Do union members get laid off?

70% - 80% of our members work full time at the same contractor year round. The other 20% - 30% of the members "float" from contractor to contractor as needs arise and generally see full time year round employment. During down times in the industry the members are still working because the contractors are still bidding work that is in a market that is not affected as much.

Will I make it in the union?

If you are succeeding at your craft with your current employer - you will be fine. If there are some techniques and methods you are not fully trained to do, we have classes available at our training centers. You can take your career as far as you want with training and drive!

How do I join?

If you are currently working in the industry you simply need to contact me. I will assist you with the transition while answering any questions that arise.

If you have no experience but want to break into this rewarding career there are apprenticeship options. I can also assist you in finding the resources in your area to get your apprentice application started.

Can my current contractor be union?

There are many benefits for the contractor becoming union. Many of the contractors are happy that their employees are motivated to see companies grow and become more successful. They take ownership in their workmanship and are very conscience that the contractors must make project deadlines and benchmarks. Along with this, there is also the fact that there is instant gratification in hiring already trained personnel if the workload in their company grows. Training employees becomes very cost effective as the training centers are constantly changing to keep up with new industry standards along with safety mandates and free of charge. Together the contractors and employees work towards a common goal.

I have experience, what will I earn?

If you are already licensed in the state to do your craft at journeyman level, that is what you receive.

If you have experience; but there is not a state license for your craft, you will be evaluated. If you have enough prior experience but still need instruction there are trainee options to assist you with gaining your journeyman status.

If your work history and experience is not very long, we have apprenticeship options to follow the guidelines set forth by the state.

My current contractor is in a residential market. Can they be union and profitable?

There are many options for companies to remain competitive in their market. A Residential and Light Commercial Agreement is used for these contractors. Benefits and wages are slightly different compared to the industrial market, but a great way to be ultra-competitive while still having skilled union craftsman preforming the work. We understand that there is a difference between plumbing a house and building a large factory and therefore flexibility is key so all workers and contractors thrive.

Will I have to travel for employment?

The answer is no, you are not required to travel for your work.

Although, if you are interested, the UA is a network of all the locals across the United States giving you opportunities to see different locations while making a living. You are given a choice to when and where you would like to work and on what. Some workers are homebodies while others are adventurers. You choose your own path and change it when you want.

Are contractors and the union in a constant fight?

The answer is no. In today's world of construction we are partnered with our contractors to increase job opportunities for our members and this results in more successful projects completed safely, on time, and on budget. Our training department is directly connected to the industry and contractor needs. Both are working at a common goal and collaboration is fundamental.

What is collective bargaining?

This is just a big word for a simple process. Both the membership and the contractors have a contract agreement that last for X amount of years. When this contract is up, a new contract must be made. To draft this contract, the contractors select a few owners to speak for all of them. The union membership elects a few members to speak on their behalf. The two groups discuss what the contract shall include, and for how long, and then it is sent to the membership for a vote. That's it. We work collectively to bargain for wages, benefits, and workplace-safety.