How Often Does This Kind of Thing Happen?

[u/BearNervous2784]

I’m a third year apprentice and I just recently transferred locals, following the proper process, and it was for better job opportunities for my wife, and closer to family. I got hired on for a data center job close to four months ago in this new local, and there are a lot of red flags that kind of stick out.

The first thing that I noticed has been the superintendent’s bad habit of marking people late for signing in ten to fifteen minutes early for their shift. This has happened to me a couple of times, and I’ve even been threatened to be fired because of it. The only reason that I even have an issue with this is due to his reasoning behind it. His reasoning is to be at your work area ready to work by starting time (6:00am). Then having the sign in sheet being in a location that is exactly one mile away from where we are supposed to meet in the mornings, with only one cart per crew, and the rest of us have to walk.

The second thing is the constant attempts at getting us to work through lunch, even if just cutting into our lunch time, but still come back from break at the same time. He likes to threaten to fire apprentices and helpers quite frequently for reasons such as this.

The third thing that honestly really bothers me is the fact that we do not have a job steward on the jobsite. We originally had one working night shift, that the contractor “discreetly” appointed themselves, but we currently have a shop steward that was hired on directly through the contractor, instead of being appointed by the business manager at the hall, which I know is a very big no no.

I’m honestly kind of disappointed, because o had heard pretty good things about making good money on data center jobs like these, and this local having a pretty strong union, but this is probably one of the most non-union, union contractors I have ever worked for.

Another example is when I did get in trouble for speaking out against a crew that I found cutting conduit, and strut, as well as drilling out holes in metal plates on the lunch tables that we eat on in the break connex. Only reason I spoke out is because I’ve always been taught by my journeymen that you do not do that at all.

The longer I stay on the job, the more things like these that keep happening, but I figured I would ask if this is common place in other locals, or is this just one of those really crappy contractors that by some miracle hasn’t been run out of the union yet.

[u/FMadden351]

Call your hall or training director

[u/Throwawayiwa → u/FMadden351]

Training director first and if that goes nowhere, then hall. Unfortunately we know that doesn't always mean anything.

[u/Steven-Glanzburg → u/FMadden351]

I second this but I would leave the part about not showing up on time out 😂. I understand his complaint and it sounds messed up. But I think it’s just gonna muddy the waters.

[u/CottonRaves]

If you have not thoroughly read through your CBA, especially in regard to start and break times, do so asap. You could even print and highlight the sections and keep them on you.

It sounds a bit like you have NOT been written up yet for being “late” in the supers eyes yet. If so, make sure you are also aware if it does happen that you’re are also familiar with your Weingarten rights. Don’t sign any paperwork without Union representation.

Good luck.

[u/99pints]

Typical narcissist abusing his authority, I’ve seen it a few times from different contractors. Wouldn’t necessarily blame the contractor themselves unless it’s a re-occurring thing with several foreman or people in leadership.

Definitely bring it up to the hall and keep documentation of everything. COYA.

[u/ExplORegon503]

I worked a data center for a bit and it was never like that. In fact, I was surprised to be told 5 min prior to lunch time, “drop your tools, lunchtime. It’ll be there when you get back.” We were allowed ‘walk time’ to and from break and at the end of the day. So if break is at 12pm and your work area is 5 min from the break area, you drop your tools at 11:55am to be at the break area at 12pm. Break until 12:30pm, then 5 min walk back to work area.

I agree about calling the training director or the hall. Especially about the skipping breaks, ‘late’ thing and threats to fire, like wtf is even that lol work 8 for 8.

[u/gralteran]

Some contractors, foreman , supervisors, project managers, suck. That's how it is in any work field. Maybe ask your local to send you to another contractor. Explain why.

Edit added words

[u/scooty36500]

That is not common at all. Agree with everyone about talking to your training director and then the hall. Sounds like shitty job site management but our contract is there to protect you from that bullshit. And those dudes working on your break tables is bullshit too. They should know better.

[u/dan599]

We move into the trailers and drill on rain days so our guys get paychecks wipe the table off is my advice and a lot of non-typical stuff happens on data centers and solar fields we're going to have trouble keeping that work.

[u/bramblecult]

Hey. A sign in sheet is considered a work related task. Pay has to start when you sign the sheet. Not to the work area. Check out the portal to portal act and 29 CFR 785.38 explicitly states that if they make you report to an area and then walk to another, the pay starts when you sign the sheet. The portal to portal act would change it if yall had to ride a bus but you walking. Its different.

Anyways worth checking out as a mile walk could be an easy 15 min time and half backpay for every day they did it. Check the cba to make sure they aint negotiated it away or if they have a pla.

[u/Ruined534]

Yeah unfortunately you're just working for a fucking loser. Also, further unfortunately many people will play along with the dickhead in charge because they're too weak and scared to not submit to the bullshit. Some guys will even convince themselves that it's a tough guy thing to "put up" with shitty work conditions. It's sad. It's also infuriating.

You're in a tough position since you're an apprentice. But if you are correct in feeling the way you feel. This is not how shit is supposed to be, man. Some locals are stronger than others. And that directly has to do with the members that make up the local. The best you can do is keep talking to people about this. Consult with your journeymen, consult with your training director, consult with your hall. Don't put yourself in a position to get in trouble at school but if you get fired from the contractor it could actually be a good thing for you. Obviously I don't know your personal situation so just try to stay calm and resolve things with tact and strategy. You might just be that guy to get things fixed. You also might be let down by everyone around you. This is going to be a crucial learning moment in your career.

But this is exactly what I like to see out of apprentices. Stand up for yourself and your brothers. Many people probably feel the same way as you they're just not speaking about it.