Union VS Non-Union?

[qwerty hvac]

And around my parts the tin knockers make about a buck more an hour then the UA techs and fitters. How does that work?


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[neophytes serendipity]

Sounds like both of you joined the wrong Union. Doh!

Quite possible. I could join the UA, but I suspect that my age will work against me once out of the apprenticeship. The UA has to accept me if I jump through their hoops and get in, but the employers will discriminate.

Nope got out to make more money then the union will pay. What's wrong with that?

I am beginning to agree with this.

[qwerty hvac]

I am beginning to agree with this.

Union contractors are becoming the low payers.


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[neophytes serendipity]

And around my parts the tin knockers make about a buck more an hour then the UA techs and fitters. How does that work?

In my area, the building trades fitters make more than the sheet metal journeymen.

But, the UA HVAC cardholders make less than the BT fitters, and that rate is less than the sheet metal journeyman service card rate.

More difficult to get into the UA HVAC end, which is kind of hard to understand when the rate is lower.

[MechanicallyInclined]

Depends if they're Local Sigs or National Sigs. In Chicago, UA HVACR Tech/SJm working for CBSS, Emcor, HBS, HS, JCSS, SBTS, etc. are co-equals in pay to the Pipefitters and Pipe Welders. $45.05/HR O-T-C. Like I said, maybe the wrong Union. Go to one of the big ones and ask for a Serviceman position. That's 80% of SJm, if you can live with that. UA A, B, C Card are for Local Sigs.

[neophytes serendipity]

So, what's the difference between a local signatory and national?

Yes. Chicago fitters seem to have multiple cards and pay rates.

[valdelocc]

And around my parts the tin knockers make about a buck more an hour then the UA techs and fitters. How does that work?


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UA tech here!just 45mn away from you and around here tin knockers make $1.25 less an hour and their benefits are not as good as ours, somebody is feeding you bad info.

[valdelocc]

Union contractors are becoming the low payers.


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In you area union contractors pay an average $10 to $15 more an hour than non-union, we are at $52 an hour total package nobody can touch that, last I heard JLL was paying $25 an hour(if you are good) with really crappy bennies.

[MechanicallyInclined]

National are Service Journeyman which are equal to the highest HVACR Jm locally.
Serviceman 80% of the SJm.
Service Tradesman 50% of the SJm. Apprentices are rare here.

Local are A Card Jm can be Engineered Systems service.
B Card Jm can be Commercial AC and Refrigeration.
C Card Jm can be Light Com. AC and Ref. along with Res. AC.

[qwerty hvac]

In you area union contractors pay an average $10 to $15 more an hour than non-union, we are at $52 an hour total package nobody can touch that, last I heard JLL was paying $25 an hour(if you are good) with really crappy bennies.

What are you in the check? My total compensation with time off paid and retirement bennies is a little over $52. And I don't have to pay for the BA's car and all his other perks.


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[qwerty hvac]

UA tech here!just 45mn away from you and around here tin knockers make $1.25 less an hour and their benefits are not as good as ours, somebody is feeding you bad info.

Hate to tell you but you are in Rochester. You guys are losing work like crazy. That's why you are coming into buffalo all the time. Lol


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[neophytes serendipity]

National are Service Journeyman which are equal to the highest HVACR Jm locally.

So, if the Local UA has a split scale for Building Trades and HVAC, then the National rate = Local HVAC?

[GT Jets]

Not going to read the entire pissing for distance contest....But, For me (local 393 San Jose Pipe fitters Steam fitters) it is about just a few things....

My insurance is incredible, we pay dearly for it, but I could not afford the same insurance if working non union.

I get my hours and then some, 60 hours a week lately is the norm, never had a short week I didn't ask for.

If times got weird I could have another job tomorrow morning.

Also, I know I will retire very comfortably. Not something I could say about working in an independent shop.

Union or nothing for me.

GT