Getting into the Trades: Union vs Non-union | EP 1: Pipefitters 123

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Pipefitters 123: Getting into the trades is a great way to make a career, but what is the best route to go: Union or Non-Union? We get this question all the time, so this is the first episode in an ongoing series where we will go to different unions, schools and contractors to talk about the benefits of joining (or not joining) a union. Today we are at the pipefitters local 123 in Tampa, FL.
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[@neilouellette3004]

Retired Pipefitter/Welder UA Local 4. Traveled the country in the 80's-90's "Boomer" hitting mostly shutdowns. Made a lot of money and a career I love so much. Met a lot of good brothers over the years that turned into life long friends. Through most of my traveling years I was never married or even had kids. Can't begin to tell you the fun and the stories I had on these jobs. Between my father and I, we put 99 years together in UA Local 4 until his passing 3 years ago at 95 yrs old. Smartest thing I ever did was becoming a UA Pipefitter/Welder almost 40 yrs ago. "Hollywood" is now retired and becoming a Snowbird. Wintertime 6 months in Florida and Maine beaches in the Summer for 6 months. Owe it all to being a UA Pipefitter. To all of my UA Family, "Hollywood" signing off.

[@seanmcquilkin7753]

thanks for sharing, i live in maine as well and i will be joining the union in march. i am looking forward to it, my grandfather and both my uncles are pipefitter/welders and my uncles the one who talked to me about the union.

[@mas7475]

This is for the Young Bucks scrolling through the comments, do yourself a favor and go take that test to get into a union. Any of them. I'm a sheet metal worker local 265 in Illinois and it has changed my life. benefits, pay, retirement, school! Learn a skill, get paid what you're worth. And don't forget unions keep wages high for everyone organized or not.

[@johndel1971able]

Absolutely right bud. I'm IBEW in Jersey and a lot of us older guys are going to be retiring in the next 10-20 years and all these trades are hurting for new guys starting in the trades. No one wants to work for a living anymore, they want handouts. I worked non union before I got in and let me tell you it blows. Shit money, horrible benifits if your lucky to even get them, working like a dog day in and out. My advice to younger guys is if your going to do a trade try and get in a union. There's not many decent non union jobs out there. And at least here in Jersey most non union jobs are mainly hiring illegals for the cheap pay.

[@geoffmooregm]

@@johndel1971able Yea all of our trades here in Canada need guys bad. I am a QCC member and monitoring the welding on piling and the Bridgeman hall is desperate for people. They will take anyone willing and fit for work.

[@johndel1971able]

@@geoffmooregm Times have changed my friend. When I was growing up getting into a trade in the union was very difficult, and a desired job. You pretty much had to know someone to get in. Nowadays if anyone is going to be in construction, a union job is pretty much mandatory if you you want a good life. These kids just don't want to work. My local tells all of us if we know anyone who is interested please send them in because the trades are shorthanded. Take care buddy and be safe.

[@calebjones6619]

Ok I read this and had to reply... i went union lineman instead lol cheers brothers and sisters

[@battlebob]

@@johndel1971able They have been taking about a worker shortage for 30 years or longer. I have yet to see the impact.

[@joeseabert8391]

My grandfather was a boilermaker, local 92, he retired in 82-83. His pension paid until his death in 07. It was good for him.

[@brandonasif4074]

Whoa cool. I want a pension now. I'm in my 3rd month of my electrical apprenticeship (nom union)

[@liffy8333]

45 year IBEW member. Building Trades Unions are a working mans best choice. Collective Bargaining helps families succeed in today's world. Sent my 2 children to all the education they wanted. Daughter is a Doctor, Son is an Engineer. NEVER would have happened (without BS student debt) without my involvement with a union. Now I'm retired and my children have NO student debt. I always hear from Non Union workers how the IBEW stands for "Im Broke Every Winter". But what it really means is with all our benefits through Collective Bargaining that "I live on a fixed income, but ITS FIXED REAL GOOD" Godspeed to all that believes in unions and go all in. That means answering the call of your union to give back when asked. I owe so much. I have been asked to stand picket lines and to teach apprenticeship classes and I have always answered the call. Proud to be a life long union member.

[@steamerjohn9212]

Retired fitter, proud member of LU #725 Miami 52 yrs. Terrific apprenticeship program and a great career choice.

