Retired Pipefitter/Welder UA Local 4. Provided me with the best career w/full benefits of my life. Made BIG$$$ traveling in the 80's thru till 2000's non stop hitting all the shutdowns up and down the Eastern U.S. Now "Hollywood" is retired w/my Pension and becoming a Snowbird. 6 months winter in Florida and 6 months summers at the Maine beaches. Union all the way!! "Hollywood" signing off. Take care Brothers!!
I am a retired steelworker and spent 40 years in the mill as a union millwright with USWA 6787. To work in the mill you had to join the union and it is the best thing that ever happened to me. I really enjoy your videos and you have a great attitude Austin, keep passing the word about unions, you either get it or you don't.
I'm a welder and fabricator in Australia and our union has done a lot for us. I used to be a chef and the chefs union did nothing for us other than collect union dues. Gotta keep them honest
It is great to watch your video and read all of these comments. Both my dad and older brother were union men and they’ve both passed on. It’s great to read comments from people who value the organizations my dad spent his life supporting. Usually I only hear people saying terrible things about unions. Thank you all and I wish you all the best. God Bless America and all her people.
i worked for a TERRIBLE company. it took me 30 minutes to list all the osha violations in the place. pay was terrible too, only reason i stayed there is cause i had dropped outta college, went broke, and got injured and needed a check. i was stuck, now that im out and going to school for welding these videos are really helpful!!
Hello, I’m not a Pipeline Welder ,Instead I am though a Journeyman/Combo Wekder , and have been for 30 plus years, I have worked both sides also. I am currently with the Union, and it is the BEST thing I could have done , because you are 100% on point.THE BENEFITS. I watch a lot of your content, and YES we are all in this together, Keep up the Good Fight, Great Content . God Bless you and your Family.
I'm 19 years old currently enrolled at Lonestar down in Conroe TX. I plan on finishing my welding degree then hope to join the 798 union. I really enjoy your videos they inspire me, and help me understand more about the union, and the life of a Rig Welder which is my goal in life. Thank you Austin and keep posting👍🏼
Why get a degree when you coulda just gone to the union lol unless your thinking of becoming an Inspector which reduces the time needed on the job to become one
Don’t sell your labor for cheap, join a union and gain real power over your OWN labor! I pay something around $1400 a year in dues, peanuts compared to the $160000 I make per year, pension, healthcare at $119 a month for my family of 4...gold plated insurance. Unions are what made the middle class and their decline tracks with the decline of the middle class.
Thing is, not all unions and locals are all that great. If ya get into a really liberal one you might not get paid great and you might just get blasting with them telling ya to vote biden. I was gonna join a union hell I still got the test to take but it’s not pipeline and I don’t wanna do that right now. I’m not even 20 and I don’t have a lot of experience so I know I’m not worth no 30 bucks an hour just yet. Plus some unions lock ya in for the duration of the apprenticeship and plumber pipe fitter nearest me is one of those so. But to each their own
@@rusharley2080 It is amazing how you idiots keep finding ways to blame every problem on Democrats, Liberals and Socialists. When your milk in the fridge spoils do you blame Radical Leftists? Was it ANTIFA who left your windows open when last it rained? You're a bad joke.
From Ontario been in my rig since I was 21 and been a UA member for 14 years now being united and having a brotherly network is worth a fortune would love to see Oklahoma one day
Former Non Union industry employee. (Matrix Service inc. ) currently a TWS student, and looking to make this a career and in it for the long haul. Thanks for starting this platform. And for being a positive influence and voice.
I have mad respect for anyone that is under the hood on any pipe job. I’m non-union. And plan to stay non-union but I manage my finances and work on my own retirement. I love the freedom of going where I choose. Awesome video!!
Yes non-union you can choose where you want to go as long as you build your contacts and reputation. I’ve stayed slammed this past year and a half. I’ll never personally join the union. I don’t need to pay someone monthly dues to tell me where I need to go. And I have great insurance and benefits that I pay for.
You can travel to what ever hall has work, so im not sure where you got your info. Im out of local 100 dallas and right now they have 150 travelers because the work is slammed. Utah is another state that is begging for guys to fill positions.
I’ve been in local 281 sprinkler fitters Chicago for 23 years... I started 2 weeks out of high school. Austin you made the right choices. Your trade is very different.... lay offs and travel. 23 years and still work for the same contractor. Work union live better! Ua trades have very good benefits. Never seen a non union sprinkler fitter retire! God bless brother!
Love your channel. Even though I mainly MiG and Tig at work I miss welding pipe. I haven’t welded pipe since I graduated welding school over 6 years ago.
Yes! Finally Im no longer in doubt. Thank you for the video very informative! Currently working for the plumbers/pipefitters 648 and nobody has ever gave me any info about 798, cause pipelining is my dream career.
@@rusharley2080 i dont vote Democrat, but nice try though lmao and you better stop voting republican, cause ya know, theyre anti union. Vote libertarian, pro unions and anti government... idiot
I'm from Canada, never chased the pipelines up here, thought about it quite a bit as of late, but haven't made the jump. Done lots of oilfield jobs, doing fab and plant and refinery work. Thing I do really like about this trade is the diversity, and a lot of people dont realize how diverse this work can be. Would always like to work in the States, we have a lot of Americans working up here too. Love the videos, very Informative. You keep it up, I'll keep watching
Works both ways become highly skilled at what you do and you will be in high demand and make a great living either way. i tried early on to join union and was denied for various reasons.Rather than wait for them I moved on and went to a respected trade school and became a highly skilled welder, eventually went to work for an electric utility and made a very good living with great wages, plenty of overtime, paid vacations, holidays, medical and many other perks, retired after 31 years with a great defined benefit pension and fully paid medical. Never worked union a day in my life. Bottom line, work hard, develop your skills and always strive to be better and the options will be limitless and you can control your own destiny .Not pro or con union either way, just saying your skill level and pride in craftsmanship will be the ultimate determination of the success you have.
Quick question, is there ever a case where a category of skilled labor, maybe welders, is limited in their pay by union rules? A cousin of mine told me, and this may have been at UAW run plants in Ohio, that he hated the unions because there was a shortage of welders but he wasn't allowed to benefit from that shortage in terms of higher pay, and he'd see other categories of labor at these plants, say a "foreman" or whatever, and they'd be just lounging around all day long making significantly more money than him. I think he said that union rules categorized jobs in terms of their supposed "skill", and that "foreman" is deemed higher skill, therefore the pay range for foreman was set higher than the pay range for welder, REGARDLESS of actual market demand.
Foreman usually make around 5% more working Union skilled trades. Unfortunately there are slugs out there. Union and no. Union. Guys lookin to play hide and seek for a grand a week. But they usually get found out and sent down the road. Can’t deny the beauty of the forest because of the ugliness of some of its trees.
Thumbs up Job Austin Ross. Your videos are very informative and interesting to watch. People need the information you are offering. I myself was non union and am now union. I am getting a couple certs and then would like to start working on the road. I hope that I can find out more about the upcoming work. Thanks for doing these videos.
