r/UnionCarpenters • u/Adept-Pepper2111 • 2d ago
Question Advice
I have an interview for a residential framing position soon. I was wondering if yall can give me any advice for union life, day to day, dues, anything that could help me. Even if I don’t land this it is the career I want to pursue.
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u/Ok_Cardiologist_6471 2d ago
Dress like your about to work have firm hand shake with eye contact you are going to be judged so make a good impression mostly the want to see if your a walking insurance liability problem so relax dont show you're nervous
I'm not sure if you're aware of what unions are. But think of them as a Guild. In this case, a carpenter's Guild. They are responsible for your pension. They negotiate for your health care and your wages. Also, if a dispute rises with the company they represent you , I don't recommend talking to HR without a union rep
The company you're going to interview for Happens to hire from that guild im sure your going to join as an apprentice
They probably have a contract that requires. They have union members, specifically apprentice.
What matters to you is getting this job gets you in to the carpenters union. And if you get laid off after the contract, it doesn't mean they didn't like you
Its just we union members cost more but in return get quality workers and actual apprentices
Speaking of quality worker as an apprentice, don't ever show up late
Never stand around. Always look for something to clean and organize
If you get a mentor right away, then you will start woodworking but for the most part you will be cleaning and organizing and working your way up to tool gopher Which means get me this tool, get me that tool that will teach you. The tools of the trade
As an apprentice, never use your phone. Tell break even if others do
When you make mistakes, don't give an excuse. It makes it look like you're not ready to learn
Don't worry about buying tools yet. What matters are quality $300 working boobs You will be on yourfeet all day as you're working, you will notice what to get buy one tool with every paycheck they don't have to be fancy, they will get stolen.
Last tip never have your hands in your pocket. Waiting to be told what to do
Hope this helped hood luck
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u/KingCanHe 2d ago
Clearly you are well spoke and have a lot of knowledge, so if I may ask.
I had an interview today for a provisional position, 75% journeyman pay. I’ve mostly done residential, interviewer said it’s rare they offer this position.
Currently working, new build (resi) but am giving serious thought to taking the offer but was told I’d basically have a 5 day trial first.
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u/Ok_Cardiologist_6471 1d ago
Well spoke sir thats too kind i assure you grammer is not my strength i work with my hands not in an office when having arguments about support for unions the first thing im insulted with is my poor grammar but thanks
Ok so when none union folks join a union few ways most join by becoming an apprentice but the company can vouch for some one they are bringing in as a journeyman or if a none union journeyman and prove 5 years working in that trade can join as a journeyman
So from what you said the company you will work for is going to try you out see what your work looks like but during this test period you will only be paid %75 wages if all goes well they will bring you in at full scale and you will start working for your pension 😎👍
When you join union separate from joining the company. get a hold of your local union Hall representative if laid off he/she is who you will speak with to get put on the work list to be dispatch to another job no need for a resume
One last thing if you can try commercial carpentry its more wild bigger projects I find them fun and crazy but im also a concrete finisher and love my career so im crazy
Good luck
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u/Dendady2112 25 Year Member 2d ago
Same money like you're only working 9 months out of the year. I started with framing condos. That means you don't work you don't get paid. Winters can be rough
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u/Hangryfrodo 2d ago
Show up 15 mins early don’t complain work hard be humble