[@moneygamer4308]

Do you know if they still have a lot of work. I’m a 17 year old from Chicago looking to move to the Miami area for this career

[@ShutUpBubi]

@@moneygamer4308 You have to have a High School Diploma or GED and you're gonna have to save a few thousand to afford to move to Miami let alone be able to afford the cost of living there. If you're in Chicago get into Structural or ship work by Lake Chicago imo

[@tatooguy65]

Proud member of UA Local 144. Been working Union all my life and now I'm retired with full pension and benefits for life at 55 yrs old. One of the best decisions of my life.

[@garrettmaxwell2820]

Instructor out of UA local 467, very well done video. As many others have stated best thing I ever did for a career. Been teaching welding to our apprentices for four years and love every minute of it. Your never to old to change careers or job paths. I’ve had apprentices well into their 40s coming thru my class room. Make the change for the better for your self and your family. Find a local close by and go ask some questions. Typical business agents are more than happy to help provide you with a path to better yourself and the local union. The UA doesn’t just cover pipe fitting and welding we cover plumbing, hvac, service and starting to get more into the detailing and computer draftsman. Theirs something here for everyone.

[@rafaelvu3wv]

I'm a pipefitter in Brazil, and I'm trying to get a job offer from canada. What's the chance to me become a red seal there? I would like to know more about it

[@riickthespark]

43 years I.B.E.W. L.U. #302. Best decision I ever made. We also weld our own brackets and I spent quite a bit of time in a weld bay and in the racks at the Refineries in our jurisdiction.

[@Chris.Rhodes]

I've been wanting to get into the field. Thank you for this video.

[@xTurbidityx]

I graduated from Local 123’s apprenticeship program in 2001. It was quite easily one of the smartest moves I’ve ever made. I no longer work in the trade, but I value my time there, and in the pipe fitting field, greatly.

[@informationalgame2007]

Local 392 still fitting

[@mauricemaurice6766]

What do you do now if you don’t mind sharing ..also I got out hvac trade wages to low in In the south … 45 in ohio compare to Tampa 27 ..

[@larrymcgarage2152]

Great video, I’m a 20 year millwright journeyman. Union all the way. Same principles for all union trades.

[@brisketbbqbob8306]

Sadly I agree I was a non union fitter and on a 9 man crew I was the only fluent English speaker who wasn’t from “south south” texas

[@carlwhite8225]

Thank you for sharing this, What a great program for young people.

[@deltathunderfalcon8512]

Awesome video brother! Very informal and a great insight to the union. I’ve Been working as a plumber/pipefitter for a solid three years (non-union). I just applied for local 421 a few weeks ago, and now I’m just waiting for that interview and I’ll be on my way! Thank you for making these videos, you inspire me more and more to really chase my dreams of becoming a journeyman welder! 🤘

[@hunteratkinson4588]

I just applied to 421 myself, how it is?

[@deltathunderfalcon8512]

@@hunteratkinson4588 In my personal experience, I didn’t like it. I wasn’t welding enough as I thought I was going to be and all I did was just stand around for hourrrssss. I thought it was going to be a great learning experience. I know it takes time to learn, but I decided to leave went to school for welding and now am making more than a third year apprentice. And I’m welding every single day. Carolina union to me, just isn’t my thing. Not saying it’s a bad choice, but there’s other unions in the country that pay wayyy more and have a lot more work. Just sayin.

[@hunteratkinson4588]

@@deltathunderfalcon8512 thanks for the response, I also went to school for welding but I’m having an awful time finding work that isn’t MIG Production. I qualified in school with stick and TIG and have pipe certs and have barley been able to do any of that since I graduated.

[@deltathunderfalcon8512]

@@hunteratkinson4588 I feel you brother. From what I’ve learned working in the field, when you’re starting out it doesn’t matter what kind of certs you’ve got, it matters how well you can pass a weld test. If welding is the path you want to take, you have to take whatever you can get to gain experience in the field. Once you obtain reputation of being a reputable welder, then you can pick and choose. Just stay strong and more importantly stay humble 👨‍🏭

[@anthonyalmager2947]

That pipe fitting jungle gym is BAD ASS, I have always wondered if there’s was a place that teaches that way. I’m impressed with that!!

[@benkeith2932]

I'm non union but I definitely see the need for unions and the value they hold.

[@janeblogs324]

Yeah gotta crash an industry overnight like Detroit aye

[@notabagel]

@@janeblogs324 if there weren't unions you wouldn't have a weekend

[@grahamshere]

@@notabagel Plus no one wants to work for nothing like the Chinese, every thing about a union is far and above better than non union. Only problem with unions are the leaders, but if they suck just vote them out.

