ive been struggling with this question for the last year... should i join the local here and become a union guy or stay freelance and keep all mu money. i am self employed but i know there is some security in unionising and i wonder what you guys think?:blink:
to unionise or not to unionise...
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This is going to be a good one...lol...union has been calling me for a couple years now....keep popping up on my job sites..even in different states....
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30,726 Posts
As you look at the pros and cons of union, talk to the local union guys and see if the are steadily employed, what the going wage is, what the benefits, when can they retire with what kind of money.
ask them to give HONEST cons (many people will get defensive if you sound like you are challenging a life choice)
I know a union paperhanger in NY. From talking to him, I would not put up with the bullschit he does to reap the rewards he likes. But that's HIS choice and I'm happy for him.
ask them to give HONEST cons (many people will get defensive if you sound like you are challenging a life choice)
I know a union paperhanger in NY. From talking to him, I would not put up with the bullschit he does to reap the rewards he likes. But that's HIS choice and I'm happy for him.
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14,174 Posts
I'd go trade association before union. I was a member of AGC www.agc.org/cs/about_agc
The alternative to union. Its got benifit if your bidding against union work or doimg DBA projects.
The alternative to union. Its got benifit if your bidding against union work or doimg DBA projects.
i currently do sub work for a larger contractor on commercial jobs and i take small residential jobs for myself. i do alot of plaster repair and drywall installation/taping as well, and i make decent money for that as well. i have a family so i would like some benefits for them, but at the same time i dont wanna lose the extra revenue for the other stuff i do
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6,326 Posts
Sorry...I misread the OP. I was thinking you were a business. As an individual it would depend on your location and the economy for painting there. You would most likely take a pay cut at first. You would also be last in line at the hall. It would be worth a shot.You can always go back to what you know. A little FYI though. The union does not take kindly to moonlighting.
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True, I got out of it cause the trade association wouldnt allow me to use apprentice or journeyman on private work, well I could use them but would have to pay DBA pay scale........ could you imagine biding Repaints with union scale! I would never leave my house.....
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2,926 Posts
I was born and raised in a union home, my first job was union, most of my work life has been through the union.
I like it, good pay, good pension, good benefits. I think I saw you have a family, well after you put in some hours you have medical. Want to get good proper training? Basically free for you through your union.
There are quite a few cons, for example where I am its a lot of BS with the larger companies. I had guys asking for me on there jobs, but because two guys didn't like me (because they don't like apprentices) I was laid off (much to the dismay of the company supervisor).
If you show up early everyday, work overtime when asked (sometimes without OT being paid), keep your head down and do a good job you'll be fine.
Feel free to all me any questions. I'll be happy to answere
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1,532 Posts
The union is nothing more than a democratic form of Communism...
Meeh
If I got a opportunity to get a card. You get it.
Then you can work wherever you want. Union or non union.
Hiring hall? Different locals got different rules but pretty much I think hiring Halls are over. Mostly you can solicit ur own work.
I've worked all union since I got in. Been fortunate and we make our own luck. Goin close to 20 years.
Never had any regrets, myself. Well, not about getting a card anyhow. I make a living wage. I have health insurance, a pension and a annuity.
Get the card. Go to work. If you don't like it or it don't like you go back to what u were doing. It'll be there.
If I got a opportunity to get a card. You get it.
Then you can work wherever you want. Union or non union.
Hiring hall? Different locals got different rules but pretty much I think hiring Halls are over. Mostly you can solicit ur own work.
I've worked all union since I got in. Been fortunate and we make our own luck. Goin close to 20 years.
Never had any regrets, myself. Well, not about getting a card anyhow. I make a living wage. I have health insurance, a pension and a annuity.
Get the card. Go to work. If you don't like it or it don't like you go back to what u were doing. It'll be there.
How in the hell does belonging to the democratic party, I mean union, bring dignity to anything. Using your dues to support and elect people you don't even want in office.
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1,361 Posts
At this moment in my career I'm working for biggest Tug & Barge Company in the Pacific Northwest.
The File Members are all Union. Only a Select few of Management/Rank are Union because they started their careers Union and going for a Pension.
Having a 15 year pin myself and my other half retired Culinary we have a combined 32 years Union.
The particular position I hold is non union but is equal to a Tower Crane Operators Position in Las Vegas.
$62 an hour full package. $83.00 OT.
If you plan on going Big Commercial or Industrial I suggest Union.
Anything less, do your self a favor and keep all the money for yourself.
My motto is it's better to be small & good, than big & bad.
Sent from my iPhone using PaintTalk.com
The File Members are all Union. Only a Select few of Management/Rank are Union because they started their careers Union and going for a Pension.
Having a 15 year pin myself and my other half retired Culinary we have a combined 32 years Union.
The particular position I hold is non union but is equal to a Tower Crane Operators Position in Las Vegas.
$62 an hour full package. $83.00 OT.
If you plan on going Big Commercial or Industrial I suggest Union.
Anything less, do your self a favor and keep all the money for yourself.
My motto is it's better to be small & good, than big & bad.
Sent from my iPhone using PaintTalk.com
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1,361 Posts
Oden do you if your local is a Strong Union? I went through Boom of the mid 90's in Las Vegas there was a Tradesman Shortage and the Journeyman Test was 8 Questions. So if you could hold a paint brush you were a journeyman.
Back in those days the "Painters" dragged a lot of folks through the mud with them. The "Local" was a big steel ball, and the painters were the chain.
From your posts over the years I know you're a seasoned mechanic. What are you going to do when your putting out twice as much as the next guy and he's getting the same pay?
Sent from my iPhone using PaintTalk.com
Back in those days the "Painters" dragged a lot of folks through the mud with them. The "Local" was a big steel ball, and the painters were the chain.
From your posts over the years I know you're a seasoned mechanic. What are you going to do when your putting out twice as much as the next guy and he's getting the same pay?
Sent from my iPhone using PaintTalk.com
Robladd,
I got no problem with a guy on the job making the same dime I make and producing less than me. He can't underbid me! And I out produce him! Great! It is perfect even. As you know when the work slows I'll get the nod over him. The contractor makes more money off of me than he Duz off of him. You know how it works. Over the course of a year, or now going on 20 I've made out very well in this system we have.
I'd rather be in a competition to out produce the next guy than be in a competition to work for less than he will any day.
I got no problem with a guy on the job making the same dime I make and producing less than me. He can't underbid me! And I out produce him! Great! It is perfect even. As you know when the work slows I'll get the nod over him. The contractor makes more money off of me than he Duz off of him. You know how it works. Over the course of a year, or now going on 20 I've made out very well in this system we have.
I'd rather be in a competition to out produce the next guy than be in a competition to work for less than he will any day.
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