Plumbing: Union or Non-Union? | Plumbing Career | The Expert Plumber
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ม.ค. 2019
- A common question for new plumbers is to join the union or stay open shop. There's pros and cons to both. I have over a decade of experience in both, so I am a good resource to answer these questions.
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Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, LEED AP, The Expert Plumber and welcome to my channel. On this channel I teach Realtors, homeowners, and home buyers how to save money on plumbing by showing them DIY plumbing, how to work with plumbers, and how to protect their plumbing.
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Union but have worked both ways. I like the money, the Brotherhood and the benefits, both health & pension.
You mentioned that when you were a non union apprentice you were paid more because you learned and worked quickly and did quality work. When I was a union apprentice I was also better than your average apprentice and because of that my contractor paid me above the scale and by my fourth year as an apprentice I was making journeyman's scale as were several of the apprentices in my class " I had a great class." You mentioned that as a benefit of being non union but, you can also make more than just scale if you strive to be an outstanding tradesman on the union side also. Having and maintaining certifications, having a good work ethic, being a good leader with problem solving skills to get the job done dosen't just work for the non union. If a contractor wants to keep you they will pay you union or non union. Having been in the trades myself for the better part of three decades and worked both organized and unorganized, I like to refer to a statement that was told to me by an older iron worker that had been on both sides " sinners belong in a church and tradesmen belong in a union period." Proud member of Plumbers Local 98 Detroit Michigan.
Hii I'm a new immigrant in California ( sorry about my poor English ) if u are reading my comment please help me because i don't have more information :(
i have 2 questions for you
1- How to know the union is strong or weak? Some people say unions those have " right to work law " is so bad and weak but i don't know how because in California it hasn't " Right to work law" but it has weak unions like frenso county or San Diego county so how!!
2- are union workers maybe laied off more than non union workers? i mean are non union workers have a lot of time and job security more than union? because i really afraid of don't the job get slow and laied off.
Thanks for the wisdom brother
Hell Yeah Brother!
Love your videos Rodger keep it up. I've been a member of Plumbers & Steamfitters local 100 for 34 years and I'm a 2nd generation, my son is a third generation in the apprenticeship, my father was a member for over 50 years. There is another benefit to being union and that is the camaraderie and brotherhood. If we have members that are sick and can't work or having a financial crisis we take up collections to take care of them and their families. And since we are a membership we work pretty much with other members throughout the years and they have become my extended family. Thank You brother
im union, because i feel that i could have a good career along the way and for the free college tuition and i get to learn alot from experienced workers.
UA plumbers Local 1- NYC apprentice 💪🏻
D.C Gainz that’s good money bro! congrats
how did u get in
How did you get in ?
Proud Local 777 Journeymen 14-year Member! Great Stuff Brother. I just came across your channel and subscribed. Good stuff to both sides. One of the best benefits for me was training. To this day I find myself at the hall taking advantage of trainings that are offered. For Free. The brotherhood and sense of pride that comes with the union. Can't beat it! Stay safe and keep up the good content!
Thank you Jesse. I appreciate the support brother!!! Be safe and stay well!!!
UA 469 apprentice
One of the older guys in my apprenticeship, so have been around thru several types of welding jobs.
I have 3 sons and a wife. 1 on my sons has a hereditary disease. Between the cost the health insurance and the meds I use to have nothing put away, living paycheck to paycheck. But with the benefits in the union pulling away about 2k a month, we actually have a retirement and a rainy day fund, and extra money to burn on stupid stuff. Deciding to go down the path of a plumber with weld certs was probably the best decision I’ve made, career wise.
I’m open shop and went through the phcc training in Dallas with Frank Morgan, He was a amazing instructor very knowledgeable. I my self have 16 years open shop experience.
Ej cruz congratulations! I love the people at PHCC. I'm always looking for residential service plumbers in Richardson if you know of anyone looking.
I really like your channel because I'm looking to start my career in pluming.
I'm non union, I got the job opportunity to be an apprentice because my boss posted on indeed for a plumbing apprentice will train no experience needed. In Minnesota you're a apprentice not a helper even if you work for a non-union company because you have to have a state-registered plumbing apprentice card and take at least one 2 hour class a year through the state. I'd love to be union but here in Minnesota it's really tough to get into. They want you to pay to take some test at a college then depending on your score you're selected for an interview. After the interview then you have to be selected again to be a union plumbing apprentice. I think it's very very stupid of them to do that... They're begging for workers but got all these hoops to jump through like you're joining the military. It just doesn't make sense to me.
