·       How much is joining the union going to cost me?
There is a one-time initiation fee, $200 for Building Trades and $50 for Metal Trades. Non-working monthly dues are $30 plus any death benefits. Working dues are 6% for Building Trades and 3% for Metal Trades; this covers the Hiring Hall Fee and any Death Benefits for that month. This can be calculated at 3 or 6 pennies per dollar.

·       What are union dues?
Union dues are monies deducted to pay for the business of the local, such as training, office salaries and supplies, maintenance, etc. All money is approved and voted on by (you) the member.

·       Do I have to take a test to become a member?
We have placement questions that allow us to determine your training level. This is not a test to keep you out of the local. We want you as a member.

·       Do I have to certify to become a member?
NO. You don't have to certify to become a member. You will though need to certify if you are trained as a welder, medical gas installer. All of our apprentices to become journeymen must have an Idaho Plumbing or HVAC license or an Oregon Steamfitter License. The union can assist you in obtaining these certifications.

·       How do I get initiated?
As stated earlier, once you decide to become a member, you pay a one-time initiation fee. This is $200 for Building Trades and $50 for Metal Trades, if dispatched after July 2007; the initiation fee will come out of your dues check-off. If you are a reinitiate you will have to pay double the last fee out of your pocket.

·       Will the other union members accept me?
Yes. Once you become a member you are considered to be a brother or sister and share in the camaraderie of the union.

·       What will my voting rights be in the union?
You have the same right to vote as all other members under the UA Constitution. You will be able to vote on meeting items, money matters, and contracts as soon as you are initiated. Voting for officers you have to be in good standing for one year and to run for an office you have to be in for three years.

·       What happens during a strike?
We have not been on strike in many, many years (1977 best of my memory). The union will work to settle any strike as quickly as possible. While doing this we will help you find temporary work in a sister local. This is not something that is as prevalent now as it was in the 1960's and before.

·       What happens if I quit or get laid off?
If you quit or have been laid off, you must come in and request your name be placed on the out of work list and in chronologic order and then placed on a new job.

·       What are the hiring rules?
We have a job-line that you call into every night that lists the available jobs that we have, you leave your name, phone number and the job you are interested in. We then go to the out-of-work list and send the next person on the list to that job. Special consideration is given to people who have certain qualifications. (Licenses, certifications, or classifications, etc)

·       Will I be able to keep working regularly and year-round?
Being able to stay employed depends a lot on you and your abilities and attitude. You should be able to continue working on a regular basis, and if necessary you will be able to travel to our sister locals.

·       How long will I have to sit on the bench if there is no work?
You can work anywhere in the United States that has work available.

·       Is everyone paid the same?
All workers at the same skill level will receive the same pay. All journeymen receive the same wages, all superintendents get the same, all foremen get the same, all general foremen get the same, etc. If you exceed the expectations of the contractor they may pay you above scale. We only request they pay you what amount is bargained for.

·       What is overtime?
Overtime is time worked after eight (8) hours in a day (on 5-8 hour days) or on the 5th day (on 4-10 hour days) or if you are required to come in before your regular starting time. Overtime is paid at time and one-half during the week and Saturdays. Sundays and holidays are double time.

·       Will I be forced to work overtime?
NO. You are not required to work overtime unless you want to. Some employers may request that the person work over eight (8) hours in the case of a shutdown or other special circumstances in which the work is critical.

·       Will I be able to get vacation time?
We are not paid for our vacations but as a courtesy you should ask the contractor you are working for and give them enough time to hire someone to temporarily replace you while on vacation.

·       What kind of insurance coverage will I be able to get?
You will receive the insurance that everyone else has in the union. This is paid through the collective bargaining process and is an employer contribution.

·       Will there be any profit sharing?
No, although some contractors pay their people above scale. We have defined benefit, contribution plans that are much better than profit sharing because the government guarantees them. Some businesses do give their employees a profit sharing dependent on the company and the position the person holds in the firm.

·       What kind of pension benefits will I be eligible for?
You will be eligible for the same pension benefits as all other members. Most have a five (5) year vesting period and have retirement eligibility that range from 55 to 65 years old. If you have worked in the trade before you may be eligible for additional vesting credits. Please talk to your organizer. When you are considering retirement please speak to the benefits person at your home local.

·       Who will supply the tools?
We have a list of $300 worth of hand tools that each of us supply otherwise the contractor supplies the tools, although you are responsible for keeping the tools in good shape so they do not have to replace them continually. Please check the agreement that you will be working under for specifics.

·       Will I get a company truck?
It depends on which contractor you are working for and how long you have been employed by the company. Many of the service companies as well as shop companies supply their employees vehicles.

·       Will I be able to travel? Will I get travel pay?
Yes. Once you receive your travel card you have the option to travel and work for other locals. Many of the locals do not travel pay unless the contractor asks you to work in another area within the same local. If the Hall should send you to another local, travel pay usually is not included.

·       Is additional training available?
We offer training to enhance your skills and assist you in obtaining better work opportunities. We hope that all our members take advantage of these opportunities.

·       Who pays for additional training?
The money allotted for training is determined during contract negotiations between the union and the contractors.

·       Will there be drug tests?
Some owners require a drug test and some do not. If you are to take a drug test and fail, you will have to pay for the test, if you pass the contractor pays for the test. The information is confidential and you will have the opportunity to seek assistance if you wish.

·       Will there be better working conditions?
Yes. In the union the working conditions are better. This is proven in study after study that has been done by independent consultants.

·       What are the safety policies and training?
The safety policies are that the members attend a ten (10) hour OSHA course. There are also additional classes that you may take to improve on the safety of you and your workers. The (10) ten hour program gives you the basics and helps to ensure your safety. The locals are equipped with OSHA instructors to assist you in extra training you may need.