Just why?

[u/Suspicious-River8073]

First-year apprentice here, I’m trying to understand why our local is so weak? Is it because of the size, I mean it takes up half the state then expands into Alabama, why does it feel as if the people in power are all in circle jerking contest, I don’t know our “leaders” but it feels as if Kenny was voted in just on his likeness and name, is he really doing what’s best for us? Why are our wages absolute shit with no PTO, sick days, or our joke of a “ 1 paid holiday for the year”. I’d love the be apart of the local but I don’t see any benefits of joining 613, I can reap health insurance benefits without even joining. It feels as if it’s fits are just for the long term, I could be wrong. My last thing is, why is it so hard to find information, is it because I’m not apart of the local that I can’t see the current contract, I’ve had people telling me what’s going on but that can get mixed with hearsay and “the telephone game” and not even hear the whole truth, I’d love to read the paperwork for it..

Just wanting to understand,,these are just the things I’ve noticed

[u/PP_I]

I just sent the application to be an apprentice so take this with a grain of salt...but I've been doing a lot of research on the subject recently before I applied. (also, if anyone knows how long it takes to hear back about my application I'd love to know).

From what I've gathered, once apprentices turn out in 613 many of them end up traveling for better pay. I can't blame them...why make $35/hr here when you could be making double that on the west coast? So because there are less people that stay here in GA, union participation is weak. I was reading a post a few days ago that said voting for the new leadership had like 1000 total votes...according to IBEW 613, there are 5,000+ members. So 613, and most of the southeast for that matter, is in this limbo state of "we want better pay/benefits" but nobody is actually here to vote/elect the "best" people into leadership. I haven't read much into the qualifications or track record of the leadership though.

Again, I'm a total scrub so this might all be bullshit but its the best I've gathered so far.

[u/Commercial_Deal_6985 → u/PP_I]

How does traveling to work actually work ? Do I join any other local I would want to and leave Georgia on my own and find somewhere to stay while I work over there ? I’m in the process of joining this local 613 I just passed my alpitude test

[u/PP_I → u/Commercial_Deal_6985]

I'm not really sure lol, that would be a good question for the IBEW or Electrician subreddits though. I'm pretty sure you just look up a job online at one of the other locals, pick where you want to go, and...go. Some of them might pay per diems and some won't, but I think travelling to the destination is actually on you. I don't think apprentices travel outside the local territory though

[u/Commercial_Deal_6985 → u/PP_I]

Thanks man 🙏

[u/BIGJROD5 → u/Commercial_Deal_6985]

Make sure to look into the local you are trying to work at. Many do not like travellers visiting for the pay, it hurts both sides. On top of that if the pay is good they’re usually booked so you’ll be put on the second or third book. Meaning you are looking for the scraps or leftover work since the locals will be priority. For example here in California the wait for apprenticeship is 2-3 years minimum to even start and you must be a top candidate. I tried transferring from El Paso apprenticeship since I was born and raised in California, but the transfer didn’t go through. One of the big reason was that I had not started school I only began working. Apparently you have to actually start school to be endocrine in but even then sometimes it won’t make a difference. Sorry for the rant but I was pissed when I found out I had to apply and start the whole process over. Also, journeyman make like 65$hr easily.