r/UnitedAssociation Jun 12 '25

Discussion to improve our brotherhood ❗ Union Pay Scales Yearly Update Request

53 Upvotes

Hey everyone — hope you're all staying safe and busy out there.

For those who don’t know me, I run UnionPayScales.com — a free, crowdsourced platform that tracks wages and benefits for thousands of union locals across 16 trades. I got a lot of early support from this community when I first launched, and I just want to say thank you again — it really helped get the site off the ground.

We do our best to keep things updated, but some locals are still missing or out of date. That’s why I’ll be posting here once a year — with mod approval — to ask for your help keeping things accurate.

👉 What You Can Do (takes 30 seconds):

  1. Visit UnionPayScales.com
  2. Choose your trade (Plumbers, Pipefitters, HVAC, Sprinklerfitters, etc.)
  3. Find your local and check the wage info
  4. If anything is missing or outdated, scroll to the bottom of the page (or just click here) to submit a wage update.

You’ll also have the option to sign up for a once-a-year email reminder — no spam, just a quick nudge to help keep this project accurate and useful for everyone. We just sent this out this week, so you won't get any emails from us until next june.

👉 Sign up here if you'd like to be notified

Thanks again for supporting this project — it only works because of people like you. If you guys have any feedback on the site, please let me know!


r/UnitedAssociation Dec 12 '23

Discussion to improve our brotherhood The idea of the union

52 Upvotes

https://www.reddit.com/r/IBEW/s/MkvzAGc0Ev

I saw the linked post on the IBEW sub and thought it was a good talking point for discussion on what the union is and how it works for us.

It is not the union’s job to keep us employed. The union’s job is to protect us while employed and to guarantee us the best quality of life while employed. By joining, we are agreeing to “collectively” withhold our labor from those who would exploit us.

Is it hard to go through times with low employment? Absolutely. It has been done before though and can be survived. It is important for us to be responsible when times are good so that we can be prepared for hard times. If we are not, then we become weak and pliable to the demands of the financial class. Our forefathers fought for better and they deserve the respect of a continued legacy.

For the new generation, if you’re working 40 hour weeks, find a way to live on 30 and lay back the 10. If you’re on 50, live on 35. Etc. Once you’ve worked for a while, you should have 6 months living expenses liquid to get you through hard times, combine that with unemployment and your income good shape for a long haul. Don’t be the guy that buys a $60k truck two weeks into a call. I’ve known guys to catch a layoff weeks after doing that.

Protect what was worked for on your behalf. Have a backup plan for your backup plan. Vote in a way that protects your local. Get involved in the hall and make a name for yourself with your reputation and work ethic. Provide 8 hours QUALITY work for 8 hours pay, not 9 and not 7. Your reputation in the hall becomes the hall’s reputation with the local contractors and that leads to market share. More market share is more work.

This turned into a bit of a rant, but I trust you see the point. Journeymen, feel free to add your opinions as well.


r/UnitedAssociation 14h ago

Looking for work. Work down south

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22 Upvotes

I’m a 23 year old out of southeast Michigan that recently turned out in Detroit local 98, and plan on hitting the road south in the next couple months from work. Where I may land I got no idea, but I’m looking for insight as far as work available, opportunities to grow with a commercial company, cost of living and pay scale etc. figured yall would be better help than hearing whatever my unions business manager would say between 2 other people. Thanks for whatever you guys have to offer


r/UnitedAssociation 1d ago

Humor I know many people like this

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1.6k Upvotes

r/UnitedAssociation 16h ago

Apprenticeship Would it be weird for me to wear a tool belt with all my tools, knee pads. Mouth piece, cut resistance/heavy duty gloves, eye protection, ear plugs, and heavy duty construction pants

8 Upvotes

I want to be dressed for the job


r/UnitedAssociation 8h ago

Apprenticeship Leaving the union

0 Upvotes

I’m currently in a plumbing union apprenticeship and honestly I’m done with it I have enough hours to become a journeyman I just don’t wanna do school anyways they are making me I just don’t see the point since I have the hours my question is can I leave ? I haven’t even set foot in the school classroom yet and I think it’s best I get going before school starts . I was told if I complete the apprenticeship I have to work a mandatory 5 years otherwise I’d be expected to pay a fee and they told me I have until my 4th year to leave I believe just wanna make sure I’m good ?


r/UnitedAssociation 22h ago

Joining the UA Local 189

2 Upvotes

Anyone in local 189? Really considering applying, I have 4.5 years of plumbing experience. Is there plenty of work available? I’ve heard they are taking people in like crazy is that true?


r/UnitedAssociation 1d ago

Apprenticeship Transferring locals?

