How much is joining the union going to cost me?
There is a one-time initiation fee, monthly dues, and a working wage assessment. Assessments are usually between 1% and 5% This can be calculated at 1 to 5 pennies per dollar.
What are union dues?
Union dues are monies deducted to pay for the business of the local, such as training, office salaries and supplies, maintenance, etc. All money is approved and voted on by (you) the member.
Do I have to take a test to become a member?
Some locals have placement questions that allow them to determine your training level. This is not a test to keep you out of the local. We want you as a member.
Do I have to certify to become a member?
NO. You don't have to certify to become a member. You will though need to certify if you are trained as a welder, medical gas installer, fiber optics or if you need a state plumbing license. The union can assist you in obtaining these certifications.
How do I get initiated?
As stated earlier, once you decide to become a member, you pay a one-time initiation fee. This is usually between $200 and $250, but could be higher in some areas. Please ask. Many locals allow you to pay this initiation fee in installments to make it easier for you.
Will I be accepted by the other union members?
Yes. Once you become a member you are considered to be a brother or sister and share in the camaraderie of the union.
What will my voting rights be in the union?
You have the same right to vote as all other members under the UA Constitution.
What happens during a strike?
The union will work to settle any strike as quickly as possible. While doing this they will help you find temporary work in a sister local. Most UA locals have not been on strike in many, many years. This is not something that is as prevalent now as it was in the 1960's and before. You have the right by law to continue working as an employer or an employee.
What happens if I quit or get fired?
If you quit or have been laid off, you must come in and request your name be placed on the out of work list and will be placed on a new job.
What are the hiring rules?
You will work in most areas from what is called an out-of-work list. Special consideration is given to people who have certain qualifications. (plumber, welder, service techs, etc)
Will I be able to keep working regularly and year-round?
You should be able to continue working on a regular basis, and if necessary be able to travel to our sister locals if you wish.
How long will I have to sit on the bench if there is no work?
You can work anywhere in the United States and Canada where work is available.
Is everyone paid the same?
All workers at the same skill level will receive the same pay. All journeymen receive the same wages, all superintendents get the same, all foremen get the same, all general foremen get the same, etc. If you exceed the expectations of the contractor they may pay you above scale. We only request they pay you what amount is bargained for.
What is overtime?
Overtime is time worked after eight (8) hours in a day or if you are required to come in before your regular starting time. Overtime is usually paid at time and one-half during the week and Saturdays. Sundays and holidays are double time.
Will I be forced to work overtime?
NO. You are not required to work overtime unless you want to. Some employers may request that the person work over eight (8) hours in the case of a shutdown or other special circumstances in which the work is critical.
Will I be able to get vacation time?
Yes. As a courtesy you should ask the contractor you are working for and give them enough time to hire someone to temporarily replace you while on vacation.
Is it paid vacation?
Many companies pay vacation and holidays, however this is something that is negotiated on an individual basis. In lieu of vacation pay, many locals will pay monies on the check instead of having vacation as part of the contract.
What kind of insurance coverage will I be able to get?
You will receive the insurance that everyone else has in the union. This is paid through the collective bargaining process and is an employer contribution.
Will there be any profit-sharing?
No, although some contractors pay their people above scale. We have defined benefit, contribution and 401K plans that are much better than profit sharing because the government guarantees them. Check with your local union for 401K availability. Some businesses do give their employees a profit sharing dependent on the company and the position the person holds in the firm
What kind of pension benefits will I be eligible for?
You will be eligible for the same pension benefits as all other members. Most have a five (5) year vesting period and have retirement eligibility that range from 55 to 65 years old in some locals. If you have worked in the trade before you may be eligible for additional vesting credits. Please talk to your organizer. When you are considering retirement please speak to the benefits person at your home local.
Who will supply the tools?
The contractor supplies the tools, although you are responsible for keeping the tools in good shape so they do not have to replace them continually. When working for a service contractor you may be asked to supply your hand tools. Please check the agreement that you will be working under for specifics.
Will I get a company truck?
It depends on which contractor you are working for and how long you have been employed by the company. Many of the service companies as well as shop companies supply their employees vehicles.
Will I be able to travel? Will I get travel pay?
Yes. Once you receive your travel card you have the option to travel and work for other locals. Many of the locals do not travel pay unless the contractor asks you to work in another area within the same local. If the Hall should send you to another local, travel pay usually is not included.
Is additional training available?
Some locals offer training to enhance your skills and assist you in obtaining better work opportunities.
Who pays for additional training?
The money allotted for training is determined during contract negotiations between the union and the contractors.
Will there be drug tests?
Some owners require a drug test and some do not. If you are to take a drug test and fail, the information is confidential and you will have the opportunity to seek assistance if you wish. The union will help you get this assistance.
Will there be better working conditions?
Yes. In the union the working conditions are better. This is proven in study after study that has been done by independent consultants.
What are the safety policies and training?
The safety policies are that the members attend a ten (10) hour OSHA course. There are also additional classes that you may take to improve on the safety of you and your workers. The (10) ten hour program gives you the basics and helps to ensure your safety. The locals are equipped with OSHA instructors to assist you in extra training you may need. Examples are confined spaces, hazardous waste, and others.
How will I be able to make a profit or stay competitive after my employees become union?
You will be able to continue making a good profit because you will have more predictable costs; fewer unknown, hidden costs; and you will be on a level playing field with all other union contractors. You will have a pool of highly trained workers from which to draw and therefore can compete for larger jobs in larger markets. The union and the contractor's association work very hard to improve the productivity of member companies.