I've been in Local 447 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union for about 14 years now. As far as pay goes, upto 8 hours regular Pay. 8-10 hours time and half. Anything after 10 is double Time. Saturdays are time and half upto 10 hours and then its double time. Sundays are all double time. Thanks for all of your great content brother.
You're great. Thank you for the video. I know nothing about pipline welding and will never do it, but I'm glad there are guys like you out there who do this tough work. Carry on. And stay safe. Never get too comfortable around big things and powerful machines. They can bite. Be well.
Thanks for the video. I am moving from MA to TX in the next month or 2 in a welding union (likely pipefitters) and my current job convinced me with how disposable I was as an "essential employee" and the Netflix documentary "American Factory". I have welded at least around 15 years non-union and I'm maxing out at $20'ish.
I dont know why this video showed up but I thought why not lol. You had me hooked the first 2 min. for not putting up with crap in your comment section. You make great videos. Keep up the great work. Im not a welder by trade other than my own garage but you have opened my eyes to a few things. Love seeing " Make In USA " Workers. From central FL. God Bless
I've been in and out of Union work in the haz mat world. One thing I didn't notice covered was that Union contract will change Union to Union so specific contracts will vary greatly. Read your contract before you sign up make sure it's right for you.
Austin Ross ...As a former UA hand for the benefits we were given so much per hour and had an hour cap per year ..and after that hour max your benefits roll over into a surplus for when your laid off and they had a monthly charge for benefits that would automatically come out of that account till it ran out.
I’m a pipefitter local 157. Some of what you said is different then us. Are insurance is 300 hours. And sundays are double time. Anything after 8 is still right. I could never go back to non union tbh, so much more respect to each other on a job site. And you never have to worry about not having a voice and your money will always be right. I wouldn’t mind giving the pipeline a go sometime though. Pretty good video, nice to see a guy who’s level headed about the subject
@Austin Ross. Austin nice video. It’s great to hear you tell your story about joining 798. There’s too much bad information and people who are misinformed about organized labor that it’s important to tell people the benefits. One thing to add that you often hear from nonunion counterparts “I’m skilled enough that I don’t need a union to get me a job”. People need to understand that you don’t necessarily have to sit on the wheel to get a job, you can find you’re own work! If you are a highly skilled tradesman you will be rewarded with contractors wanting to hire you! Stay strong brother! ~Local 597 rig welder~
Merry CHRISTMAS to you and your loved ones as well. Thank you very much for your time and input in helping us in the welding field. May God bless you always A. Ross Greetings from the " Greatest snow state on earth "
@@rusharley2080 international backed him, our local didn’t, plus yesterday our governor made a executive order blocking Biden’s oil and gas bill including the Keystone Pipeline so it’s still going to be built here in Oklahoma and Texas. So work hasn’t slowed down for us
Long haul myself. Laborer out of the 980 hall currently but looking to ‘advance’ to a different trade. Love what I do - not for the money but for the adventure. Not knowing where the next job is and or places you’re about to explore is definitely worth it to me. Never thought I’d be around DC working but look at where I’m at. Not mainline but still pipelining. Safe travels and working. All us hands - no matter the trade or union/non-union have two thing in common. That’s family and a life to make the best of what we can.
So I’m 16 and been welding (non professional) for a while and I’ve gotten where I can lay down a really pretty bead and plan on going to Tulsa welding school. So I’m just watching like all of your videos because I really want to get into pipeline
I work for a non union now and have never worked for a union . I'm not a pipe welder I work in a fab shop but I've Been practicing my pipe welding 6010 7018 to land a nice pipe welding job in a union. The more I lean about the unions the more I like it and can't wait to get onto one only a matter of me practicing and learning as much as I can . Just wish I could meet a pipe welder and fitter to learn from to show me the best way to lay welds and fit up pipe so I kinda know the ropes going in
one thing about union that i dont think was clear is that the health insurance premium is paid in full no deduction from paycheck. but each person gotta decide for themselves
The difference between the union and non union is, if worked 25 years on union build 25 pension credits plus benefits if worked 25 years on non union the last pay check will be pension and easely will be replaced by a younger person, if replaced on union by a younger person got be on same path to earned what a union member have earned...
It's worth it buddy. Benefits and pension alone outweighs any pay difference. And they tell you where the work is. You dont have to be on the look all the time. Another call another hall.
I’m not sure if all unions are the same, but for mine, I have to pay working dues every week (2% of my weekly earnings) and then there’s the monthly dues as well.
I really would love if someone sat down as many people who worked on the alaska pipeline and recorded them telling their story. Not the cut down for documentary version but hours of talking. Id love to watch that.
Getting into the ibew electrical Union was the best thing to happen to me . Their was absolutely no future in non union . No retirement no pensions low wages . In the union we get high wages pensions annuity and vacation checks . It’s a better way of life. Union pride till I die getting into the union has been a life changer for me out of poverty and now I’ll be a homeowner soon ✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼
Love the video I broke out on my 19th birthday and I’ve also heard lots of bad things about union but now I’ll definitely consider getting myself into the union at some point
Hey Austin , I’m not a welder/craftsman... I’m in engineering and do mostly industrial design (Mech/plumb/piping/electrical), I have worked for a couple of Mechanical contractors doing PM and have learned a lot over the last three years in regard to the trades/crafts. One thing I’ve never understood is the need for the unions. Growing up dirt poor in south Alabama, there wasn’t a prolific union presence. I always felt like I never needed a union to fight for my job, but I’ve only had desk jobs. Your videos, along with me working with/in the mechanical trades the last few years has explained the need / to existence of the union ( or a network of highly trained / skilled labor pool) in the industrial and large commercial construction industry. Your videos have really helped explain many things. I disagree vehemently with the mob-like rule and influence of the extreme corruption of the big union bosses where they violate RICO laws in order to obtain work and specify products. I know for a fact that several HVAC equipment manufacturers use union labor to build their products for the sole reason that they can sell their products in Chicago and NYC. That’s flat out wrong in a capitalist society. I do find it ironic that the unions are heavily targeted by Democrats and union members seem to vote Democrat but in this this video you talk of activists (who are always extreme liberal democratic supporters) are the people that try to prevent work for the unions. Anyway, a crazy first comment on your videos. I love your content and think a lot of you. You obviously have some strong Christian values and you practice them daily. You have a great attention to detail, a good work ethic and a great financial mind. You are going to be very successful, do good things and will never have to look hard for work.
I’m not a welder but I weld from time to time on farm. I watch your videos because I find them interesting. Funny thing is I found your channel looking for the best way to starch jeans! Keep it up!
when i switched to union, I was getting paid more than my non-union foreman as a second year. He got paid $32 an hour.... the training is way better and they pay for schooling. I'll probably never go back to non-union.