[@mzjoseph88]

That's why all the work is in China. No one wants to pay a Union.

[@bruiseandy]

Joseph Munoz hah, with that logic you’ll eventually work yourself down to Chinese wages.

[@brettsilva7317]

Did I enjoy the video? Absolutely, that is correct!

[@larrymasterspowerbuildingc4477]

Man, a young person wanting to get into the trades has so many great options now for a solid future.

[@ryane19993]

Thanks for bringing awareness to the benefits of joining a Union. I'm a U.A. Local 669 sprinkler fitter. It's hard work sometimes, but it pays accordingly.

[@goproskiing1071]

Sched 10 aint hard work

[@nategreycanopywelding8679]

I've seen a couple of comments regarding age. "Well I'm 30 something and I dont know if they would take me" or "I'm 30 something and dont know what to do". Don't let your age be the one thing that holds you back. I'm 38 and getting back into the industry after a 20 year hiatus. Age is an arbitrary number that gets you into the mindset of thinking you can't do anything. Stop! Age isn't anything but you following that dumb mindset set down by OTHER people. Do it, ask, learn. What's the worse that happens? You get told no? If I had a dime for every time I was told no in life, I'd be a rich man. That's when you find a work around and do it anyway. If you are passionate about ANYTHING you will find a way.

[@8BWN]

Local 464 Apprentice, in my 3rd year, absolutely love it.

[@jeepwk6.5L]

Respect for actually showing the union side of things, much appreciated from LU157

[@jamesphothisack5748]

Thank you so much for this video I just lost my job. Now I know what to do👍

[@brianallen8752]

I got into pipefitting after dropping outta highschool knew nothing about the union now that I'm a decent fitter I never finishing highschool is a huge regret I work with a bunch of unskilled hands regularly anytime I've worked with union hands they were always good always learned something

[@kdel9776]

great vid, was on edge of seat entire time

[@guskohlin5347]

So glad you made this

[@lezziewombat]

Steamfitters 353, Peoria Illinois. Hands down, bar none, the best thing i ever did in my life. This is a career, complete with benefits for you and your family for life. You might have to travel, but if you are willing to work you will make a very good living.

[@jesseh5554]

UA Local 601, best decision I've ever made.

[@fitterextraordinaire2856]

What years did you do your apprenticeship?

[@elliottruff3993]

I’m local 601 as well! Just became a 1st year apprentice. Best decision I’ve made by far.

[@scootertrash647]

Great and informative vid. I wish I had known about all union has to offer before being in the trade for ten years and then joining.i encourage any young person wanting to get into the trades union is the best way to go

[@romello4913]

Didn’t see this vid coming, can’t wait to watch it

[@josephb.6158]

Thanks for this video guys. Had a sprinkler fitter come into my welding class to talk about recruiting. Think I will go with UA over boilermakers.

[@jeremeolson5555]

I agree with that instructor. The puddle is where the money is at. That was one of the few lessons the Army teaches you in welding school. WATCH THE PUDDLE.

[@Dozaaaaa]

What does that mean explain pls?

[@miffyleslie]

I'm a West Palm Beach Local 630 member! Love your vids. So happy that you did this video and hope some young people see the light and benefits!! Thanks again!!!

[@mw3nac]

Same

[@amersonmejia5130]

Is the teaching there good? I was gonna go take a 10 month course for pipefitting at Tulsa in Jacksonville but many have said that going to a union is way better because of all the amenities one receives.

[@miffyleslie]

@@amersonmejia5130 I’m union a very long time and wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d say give it a shot and if you don’t like it then you choose from then!!

[@phoenixlove76]

I just did the pipefitting test at 123 earlier this week. Planning on being in there next year

[@89s10blazer89]

Best thing I ever did was to join the Millwrights Local 1076.

[@Iowahurler82]

Millwright 2158 here. Granted I am about to mail in my withdraw paperwork. Just got tired of traveling with kids at home and went inhouse maintenance for John Deere in Waterloo, IA, still union with UAW 838.

[@michaelmullins6868]

@White Man You're mutt.

