My shop is now a Union shop.

[jclark]

I received a call from my boss yesterday.
He wanted me to come in for a meeting.
I've had these before, usually when he has a problem with a worker.
I walked in and sat down. He didn't beat around the bush, he just told me our shop is union now.

I was kinda shocked. We have been in business for 25 years as a non-union Plumbing contractor.
All the other workers heard the news this morning. We will have a meeting with the Business Manager Mon. morning.
I'm not quite sure what to do next.
If I was to make the jump to the union, I wanted to go as a Industrial Plumber, not Residential/light Commercial.

 

[IndyMonkey]

On the business side it does nothing more than open more doors to you guys.

 

[jclark]

On the business side it does nothing more than open more doors to you guys.

True. I make quite a bit more money than Res. scale.
If I go Industrial, I loose all my seniority, and foreman position.
He will still give me my 3 weeks vacation.....paid.
Not much will change for me. I can't wear shorts anymore.
That pisses me off.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

My last job was union. I'll never work for another union again. It was a complete joke. I feel for you!

 

[groovatron]

I worked for a company that was pressured into going union. It kind of worked out for them in the long run because they are so small that they can easily cheat and have the benefits of both a union and independent company.

My current job entails me travelling alot and hiring union crews to do the labor because we are forced to. Now I'm dealing with unions in the entertainment industry......but they're all the same. It does kinda irk me when I'm onsite managing a union crew and they are all beatching about the work all while getting paid more than me Oh well I wish you luck in your decision. Nothings irreversible so I'm sure you'll come to the correct conclusion.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Be thankful it's a trade union and not the UAW.

When did you all have the vote? Just curious.

-J-

 

[CTC B4Z]

Whats all involved? What do you have to get the union in there?

 

[Arm America]

Would that be Local Union 440, Indianapolis?

 

[downzero]

My last job was union. I'll never work for another union again. It was a complete joke. I feel for you!

Agreed 100%. Never again, ever.

 

[jclark]

Be thankful it's a trade union and not the UAW.

When did you all have the vote? Just curious.

-J-

This was my Boss's decision. He "opened" his own shop. No vote.

Whats all involved? What do you have to get the union in there?

I guess He signed a contract.
He was getting beat to death on bids.......other companies bidding for the same work with "target money".

Would that be Local Union 440, Indianapolis?

No. Local 136. Evansville.

 

[Bigum1969]

Well, Obama will have your back now.

 

[Benny]

Well, Obama will your back now.

 

[dwh79]

Easy call local business agent for appropriate union and tell them you want your shop to go union. (Not that I agree one way or the other on unions but this is how you could do it.) This is what card check is all about. If enough employees say they wat to be part of the union they can force a vote at the company to decide union or not.

 

[jclark]

Agreed 100%. Never again, ever.

I have 3 choices.
1.Start my own business.Too competitive. Fail miserably. Lose everything.
2.Stay where I am. Nothing changes for me. Except pay dues.
3.Go Industrial. Make more money. Get laid off more.....way more. Loose all seniority I have gained after 13 years in the same shop,and my foreman position.

 

[jclark]

Easy call local business agent for appropriate union and tell them you want your shop to go union. (Not that I agree one way or the other on unions but this is how you could do it.) This is what card check is all about. If enough employees say they wat to be part of the union they can force a vote at the company to decide union or not.

No....the shop is now union.....boss's choice.
The workers have to decide if they will sign contracts.

 

[jclark]

Well, Obama will have your back now.

I think he already has us all by the backside.

 

[CTC B4Z]

oh boss's choice.. wow

 

[Benny]

I have 3 choices.
1.Start my own business.Too competitive. Fail miserably. Lose everything.
2.Stay where I am. Nothing changes for me. Except pay dues.
3.Go Industrial. Make more money. Get laid off more.....way more. Loose all seniority I have gained after 13 years in the same shop,and my foreman position.

I think you've already made your decision.

But you forgot something with #2...No more shorts.

 

[PatriotPride]

I'm sorry. That sucks any way you slice it.

 

[jclark]

I think you've already made your decision.

But you forgot something with #2...No more shorts.

The shorts thing sucks.
I'm the type of guy that wears em' till October.