Looking to get into the trade and this video has been incredibly useful for a starting point. I’m from New Hampshire. Haven’t started officially yet but this has been one of my concerns in applying.
Been working for open shop Plumbing 16 years four different companies. I already had an appointment to join the local 392 today! Stumbled upon this video, thanks! I grew tired and weary of working for and with clowns. Getting to that season in life where money is not as important as stability and benefits. I have been the highest paid and licensed guy in the last two places I worked. Union in my area actually pays better, but only at top level.
Union plumber for 12 years recently quit. I truly believe there's more bad plumbers then good. If your hardworking and show up everyday you'll have a job.
Why did you quit? Because there's bad plumbers that work with you? I don't understand your comment
Former IW75 Tucson. Went from 1st period apprentice to journeyman. Loved the benefits and the wages (especially the union ot rates). Left because of the politics and that I only averaged 6 months of work each year while not being allowed to work elsewhere while there was no work out of the hall. I was expected to just collect unemployment until the hall had work for me.
non union- San Francisco/Bay Area. local 38 in my area accepts applications every 2 years, and I was not going to wait 2 years. applied to a open shop the day after I graduated hs and was in the field the next week.
Been both open shop, union, college, and open shop again. Open shop you can learn more I believe in terms of just plumbing and rough in. You can learn sewers, septic, boilers, radiant heating and how to repair things.
I'm looking into a plumbing apprenticeship in Nevada, and here you have to go through a program to get an apprentice card, so you either have to go through the UA program or the American Builders and Contractors program if you want to go open shop.
Hello @Mattjfries. The UA in Vegas stays pretty busy from what I hear. ABC has a good training program too, but with the union you have a pension plan and the ability to travel if you want. Let me know which way you go.
First year UA member and I like the training and the pay. The amount of certifications that are required of me is quite substantial. The benchmark is set higher than any of our non union competition. As for pay I'm also making a good amount more. My cap as a journeyman will be substantially more than non union foremans. I see as of now you've left the union as a signatory contractor Roger and understand your arguments of why. I do believe your past training and experience will set the bar higher than most open shops out there and regardless appreciate the content.
Great vidoe. Thank you
Mr. Wakefield, did you recieved any apprenticeship training in the union? And if not how hard was it to adapt?
Thank you for this channel sir
If you're starting out, do an apprenticeship outside of the union as you will learn a lot more. it means sacrificing a better pay check for experience and work ethic. It will pay off in the long run and you will be a better plumber for it.
I'm currently a union plumber in Australia and can't tell you how many apprentices we go through because they have or have been given no experience outside commercial construction.
What I think? I think I work for a small company with family... however, I care about the customer just as much as my company. Union isn’t relevant to me but knowing more of the organization of the plumbing world seems just as important as know vocabulary, or being a problem solver. So long story short thanks for the obedience of information Roger!
If I wanted to start a small plumbing business down the road, work for myself, then hire employees when I make more money, would it be better to join a union or open shop while starting towards my goal?
thank you good sir you have been of great help.
@Ishmer what is your favorite part?
If I want to own a residential service/construction company later on, should I go for union or openshop? Does it matter?
Can I get the link for the UPC Study guide.
I'm thinking about joining the local UA in vermont. I want to start brushing up on my skills before I take the apprenticeship test for the union. I know that there times that union member might have no work.
We called a plumbing company for a plugged sewer line...20min of 'snaking' and $305 later and all was good
Asked him about fixing a leaking bathtub faucet..$1200-$1400 because it was from the '60's and parts were no longer available. Found my washer assortment....it's done, am I a plumber now.😂
What do you think of the Canadian red seal ? Is this certification recognized and respected in America ?
Good content bud. Sheet metal workers Local 20✊
It worked!!!
I’m in Florida on the gulf coast towards Pensacola I’m trying to figure out how would one become an apprentice at a union if we have any here. I do have an interview on Monday at a plumbing company’s. I’m also just trying to get my foot in the door I feel like I’m too old at 38 changing Careers and starting over
Appreciate the information 💯
X are you in the trades? How did you find my channel?
Roger Wakefield No I am not I’m currently debating wether to attend to a technical trade college for 2 years or join the union in Los Angeles California but my cousin told me about joining the union the thing is I’m 21 and I have no prior experience with the trade and I’ve heard the test that you have to pass to enter the union is really hard. What do you think I should do? Should I go to school then join the union or should I go for it right now even though I have no knowledge of the trade ? I’ve set my mind up already to do this trade now I’m just seeking for a route to take. I watch a lot of your videos and you have helped me understand that this trade is for me.
