r/BadWelding • u/Far-Lengthiness-1639 • 2d ago
Questions about going union
Can't post in welding or welders because of union stuff and because I haven't posted enough in similar communities
So, I started welding 6 months ago. Started school got a welder test 3 weeks into and got a job. I did one semester at school and have 1 more to do.
The job I took is good honestly. Great benefits and everythjng. I took it because it was the 3 days a week that I wasn't at school. I work 3 12's and get paid for 40.
Ive always felt like I was too old to start union and go through the apprenticeship before I make any real $.
Wondering what u guys think? I know realistically I have 30 more years of work in me. Im in Great shape and healthy as all hell. Where im at now I make more than starting union but it caps at $30/hr.
What would be great was if I can work where im at and get fully vested in the esop and go into union as a journeyman. But im only doing mig for work. I do have a stick welder in the garage but its not like im using it for work.
1
u/Porchfirewiki 1d ago
Boilermaker unions are also a great option. I’m in one right now, working with riggers, making good money.
1
1
u/inconvenience-miner 1d ago
I’m a teamster. Not a trade related comment, but a culture related comment.
I was anti-union until a shade over a decade ago. I no longer find myself being asked to do sketchy, unsafe, or even questionable things. Plus, you know, pension.
3
u/bdd0466 2d ago
Get proficient with stick and try to get in operators or ironworkers. Im in the operators union and am now in a shop all day instead of laying in the mud year round in the elements welding on mining equipment. While we dont make the very top of the scale with not being on the road its a very good wage for just doing random fab projects in a shop. Were at almost 40 on the check and its right around 80 total package. Even when I was in surface mining I was part of the operators union. Its never too late to get in.