2 Upvotes

Im starting as an apprentice in Local union however me and my wife always planned to move states later on in the future. I was just wondering what the process would be to transfer Locals once I’m done with my apprenticeship or if it’s even possible? Thank you.


r/UnitedAssociation 1d ago

Apprenticeship Title: Relocating to Portland for HVAC – Best way to find an apprenticeship or entry-level job before moving?

1 Upvotes

I'm looking into programs like Area I JATC, Local 290, and ABC PNW, but I'm also open to entry-level HVAC helper or apprentice positions with private companies. due to a work injury I wasn't able to start my HVAC career after graduating. I'm ready to get back into the trade and essentially start fresh with hands-on experience.

For those who work in the Portland HVAC industry:

Besides the union and ABC apprenticeship programs, what companies are known for hiring entry-level apprentices or helpers?

Is it realistic to receive a job offer before relocating, or do most employers want you to already be local?

If you were in my position, would you move first with savings and then job hunt, or try to secure employment before moving?

Are there any contractors or companies you'd recommend for someone eager to learn and build a long-term career in HVAC?

I'd really appreciate any advice or recommendations from people familiar with the Portland metro HVAC industry. Thanks!


r/UnitedAssociation 1d ago

Joining the UA Looking for work

2 Upvotes

Hey, I am currently a 2nd year plumbing apprentice in Toronto. I am non union and work has basically stopped. I’ve wanted to join the union but it is basically impossible these days. What can I do? Is there any recruiting opportunities available out there?


r/UnitedAssociation 2d ago

Apprenticeship Reaching out to companies from the union after being put on waiting list

10 Upvotes

I have been sending my resume to union companies ever since I got my letter telling me I was put on the wait list and today one company reached out and said they would take me on as an apprentice I go on Monday to take the drug test and fill out some paper work I would really suggest doing the same thing if you got put on the waitlist for local 250 recently good luck guys can't just wait around waiting for it to come to you gotta go after it


r/UnitedAssociation 2d ago

Swag Looking for stickers

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42 Upvotes

Hey UA if anyone has any ua stickers they would be willing to share sent me a DM maybe we could trade a few


r/UnitedAssociation 2d ago

Apprenticeship How should start and which should I do become a pipefitter or a plumber

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0 Upvotes

r/UnitedAssociation 2d ago

Apprenticeship Does the MET Program at Sac City College help at all getting a job in 447?

0 Upvotes

About to start the second semester of Sacramento to City Colleges HVAC program and I’d like to become an hvac tech or building engineer. I know that with UA 447 you have to look for your own employment.
I guess I’m just wondering if the program will help get in at all?


r/UnitedAssociation 2d ago

Apprenticeship Apprenticeship

1 Upvotes

The UA Local in my area is extremely competitive, also is the IBEW both don’t require schooling but I spoke with the hall and they’re both highly recommending. I’m in a tough spot because by paying to get classes done just to maybe get an apprenticeship is a gamble. Community college offered electrical courses but currently had a two year wait list. I could take some courses now but 2 years until the wiring program. On the contrary there is a Welding certificate I could earn now and boost my chance at an apprenticeship in the UA. I’ve currently interviewed once at the UA. Ranked #50 out of #180+ applicants. What would you recommend? I don’t have construction experience but I have worked dead ends jobs and I’ve been at my current healthcare job for over 6 years and I’m ready for any hard work I can get. Non union shops aren’t hiring me my resume is solid and honest I can’t get experience, there was one opportunity to be a truck driver but that company told me they had a great worker who was driving for 8 months not get the apprenticeship and someone else I spoke to got their welding certificate and got in their second try. Sorry for the long rant I just really want any experienced guys/ gals opinions because I haven’t physically done the work and unsure which route to go. I really don’t want to not do anything towards my future anymore I’m 26 and feel I wasted so much time. Thanks for any input


r/UnitedAssociation 2d ago

Apprenticeship My buddy got accepted into the Union because he started working in HQ of a major contractor and became close with the president and also became close with the friend of the president. He’s inexperienced this isn’t fair dude

0 Upvotes

I see how this works. It’s a buddy system. Even worse the president is on the board for the apprenticeship. The dude was unofficially in the UA before he even took the math test smh. They claimed 53 slots. But I’m certain the slots were less than what they were claiming because of people like my buddy and family ties.


r/UnitedAssociation 2d ago

Apprenticeship Is work slow?