Roger Wakefield I found your channel by searching plumbing videos on here 💯
I’m a non union electrician that’s a 1 year apprentice on hope of going union whenever they start taking applications at the first of the year
Only want the best, that's why we are paid the best. Union Rules
I am an HVAC technician open shop, Rochester NY area. I have debated joining a union however never fully understood how the unions operate in slow seasons not to mention I probably make well over what some of the local master HVAC techs make in pay. So it is a tough debate to decide going union only for pensions and retirements when almost all HVAC jobs offer 401k.
good video. lots of information. I'm non union licensed and backflow inspector. you can do 130k a year pretty easily in Chicago. in my opinion a licensed plumber should have to do new construction and service work they are both so different. to respect both types you need to know both. there are a lot of fittings in the ground and in walls that shouldn't be there.
@Chris Ludwig some people get into one thing and stick with it forever. I agree that doing all of it helps me understand it all better! Where are you located?
UA Local 675 Honolulu Hawaii, 27 years of continuous work. The Union provides great training to their members to keep the trade strong and competitive with non Union companies. Medical, drug and dental coverage are great. Pension and Annuity is a no brainer, ensuring you wont have to depend solely on Social security when you retire.
I was thinking about becoming an Electrician, but like you said in your other video- I don't like getting shocked!
Just discovered your videos and I had to comment on this topic. proud to be a UA member!
Hii I'm a new immigrant in California ( sorry about my poor English ) if u are reading my comment please help me because i don't have more information :(
i have 2 questions for you
1- How to know the union is strong or weak? Some people say unions those have " right to work law " is so bad and weak but i don't know how because in California it hasn't " Right to work law" but it has weak unions like frenso county or San Diego county so how!!
2- are union workers maybe laied off more than non union workers? i mean are non union workers have a lot of time and job security more than union? because i really afraid of don't the job get slow and laied off.
I love your podcasts. I would really like your feedback on the following: I recently signed up at the UA Local 100 for a pipefitters apprenticeship. I am in Weekend Welding courses and am almost halfway done with those. I have an Associates of Science degree, as well. I have references from my instructors. What is the likelihood that I will get into the union?
I'm intrested in a plumbing career and I think union sounds more beneficial for me as someone with zero experience in any trade field. It sounds like a good way to learn and learn money.
Worked as a Plumber in UA Local 469. Started my apprenticeship in 2005, Turned out in 2010. I've been in the CAD/BIM world since 2009 though, so I haven't been in the field in a while but still a proud member of the UA.
My reason Why I have stayed union is because my benefits transfer from contractor to contractor. Construction tends to be feast or famine, sometimes you do get a layoff, and when you go from one signatory contractor to another, your benefits carry over. We have a great pension plan, and training/continuing education.
Hii I'm a new immigrant in California ( sorry about my poor English ) if u are reading my comment please help me because i don't have more information :(
i have 2 questions for you
1- How to know the union is strong or weak? Some people say unions those have " right to work law " is so bad and weak but i don't know how because in California it hasn't " Right to work law" but it has weak unions like frenso county or San Diego county so how!!
2- are union workers maybe laied off more than non union workers? i mean are non union workers have a lot of time and job security more than union? because i really afraid of don't the job get slow and laied off.
I'm a new apprentice and started in an open shop as a temp back in May of 2018. I have since hired on with a union shop and couldn't be happier. A big reason for my personal decision is not only better pay, but much better benefits including the retirement package. The only shortfall that I've seen is that we don't get paid time off that in aware of. I'm really looking forward to starting classes in August hopefully and thank you for the link to the study guide. I probably should add that I am joining the Local 100.
James Cunningham good for you sir. I was an instructor at Local 100. Start studying now, work hard, and you will do great!
its simple you don't work you don't get paid.
Hii I'm a new immigrant in California ( sorry about my poor English ) if u are reading my comment please help me because i don't have more information :(
i have 2 questions for you
1- How to know the union is strong or weak? Some people say unions those have " right to work law " is so bad and weak but i don't know how because in California it hasn't " Right to work law" but it has weak unions like frenso county or San Diego county so how!!
