| Q |
WHAT IS A UNION? |
| A |
A labor union is
nothing more than a group of working men and
women who agree to stand together for better
wages, working conditions, and benefits. By
standing together and bargaining collectively
with employers, workers gain the power to
negotiate a fair wage for their labor. A power
that individual workers do not have. Through
unity, workers can insist on a fair wage, health
care benefits for both themselves and their
families, pension benefits for security in
retirement, safe job sites, and training for
tomorrow's work force. |
|
| Q |
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICE? |
| A |
An apprentice is someone who is learning a trade
by working under the guidance of skilled workers
of that trade, called journeymen. It is
on-the-job training. You earn while you learn,
and are paid a wage from the first day you
become a working apprentice. Today, many women
are training as apprentices, too. As an
apprentice your wages will start at about 50% of
the journeyman rate of pay and will increase
periodically until you reach the full journeyman
scale. It usually takes four years to become a
journeyman residential carpenter. But, remember,
the training costs you nothing! |
|
| Q |
HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF TO
QUALIFY FOR APPRENTICESHIP? |
| A |
If you are still in school, you should take
courses which prepare you with the skills needed
to succeed in apprenticeship—courses such as
basic mathematics, drafting and mechanical
drawing, wood shop, and construction courses
offered through the public education system. |
|
| Q |
WHAT ARE THE HOURS AND JOB
CONDITIONS OF A RESIDENTIAL CARPENTER? |
| A |
Residential carpenters usually start work at
sunrise. Since much of their work is outdoors,
they must be appropriately clothed. They usually
wear sturdy work clothes, a hard hat and work
boots. Residential carpenters get a fifteen
minute break in the morning, half an hour for
lunch and usually work eight-hour days
(forty-hour weeks), and are paid by the hour.
Apprentices often start out carrying lumber and
performing simple tasks until they become
familiar with the work. Then they are given more
complicated tasks as time goes on. |
|
| Q |
HOW DO I JOIN? |
| A |
By filling out an
application form at the Carpenter Training
Center. The office is located at 222 Second
Street, Neville Island, PA 15225 or
call at 412-262-1830. More information is
available
here. |
|
| Q |
WHAT DOES IT
COST TO JOIN? |
| A |
In Local 1233, the
initiation fee for an apprentice is $50. The monthly dues rates
vary according to level. Journeypersons pay
$16.53/month and Apprentices pay $15.53/month. |
|
| Q |
WILL I HAVE TO
ATTEND MEETINGS? |
| A |
Members stay
informed and get a voice in the affairs of the
United Brotherhood of Carpenters by participating. Attendance is
encouraged. |
|
| Q |
WHAT TOOLS WILL
I NEED? |
| A |
You will only need
hand tools, the employer supplies all of the
power tools at the site. |
|
| Q |
HOW LONG WILL I
HAVE TO WAIT TO GET ON A UBC JOBSITE? |
| A |
This depends on
the amount of projects in the local's area. The
office will call members or Contractors may name
request. |
|
| Q |
HOW MUCH WILL I
GET PAID? |
| A |
Currently
Journeyperson wages are $16.63/hour and benefits
of $7.10/hour for a total package of $23.73/hour
for jobs currently being bid. This is after a
four year apprenticeship or testing-in as a
journeyman. For all the outside visitors, please
note that this is what residential
carpenter journeypersons make for the Greater
Pittsburgh Region. The rate varies across North
America. |
|
| Q |
CAN I MAKE MY
OWN DEAL WITH THE BOSS? |
| A |
Our agreements
with UBC Contractors call for certain minimum.
Employers may pay more than is set out in the
agreements. |
|
| Q |
WHO SETS MY
WAGE RATE? |
| A |
Minimum rates are
negotiated with the employer and the United
Brotherhood of Carpenters through collective
bargaining.
Members have the final say when a vote is
conducted to ratify the agreement. |
|
| Q |
DO I PAY DUES
IF I AM NOT WORKING? |
| A |
Yes. Monthly dues
for journeypersons are $16.53 per month (one
hour's wages). These are dues that help and
support Local United Brotherhood of Carpenters
#1233. |
|
| Q |
WILL I HAVE
SENIORITY WITH A UBC COMPANY? |
| A |
Our agreements do
not have seniority provisions. |
|
| Q |
DO I HAVE TO
REJOIN IF I MOVE TO ANOTHER TOWN OR STATE? |
| A |
As a member of the
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of
America, you may transfer your membership from
local to local anywhere in North America six
months after becoming a member of the
Brotherhood. Your local dues must be current to
transfer. |
|
| Q |
WILL THE UNITED
BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS
HELP ME UPGRADE MY SKILLS? |
| A |
Yes. As demand
grows for a particular course, the United
Brotherhood of Carpenters will
provide courses taught by professionals at no
cost to members. See our
Training page for a list of courses. |
|
| Q |
IS THERE A
PROCESS FOR PROMOTION? |
| A |
Apprentices have a
schedule for pay rate increases. Journeypersons
become foremen and superintendents based on
experience and ability. |
|
| Q |
WILL I HAVE TO
STRIKE? |
| A |
Most labor
disputes are concluded without strikes or
lockouts. |
|
| Q |
WHY DO UBC
PEOPLE CALL EACH OTHER BROTHERS AND SISTERS? |
| A |
The United
Brotherhood of Carpenters is a
family - in that members support one another and
stand together on common issues. |
|
| Q |
MY FRIEND SAYS,
UNIONS ARE A THING OF THE PAST, IS HE RIGHT? |
| A |
Through the United
Brotherhood of Carpenters,
workers have a fair say in their wages and
benefits. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters set the standard - without
this - non-union bosses would set wage rates -
making it impossible for workers to earn a
living wage.
|
|
| Q |
WHAT CAN THE
UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS DO FOR ME? |
| A |
Office staff will
assist you with employment related issues, like
E.I. Appeals, Employment Standards issues,
Workers Compensation claims, medical claims,
etc. Remember, the U in Union is YOU - U can
make a difference - organize and mobilize.
Better working conditions and wages for all! |