[@richardprice5978]

How do you join the millwright union?? As I’m trained as one and have more than 3 years in the plant ( and would love to work for the automotive sector ie Gm and the truck plant or c8 plant or spacex in Texas as ground crew or any sea large going vessels ie Cruise ship/ civilian cargo / oil tanker in the engine room or off shore oil rig especially if I get 7 12’s or three months On for 12’s and one month time off or something like that as I do better on average not doing sub 8 hours day but have to make it up by being in every day of the year ) as one and I’m tired 😓 of low unlivable wages and being stuck as a “ permanent temporary worker” ( sub 12 $ ish pre hour and no benefits and not being able to afford the luxuries of benefits like health insurance care and sometimes being stuffed into production work even with my background and or maintenance being a temporary gig 😓😓 I mean I get it you sometimes have to pay your dues aka some dead end job that you don’t like at all and or both of those are true or it’s well paying but you still don’t like it. but I feel I payed those in school doing line work / minimum wage Service jobs dues again and when I was under 20 years old I see them as paid off in full and just got hired on as apprentice after I was 21 ish and didn’t need at the time school certifications to get hired but being a automotive repair mechanic 👨‍🔧 and X farm boy helped but some how in 2020 a lot of HR makes school certs a big deal which I didn’t mind getting them but if it’s one more hoop that I have to jump though then it raises the bar up and makes more of skilled trade profession and should come with the fair compensations ) ( aka I’m one millennial that’s tired of living in their parents house and didn’t even like the idea in the first place💡 🏡 as good as they are to me and I do love them I’d just rather visit them on holidays and some days off if I choose too and be able to have adult things/toys like kids or a big dog or a sail sea going boat/ yacht 🚤 or a sub 60K $$ hot rod / sports car workshop etc. I remember having a high paying 💰 job ( more than 16 a hour and was trying to get to 34 ish basically the same as my older mentors and coworkers ) with my own home 🏠 my own control with little to no questions asked, no forced into room mates and being happily married for a little while intel person drama with the wife made the house of cards ♦️ ♥️ come crashing down she thought 🤔 I was cheating 😂 hard to do when I’m not into guys (🤢 you do you but it’s not for me and LGBT’s) and I’m stuck at work for 50+ hours on average with all middle age baby boomers guys ( no girls have been my coworkers sofar on a maintenance crew / automotive setting not saying that they can’t. but didn’t happen and or they quickly quit the job or were on a different shift than me plus I don’t date coworkers knowingly as it’s just to much of a risk/hassle but Xcoworkers after being a year or two away from them maybe but I’d have to think 💭 long and hard about that and I’m not asking them out on the first date knowing that ) and I’m close to or the youngest of the bunch the rest of the time I’m with the wife or sleeping 🛏 😴 or eating/getting ready for work ) and not a fully certified welder 👨‍🏭 etc. But I can weld and did pass some AWS testing ( my favourite process is TIG with the foot pedal or programming the welding robot arm ) ( and have worked with 240 1p /2p and 480 3p and have most if not all of the testing done for that and honestly high voltage scares me /respect 😳 because I’ve seen firsthand from a close to retirement coworker that messed up and got his face and or hand 🤚 burn 20 years ( 1978-86 time frame ) before I met him and started as a rookie/green horn at that plant in 2011-12 ) and injoy working on and maintaining industrial equipment ( and after work/hours my and family/friends hot rods and Mom mobiles sometimes ) ( and in the video they mentioned being up high aka scared of heights it’s not my favourite thing and technically I’m scared of heights but I’ve learned to ignore it and continue with my task/work it’s kinda the same thing as 480 3p for me as once again I learned the consequences of falling and rather not be long term hospitalised in excruciating 😖😭 pain ) not working on the production line or McDonald’s cashier which is my Version of hell on earth 🌏 because me and the general public aka customer care with a smile 😊 and quickly managing money 💵 doesn’t mix and call centres ( didn’t even make it a full day before being fired as multi tasking like a mom isn’t me lol 😆 I wasn’t rude to anyone etc. but looking 👀 down and or asking lots of questions to figuring out how to do the job or dealing with the customers trying to keep up doesn’t work I guess I came a cross as a robot 🤖 and I found it was really stressful and not good for my mental health unlike coworkers that I’ve had in the past that saw me as mechanic I instead pass as normal and or relaxed 😎 ) aren’t for me tryed it. The longest jobs I’ve kept are being a automotive mechanic 👨‍🔧 ( got burnt out from some aggressive customers and for me at least the weird pay like seriously one month 500+ usd next month at 500 or less and worrying about mortgage/rent etc. And no i wasn’t the owner or in control in any real way of any of the shops I worked for ) and industrial manufacturing mechanic 👨‍🔧 followed by in BATC in Utah 🇺🇸 working to cover my school bills production line worker aka stacking boxes 📦 ect. And or looking for a new longer term maintenance job And my god one of to things ether happen as a production worker I was good at it and got so bored 😑 but stuck with it to pay the bills and or hoping to get a promotion up / out or first week I sucked and got moved/fired/quit. And one thing that gets my goat 🐐 is with temp places and or how there Office politics works which I’m not into or what anything to do with/ I don’t care 🤷🏻‍♂️ or what to be good at office politics as I’d rather know all of the bad habits that the Machines and everything that goes with it and buildings im responsible for and how to fix it. I don’t know if being Union is the same way as temps but having two different boss/supervisors ( and sometimes more than one set of coworkers ) too please and get a long with is way harder and if they have different opinions/ideas of what you’re hired/supposed to do. At 18 years old I didn’t like unions at all and didn’t want to join but I can see why there still around as I’ve gotten tired 😓 of being yanked around and not knowing day to day if I have a job/money 💵 coming in and making it super hard and frustrating too me how to plan my long term future out heck even 1 week or 1 month out is a stretch for me now and I dred saving or spending on big ticket ideas/ items or any time off for any reason including sick 🤒 🤕 🤢 time and the part that I’m super annoyed but grateful is having to rely on other Grace of others sometimes in a bind and the strings that sometimes come with it ( including being a indentured servant/sharecropper/I own you’s ) compared with when I could Count on my job being there as long as I wasn’t missing it up majorly. I planned on a year or more on some things like how much I could save for maybe having kids a house or a new car or retirement planning and at one point we were Thinking 🤔 of maybe going on vacation to Venice Italy or Switzerland 🇨🇭 alpines for a week or two on my paided time off and I could choose to give to charity or help others less fortunate than us at the time or invest in pet projects that may or may not pay me back at all or get lucky 🍀 and see it double back the money 💰 or time investment