2- are union workers maybe laied off more than non union workers? i mean are non union workers have a lot of time and job security more than union? because i really afraid of don't the job get slow and laied off.
been 4 years since this comment , how has the apprenticeship been so far? im 19 and i start pre apprentice work for local 100 next week
UA Local 46 Toronto, ON
Unions have saved me tons on training classes. Im taking my gas fitters 2 (400,000 BTU). 3rd year apprentice working service. I have my own work truck and work on my own. As a licensed plumber you get $9.00 an hour into our pensions. One of the best benefit packages out there.
Hey I am in Toronto and I want to get into UA Local 46. How did you get in? It seems like application intake is always closed. Thanks bro.
What do people think about the CLAC union? I may get into a plumbing company that is backed by this union and I've seen a lot of negative reviews. Is it that bad? And do they provide you with the same amount of education compared to UA?
fairly informative. Plumbing is one of the union apprenticeships available in our area that is interested in. Most all of the apprenticeships that are publicized here are union. I think there are pros and cons to union and open shop. I know union wages here are often higher than open shop at the journeyman level. I heard 2nd hand that the union benefit packages here are better than most the open shops.
I’m from Alabama and I’m interested in the plumbing or carpentry trades and was wondering what’s the best route for a non experienced individual wanting to learn and master the trade
I would tell you to learn the benefits of each in your area. Check with the unions in your area and see what they offer. Also check with the non-union side and see if you can find a larger company that has a training program in place.
Hi, UA 42 Norwalk Ohio! Was open shop and organized in as a 5th year, now a journeyman at 23. I’m interested in getting my contractors license, do you have any recommendations for the business law test? Are their any quality study guides?
McRuvinX360 I don't because we don't have a business law test in Texas. Reach out to the authority in charge of testing and see what their recommendations are. What does the UA in Ohio tell you to study?
I'm thinking about going into the union. I'm currently a second year apprentice but my concern is I'll get stuck doing new construction. Do union companies do residential or even commercial service work?
Honestly does it really matter? Would you rather be making 40$ or more an hour after 5 years in a union or work 15- 20 years to make it to 30-35 an hour on non union with no insurance or pension/ retirement plan. I would shovel shit to make 80,000k a year or more and have my future set with no worries
UA Local 520 plumbers and pipefitters Harrisburg Pa. Safety and training is second to none. And the training is always there even as a journeyman for free. Whether it’s studying codes for your plumbing license to going to the welding booths for welding pipe, med gas, crane signaling, rigging etc. it’s at your fingertips if you want it. Hell they even train for cad if your into that
Question for you, after you journey out, do you get any more raises? How do those raises work?
@
Jonathan east in the union you get raises every year. That is part of the benefit of being in the union...
Local 78 union apprentice here I have worked non union for 3 years and came into the union as a 2nd year apprentice and I have learned so much during my 1st year in the union I have learned "Do it once , do it right" love the schooling as well ,love the benefits also wouldn't go non union again that's just my thought
@Luis Garcia, what made you decide to get into the union?
Currently working union in southern California and it is completely different than non Union , training better medical better , and most importantly pay is way better. I joined from non Union. Setting boilers doing mechanical rooms . Did both pipefitting and plumbing for non Union shop. Went union got 20 hr pay raise 🤤🤤🤤🤑🤑🤑. The wage difference is huge in southern California. Also wanted to know about work in Texas looking to move there due to home prices
Jesse the prices are less but so is the pay scale. There is plenty of work here in construction and service. What part of Texas are you wanting to move to?
I was an IBEW apprentice for 3 years. I had to leave the union due to injury. I currently work in IT but its just not for me. Do you think that some people are just born for the trades and whats your opinion on switching trades?
Are u Network administrator? i think u will take lower money
Nice work. UA local 322 HVAC
Since 2004
@Master Tech. 81 HVAC/R how is Jersey?
+Master Tech. 81 HVAC/R Thank you Brother. I appreciate the feedback. I wish more Brothers and Sisters would leave comments on here.
I have worked both. No preference. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Hey roger, I’m in the navy at the moment and am torn with how to use my GI bill when it comes to careers like electrician/plumbing/or another 3rd option. Do you see a lot of veterans going into the trade route? If so any feedback would be appreciated!
Thank you for your videos
I know you didn't ask me, however - I'm a veteran that did the VIP program from Ft Lewis Washington. (Veterans in Piping). We here at local 100 in Dallas have a lot of veterans. You get to earn raises, learn, and work full time will also drawing the GI Bill, it's great!
