Alberta Welding Union - Your Opinions Please

[jasonspoon]

Hey, Everybody,

I'm looking for some info on which unions you guys work for, or know about. I'm looking at Boilermakers 146 or Local 488 Pipefitters. I may also get a job in a Sheet metal shop with SMWIA Local 8, as this would really help my tig hand. I'd love to hear some pros and cons about these unions, and some of the companies you've worked for.

I'm finishing my second period welding at NAIT on Dec. 19th, and I'm looking for a good job. I know field pays the best, but I know I won't be touching a stinger until I'm certified. My long term goals are to get my tig tickets ASAP after my J ticket. I've got my hours, but I need about 4 months still to finish my apprenticeship.

All helpful comments will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Jason

[Black Wolf]

What trade are you in? Boilermaker and Pipefitter are seperate trades from welder.

I've never worked for a union. Don't need to.

If you are good, you get paid well.

If you are not any good - you will struggle to stay employed when times get tough.

[Mr Bigs]

Hey, Everybody,

I'm looking for some info on which unions you guys work for, or know about. I'm looking at Boilermakers 146 or Local 488 Pipefitters. I may also get a job in a Sheet metal shop with SMWIA Local 8, as this would really help my tig hand. I'd love to hear some pros and cons about these unions, and some of the companies you've worked for.

I'm finishing my second period welding at NAIT on Dec. 19th, and I'm looking for a good job. I know field pays the best, but I know I won't be touching a stinger until I'm certified. My long term goals are to get my tig tickets ASAP after my J ticket. I've got my hours, but I need about 4 months still to finish my apprenticeship.

All helpful comments will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Jason

You have to decide from the three different trades you named. You are on track with picking union now you decide which one and ask on here from there.

[jasonspoon]

My apologies. I guess I wasn't quite clear. I'm an apprentice welder. I'll be a third year welder once I'm done this intake. Both the pipefitter and boilermaker unions hire welders. There's not really a 'welders union' here. I'm looking for guys that have had experience with the unions good or bad. I want to make an informed decision before I go jumping in.

Thanks.

[davedarragh]

"Live Better-Work Union"

I've worked Union jobs all of my life. From O.C.A.W (Oil, Chemical, Atomic Workers local 3-689) in Ohio, United Steel Workers (same Local), to Teamsters Local 83 & 104 in Arizona. Unions are there to protect worker's rights, keep things fair and equitable, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, provide provisions for EMPLOYER contributions to Health & Welfare, Pension Plans, and other benefits. Trade Union language is specific regarding "call and work lists" and good business agents keep signatory employers supplied with 1st class tradesmen. You need to check with the named locals in your area to see which one will keep you the busiest. There's always some "overlap" in job descriptions between Pipefitters, Boilermakers, Millwrights, Ironworkers, etc., but it still goes without saying: "Live Better-Work Union." You sound like you have the right attitude and work ethics already, someone who is eager, willing to learn from the best WILL work for the best and have a prosperous career in your vocation. Hope this helps, and GOOD LUCK!

[Mr Bigs]

I've worked Union jobs all of my life. From O.C.A.W (Oil, Chemical, Atomic Workers local 3-689) in Ohio, United Steel Workers (same Local), to Teamsters Local 83 & 104 in Arizona. Unions are there to protect worker's rights, keep things fair and equitable, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, provide provisions for EMPLOYER contributions to Health & Welfare, Pension Plans, and other benefits. Trade Union language is specific regarding "call and work lists" and good business agents keep signatory employers supplied with 1st class tradesmen. You need to check with the named locals in your area to see which one will keep you the busiest. There's always some "overlap" in job descriptions between Pipefitters, Boilermakers, Millwrights, Ironworkers, etc., but it still goes without saying: "Live Better-Work Union." You sound like you have the right attitude and work ethics already, someone who is eager, willing to learn from the best WILL work for the best and have a prosperous career in your vocation. Hope this helps, and GOOD LUCK!

I couldn't have said it better myself "God Bless The Unions". Most non-union jobs that pay a decent hourly rate and give benefits is because of unions.

[c wagner]

I don't think Canada is as Union orientated as the United States is.
In lots of cases it can be a toss up, I have talked to lots of guys on both sides of the fence and most have had good AND bad experiences with unions.

I would agree that in one point and time unions became a necessity and now because of unions MOST non union jobs have decent pay and benefits, sometimes better than unions.
I don't have any particular experience with the unions you mentioned so I can't comment directly on that.

[Conrad_Turbo]

If you are good, you get paid well.

I'd 100% agree with this. Might be going against the grain, but a union is the adult equivalent of "no child left behind" in the US education system. Seniority rules in a union, not the desire to work hard to move up. Paying a union rep. to keep them employed (for the sake of employment) to protect your job is absurd when there are labor laws already in place.

I know this could run around in circles but I'd recommend looking at your local job market and see the pro's and con's of each alternative.

[Mr Bigs]

I don't think Canada is as Union orientated as the United States is.
In lots of cases it can be a toss up, I have talked to lots of guys on both sides of the fence and most have had good AND bad experiences with unions.