I love welding so much, and I'm going to welding school soon, but I always have the same question. "How do I start networking and making connections", I have serious trouble with socializing and I know I will try until I get there, but what if I can't find the right way to get there. I'm not sure if it's impatients or lack of confidence, or both. I wanted to know if anyone else had been where I am at and what they did?
Check out the arosswelding inner circle. It’s slow right now but I believe there is lots of potential in it if enough people join. It would be a great place to meet others in the industry and start building your network. arosswelding.mn.co/
Do you have any concern about the union pension system being insolvent? I honestly don't know anything about it just thinking about some of the state retirement programs.
I'm from Wisconsin too! And I'm currently trying to get into the steam fitters 601 put of milwaukee because they offer pipeline programs and it's closer any more info would be greatly appreciated!!
Hi Austin I started out working as a non union pipeliner back in 1982 I worked there for about 5 years then the company I worked for went bankrupt so I took a few really bad jobs just to get by for about 1 1/2 years this was all as I lived in western Pa, so next came a job offer outta york pa about a 4 hour drive from home at a refrigeration manufacturing company they were nonunion but had a aprentice program set up so I started there, Well after 7 years there I took a forman postion on the installation crew which was setting equipment, condensor, screw compressors, control panel's and all the amonia or freon, water pipeing. We had to pass a 6g pipe test with 6010 root and a 7018 cover but I took many more so if the field was slow or I wanted extra overtime I could weld in the shop to, I also worked in the rebuild shop rebuilding screw and rotary compressors I really loved working for F.E.S. in york pa but after being there 18 years they got rid of my department the installation crew it took them 30 seconds to tell us we were no longer employed there what a kick in the butt that was and the bad part was I loved it there and they treated me great till that day, since then there has only been very average jobs but I'm 58 now and think I will just stay where I'm at, I always wonder if I should have started out in the pipefitters local back in 85 it was offererd to me to be sponserd there I think for retirement I should have been union, but I had a weld rig they paid for all tools even hand tools they paid for I got travel pay room and meals were paid for, they gave me 4weeks vacation the last couple years I was there, 4 sick days and a 401k yeah I would have never left there it was good till it wasn't there. Union at least puts everything in writing what you have to do to stay and make a living with them and seem a little more forthe worker.
Never been non Union but I do know Unions have less work vs non Union. When times are slow it gets real cliquee so you better have friends in the right places to stay employed.
I've been Union 35 years and I've found that the guys who say that don't really work very hard and want to blame others. Work Union. Work hard and you will stay employed.
I'm a retired union cop from a big city. Union is THE only way to go. Politicians have "situational ethics," that is, their ethics depend on the situation. I have been ordered by command staff to work OT without pay, to NOT write any warning tickets because they don't generate revenue, etc. Not to mention officers who do their job, but the "optics" don't look good who get thrown under the bus and lose their job for purely political reasons. The bottom line is your union will go to bat for you on unsafe or illegal work conditions do you don't have to and get a target on your back. BOTTOM LINE: where there is good management that takes care of their people, there is no need for a union. If management simply wants to exploit workers and throw them away when it's convenient, a union is the only way to go. IMHO my2c
I'll take Union all day, every day. I've worked both in various industries and it isn't even close. I'd work for myself before going back to another crappy non-union job where you're treated like garbage.
By Gods will I found your channel. Listen i live in Oklahoma I’m currently going to a welding program via the military. You mentioned you are in Tulsa. I’ll be down in OKC. You don’t owe me anything but I would love guidance. I hope you are well
Wish I had considered welding a little sooner. It does seem like a union is the only place where I live (Indiana) that actually has welding jobs and not just watching machines do it.
For as young as you are you have a hell of good head on your shoulders! Working hard and clean living is the key to a great life. And being very contentious with your spending and banking that money for when you’re older! Unfortunately I was caught up with the rock and roll bright lights and big city lifestyle and life was just one big party and the big paychecks will never end thinking... and at 50 now realizing that my “dorky” buddies that didn’t want to stop by the local watering hole and that were heading home to their families knew what it took me many years and a lot of losses to realize. If you always do that right thing and always work to your very best...no short cuts... you’ll have a great life! God Bless you young man... keep up your good work!
Wow these videos are really making me rethink my course in life. I know being a skilled fabricator and certified welder must help to get your foot in the door but I was wondering how much more that would help pay wise while starting out.
Look up your local union, then walk in and apply. Some locals will allow you to test in, so if you truly know your stuff you can come in without going through the apprenticeship. Depending on where your at California pay for journeyman is $51 dallas has them at $35 but once you add in the vacation and Holliday it increase $5+ an hr
Well I'm not a pipe line welder yet but after I get out of high school I'm gonna try my hardest to be a pipe line welder your videos really help thanks for the help
Oh By the way I’m in Kentucky. (Republican town) I’m very used to hearing anti union shit. I once worked for a fiberglass/automotive factory that made us wear a uniform that read “union free and proud of it” on the back. Fn hated ir
My daughter and son in law are, like you in their 20's. The joined a union, IATSE, several years ago. Health benefits, pension, union rates, etc. It's really changed their lives for the better. Makes excellent sense for young folks to join. Really worth looking into!
How does one go about joining a union specifically for welding? I live in northern California and in my first year of welding school. I'm also willing to travel anywhere to work as well anytime anyday
Cali is one of the higher paying unions brother. I’m from Illinois which pays well also but definitely google your closest hall and give them a call. If you can test in, you may skip some years of your apprenticeship or all of it together and go straight to a journeyman. Depends what your capable of. On the plus side everyone’s pay is in writing and will always be paid equally
I pipe welded for about 4 years but got sick of the travel so joined local 17 ironworkers id like to go back to pipe but with my kids and stuff its nicer to stay close to home
@Gary Miller how are unions trash? My union dues are 65 dollars a month i have platinum health insurance no detuctibles premiums or co pays ...i make great money with yearly raises...i get a pension and a 401 with 4 percent match weekends off paid every week ...i have access to free school and I have access to free lawyers ...and u get other benefits...and i have job protection...your mad becauseb you have a shitty job u have to bend over backwards not to get fired
I’m 22 years old and I’m having a really hard decision with going union or staying helper till I can buy my stuff to break out. Just got done with welding school and currently a helper in west Texas making 2k a week. I got a unindentured apprenticeship job offer from a u ion in Texas pays less then what I’m making out here no per diem, but they wnat me to work in a Fab shop learn prints, pipe fitting, more welding I would still get benefits and put into next years apprenticeship classes. I keep hearing different things about u ion good and bad and im very unsure as to stay here making a lot more money and break out, or take union job
What’s nice about union is you do your job and that’s it. When I was non union your excavating your own ditch, laying pipe/laboring etc etc. plus side is tho on those prevailing wage jobs your making twice as much as union guys (at least here in NY state )
Austin, I'd love to see a video that covers the specifics of the union. Like the retirement and healthcare benefits, per diem pay, the union pay scale for different jobs, nice provisions in the working agreement that you may not typically get, etc. Also from my understanding 798 covers most all of the country. So I am curious about how a nationwide union works.