@
Daniel Campbell there are many vets in the union that are doing great. I have one that works fopr me and used his GI Bill to supplement his income. It worked out great for him. He even got credit for plumbing he did while in the military.
I was a BT in the Navy BTOW qualified, 79-83 2mmr USS Kitty hawk CV 63, you don't need GI bill to get in the union.
I've worked both, Union is way better! Im a 1st year apprentice in the IBEW 177 Jacksonville fl. I started out making 14.11 and hour, graduated pay increases every 6 months, overtime opportunities, school paid for, benefits, and journeyman are about topping out at around 30.00 an hr. By the time i top out itll be more than that! Not a big fan of the politics, but i love how they take care of us.
I was in the NAVY for 6 years as an HT. I was a Plumbing, welder, and fitter while I was in. After that, I went to college, graduated with a BoS in Communications and found that I did not enjoy a desk job as much. I went into a non-union plumbing company which is nice, but the training there is not what I expected it to be. I have been active with my company for 2 years now and I still haven't been put on a job from underground, still haven't done any DWV. I have run gas and concentric venting but now I am at a new site and am just doing minor work. I am thinking of joining the local union because I believe I will get better training and have a more structured environment. I am just wondering if this is the route I should go.
Man I came from the Army VIP program and transitioned from Local 68 in Washington to Local 100 in Dallas, Tx. Since coming here I've done underground plumbing, in wall cast iron, domestic water such as water supply lines for sinks bathrooms etc, main supply lines, fixtures, basically everything. I love it, but I also wouldn't like the service route. I like dealing with new construction and we mainly deal with commercial.
@
solidsnake2085 I learned so much more after joining the union. The education is amazing and I was like a sponge. I took every class offered just to learn more. I recommend it, absolutely!
I’m hoping to join the UA local 350 in Reno Nv next year still waiting for the call 😅
Jesus man best of luck. I hope it works out well for you.
UA 290 for the benefits and protection.
I feel like the work culture and enviornments are different. Cant say which one is better
Townsend I think it depends on the plumber. I feel that Union might seem a little more professional and Non-Union feels a little more laid back. At least on the new construction side. Although I do know some extremely professional open shop plumbing companies. In service I am the only union shop in town so I really don't have anything here to compare to.
I am a apprentice plumbing for a little over a year now and im working open shop and I have extra benefits because my family own the company but i am looking into the union as a career and i think this is a great video to get a good idea of what im getting into.
@David K what type plumbing company do they own?
@@RogerWakefield strictly commercial
Im also in the state above you in Oklahoma 😂
@David K I won't talk too bad about you... Hook 'em!
Great video im getting into the nj plumbing local 24 soon and my fathers been in the local for about 34 years and was non union for about 12 so it is good to hear everything that my dad says from someone else 🤙🏻
Chenz Abbattista sounds like your dad is a smart man like me.... I'm kidding, I'm not that smart. Thanks for watching and for commenting. Please tell 4,000 of you best friends in Local 24 to subscribe to my channel. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Im open shop working here in Georgia. By January I will move out to Fresno California, and would like to start out in the union. I’ll see if I can get an open shop job first then make my way in the UA Local 246. Any tips? I’ve been working as a plumber’s helper for about a year now. I’m 22 years of age.
@Evy Negrete I would start contacting them now and stay in communication with them. Are you enjoying plumbing?
The Expert Plumber Yes I love it. I was going to school for Mech Engineering but paying $6k per semester was no longer an option. I got into plumbing after doing my research and saw the decline of plumbers over the years, so I know I will always have a job and eventually own my own company some day. Besides the money, I feel proud after every job that I finish, even tho I mainly focus on service work.
I work open shop and worked with a journeyman from the union. He was a hard ass but I already see I'm starting to be better then some open shop plumbers with the training I received from him.
That's how I feel. I worked with some great open shop plumbers but I have learned so much more in the union. Have you thought about trying to get into the union?
Union do it once do it right
Luis Garcia do it right the first time!
I’ve been union going on 5 years currently on 6 months of a layoff. Going back to non union
Can you make a video about plumbers in the army?
Veterans in Piping (VIP) is a good program that he should touch on.