I would agree that in one point and time unions became a necessity and now because of unions MOST non union jobs have decent pay and benefits, sometimes better than unions.
I don't have any particular experience with the unions you mentioned so I can't comment directly on that.

Canada must be different because the only way a non union worker makes more money than his union counterpart is if he's related to the owner or gets money off the books. Union is needed now more than ever,if the union collapses things will get bad for everybody real quick because no-one will fight for you. Labor laws and prevailing wage standards and weekends were created because of unions.

[beaudoin66]

I'm a welder for the 359 boilermakers here in BC, and have just got off a job for the 146 local up at Suncor with lockerbie and hole. lots of inconel and chrome welding both tig and stick. i'd go for the boilermakers, but i hear good things about 488 aswell. I don't think you could go wrong picking either one.

[Black Wolf]

Okay, I am Going WAY OFF TOPIC Here !!!

Yes Mr Bigs... Canada is VERY different than the US in respect to Unions.

You, obviously are a great supporter of them, and that is fine. Me, I have never even HEARD of a Welding Union in Alberta. Other trades - Yes. Welding - No

I acknowledge the place in the workplace that Unions used to have, but I do not see them as being particularly neccessary in today's day and age.

I like the current set up. The ones willing to do the nasty work, in the severe conditions, make the most money. I do not expect (with my job) to make the same as a Pipeliner freezing his nads off on the line in -40 weather - Nor should I.... But by the same token, my job and my skill set is worth A LOT more than some trigger puller working in a factory in Edmonton or Calgary.

If everything was dead even across the board, what would be the point of excelling, and setting yourself apart from the rest? Everyone would be scrambling for the easiest jobs where they could collect the Big Bucks for doing little or no work.

Sorry, NOT how I was raised.

Up here we give the boss and Honest Day's Work for an Honest Day's Wage.

My work speaks for itself.

My Blood, Sweat and Tears keep me employed AND Well Paid......Not a Union.

No Offense intended. Just my Opinion.

[dmk welding]

I'm not too sure which union in northern Alberta is the best or the busiest at the moment. A buddy of mine works union up in Ft. Mac and I can ask him some questions for you about what's going on up there. I do hear rumors of MAJOR layoffs up there right now.

I have also considered union lately, in Saskatchewan though. There is a pipefitters out of Regina and all the mines here are union run. I believe the top wages in Sask are with the unions by far, compared with shop jobs. But by being your own, independent contractor like myself and many others a guy can make anywheres from 10 K to 30 K a month and no union on this planet pays a journeyman welder that rate. So until the work dies out for rig welders I'm staying away from the union, although it would be nice to be closer to home and make decent money with good benefits, etc...i guess we'll see what happens.

Anyways, all the best to you and I hope that you find what you're looking for and I will talk with my buddy and get back to you.

[jasonspoon]

Thanks for all the replies. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for the easy way out. My last shop job I was at, I was Foreman and a first year welder, I was made many promises that never were fulfilled. I don't want to go from job to job working for a bunch of greedy *******s. I'm looking for an employer who appreciates my loyalty, and work ethic. I don't have to be the highest paid, but I do expect to get a good wage.
I've been hearing that the unions have the best pay when it comes to working for the man. I know I could make better money with my own rig, but I really don't want to be away from home all the time.(and I already ran a photography business for 8 years, so I'd like someone else to worry about the bills for a while) Once in a while is okay, but I have a wife and young kids. I'd rather give them my time than my money. That's why I think the union may be the best way to go. Good money, flexibility.

Once again, thanks for all the replies.

[davedarragh]

Good Luck Jason!

Jason: Your work ethics and sound principles speaks volumes of your character. Many have "opinions" or say they've had a "bad experience" with Labor Unions. I've worked Union primarily all my life, and the couple of times I had to take non-union work (in between jobs, etc), what a difference! Many who cast aspersion against Labor Unions have also openly stated "they've never been a member." Unions are there to negotiate Collective Bargaining agreements with employers and provide the "safety net" of job protection through said agreement. In the 35+ years of Union membership, I can count the number of grievances I've filed on one hand. They were all viable, and were all settled by the 2nd step. Unions are NOT there to start or promote trouble, OR keep unsatisfactory workers employed. Granted, your social structure in Canada differs from that of our's here in the States, so I can not comment on how health & welfare language impacts your well being. Trade Union's Apprenticeship Programs are among the best in the free world. Local 469 Pipefitters here in Phoenix has an excellent program, and the Operarting Engineers World Training Center is located between Phoenix and Tucson. When I was an Executive Board member for the OCAW in Ohio, I wasn't popular with the "gold-brickers." They'd come to me crying about every little hang nail, and I'd tell 'em, "you don't want to work here, go find another job then." Jason, I hope this gives you the needed insight about the true purpose of the Skilled Trade and Labor Unions. Good Luck pal, and stay warm up there! Today: 75 and sunny in Phoenix

[Black Wolf]

Thank you very much Dave for the information and your insight.

If I ever get involved with a union, I hope my experiences are as positive as yours.

Have a Good Day.