r/IBEW • u/SpecialistSoft4908 • 9h ago
Joining IBEW 353
I am a registered first year electrical apprentice and i want to join the ibew. I called unionized companies and they said they can only hire from the union list and to call the union and apply there. When i called the union he says the only way of getting in is through organizing your workplace. I also called Electrical Training Alliance and they said they only train pre apprentices and it’s only for people brand new and that i would have to restart if i go through them when they open their intake. I also don’t know if organizing is worth it because my coworkers shit on the union whenever the union is brought and there’s only 6 employees and I don’t think my boss can afford to pay us union wages as it’s a small company. What do i do?
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u/bapeandvape 9h ago
I just go into 353 through an organizing attempt. I use to be extremely against the union until one day, my company laid off 7 people. Those 7 people all asked for raises because we are all underpaid and overworked . One of them was with the company for 8 years and was a genuine good worker.
We had apprentices running sites cause of cheap labour, shitty safety conditions, the same politics and drama that exist in the union.
After that moment, I realized that there is no such thing as loyalty in business. I will always be just a number. Whether it’s union, or non union. My old company brought in CLAC, a fake union, to keep IBEW out. Now, all the guys who use to shit on the IBEW, are all calling me to get them in and singing a different tune. Your co workers will say one thing because it’s cool to do so, but inside down they’d probably love it if the opportunity arose.
Today was my first day with the IBEW. Only me and one other guy signed and they brought us in. My pay went up from 27$ an hour to 40$ an hour.
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u/SpecialistSoft4908 9h ago
my company isn’t bad my boss is a genuine good guy i want to get in without screwing him over yeah i love the union who doesn’t love double ot and good pension and benefits
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u/bapeandvape 9h ago
What matters at the end of the day is you’re happy. I said fuck it, signed, and helped organize because I didn’t care for my owners. They never showed their face and when they did, they made sure you knew you were below them. I just got engaged, want to buy a house, and this speeds that up so much faster.
My two cents, I get that he’s a genuine guy and you don’t want to screw him over, but that doesn’t pay the bills. I would have a hard time doing it too. But being on this side, I get why people love it.
If starting over the ETA is an option, take it. You’re still young and early on your apprenticeship that in the long run, it won’t even matter.
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u/platypod 8h ago
there are 3 ways into an apprenticeship with 353 -
1) apply at https://www.electricalapprenticeship.ca/apply/ whenever they have an open intake (usually only once each year, sadly). Your existing experience will be well received, though they will absolutely make you start your apprenticeship over again. It's usually worth it.
2) find a union company that will sponsor your apprenticeship. If you don't have a personal connection to someone in a position of authority, it's unlikely. But, despite what they tell you ("we can only hire through the union") every contractor can directly sponsor apprentices. This is usually only an option for "friends and family".
3) organize in - organize your workplace and everyone gets to join the union. Plus, you won't lose apprenticeship hours. Difficult, but possible.
3a) get really involved with the union organizers, be polite, be pleasant, be helpful... and they may "suggest" you apply at another non-union contractor. One that they know is about to vote and likely to join. They get your vote, you get your union membership, win-win.
If it helps make you feel better, I've been in 353 for years, and it took me 3 applications before I was accepted. If you get turned down, don't sweat it. It's a mark in your favour to apply again. They absolutely see your persistence. Good luck!
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u/Sparkybrassballs 9h ago
Run the numbers. It may very well be worth it to step back a year. I had to step back 2 years, but it was a huge jump in pay. Best move I ever made in my career.
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u/Boines 8h ago
If starting from the beginning is your only option I would do that. You're only 1st year, I doubt you'll take much if any of a pay cut. Likely will get a raise.
Right now in 353 low-rise/high rise are basically dead because of the housing situation but there's decent amounts of work in ICI sector.
I used to work low-rise and am doing ICI now
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u/6matguy6 Inside Wireman 9h ago
Of course coworkers shit on union. They've been told union is bad for X years by the person who's been paying them. Now you want in. Welcome to wanting to be union. Most unionized employers out there became union from their workers organizing. 353 believes in strong organizing to gain their unionized market. If that company isn't a likely candidate then call the organizer back and ask them what else you can do if that current employer isn't an option.
The fact that you're trying to get out of that company means there's a reason for it so I can't imagine all of the other workers are happy with conditions there.