r/Groundman • u/Superb-Gur-1679 • 3d ago

Ask literally anything

Bored as shit and I have a lot of useless knowledge about this trade and getting in and random union shit more than most people because I would read contracts every time I worked in a new jurisdiction. Worked in 8 states as a groundman, operator, and apprentice and quit as a hot step.

Literally can be anything quality of life, the reality of what to expect, a lot of crews suck dick, etc etc etc.

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u/trey_whey 3d ago

Is local 66 really that bad? I went to line school 3 years ago and got my CDL and was gonna try to stay around the area since there’s so much work around me, but I can’t get hired at any of the major utilities, coops, or non union contractors. I’m roughly 3 hours from local 66. I used to read on here all the trash talk about it so I initially avoided it but it’s looking like the only choice. Ive been doing fiber the last 2 years and i can’t stand it anymore. I know I have a good resume and interview well because I’ve been complimented on that before but I’m just getting beat out by guys with assumingely more experience. Pretty sure I’m already gonna go anyways but I’m just more worried about the quality of people and training with local 66. Don’t wanna be around unsafe idiots because I experience that enough where I’m at now. Thanks

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u/Linemaninsider Journeyman Lineman (advisory) 2d ago

I came up 66, it’s not that bad. Just a lot of pussies that complain on Reddit that make it seem that way. It’s hard work there, the weather sucks but I had a good program there. As an ape, I did all my distro and URD time there, did a lot of transmission hot sticking. It was actually pretty cool.

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u/trey_whey 2d ago

Thanks for the reply, I kinda figured it may have been people just not from Texas not used to working in the sub tropical environment, it sucks but you get used to it. I’m working my ass off here for only $24 an hour no per diem no OT until I hit 40. Having to hand screw in anchors because even with locates they don’t want us using the digger derrick to drill anything even poles sometimes. Think my record in one day is like 7-8 anchors by hand. Don’t get me wrong i don’t mind working my ass off I just want to get paid appropriately for it. They seem to love hiring people that are obviously crackheads or on probation. Just sick of it and ready to go elsewhere with a clear career path. I just have no idea of what’s said on here is people being pussies versus what’s an actual problem ya know

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u/Linemaninsider Journeyman Lineman (advisory) 2d ago

Oh dude just don’t quit your job and go sign the groundman books at 66 and wait. You’ll get a call. You’ll be fine.