In the carpenters union, the health and welfare hours are used to maintain health insurance. If you have a surplus it is put onto a benny card that can be used for anything medical, ie copays, bills, prescriptions, etc. If you're laid off, your surplus hours are used to maintain the monthly premium.
The KC clamps are to be run by Helpers or J-men Skid sets on mainline are usually laborer work, I am on a Fab job right now and we do set our own skid sets, Crotches and sliders. Cutting with a band and crawler or beveling machine is usually J-men work but most of the time they let the helpers cut to learn how to work everything. Also Eternal Clamps On The front end are run only by J-men. And helpers can break out after there first job. $31.00 a month is our due payments. I Love 798! I joined last year and I also worked 6 months non-union before joining and I definitely love 798!
Can someone explain why there’s no Hoosier poles on union side? Great video, not the typical union vs non bs. Nice to see that someone gets it not for everyone. The hardest part I think for some is the money up front, do they have ways you can do that for helpers and such who may not have it?
I’ve heard it’s because not everyone has a Hoosier pole... but then I’ve heard it’s not technically against the rules to have one... that’s why I didn’t go into much detail in the video.
Hey just wanna say I think this was a really well done video! I support unions but I don't support pipeline expansion and I'd like to share some of my reasoning to shed some light on the other side. I think it's unwise to continue investing in fossil fuels, from the perspectives of both bosses and workers. The wind has been shifting towards renewables for decades now and renewable energy solutions provide more opportunities for varied employment and long term sustainable positions. The pipeline industry creates many jobs in the building of pipelines, but a relative few in the maintenance of these lines. Renewable projects like solar farms, wind farms, and dams present their own potential environmental hazards but they also provide a chance for sustainable employment that we can develop and leave to the next generation. I think that every pipeline opponent needs to further examine the needs of pipeline workers and realize that we are allies in the class struggle, and ultimately are goals are aligned.
35 year Glazier here . I worked non-union for 7 years . Got my apprenticeship there. Starting pay was $6/hr. No benefits. They matched my contribution for health care and it was just for me, not my family, No retirement. When I joined the union, my pay doubled, full health care, for me and my family and retirement (that I'm living on now). But they call the union work 'Feast or famine". When your'e working , it the feast, when on the bench, famine. AFA living on the road, try to get an extended stay that has the continental breakfast and a bar that puts out a buffet at Happy Hour. You can live on that and bank your check and Per Diem.
@@m6ndohernandez339 It's your "dues" which you should be paying them because they paid YOU while you went to THEIR school and was in the field working. And it's a very small percentage normally $100-$300 a year depending on where you live. Or you can go $60,000 in debt and go to college and still have to work a rinky dink job making $13hr.. The choice is yours!
Retired Pipefitter/Welder UA Local 4. Provided me with the best career w/full benefits of my life. Made BIG$$$ traveling in the 80's thru till 2000's non stop hitting all the shutdowns up and down the Eastern U.S. Now "Hollywood" is retired w/my Pension and becoming a Snowbird. 6 months winter in Florida and 6 months summers at the Maine beaches. Union all the way!! "Hollywood" signing off. Take care Brothers!!
I am a retired steelworker and spent 40 years in the mill as a union millwright with USWA 6787. To work in the mill you had to join the union and it is the best thing that ever happened to me. I really enjoy your videos and you have a great attitude Austin, keep passing the word about unions, you either get it or you don't.
Unions suck. Main reason is they keep backing democrats.
just wondering what you think about biden shutting down the pipeline last week /
I'm a welder and fabricator in Australia and our union has done a lot for us. I used to be a chef and the chefs union did nothing for us other than collect union dues. Gotta keep them honest
Can I join a union right after I finish welding school?
It is great to watch your video and read all of these comments. Both my dad and older brother were union men and they’ve both passed on. It’s great to read comments from people who value the organizations my dad spent his life supporting. Usually I only hear people saying terrible things about unions. Thank you all and I wish you all the best. God Bless America and all her people.
i worked for a TERRIBLE company. it took me 30 minutes to list all the osha violations in the place. pay was terrible too, only reason i stayed there is cause i had dropped outta college, went broke, and got injured and needed a check. i was stuck, now that im out and going to school for welding these videos are really helpful!!
Thats why you shop around for a better job. Coercing businesses like unions do are not the answer
Hello, I’m not a Pipeline Welder ,Instead I am though a Journeyman/Combo Wekder , and have been for 30 plus years, I have worked both sides also. I am currently with the Union, and it is the BEST thing I could have done , because you are 100% on point.THE BENEFITS. I watch a lot of your content, and YES we are all in this together, Keep up the Good Fight, Great Content . God Bless you and your Family.
I'm 19 years old currently enrolled at Lonestar down in Conroe TX. I plan on finishing my welding degree then hope to join the 798 union. I really enjoy your videos they inspire me, and help me understand more about the union, and the life of a Rig Welder which is my goal in life. Thank you Austin and keep posting👍🏼
How did your plan work out for you? Did you graduate and pursue this plan if so how is it so far? I graduate next semester and have the same plan
From Conroe tx also🤘🏽 hope you doing good
Why get a degree when you coulda just gone to the union lol unless your thinking of becoming an Inspector which reduces the time needed on the job to become one
@@Hardstyler981to learn
@@alexiscostilla4215you will be learning the exact thing in the union. Seems like you rather go to college just to pick up a bill lol
Don’t sell your labor for cheap, join a union and gain real power over your OWN labor! I pay something around $1400 a year in dues, peanuts compared to the $160000 I make per year, pension, healthcare at $119 a month for my family of 4...gold plated insurance. Unions are what made the middle class and their decline tracks with the decline of the middle class.
It is amazing how you idiots keep voting democrat.
Thing is, not all unions and locals are all that great. If ya get into a really liberal one you might not get paid great and you might just get blasting with them telling ya to vote biden. I was gonna join a union hell I still got the test to take but it’s not pipeline and I don’t wanna do that right now. I’m not even 20 and I don’t have a lot of experience so I know I’m not worth no 30 bucks an hour just yet. Plus some unions lock ya in for the duration of the apprenticeship and plumber pipe fitter nearest me is one of those so. But to each their own
@@rusharley2080 that’s the biggest thing. Conservative or even moderate unions are few and far between
@@rusharley2080 It is amazing how you idiots keep finding ways to blame every problem on Democrats, Liberals and Socialists. When your milk in the fridge spoils do you blame Radical Leftists? Was it ANTIFA who left your windows open when last it rained? You're a bad joke.
@@rusharley2080 not all unions encourage you to vote Democrat. I’ve heard that but not over here my friend. That’s your choice.
I just got into the local 344 in Oklahoma City nice to meet a union brother. 👊🏽👊🏽
im currently in school to do pipe, i passed mig amd duel shield and im on to stick and pipe, how hard was it to get in on the union?
How can i apply for pipelines ?