[@natemorris4146]

Millwright local 1607 best decision I've ever made. The rest of my decision not so good

[@keithkamps77]

Great video. 34 years local 3, it would be cool to see a video on what the Non union side of the world does for their people. Unions equal quality work.

[@kylenorton15]

UA local 32 Seattle baby! 1 year apprentice in Refrigeration. Best decision I’ve ever made

[@kylenorton15]

Lots of welding in the A/C and refrigeration world too!

[@oeddy5751]

@@kylenorton15 how you apply

[@Laura-wc5xt]

so glad I watched this....fantastic

[@AM-dn4lk]

I would have loved to attend this training. It sounds awesome

[@r-hadventures4786]

I saw the big UA and immediately knew it was in my hometown. Drive past it everyday

[@frankperry1543]

Millwright Local 1421 Arlington Tx. Great video. I'm eager to see the second part to get the non union perspective.

[@1984saosin]

UA Local 290 - 7th term apprentice. Best decision I ever made. Amazing scale, pensions and full benefits for my family of 6. Looking forward to getting that first 6 figure year here soon. Union Proud no doubt about it!

[@TBJK07Jeep]

UA Local 100 here. It’s given me a great career even though I don’t fit or weld for a living. HVAC portion here.

[@RickAShriver]

Great Show again!!!

[@alexandergillis6276]

Union ironworker here. Training, benefits, and representation. Good for the man and good for the contractor.

[@hotrodsrx]

If I could do it all over I'd love to get into one of the skilled trades. Grandpa, dad and brother are/were Operating Engineers

[@chasevanover]

So I have no problem saying pipe welding is hard. I also want to acknowledge that structural welding on the job site is by far the hardest welding I’ve done personally. I’ve helped the local Pipefitters welding regardless of me being a sheetmetal worker. I have certs for all so they sent me for the shutdown. The job I’m on now makes me wish I had the room to weld pipe. I’m up in the nosebleeds with no room to see what I’m doing as all other trades have done their thing. Some positions grinding is not an options. Sound, timing, position, and the few spots you can see into. Inspectors have to take videos in order to do a visual. I’ve never had to do pipewelding like that.

[@chasevanover]

Btw local sheet metal workers testing instructor is hardcore in Kansas City. They’re apprentices go full 8 hour days multiple days a week. Sheet metal also makes more. Welding got me to be a specialty worker in Oklahoma starting out.

[@gabotrial]

Amazing! i wish we had something like that in my country

[@pollepost]

Unions in Denmark go way back, they began in 1888 with the smith and machinist cooperating a union for metal workers. It laid the foundation for the "danish model" which is an agreement between the owner and the employee. There is a lot of benefits, like extra holidays, pension, job security, maternity leave, education and clubs for the social life.

[@garrybeair5789]

I am coming up on on 50 year membership as a UA pipefitter/welder. It was a good choice as I have 2 pensions and retirement savings. I have good friends all over the country.

