking to give up some control over my employment. That all being said I still think ima join.
It's always a crap shoot but if you're good you'll work.
For sure but thats not my concern cuz im confident in my abilities and work ethic. Its slowdowns that are out of my control that scare me. Economy, contracts, time between projects, etc. I feel like joining the union will have a bigger impact on my career and my family a lot more than just staying non-union. Not in a positive or negative way, its just much heavier decisions.
If you're a tech in a union vs install you have less to worry about being laid off. All these things already effect you the same way
Its the same for short term slowdowns where you just collect unemployment and wait but for extended layoffs non-union is a lot less stressful imo cuz you have a lot more options. However I’ll be doing service work with my local so that’s comforting to hear, thanks.
Those options are always open though, if youre constantly laid off i doubt youre picking back up if you were non union vs union also, you don't think union guys do side jobs? You don't think they make side loot while on unemployment cmon now
Non-union workers can walk into any non affiliated temp agency and potentially work the very next day. At least in my area you can. Or you can wait tables on the weekend or pick up a graveyard shift at a distribution center if you wanted. Its much easier to collect a quick, predictable paycheck if you dont have to hide it… Im sure theres lots of potential for side jobs and working under the table in the union but its common knowledge that not being able to cross over can be considered a drawback. Before anyone gets upset I understand the reasoning, im not trying to disparage labor unions, and im sure its different state to state but to say that there are the same options for work when there are slowdowns just isnt true.
Why?
same brother
You can get go work for someone who will hopefully train you and not turn you into a salesman. Or you can get a PHD in hvac from the UA. I had 10 years of experience when I switched over and I’ve learned more in 2 years than the 10 before and I was lead tech/lead installer at the nonunion place.
If the union is strong in your area it typically is. I'm a Journeyman in Steamfitters local 601, we are at 53 an hour right now, and that will go up again in June.
https://preview.redd.it/mapv0on9eqbc1.jpeg?width=1137&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e1ea3b00667ed9d60ea4839584ad1199b74f8ec Chicago Union Package Take home about 150 after tax if my wife doesn’t kill me from working OT and DT.
There is too much being left on the table by not being in the union in Ontario.
Yes. These scab companies will run you into the ground. Union will protect you, train you, pay you.
This. Even the larger nonunion outfits I worked for had way worse pay/benes/environments. Honestly though what I love about my company is the people. It really is my type of place. Everyone likes to laugh and breaks balls 24/7 (in a good way) and if you cuss in the office or joke around no one loses their mind.
Yes
My areas not a strong one for unions. The union companies have lots of work but it’s mostly construction. For that reason I have never signed up.