Great informative video. I live in Chicago, il and I was brought into a small open shop(my father knows the owner) as a helper with the intentions of becoming a plumber. I selected this shop cause it's small family owned and an opportunity was available. but the training program is non existent. So despite wanting to commit to this company, Il local 130 apprenticeship opens up this year and I'm leaning towards applying. Owner is a great guy, but when I got hired he said I'd work with him and he will teach me all that he knows, but out of the 2.5 months I been there I've worked with him less than a week and he pawned me off to another plumber with alot of bad habits(Only 2 plumbers in company. Owner +1). I just feel like what i signed up for is not what I'm getting I been a working hard and being the stair/tool mule but there is no follow up on my training its pretty much my job is a helper and nothing more. I quit a Great paying job for this opportunity, steep pay cut, but once again owner is non existent in my training. Should I not feel by for wanting to move on and apply to the union. Sorry for lengthy comments. I am real bing on loyalty that's why I want to stay committed but I've also been pawned off and what I was told upon being hired vs what going on is totally diff. I also did speak to owner, and not much as changed.
Anthony Ocasio all that I can say is the training will be available all your life in the UA
Hey Rodger I love the video man I'm a journeyman electrician in Oregon and Washington I know this is a plumbing show lol but I watch these things StumbleUpon it and thought it's great, I've got 25 years in the trade and I spent the last three years with Local 48 IBEW and I agree with your union and non-union shops if I decide to open my own thing I'll definitely go Union take less profit but better electricians keep up the good work man I love it
Once u do get into a union, how do u select a specific career path? Do you solely become a plumber, pipefitter, or welder. Or does your career consists of doing all 3?
Phil Racks
You select a specific path
FoolishGaming thank you
It depends a lot on which tests/certifications that you get. I know guys who on their "book" it says, "Plumber/Pipefitter" or just one or the other.
I’m a non union electrician but have friends in the IBEW local 26 for northern va and Washington DC but I have a 401k no pension but we are employee owned I also get a dollar raise every six months as an apprentice I know the union apprenticeship is a lot better than non union because every year they will send you with a new journeyman to learn different tricks with
🚨Do you know if you start in a open shop let’s say for a year or years and you decide you want to join a union do you know if you would have to start over from the bare minimum pay that union starts at? Or vice versa. Starting in a union, then going open shop.
Smashing the like button
Elvis thank you! I appreciate you watching! What videos do you like best?
I'm an apprentice at Nick's plumbing & sewer services in Houston, I'm doing open shop right now, don't know if that'll change once I get licensed.
Hello Nick. I know some of the union service companies down there and they are doing pretty well with Plumbers 911. Either way you will do well in service!
I live in houston how can i get a job there
@@matthewburton89 I went through a temp agency, but they are hiring right now, we just hired another apprentice, put in an application
@@matthewburton89 we are right off 1420 n Durham st
Thank you i have no experience but i have a plumber apprentice card
Getting sworn in today!
Congratulations!!! Where at?
@@RogerWakefield Honolulu, Hawaii, local 675 😁
Jed Ant sounds wonderful brother...
Hows it going so far?
@@bryansanchez3677 so far so good 👍👍
Did u have to pay to go non union after having your business union
local 38 tops out about 85 P.H maybe more + benys local 483 about 75 P.H. + beny's There is no non union shop anywhere that will pay that.
hey Roger! im just getting started out in the plumbing world. love your videos. working for a shop as a helper right now. down in south florida. thinkint about going union, im not sure about whhat to do? im looking for an apprenticeship program, but i dont think they have them down jere. any info is highly appreciated
@Jeff Breezy where in south Florida? The UA is in Florida for sure!
UA local 483 sprinkler fitters. Foreman. you and I are in the same boat, Ive been a sprinkler fitter since 1984, had my own company, open shop, closed in 97, we don't talk about the missing 2 years, lost everything and then got my sht back together , joined union in 99, retirement is now 2 years away with a pension, Union is the way to go.
Local 9 central Jersey plumbers and pipefitters. Second year apprentice. Pipe welder in the making. But wouldnt mind having a master plumbers license. But I've been doing mainly refinery/ chemical plant work- process pipping, chilled water lines, heat exchanger and vessel valve stations, fitters work...ect..and really enjoy the work. My opinion with union versus non union would be with this type of work non union can't compare to the quality of work, they cant produce as fast as we can, can't do it as safe as we can, and they lack the knowledge and skills we do. 👍
I ask union guys all the time. Do you get to choose what area you work in? And they say no, how is it for u? Some of the guys have to drive 1 almost 2 hours for a job.
@Mr Buicks it really depends on the size of your union. We are in the Dallas are but our local serves all the way up to Oklahoma and over to Louisiana. I choose to stay in the Dallas area only. We all have choices. Are you in plumbing already?