[@justinziegler4194]

Local 392 Cincinnati checking in ! Love the brother hood I’ve been non union and union best decision I made was joining the brother hood please take my advice JOIN

[@irishx302]

Local 74 and proud of it. Excited for my future. Already make 1400$ a week in my first year working 6-10s tho.

[@josephb.6158]

@Jacks Journale Some unions will comp travel and lodging.

[@icekilla126]

Jacks Journale as a journeyman I make $1400 after taxes working 40hrs. I’ve also never driven further then 1hr from home. Ryan you made the right choice. I guess your at Delaware city right now just wait for ME3 to start in my territory you’ll be making stupid money.

[@irishx302]

icekilla126 yes I’m at the Delaware city refinery. I love it. Wouldn’t want to stay here forever tho. Lay-offs are coming just around the corner.

[@adamwaddell7434]

I'm 1st year apprentice in Canada making 1400$ doing 5 10s go union

[@irishx302]

Adam Waddell given the difference between the Canadian and American dollar we probably end up making the same. Def the best decision I’ve made so far. Meet a lot of interesting people lmao

[@itzFadedHD]

I just got on with this specific union as of 4/5/24 to be a pipefitter. Excited to get started. And love to be in the tampa area

[@garywestin6907]

I'm just starting out welding with my everlast welders. I'm looking at options so this video was very useful.

[@madinsaneworld6906]

if u decide to union stay union

[@craigforster9861]

40 years Local 638 NYC service division retired scale pension no brainer

[@armandovillalpando8998]

Awesome info!

[@farmerbrown3768]

Best opportunity for a young person starting out as an journeyman, will eventually make MORE money than most university educated students. Oh! also as the clip says you have no student debt either!

[@kimjuanjun7124]

Glad I choose pipefitters. I got into both ibew and pipefitters and was told go pipefitters and I did and started at $28/hr

[@MrEpikmax]

@@kimjuanjun7124 how high can that go for a journeyman?

[@kimjuanjun7124]

@@MrEpikmax depends on state and if your liked or not. The lowest is $50.75

[@MrEpikmax]

@@kimjuanjun7124 thinking about being a pipe fitter or electrician

[@kimjuanjun7124]

@@MrEpikmax I say choose what you enjoy doing. You should look for free pre apprenticeships or programs that teach welding and electricity.

[@bradvincet1848]

You'll be riding high until you get blindsided by your first layoff. You'll soon realize work isn't always abundant and close to home. Traveling out of state and paying for your accommodations is seldom brought to people's attention.

[@user-ww1yv6ss3b]

Proud Pipefitter of 10 years from UA 254 Winnipeg, now back in school to become a teacher for the up-and-comers!

[@necro27golden]

Local 597 Chicago. Changed my life for the best.

[@warrenpeece1900]

I'll graduate with my associates in July and I'm really excited to get into an apprenticeship. Really liked the video and a sneak peak of what the next few years of my life are going to look like

[@chrisskiba8842]

95% of that video is about the union! Don't kid yourself they say pay above and beyond!! For Bennefits anuity, insurance, death Bennefits!! Ha! Nothing is for free! They double tax and mess with your gross Total and tell you sometime in August you will get your money back that they took out for the job!! You never get back what you put into it!!! And what about the Union dues every month you pay and the union Stuart who bugs you day and night! If you join the Union it's for life! They own! Your ass🤨 try to get copy's of your welding certifications or fitter certifications to take to another job no way! They say we paid for those fuck you! I learned more in private college than I ever did in the Union? And I kept my certificates and I studied what I want and welded on exotic alloys hafnium, incoloy, cromemolly ect that was going to pay me way more than carbon steel was ! And I pick the job and the contractor I want to work for! No need to spend.months on knot tieing when everything is set with steel cable slings or chains only a rope tagline once and a while!! If you have half a brain do some homework before you. Comit your self to the union and regret it! there are more non-unioun job's and than union the total cost is too! High that's why?the union jobs are almost always underbid! By private contractors your hourly wage will be higher also ! I say from experience. NON- Union!,,"*"_👍

[@CRR1977]

Chris Skiba that is some attitude you have. Wish you the best.

[@chetboisen1187]

@@chrisskiba8842 I have been Union for 36 years. The only time I hear someone talk like this is when that person joined and couldn't cut it. Best of luck. At least you have a positive attitude.