Lu 430. 45yrs brother
From Ontario been in my rig since I was 21 and been a UA member for 14 years now being united and having a brotherly network is worth a fortune would love to see Oklahoma one day
Former Non Union industry employee. (Matrix Service inc. ) currently a TWS student, and looking to make this a career and in it for the long haul. Thanks for starting this platform. And for being a positive influence and voice.
I have mad respect for anyone that is under the hood on any pipe job. I’m non-union. And plan to stay non-union but I manage my finances and work on my own retirement. I love the freedom of going where I choose. Awesome video!!
Bull Hand so non-union you can pick where ever you want to go cause i’m a high school senior i will be going to welding school
Blazin Jaye join the union. It’s the best route. My husband is a welder/Pipefitter.
Yes non-union you can choose where you want to go as long as you build your contacts and reputation. I’ve stayed slammed this past year and a half. I’ll never personally join the union. I don’t need to pay someone monthly dues to tell me where I need to go. And I have great insurance and benefits that I pay for.
Yesir right there with ya..I am fortunate enough to be able to make more n or as much non union,love my FREEDOM..CANT PUT A PRICE ON IT
You can travel to what ever hall has work, so im not sure where you got your info. Im out of local 100 dallas and right now they have 150 travelers because the work is slammed. Utah is another state that is begging for guys to fill positions.
I’m trying to get into union welding Thankyou for making it clear
I am a hobbiest welder, thanks for your videos. I appreciate your approach to showing us the pipeline welding industry.
I’ve been in local 281 sprinkler fitters Chicago for 23 years... I started 2 weeks out of high school. Austin you made the right choices. Your trade is very different.... lay offs and travel. 23 years and still work for the same contractor. Work union live better! Ua trades have very good benefits. Never seen a non union sprinkler fitter retire! God bless brother!
Love your channel. Even though I mainly MiG and Tig at work I miss welding pipe. I haven’t welded pipe since I graduated welding school over 6 years ago.
I understand. I ran a mig gun for 3 years right after high school.
Austin Ross I think I love tig the best. I’m brushing up on my blueprint reading skills lol. Keep up the videos man. Stay safe and God bless.
Yes! Finally Im no longer in doubt. Thank you for the video very informative! Currently working for the plumbers/pipefitters 648 and nobody has ever gave me any info about 798, cause pipelining is my dream career.
You bet! I’m glad it was helpful!
Then you better quit voting democrat, idiot.
90% of Union members don't vote democrat.
@@rusharley2080 i dont vote Democrat, but nice try though lmao and you better stop voting republican, cause ya know, theyre anti union. Vote libertarian, pro unions and anti government... idiot
@@jad2484 they should all be voting libertarian. Pro-real freedom. Best there is. Pro union, pro gun, pro rights etc
I'm from Canada, never chased the pipelines up here, thought about it quite a bit as of late, but haven't made the jump. Done lots of oilfield jobs, doing fab and plant and refinery work.
Thing I do really like about this trade is the diversity, and a lot of people dont realize how diverse this work can be.
Would always like to work in the States, we have a lot of Americans working up here too.
Love the videos, very Informative. You keep it up, I'll keep watching
thats honestly super cool tbh i would love to work in other countries and experience the culture.
You are a super humble guy Austin. Enjoy watching your videos man. Good people with good attitudes. 🇺🇸👍👍
Works both ways become highly skilled at what you do and you will be in high demand and make a great living either way. i tried early on to join union and was denied for various reasons.Rather than wait for them I moved on and went to a respected trade school and became a highly skilled welder, eventually went to work for an electric utility and made a very good living with great wages, plenty of overtime, paid vacations, holidays, medical and many other perks, retired after 31 years with a great defined benefit pension and fully paid medical. Never worked union a day in my life. Bottom line, work hard, develop your skills and always strive to be better and the options will be limitless and you can control your own destiny .Not pro or con union either way, just saying your skill level and pride in craftsmanship will be the ultimate determination of the success you have.
Quick question, is there ever a case where a category of skilled labor, maybe welders, is limited in their pay by union rules? A cousin of mine told me, and this may have been at UAW run plants in Ohio, that he hated the unions because there was a shortage of welders but he wasn't allowed to benefit from that shortage in terms of higher pay, and he'd see other categories of labor at these plants, say a "foreman" or whatever, and they'd be just lounging around all day long making significantly more money than him. I think he said that union rules categorized jobs in terms of their supposed "skill", and that "foreman" is deemed higher skill, therefore the pay range for foreman was set higher than the pay range for welder, REGARDLESS of actual market demand.
Foreman usually make around 5% more working Union skilled trades.
Unfortunately there are slugs out there. Union and no. Union. Guys lookin to play hide and seek for a grand a week. But they usually get found out and sent down the road. Can’t deny the beauty of the forest because of the ugliness of some of its trees.
Thumbs up Job Austin Ross. Your videos are very informative and interesting to watch. People need the information you are offering. I myself was non union and am now union. I am getting a couple certs and then would like to start working on the road. I hope that I can find out more about the upcoming work. Thanks for doing these videos.
In for the long haul , i am in Australia but i have been in Unions most of my working career 25 + years and enjoyed the comradery .
I've been in Local 447 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union for about 14 years now. As far as pay goes, upto 8 hours regular Pay. 8-10 hours time and half. Anything after 10 is double Time. Saturdays are time and half upto 10 hours and then its double time. Sundays are all double time. Thanks for all of your great content brother.
You're great. Thank you for the video. I know nothing about pipline welding and will never do it, but I'm glad there are guys like you out there who do this tough work. Carry on. And stay safe. Never get too comfortable around big things and powerful machines. They can bite. Be well.
Thanks for the video. I am moving from MA to TX in the next month or 2 in a welding union (likely pipefitters) and my current job convinced me with how disposable I was as an "essential employee" and the Netflix documentary "American Factory". I have welded at least around 15 years non-union and I'm maxing out at $20'ish.
Making out a 20iah an hour for non union? Wow
You have been non-union for that long and only making $20 an hour? You have nobody to blame but yourself.
I dont know why this video showed up but I thought why not lol. You had me hooked the first 2 min. for not putting up with crap in your comment section. You make great videos. Keep up the great work. Im not a welder by trade other than my own garage but you have opened my eyes to a few things. Love seeing " Make In USA " Workers.
From central FL. God Bless
You make a fair comparison between Union and Non-Union, good job. Be safe out there! IBEW #3 NYC
I've been in and out of Union work in the haz mat world. One thing I didn't notice covered was that Union contract will change Union to Union so specific contracts will vary greatly. Read your contract before you sign up make sure it's right for you.
Austin Ross ...As a former UA hand for the benefits we were given so much per hour and had an hour cap per year ..and after that hour max your benefits roll over into a surplus for when your laid off and they had a monthly charge for benefits that would automatically come out of that account till it ran out.
