Union or non???

[studentnmu]

I just filled out an application for the union, Is this the way to go. I have been hearing from both ways?

[dec]

I have been non union most of my hvac life but being honest I think that you will get better training serving an apprentiship through the union. Not saying going to work for a non union you wont learn a lot but I felt that starting with the union I had better training material. Now it still depends on what kind of teacher you get and if you end up in a shop willing to teach you or if their more interested in protecting their job. You wont know that up front so no sense in worrying about that lol.

[fastfred]

Union or non???

I have worked union/non union. Thirty plus years union; having recently retired. My first HVAC job post military,
was in a shop using non union heat/cool techs and union tin knockers. This was 1962: the apprentice tin knockers
were paid a couple of dollars more than the most experienced heat/cool mech.
My point is, since that time, "union" has been better for me. Do not expect everyone to feel the same. It (the union)
will be better for you, if you take advantage of the training courses, you have a good work ethic,apply yourself as well as you are able and if there is work in the area to keep you fully employed.
In my opioin the ideal job is with a contractor that hires you 50 weeks a year.
If you go the Union route,work responsibly,be dependable
and do not take it for granted. Also learn some Labor history in order to understand why and when union critics
present their anti-union dogma. Be an informed member.
I do not think that all workers should be organized perhaps 25-30 percent.This will help All workers and raise the standards for everyone. Even for those who choose not to or, are unable to work as a union member.

One more point: China does not allow unions. They also among other things,censor what their citizens post to the Internet.
Be very grateful that we, who live and work in this great country can even discuss issues of this nature.

[framehvac]

Most of my friends like it they say it is easier work.I applied but they said I would have to start at $9. an hour and work my way up after six year in hvac field $9. an hour I would give up the trade first.You pay for what you get.

[tinner73]

you can't look at the start pay. look at the journeyman's pay. in 6 years will you be better off or not.

[tinner73]

don't forget the bennies either

[framehvac]

Maybe you live in a dream world but I have bill if I didn't I would be in the union to.If you are new in the hvac field I would go for it to late for me I will just have to stay with the smaller companies.

[tinner73]

frame...here's my dreamworld.

signed book in 1989....and forgot about it.

got call for apprenticeship in 1992.

quit job making 15.50/hr(teamster). mortgage is $1100/month.

pre-apprenticeship/school..first 5 weeks..$35/week...$1/hr

pre-apprenticeship/school..second 5 weeks..$70/week...$2/hr

mortgage still $1100/month

first 6 month apprentice $6.50/hr. $260/week.

last wage was $36.04



my point is that you can do it. it's not easy. i worked two jobs for a long time. but it payed off in the long run. but as you can see i had some big bills myself. i looked at it like this..in 4 years (length of apprenticeship) where was i making more money, then it was an easy choice.

[framehvac]

In four years I will own a hvac company or be a service tech.I have paid my dues as a installer & learning service work.I plan to move on to better things I am only 29 but in four years I will be 32 I don't won't to be a installer for ever.

[tinner73]

in 4 years you'll be 33.

[framehvac]

My bad most of hit the wrong key that my story & am sticking with it.

[studentnmu]

sounds like the union is the way to go beside what you make when you are an apprentice what do you do when you are an apprentice just all of the journeymens work they dont want?

[tinner73]

that depends who you're working with. yes, you'll probably get the ****ty work i.e. unloading trucks, cleaning up, etc. but you are there to learn. when i went through, the hall wanted to know what we were doing at work. they don't want you driving the truck for 5 years. you should gain experience in the shop and in the field. ears open mouth shut. just kidding, pay attention and do well in you're schooling. i don't know where you're at, but apprentice classes that started with 40-45 people commonly end up with 10 or less graduating around here. it's not easy to complete, nor should it be. we are paid well and the contractors want their money's worth.