[@chrisskiba8842]

Does the union talk about how the butt dragging lazy alcoholic,tweakers hide behind the union Stewart's and file grevence"s when they get accused of not doing there job ! They rarely get fired! And take credit for the work you do! I do not need to pay a business that is what the union is to find me work! And I cut it fine for 20 plus years I'm saying there are options I went to college to learn what I want and let me tell you there is a hell of a lot more to learn machining,metallurgy science , and code reading classes than is offered by the union! It depends on what State you live in Colorado is not a big Union employer but back east is Chicago, Ohio new York it's all about where you want to live ! And work! If I lived there I would have to join up! But plenty of work here with prevailing wage jobs happening all the time! Apples and oranges if it works for you cool beans enjoy!👍

[@jackstraw5527]

Chris Skiba prevailing wage is set so high thanks to your union counterparts in your city. You couldn’t make it as a union fitter so it’s probably a good thing you didn’t join!

[@Otto_Factory]

Local 7 now, but 123 was my home Local!

[@michaelcoriglianol7197]

Great video!

[@aaronhobbs8716]

Proud UA 488 welder

[@geeper2142]

5 boys in our family all joined separate UNIONS . Everyone enjoyed a very high standard of living. Proud to be a union man ! And one in the UA which is a fine brotherhood

[@jetxgto]

15 years in labor union demolition in Chicago Start at the bottom now I’m the director of operations for one of Chicago’s largest demolition companies. Still union! I’m a company man and a union man and the owner is to

[@thomasmcnicholas8656]

I’m a union member...... local 13 rochester ny, we teach welding, it is apart of our apprenticeship. So is the pipe fitting. We are big on the welding.

[@davemiller1661]

Union is the best way to go.. i worked non union for decent sized shops for 14 years. I joined sheet metal local 206 in SD a year ago and I realized it should have been done years ago. Pensions, medical, wages, pride. All are better in a Union.

[@tommyt2854]

Well, kudos Red. That was pretty well done. Since you've shown the union side, and I am pro union, I'd like to see the "other" side: trade schools, and starting as a helper or worm.

[@patriotskingnation8084]

Helper > trade school my opinion

[@youngjesus5992]

I just started attending a welding program at Advanced Career Institute and idk much about welding. I know more now than I did 2 weeks ago but that’s all outta the book. In 1 week we’ll start going out into the shop and begin welding so I’m looking forwards to that. But I’m just tryna see which is better to take. And I’m thinking a union. My only question is … In order to get into a union I have to start off as an apprentice?

[@jcnpresser]

If I could do it over again I’d definitely go into pipe fitters. Heck it’s almost worth for me start over and do it with the way health insurance has gotten, its ridiculous.

[@notabagel]

Vote for Bernie if you want to have healthcare that you can afford

[@jcnpresser]

notabagel I don’t think so, a Democrat got us in this situation.

[@battlebob]

@@jcnpresser ha you think trump's pro Union?

[@jackpeck2494]

battlebob Actually he’s helped the unions more than the Democrats and he’s not even prounion that’s how fucked the Democrats are Union millwright here worked more in the last four years than I ever worked with Obama lollll

[@scottgibbons5862]

@@battlebob where you are now with bumbling Biden

[@williammcdermid489]

Good job Mr. Becker, Local 803 3rd year apprentice.

[@L_E_L_0_U_P]

Union screwed me over, cashed my grant cheque from school, paid dues for 5 years with only two jobs to show for it.

[@jordanalderman2557]

Union 10 sheet metal worker 4th yr apprentice and love it.

[@jmejam_jmejam_]

I'm a local 36 sheet metal worker I'm a 1st year apprentice I love it and how rewarding it is

[@adame270]

Local 18 here

[@jimschulte2701]

Local 36 as well.

[@lancejensen9328]

local 28 NYC

[@SummerOf1970]

Live Better Work Union!

[@kyleg8230]

So you can fund joe bidens campaign and help the democrat union heads pay for their mansions.

[@waltersobchak7275]

@@kyleg8230 there are conservative union guys.

[@kyleg8230]

@@waltersobchak7275 yes I know... but the union itself is owned and controlled by the leftist democrat establishment. Every union hall has biden harris posters outside.

[@dirtyasianmafia2310]

@@kyleg8230 Because if they put trump posters the union would be cancelled and there would be outrage about how racist they are lol

[@chrismackavich4061]

No regrets whatsoever, union all the way getting my son in this year when he graduates ,Local 582 plumbers , pipe fitters

[@chavezvive4850]

Union strong brother - thanks for the video

[@mstemmet]

This is awesome ..Wish i was in the States

[@curtisvonepp4335]

By all means Union's are, the way to GO . In my career as a jurneyman i had two different trade union books Iron Worker's , and Boiler Makers Field . And never looked Back 👍😎 .