I’m a pipefitter local 157. Some of what you said is different then us. Are insurance is 300 hours. And sundays are double time. Anything after 8 is still right. I could never go back to non union tbh, so much more respect to each other on a job site. And you never have to worry about not having a voice and your money will always be right. I wouldn’t mind giving the pipeline a go sometime though. Pretty good video, nice to see a guy who’s level headed about the subject
Local 793 Heavy equipment operator here!👌🏼 best career choice I’ve made so far
@Austin Ross. Austin nice video. It’s great to hear you tell your story about joining 798. There’s too much bad information and people who are misinformed about organized labor that it’s important to tell people the benefits. One thing to add that you often hear from nonunion counterparts “I’m skilled enough that I don’t need a union to get me a job”. People need to understand that you don’t necessarily have to sit on the wheel to get a job, you can find you’re own work! If you are a highly skilled tradesman you will be rewarded with contractors wanting to hire you! Stay strong brother!
~Local 597 rig welder~
I agree.
Hell yeah, I go up to 597 a lot. I’m out of 157 pipe fitters. About 3 hrs south of you guys. 👊🏻 stay safe!
Merry CHRISTMAS to you and your loved ones as well.
Thank you very much for your time and input in helping us in the welding field.
May God bless you always A. Ross
Greetings from the " Greatest snow state on earth "
Union Ironworker 584 from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I almost joined the Pipeliner Union 798 when I graduated
You shouldn't have joined either. The pipeliners backed biden and he screwed them good! Bwaaaaahahahahaha! Gonna be dumb ya gotta be tough.
@@rusharley2080 international backed him, our local didn’t, plus yesterday our governor made a executive order blocking Biden’s oil and gas bill including the Keystone Pipeline so it’s still going to be built here in Oklahoma and Texas. So work hasn’t slowed down for us
@@WarInHD I pray you are right. I am just some kind of mad at the unions that did back biden.
@@rusharley2080 oh yeah, every county in Oklahoma voted red. The only other state to do that was West Virginia
I know it's been 4 years since you made this video but I found it very interesting thank you!
Haven’t got into it yet sadly but in for the long haul
Local 464 Steamfitters
I'm 23 and still an apprentice, I absolutely love it!
Union pride brother geting into the ibew changed my life
Can’t bear being in a union with all the benifits high wages and retirement .✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼
Local 1325 represent!
Long haul myself. Laborer out of the 980 hall currently but looking to ‘advance’ to a different trade. Love what I do - not for the money but for the adventure. Not knowing where the next job is and or places you’re about to explore is definitely worth it to me. Never thought I’d be around DC working but look at where I’m at. Not mainline but still pipelining. Safe travels and working. All us hands - no matter the trade or union/non-union have two thing in common. That’s family and a life to make the best of what we can.
6yrs Union pipeline operator. Hopefully in it for just a couple more years. Tired of living on the road.
How much have you save
I’m not a welder but interested in the trades, thank you for the videos
So I’m 16 and been welding (non professional) for a while and I’ve gotten where I can lay down a really pretty bead and plan on going to Tulsa welding school. So I’m just watching like all of your videos because I really want to get into pipeline
I work for a non union now and have never worked for a union . I'm not a pipe welder I work in a fab shop but I've Been practicing my pipe welding 6010 7018 to land a nice pipe welding job in a union. The more I lean about the unions the more I like it and can't wait to get onto one only a matter of me practicing and learning as much as I can . Just wish I could meet a pipe welder and fitter to learn from to show me the best way to lay welds and fit up pipe so I kinda know the ropes going in
Your not gonna get a job in a unión just by knowing how to do that,,,a union welder has to be a combo x ray welder
That's why I plan on going into an apprenticeship program. Got to start somewhere
one thing about union that i dont think was clear is that the health insurance premium is paid in full no deduction from paycheck. but each person gotta decide for themselves
The difference between the union and non union is, if worked 25 years on union build 25 pension credits plus benefits if worked 25 years on non union the last pay check will be pension and easely will be replaced by a younger person, if replaced on union by a younger person got be on same path to earned what a union member have earned...
Wait whaaaa.... I thought that dues would be like $30 a week! That’s good. I might look into joining as a helper to get started.
Even if it was 30 a week do you know how much money we make?
It's worth it buddy. Benefits and pension alone outweighs any pay difference. And they tell you where the work is. You dont have to be on the look all the time. Another call another hall.
I’m not sure if all unions are the same, but for mine, I have to pay working dues every week (2% of my weekly earnings) and then there’s the monthly dues as well.
Tony Guerra i make more non union pipelining than y’all do union tho
Michael Smith and you have no benefits!
Non union for six years now.. Looking to go union but??? Probably not.. Always looking to learn from anyone great video.
It’s been my experience that people who hate unions never worked for a good one! 798 ALL THE WAY! The Alaska pipeline was a 798 job, damm fine work
The union is definitely the way to go but........the Alaskan pipeline was a hell of a deal. Just watch the BBC doc on it.
I was there no need to watch documentary. But thank you. The impossible was made possible.
798
I really would love if someone sat down as many people who worked on the alaska pipeline and recorded them telling their story. Not the cut down for documentary version but hours of talking. Id love to watch that.
Also depends on your ability to negotiate your non union job.
You are so right on the be kind to one another we all have the same goals! A great life!
Getting into the ibew electrical Union was the best thing to happen to me . Their was absolutely no future in non union .
No retirement no pensions low wages .
In the union we get high wages pensions annuity and vacation checks . It’s a better way of life.
Union pride till I die getting into the union has been a life changer for me out of poverty and now I’ll be a homeowner soon ✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼
Hell yea brother. I'm local 212. What local are you in?
Ibew is a damn good union, I’m out of pipe fitters myself (157)
Good to hear brother, ibew 697 gary/hammond
@@ewilly91 dang you’re close. I’m actually up in south bend right now on a job
@@jeepwk6.5L yeah not too far. Our hall is a walkthrough at the moment. Been on 7 twelves for the last 42 days now lol.
Love the video I broke out on my 19th birthday and I’ve also heard lots of bad things about union but now I’ll definitely consider getting myself into the union at some point
Hey Austin ,
I’m not a welder/craftsman... I’m in engineering and do mostly industrial design (Mech/plumb/piping/electrical), I have worked for a couple of Mechanical contractors doing PM and have learned a lot over the last three years in regard to the trades/crafts.
One thing I’ve never understood is the need for the unions. Growing up dirt poor in south Alabama, there wasn’t a prolific union presence. I always felt like I never needed a union to fight for my job, but I’ve only had desk jobs.
Your videos, along with me working with/in the mechanical trades the last few years has explained the need / to existence of the union ( or a network of highly trained / skilled labor pool) in the industrial and large commercial construction industry. Your videos have really helped explain many things.
I disagree vehemently with the mob-like rule and influence of the extreme corruption of the big union bosses where they violate RICO laws in order to obtain work and specify products. I know for a fact that several HVAC equipment manufacturers use union labor to build their products for the sole reason that they can sell their products in Chicago and NYC. That’s flat out wrong in a capitalist society.