Will I lose control over my business?
No. You will still be the deciding factor in the workings of your business. The union only strives to obtain more work for you and assists in the training of your employees to give you the best opportunities for new work.
How will you help me get work?
We will give general contractors your name when they request subcontractors. We will help you in locating work, advertising, and do other things to assist you.
Will my client base increase? Once you have become a union contractor you will have access to more clients, many of which hire for very large jobs. The opportunities are much greater with your hard work and our help and assistance!
Can you show me existing, successful union contractors?
Yes, we have many contractors that are very successful in their business. Please feel free to contact the local union or contractor association in your area.
Will I be able to compete with the non-union contractors?
You will be able to compete because you have highly-trained workers whose education is #1 in the country! The United Association spends in excess of $100,000,000 each year on educating our members - more than any other trade union.
Am I going to lose customers?
You will gain customers, as you will be entering a new job market.
Am I going to lose employees?
No. You will be able to keep all of your current employees and will have access to all other available union members as well.
What are the consequences if I don't sign? You will continue to work, but without training and benefits for your workers or help in getting more work from the union. The union will contact and speak to your employees and offer their services to them. We will keep our doors open at all times.
What is the union's accountability?
You have our word that we will live up to our commitment to you and assist you in any way that we can. We will give you only the best qualified employees and promise that if someone does not perform well we will assist you in finding the right person for the job.
How can I trust you?
As well as being under a signed contract we are also accountable for maintaining fair business practices.
Why should I trust you?
Ask our current contractors about our reputation and business practices. We are here after 100 years because we live up to our word.
Is the union good or bad?
We, the union, have suffered from negative publicity and stereotyping. We are not corrupt and we are not thugs. We are professionals and strive to do well, not only for the union members, but for our contractors as well.
Once I join, am I in the union for life? No. You are only in the union for as long as the contract you have signed. Once the contract is expired you must decide whether or not to re-sign.
How long is a contract for?
Most contracts are bargained for (3) three years. Bargaining is done between the contractor's association and the union. During the bargaining you and the employees will come to a mutual agreement in regards to the length and language of the contract.
Will I have a voice in labor contracts?
Yes, you will help directly in determining the conditions of the contract. It is your decision whether to accept or reject any offers the bargaining team presents.
What is “total package”?
“ Total package” consists of employee wages, pension fund contribution, health and welfare contribution, apprentice fund contribution, working wage assessments, along with various other items and contributions, depending on the union.
How will becoming union benefit my employees?
Your employees will have insurance, a pension, job security, better training, and safer working conditions.
Can I be a member?
Yes, you can.
When does insurance coverage start?
You should speak to the fringe benefits person in the local you will be signing with to get these details as they may vary.
What are the insurance costs to me? The Contractor's Association and the Union negotiate these costs at contract time.
What are the overtime costs?
Overtime through the week and on Saturday is usually time and one-half after eight (8) hours. Sundays and holidays are double time.
Who will do all the paperwork?
The union will do the majority of the paperwork. Many locals are set up to have only one or two checks per month that need to be written. The union will assist in any way to make the paperwork smoother.
Do you have qualified employees to send me?
Yes! By utilizing a hiring hall you may ask for and receive journeypersons that have successfully completed a five-year apprenticeship program or have been accredited by the Examining Board. Many of these journeypersons continue to train and keep up-to-date with the latest and most advanced skills in their field.
Can I hire the employees that I want?
There are different types of hiring halls. Some halls will allow you to select your employees, while some rules state that you must hire the first qualified person available. Most contracts give the owner the right to hire special skilled people off the list to ensure they are getting the appropriate person for the job. Many contracts also allow the owner to hire a foreman, supervisors or persons with special skills to meet their needs.
Can I hire off the street?
Yes and no. Once you are a union employer you must first hire from the existing group of members available. However, if there are none available to meet your requirements then you have the right to hire whomever you want and have them sign up at the local. You may also talk to an organizer regarding someone you would like to hire and they will have that person complete the proper paperwork to get started.
Who chooses the supervisor?
You decide who you want to be supervisor.
What training programs do you offer?
We have a wide variety of training, but it is always the most up to date methods! . Most locals will adapt their training to meet the owner's needs. In addition to our apprenticeship program, we offer several continuing education classes for our journeypersons such as computer aided drafting, long distance learning, special welding programs, refrigeration and air conditioning, sprinkler installation, plumbing, heating (steam or hot water), blueprint reading, foreman supervisor classes, OSHA courses and much more.
Who funds the training programs?
A joint committee, formed from the union and the contractor’s association, is responsible for determining the variety of classes and obtaining the training funds. When the contract is negotiated, the committee includes training costs in the package. Many locals apply for and receive special training grants from the UA International Training Fund.
Who funds traveling expenses?
The owner pays for an employee to travel outside of their work jurisdiction. Traveling inside the jurisdiction is the responsibility of the employee, unless the owner has provided a vehicle or has made an agreement to pay more than the negotiated amount.
How do you deal with work jurisdiction?
We have current by-laws with other unions that outlines jurisdictional specifics. If we need assistance, we contact our International Representative to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently.
Can we work anywhere?
You can work anywhere you have a collective bargaining agreement. The United Association covers all of the United States and Canada.
Will you shut me down?
The last thing we want to do is shut you down! We want you to continue to make money for you and your employees.
What happens in a strike?
The union will work to settle any strike as quickly as possible – usually within a few hours. Most UA locals have not been on strike in many, many years. This is not something that is as prevalent now as it was in the early 1960's and before.
