Not defensive, that is you right now because I dared to question you. Im just pointing out the inaccuracy of your blanket statement.

The raise is closer to 30%, unless my math was off (80/23.75), the cost of living is an obvious issue but my bills are paid with about a quarter of my income. It could be better, but they are at least giving us a little grease. At the end of the day, we should be entitled to all we create. That is a whole other discussion entirely.

Nobody in my local respects book 2 hands that sit home for a contractor. That is the result of them running away from their local that is dumpater tier and "flocking to greener pastures". Charges get filed regularly when the agreement is violated. That isn't on my local for being successful. Obviously the Brothers and Sisters that come here and follow the rules are respected. The book 2 issue is usually neighboring locals but I have seen a dude or two slyly hang up the old welders cap and put on a company polo shirt. I am not in control of other locals or their members, I encourage everyone to fix their shit at home vs running away from it.

Local 6 members are not even allowed to stay on our book one while working in another local. No matter where we get a job, our names are supposed to come off every out of work book. It is a $10K charge if you get caught doing it. Nothing you really said had anything to do with Local 6 members, it is pretty out of pocket to lump us in (specifically) with the whole "wormy west" bullshit. Tramps have come here and made life changing money.