What could I expect to make as a plumber in Los Angeles? Is there any particular type of plumbing that I should focus on? Appreciate any help thank you so much for making these videos!
Nat Lyon I’m not sure what union scale is in Los Angeles, California. Does anyone here know? I will check and see what I can find out. Thank you for leaving a comment.
Try local 78 they start pre apprentices at 20 dollars an hour plus your vacation pay
@@LuisGarcia-gh4cj I'm looking into going there, but I'm not very good at math so I've been practicing and brushing up my math and geometry. How tough is the exam you take to get accepted as a apprentice?
@@skullcrucher45 its a bit difficult its worth every study you have take to get in i highly reccomend it ! Good luck future brother
@@LuisGarcia-gh4cj Anything in specific I should study?
Right now I'm non union but I'm considering joining in Jacksonville, FL .
Hey does anyone know if union has harder work hours or not? I heard union makes you work 12 hour days
The union doesn’t make you do anything. I wish I wouldn’t have listened to all the BS before I got in. I would have gotten in about 17 years earlier. They work the same 40 hours a week as any other company. If they are behind on a job they may go on time. If you’re a good hand and want to make more money the choice is yours! Are you doing plumbing now?
@@RogerWakefield I will 😁. I am in the process of applying to get an apprentiship with the local 32 union here in seattle. I was thinking about doing a short college course for trades. Any tips for a young blind begginer would be much appreciated 😁 your videos are good
depending on the union. if you work 12hr a day 2 hrs are time and a half, and 2 hours are double time. but there could also be night work pay additional 15%.
Now if you're a union plumber, can you still do side work?
If the side work is not in the same trade as the Union that you are apart of, then no problem!
If not...
As long as it is "under the table" (installing a hot water heater for your neighbor for cash or check. Or if you have direct permission from your local. You cannot simply work part time at a local non Union plumbing company for side work as a member of the Union.
Is it true that union gets laid off more then nonunion still trying to decide which route to go
@Ben Marshall I've been in the union for over 20 years and I've never been laid off. If you become the hardest working guy at the company, you will always have a job. People get laid off open shop and union. It just happens sometimes.
If your a shit worker doesnt matter where you work. And like roger said do good and they keep you around. I have worked with contractors that basically hire you to do a job and lay you off right after the job is done. But through the local I was back to work the next day. And been with the contractor I'm with now for 2 years
Hey quick question. I’m in Kentucky have applied for several small plumbing companies in town. Got an offer. The local plumbers and pipe fitters union is hiring in March. I’m wondering if I was to take the non union open shop job with company can I myself learn online and text book the same amount as the union apprenticeship teaches. And if so can you recommend any online degree or classes that I can take to learn and get the best knowledge?
@Chris Haycraft I worked for 17 years open shop before joining the union. Once I got into the union I really started learning. Most open shop plumbers aren't taught all the things the union teaches. Nothing against open shop, I worked with some of the best plumbers I have ever known there. Kentucky is a combination local, both plumbers and pipe fitters, you will learn about both and that will be beneficial throughout your career. You could go open shop now to start learning then jump over if you get accepted to the union. Subscribe and ring the bell so you don't miss anything, we are working on some really cool stuff!
Roger Wakefield it really is based on your ability. I have also worked union and nonunion. the training in the union is great. but if you don't apply yourself and push yourself you can become 1 dementional. meaning they will just have you do one aspect of the job. like you'll do copper or pvc but not both.
Non union service plumber here.
I personally perfer non union. Because some ones toilet will always be clogged, water heaters will always go out etc.
Union, i have relatives that are union for sheet metal and carpentry, and they do make good pay also good benefits, they also get laid off once in a while. Open shop seems like theres never a shortage of work as long as you advertise well and keep the phone ringing.
(In southern california i have yet to see a service plumbing company that is union, most union here is industrial and commercial and hand in hand with building not service)
Isaiah I am union and I own a service plumbing company in the Dallas area. I worked union new construction for 17 years and was never laid off. Things got slow a couple of times but it never got that bad. You are right though, there will always be a clogged toilet...
Union all the way local 78 ... plenty of service companys here union all the way great benefits
@EpiDemic117 what about hvac?
Maybe the open shops should join together in their own sort of union and mandate higher levels of training than even the current union does... do they ever have competing unions of the same trade in the same areas? 🤔
If you work 5-6 yrs non-union then you go union do you have to start from the beginning like a first year apprentice?