I do find it ironic that the unions are heavily targeted by Democrats and union members seem to vote Democrat but in this this video you talk of activists (who are always extreme liberal democratic supporters) are the people that try to prevent work for the unions.
Anyway, a crazy first comment on your videos. I love your content and think a lot of you. You obviously have some strong Christian values and you practice them daily. You have a great attention to detail, a good work ethic and a great financial mind.
You are going to be very successful, do good things and will never have to look hard for work.
I’m not a welder but I weld from time to time on farm. I watch your videos because I find them interesting. Funny thing is I found your channel looking for the best way to starch jeans! Keep it up!
How can you be mean to this guy anyways he's so nice makes great vids especially helped me with my welding lenses thanks Austin
when i switched to union, I was getting paid more than my non-union foreman as a second year. He got paid $32 an hour.... the training is way better and they pay for schooling. I'll probably never go back to non-union.
I love welding so much, and I'm going to welding school soon, but I always have the same question. "How do I start networking and making connections", I have serious trouble with socializing and I know I will try until I get there, but what if I can't find the right way to get there. I'm not sure if it's impatients or lack of confidence, or both. I wanted to know if anyone else had been where I am at and what they did?
Check out the arosswelding inner circle. It’s slow right now but I believe there is lots of potential in it if enough people join. It would be a great place to meet others in the industry and start building your network.
arosswelding.mn.co/
Just let your work speak for itself bro, and be yourself
UA. Local 400 Fox valley Wisconsin pipe fitters hell yea. Union is the only way to be paid consistently and have a pension
Do you have any concern about the union pension system being insolvent? I honestly don't know anything about it just thinking about some of the state retirement programs.
I'm from Wisconsin too! And I'm currently trying to get into the steam fitters 601 put of milwaukee because they offer pipeline programs and it's closer any more info would be greatly appreciated!!
I am an independent mobile welder thanks Austin need to get ahold of you and see about some of them tools
Ok good deal Iv been thinking about calling local 798 u answered a lot of my questions thank you
You bet. Glad I could help.
Local 506 marine and shipbuilders
I'm 20 a first year steel fab apprentice building ships in Vancouver.
Nice
@@dalegastv8835 Very nice 💪🏼
Hi Austin I started out working as a non union pipeliner back in 1982 I worked there for about 5 years then the company I worked for went bankrupt so I took a few really bad jobs just to get by for about 1 1/2 years this was all as I lived in western Pa, so next came a job offer outta york pa about a 4 hour drive from home at a refrigeration manufacturing company they were nonunion but had a aprentice program set up so I started there, Well after 7 years there I took a forman postion on the installation crew which was setting equipment, condensor, screw compressors, control panel's and all the amonia or freon, water pipeing. We had to pass a 6g pipe test with 6010 root and a 7018 cover but I took many more so if the field was slow or I wanted extra overtime I could weld in the shop to, I also worked in the rebuild shop rebuilding screw and rotary compressors I really loved working for F.E.S. in york pa but after being there 18 years they got rid of my department the installation crew it took them 30 seconds to tell us we were no longer employed there what a kick in the butt that was and the bad part was I loved it there and they treated me great till that day, since then there has only been very average jobs but I'm 58 now and think I will just stay where I'm at, I always wonder if I should have started out in the pipefitters local back in 85 it was offererd to me to be sponserd there I think for retirement I should have been union, but I had a weld rig they paid for all tools even hand tools they paid for I got travel pay room and meals were paid for, they gave me 4weeks vacation the last couple years I was there, 4 sick days and a 401k yeah I would have never left there it was good till it wasn't there. Union at least puts everything in writing what you have to do to stay and make a living with them and seem a little more forthe worker.
Proud to be apart of Local 372 💪🏼Alabama
Never been non Union but I do know Unions have less work vs non Union. When times are slow it gets real cliquee so you better have friends in the right places to stay employed.
I've been Union 35 years and I've found that the guys who say that don't really work very hard and want to blame others. Work Union. Work hard and you will stay employed.
I'm a retired union cop from a big city. Union is THE only way to go. Politicians have "situational ethics," that is, their ethics depend on the situation. I have been ordered by command staff to work OT without pay, to NOT write any warning tickets because they don't generate revenue, etc. Not to mention officers who do their job, but the "optics" don't look good who get thrown under the bus and lose their job for purely political reasons. The bottom line is your union will go to bat for you on unsafe or illegal work conditions do you don't have to and get a target on your back. BOTTOM LINE: where there is good management that takes care of their people, there is no need for a union. If management simply wants to exploit workers and throw them away when it's convenient, a union is the only way to go. IMHO my2c
I'll take Union all day, every day. I've worked both in various industries and it isn't even close.
I'd work for myself before going back to another crappy non-union job where you're treated like garbage.
By Gods will I found your channel.
Listen i live in Oklahoma I’m currently going to a welding program via the military.
You mentioned you are in Tulsa. I’ll be down in OKC. You don’t owe me anything but
I would love guidance. I hope you are well
Wish I had considered welding a little sooner. It does seem like a union is the only place where I live (Indiana) that actually has welding jobs and not just watching machines do it.
For as young as you are you have a hell of good head on your shoulders! Working hard and clean living is the key to a great life. And being very contentious with your spending and banking that money for when you’re older! Unfortunately I was caught up with the rock and roll bright lights and big city lifestyle and life was just one big party and the big paychecks will never end thinking... and at 50 now realizing that my “dorky” buddies that didn’t want to stop by the local watering hole and that were heading home to their families knew what it took me many years and a lot of losses to realize. If you always do that right thing and always work to your very best...no short cuts... you’ll have a great life! God Bless you young man... keep up your good work!
Austin you should make a video tutorial on down hill welding, I’ve been welding pipe for 30 years but ASME has always made me run 5P & 5P+ uphill.
Good info. Thanks for your time and keep on welding friend.
I am from Missouri and have been trying to get on pipelining as a helper for a while now. I applied for local 798 as a helper not to long ago.
Update?
Wow these videos are really making me rethink my course in life. I know being a skilled fabricator and certified welder must help to get your foot in the door but I was wondering how much more that would help pay wise while starting out.
Look up your local union, then walk in and apply. Some locals will allow you to test in, so if you truly know your stuff you can come in without going through the apprenticeship. Depending on where your at California pay for journeyman is $51 dallas has them at $35 but once you add in the vacation and Holliday it increase $5+ an hr
Great stuff...needs more volume Austin.,.thanks... PB
Well I'm not a pipe line welder yet but after I get out of high school I'm gonna try my hardest to be a pipe line welder your videos really help thanks for the help
You bet
How do you start?
@@emmanuelbarron89 you can go to school or get hired in by a welder to be a helper Austin should have a video on it
Thank You Austin Ross.