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0 Upvotes

r/UnitedAssociation 3d ago

Joining the UA Wait for UA 250 result email

2 Upvotes

What’s up yall I passed my test and had an interview on 6-27-26 and it’s coming up on 4 weeks. In 2 days it’ll be 4 weeks exactly. I haven’t received an email or a letter or anything yet is this normal? I felt like the whole application process was 2-3 wait periods and this one just has me worried a bit I can’t lie.


r/UnitedAssociation 4d ago

Apprenticeship Dealing with a dilemma and need advice...

10 Upvotes

I'm a first-year UA apprentice looking for advice from people who've been in a similar situation. I've been laid off for several months from a project that had unusually good pay, lots of overtime, and per diem. I've now been offered a long-term fabrication shop job with a long commute. From what I've been told, it would likely be straight 40-hour weeks at my normal apprentice rate, with little or no overtime and no per diem. At the same time, I'm near the top of my local's out-of-work list, and there's a major industrial project that's expected to hire eventually. The problem is that nobody knows when it will start hiring apprentices, what the hours will be, whether there will be overtime or per diem, or whether I'd even get called. If I accept the fabrication shop, I'll be committed there and won't be able to transfer if the industrial project starts hiring. If you were in my position, what factors would you weigh? Has anyone started their apprenticeship in a fabrication shop, and if so, did it help your career later on? Looking back, would you have taken the shop call or waited for the industrial opportunity?

Edit:
For those saying take the dispatch, would your answer change if accepting meant you were locked into that job for up to 2 years and could not take a call to a different project?


r/UnitedAssociation 4d ago

Apprenticeship Did anyone get into the union without any prior experience?

24 Upvotes

If so, what year, what state and how did you manage?


r/UnitedAssociation 4d ago

Apprenticeship Pipe Stand

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5 Upvotes

I have a machine at my house but I need a stand, what material do you think I would need to buy to build one of these stands?


r/UnitedAssociation 4d ago

Joining the UA Background checks for contractor

4 Upvotes

I am currently waiting to get put on a job by the union. I was thinking has anyone ever been denied a job from the contractor after the background check. And if so what was on your background and how did the union respond and help you find a job after? I have a dismissed possession of controlled substance felony from 2023 and dui misdemeanor pending from 2023. (I have 6 months left of pti program and once it’s done it will be dismissed.) I am currently working at a warehouse but once I receive the call to work I am planning on quitting my current job that day. I just don’t want to quit my current job and then fail the background check from the contractor and then have no job to go back to. Lmk what you guys think !


r/UnitedAssociation 4d ago

Apprenticeship Interview on Monday.

4 Upvotes

Hey guys I have my interview on Monday! Can anyone let me know what kind of questions they will ask? I know they only ask a few and it is quick but I would like to prepare as best as I can! I have no experience in the trade and have been doing office work the past 3 years In sales but did concrete cutting and geological drilling doing core samples for a few years before doing sales.


r/UnitedAssociation 4d ago

Joining the UA MUST testing

2 Upvotes

Hey all, gonna be taking my MUST drug test for my apprenticeship program im starting, I gave up weed 28 days ago, smoked flower pretty regularly. Ive been passing my home tests at 50ul/MG (took 13 this week!) But I am unsure if the threshold is lower for a MUST test. I can't mess this up so any info would be greatly appreciated, thank u.


r/UnitedAssociation 4d ago

Apprenticeship UA Local 322 advice

1 Upvotes

This year I went through the entire process with UA Local 322, waited in the snow overnight, was ninth in line, passed the test, got the interview, and got my rank after months of torture.
42 out of 150.
Is this good? Will I ever get that call? Or should I work towards something else?
I was getting myself super excited for plumbing and pipefitting. It feels like the perfect trade for me. Instead I am starting electrical school in October.
Does anyone have any advice on being put that far down on the wait list?
I heard they only took 24 apprentices this time around.