No most unions that needs heads will let u come in as journeyman if u know what u doing
Test out
If you become a Journeyman non Union (get the education requirements, hours requirements, and take the state test that are all required by your state...they all vary), then you have a much higher chance of joining the Union. They'll take you in as a Journeyman immediately.
Union local 577. I wanted a career with good benefits with a boss who cares about my well being.
Klinger plumbing and heating nonunion family business
UA Local -072 Atlanta GA pipefitting appreciate ✊
@Reginald Cox how long have you been in?
Will I have a hard time getting an apprenticeship in my mid 40s?
dptotoro I wouldn't think so. Where are you located? I have seen apprentices here at the age of 55. He did a good job and wanted to learn. If you can handle the work I actually think you bring more to the table. Thanks for watching and commenting!
dptotoro you may be able to get in through organizing and take a test if you have 5yrs experience or more
Started non union and it was alot easier to get indentured and was a faster learning curve and I thank everyday that I became a plumber. But the jman to apprentice ratio was 1:7 now I have been with a small union plumbing shop and the jman to apprentice ratio is 10:3 and when jman are the majority thing get done right the first time and there is more job security when you become certified. I find that union companies are more honest to upcoming layoffs so you can plan for them. But quality, quantity and speed you can only pick 2 so take pride in your work.
nicole schlitter where are you located? We used to be a 1:1 ratio. Now A journeyman can have as many apprentices as he can see...
@@RogerWakefield I am local 488 witch northern alberta in Canada we are in oil country and had a shortage of trades people. Alot of companies were pushing illegal ratios to get the job done. Unfortunately not for the better.
@@nickhickchick too many apprentices normally isn't for the best.
i passed my aptitude test for the IBEW and i work for a small residential non union contractor. i also have 3 years of electrical experience from my class i took in high school, do you think my chances are good at getting in? i’m only 17 by the way
Hey Greg, I'm an apprentice in the ibew local 915 in tampa fl.
Idk how it all is where you are but my guess is you might have a bit only because of age. Alot of construction wants you to be 18. But other then that shouldn't have a problem the experience puts you above alot of people. I have people in my class with 0 knowledge. I also did 3 years in highschool and got right in.
So unless your somewhere like New York city where its REALLY hard to get in because they have waiting lists that take years to fill. Should be no problem. me I got in less then a year after applying (we also are not a super big local) Good luck to you future brother! Dont give up.
Scott Kremser thanks man ! I live in maryland and one of my friends who was also in my electrical class got right in, i failed the test the first time, but passed the second, all i’m waiting on now is my interview date. i turn 18 in december and i’m trying to get into Local 26 IBEW
Awesome Greg. Well having experience I'm sure you'll do great with the interview and get right in. Seeing experiance means alot to them. Shows you actually want it and wont quit right away. Congrats brother.
Scott Kremser thanks, ill update you months later if i get in or not. pray for me 😂
Scott Kremser just had my interview 2 days ago and it went well
My experience with the plumbers union was that they hire experienced plumbers as pre- apprentices and lay them off before being mandated to make them first year apprentices. The journeyman I was working with told me to never sign the sign in sheet and would leave me at the jobsite while he went to work at other job sites. This experience obviously has made union jobs undesirable to me.
Lol what?!? No... Go work a union job, and you'll see.
I am a African American female plumber. I've been doing plumbing for 5 years open shop, am backflow certified & should have my journeyman license by the summer. I'm thinking about converting to union. I would love to ask you some questions when you have time please.
Keta Taylor reach out to me.
@@RogerWakefield I did on LinkedIn
Keta Taylor I just replied.
In Wisconsin you pay tuition
Detroit Local 98 plumber, I've never worked in an open shop although i did work as a non union roofer for 14yrs.. being a roofer was a decent job but being a union plumber is a great career..
I'm recently trying to go into that union as well. Might you know when they start accepting applicants? Seems everytime I go to their website it says the application window is closed.
@@alkalos at the moment there are a ton of people working as white tickes until another class starts.. couldn't hurt to give the training facility a call at 248-307-9800.. give them a call in the A.M
I’m union over at Local 582 in Orange County. 1 reason is that the work isn’t as bad as the non union guys, mostly all new work being done. I love that I get a pension and 41k, it’s really important, especially if you plan to have a family, not to mention I think the pay is great, you just live a better life in the union .
Johnathan Trujillo 👍🏻 hey Jonathan what is the current journeyman rate in 582? Thanks brother
@@ericpinosantiago3600 I guess we will never know 🙁