Awesome video. Thanks im gonna be a pipeliner
Oh By the way I’m in Kentucky. (Republican town) I’m very used to hearing anti union shit. I once worked for a fiberglass/automotive factory that made us wear a uniform that read “union free and proud of it” on the back. Fn hated ir
I'm a union Ironworker for last 10 years in Texas its hard here but I am looking into switching trades
Retired union rigger/ machine mover 34 year s in between the pension and social security I’m doing great
Been on the pipeline about 7 years now on the west coast, eventually want to apply for Southwest Gas in Arizona.
It's honestly suck being 23. Been doing carpentry sence 17. Never had health or life insurance. Makes me really think
My daughter and son in law are, like you in their 20's. The joined a union, IATSE, several years ago. Health benefits, pension, union rates, etc. It's really changed their lives for the better. Makes excellent sense for young folks to join. Really worth looking into!
34 years Union. Best choice for a retirement.
What if you took all your unions dues and fees and invested into your own IRA with a being modest 4% interest rate. Couldn’t this be better ?
Rico Martinez who’s paying that much?
Michael Chadwick ira is based on your investment performance if you invest time in it the world is far greater than most pensions.
@@ricomartinez1770 nah pensions are guaranteed while 401ks and all that stuff rely on the stock market
How does one go about joining a union specifically for welding? I live in northern California and in my first year of welding school. I'm also willing to travel anywhere to work as well anytime anyday
Cali is one of the higher paying unions brother. I’m from Illinois which pays well also but definitely google your closest hall and give them a call. If you can test in, you may skip some years of your apprenticeship or all of it together and go straight to a journeyman. Depends what your capable of. On the plus side everyone’s pay is in writing and will always be paid equally
I pipe welded for about 4 years but got sick of the travel so joined local 17 ironworkers id like to go back to pipe but with my kids and stuff its nicer to stay close to home
Been watching all you videos.i think I'm hooked lol
I'm from Texas im a non union welder! Been welding pipeline about 8 years. That's cool didn't know some of that about the union!
Because texas is a right to work state that demonizes unions ...they demonize unions so companies dnt have to pay higher wages and benefits
@Gary Miller how are unions trash? My union dues are 65 dollars a month i have platinum health insurance no detuctibles premiums or co pays ...i make great money with yearly raises...i get a pension and a 401 with 4 percent match weekends off paid every week ...i have access to free school and I have access to free lawyers ...and u get other benefits...and i have job protection...your mad becauseb you have a shitty job u have to bend over backwards not to get fired
I’m 22 years old and I’m having a really hard decision with going union or staying helper till I can buy my stuff to break out. Just got done with welding school and currently a helper in west Texas making 2k a week. I got a unindentured apprenticeship job offer from a u ion in Texas pays less then what I’m making out here no per diem, but they wnat me to work in a Fab shop learn prints, pipe fitting, more welding I would still get benefits and put into next years apprenticeship classes. I keep hearing different things about u ion good and bad and im very unsure as to stay here making a lot more money and break out, or take union job
Any rig welders in Houston? Have some questions on how to start a rig truck
What’s nice about union is you do your job and that’s it. When I was non union your excavating your own ditch, laying pipe/laboring etc etc. plus side is tho on those prevailing wage jobs your making twice as much as union guys (at least here in NY state )
I'm Union Pipe welder. Can't go wrong!
Austin,
I'd love to see a video that covers the specifics of the union. Like the retirement and healthcare benefits, per diem pay, the union pay scale for different jobs, nice provisions in the working agreement that you may not typically get, etc. Also from my understanding 798 covers most all of the country. So I am curious about how a nationwide union works.
I’ll take note of this.
In the carpenters union, the health and welfare hours are used to maintain health insurance. If you have a surplus it is put onto a benny card that can be used for anything medical, ie copays, bills, prescriptions, etc. If you're laid off, your surplus hours are used to maintain the monthly premium.
The KC clamps are to be run by Helpers or J-men
Skid sets on mainline are usually laborer work, I am on a Fab job right now and we do set our own skid sets, Crotches and sliders. Cutting with a band and crawler or beveling machine is usually J-men work but most of the time they let the helpers cut to learn how to work everything. Also Eternal Clamps On The front end are run only by J-men. And helpers can break out after there first job. $31.00 a month is our due payments. I Love 798! I joined last year and I also worked 6 months non-union before joining and I definitely love 798!
Can someone explain why there’s no Hoosier poles on union side? Great video, not the typical union vs non bs. Nice to see that someone gets it not for everyone. The hardest part I think for some is the money up front, do they have ways you can do that for helpers and such who may not have it?
Hooddowntime majority of us union welders DO have Hoosier poles.....that’s not a non union thing..
I’ve heard it’s because not everyone has a Hoosier pole... but then I’ve heard it’s not technically against the rules to have one... that’s why I didn’t go into much detail in the video.
Ethan Peden I just heard him reference it the video so I asked
Hooddowntime I must not of heard that part, my bad man
Hey just wanna say I think this was a really well done video! I support unions but I don't support pipeline expansion and I'd like to share some of my reasoning to shed some light on the other side. I think it's unwise to continue investing in fossil fuels, from the perspectives of both bosses and workers. The wind has been shifting towards renewables for decades now and renewable energy solutions provide more opportunities for varied employment and long term sustainable positions. The pipeline industry creates many jobs in the building of pipelines, but a relative few in the maintenance of these lines. Renewable projects like solar farms, wind farms, and dams present their own potential environmental hazards but they also provide a chance for sustainable employment that we can develop and leave to the next generation. I think that every pipeline opponent needs to further examine the needs of pipeline workers and realize that we are allies in the class struggle, and ultimately are goals are aligned.
Sunday’s are Double Bubble
Great video 👌 I plan on being a welder long-term
Sundays are double time brother 🔥
35 year Glazier here . I worked non-union for 7 years . Got my apprenticeship there. Starting pay was $6/hr. No benefits. They matched my contribution for health care and it was just for me, not my family, No retirement.
When I joined the union, my pay doubled, full health care, for me and my family and retirement (that I'm living on now). But they call the union work 'Feast or famine". When your'e working , it the feast, when on the bench, famine.
AFA living on the road, try to get an extended stay that has the continental breakfast and a bar that puts out a buffet at Happy Hour. You can live on that and bank your check and Per Diem.
Good honest information. 👍👍
Hey welders do u know what pipeline welding like in north Carolina
Honestly I just graduated high school and I didnt know anything about union and non union still kinda confused do you get to choose
M6ndo Hernandez union gets paid more
@@reneebreckler9970 I heard you got to pay the union even if you dont work how much do you got to pay ?
@@m6ndohernandez339 It's your "dues" which you should be paying them because they paid YOU while you went to THEIR school and was in the field working. And it's a very small percentage normally $100-$300 a year depending on where you live. Or you can go $60,000 in debt and go to college and still have to work a rinky dink job making $13hr.. The choice is yours!
@@ASAPJermz Depends on what you do in college
@@jeffshackleford3152 If it's not Medicine, Law or Sports, you're better off going to trade school..