[@trollin456]

@White Man U should read my comment i just publicly posted

[@nardo34480]

That big job hes talking about in Pittsburgh is the cracker plant in Monaca Pennsylvania.... how do I know? I work there as a welder as well and those pipefitters are definitely up here. It's the biggest construction in the country going on now and I think the world. It has over 8,000 employees and shell oil is building it. They're making plastic

[@irishx302]

I have a buddy up there

[@nardo34480]

@Theone82 you at custom arc?

[@ehunnidbandman6530]

So does the work in the union dry up and you go without work for awhile? or it’s it manageable enough to where you work more then you don’t. I’ve been thinking about applying for local 123 but still uncertain

[@luisrosario8709]

I'm a welder pipefitter I did my hole apprenticeship program in the local I regret leaving and know I'm waiting to get back. there the best of the best

[@osc603]

Im an IW apprentice im 20 and im thinking about switching I have welding experience have a 6g cert will that help me to get in?

[@SouthernOutfitter]

LU 760 here great videos!!!

[@heatherleephotography6408]

Local 572 wife here! Nashville TN. My son will be an apprentice later this year. #ProUnion

[@MrKdebolt]

Chiller mechanic UA Local 267 Ithaca NY for 18 years now. Best thing I ever did was joining.

[@brevinainslie6357]

UA 333 First year apprentice. Best choice I’ve ever made.

[@JC-gs3br]

Take a visit to a nonunion shop next and show what they've got to offer.

[@FCP32]

🤣🤣

[@Welddotcom]

We will be visiting both union and Non-Union.

[@izatt82]

@James you sure about that?

[@easypeasy5219]

Not a damn thing lmao

[@jonathanaldana4941]

A $1.00 raise in 2 years.... ....if your willing to get on your knees

[@elmermerino5272]

I'm starting as a welding helper the shop I'm working with is with 602 can wait

[@davidrussell9290]

Local 344 pipefitter/welder here.

[@chrisverkitus6280]

You pay into the education fund for your whole career so it's not exactly a free education. Not knocking it ,im a UA member and just wanted to add that

[@zacharystefanich1147]

C Verk not near as much you would as college . But true ya

[@Otto_Factory]

You're paying into keeping it free for others to join, or you to practice at the hall free of charge.

[@chrisverkitus6280]

@@Otto_Factory yes I know how it works

[@leemiddleton9101]

@@Otto_Factory Thank you Otto hope all is well!

[@SkillIssueShynes]

I'm an eligible member for a different union, non tradeskill based. I've been an amateur welder for 6 years and I was wondering about the benefits of welding school vs shop exp vs union apprenticeships. I'm familiar with the earn as you learn mentality with the unions, what about schools? Does one welding school on a resume look better than another (like if I got a math degree from MIT vs one from Southwestern State college)?

[@truthsportstv]

I start my apprenticeship soon in Houston I’m excited and ready to be put to work and accept everything the union has for me. Excited and nervous at the same time I hope and pray everything plays out for me

[@samyz1660]

Good for you, how that goes ?

[@gelato3389]

@@samyz1660 what’s the update???

[@TheNuke95]

.

[@BDE360]

Many people would love to be in the union! Some locals you can’t get in because they aren’t related to anyone! I know this from experience

[@mcous7654]

He miss spoke when he said training is free. The money that pays for training comes off are check it is the EDF educational development fund. Every member pays into this fund. Working union is the best choice you could make if going into the trades.

[@GVino_Bambino]

Is there no website application so that you can weed out the “wrong sort”?😶

[@dcdcdc2210]

I'm looking going into a trade field with a union, but don't know where to start. I have a college degree and military background, but office work is just not fuldilling to me.

[@Piston1776]

Unrelated but that dudes voice is just massive. It's pretty cool.

[@leemiddleton9101]

Thank you! Glad you liked the video.

[@daniellenihan9832]

How do I become a steam fitter connection specialist when I have geothermal experience connecting large circuits? Also being in a state that marijuana isnt legal how do you deal with "drug" usage???

[@jimschulte2701]

I'm a Journeyman in Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 St Louis. Joining a union was the best decision I ever made .

[@NoLimitLexxLuthor]

wow, i wish i lived in florida. i would definitely join this program!

[@jeepwk6.5L]

We have the same program in every state pretty much.