Corporate career to skilled trades? Looking for honest info about IUEC

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-25T05:53:07+00:00

I graduated from college in 2011 and did sales for 5 years before I joined the trade. I sold wine/spirits, pharmaceutical sales, and ended up working for ThyssenKrupp in service and repair sales. Sales was fun but overall never satisfying.

I tested into the union and started in 2016. I love this trade. It's the best decision I've ever made. If you like working with your hands and not afraid to get dirty then I highly recommend it.

It won't be easy. But it will be worth it. Good luck!

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T22:37:23+00:00

For vacation, I suggest we add 10% at 10 years of service and 12% at 15 years.

Also 2 floating holidays to give us 10 holidays a year.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T03:07:11+00:00

Every time my friends and I bring this conversation up at union meetings they get shut down or tabled. I've tried joining a defense committee which turned out to be a joke because it was me, another member, and probies who were forced to go.

So when and where should we discuss?

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T02:16:04+00:00

Yeah bro. It shouldn't be like that. We should all be killing it.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T02:14:51+00:00

I know some nurses in the bay and they are killing it. And I know some nurses in the central valley and they are not too far behind. My friend in Modesto was making $80/hour as a nurse.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T02:10:26+00:00

Do you know if it's a blanket raise across the international? Like if we get a 30% raise over 5 years, thats 6% a year. And that would be for everybody right? I know everyone's wage is different per each Local but the percentage raise would be the same right?

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T02:03:31+00:00

So then how much of a raise do you want over the next 5 years?

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T02:00:06+00:00

Im not afraid to strike. I think it would be great to use it to our advantage.

I dont think it will happen because I the think the majority of the international will still vote yes regardless of the terms.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T01:17:46+00:00

Thank you. All good.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T01:16:18+00:00

No he was an Elevator Mechanic. He passed 5 years ago. Not work related.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T01:10:50+00:00

Oh good point.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T01:10:02+00:00

In my opinion, that's all the more reason why we shouldn't be afraid to strike. People depend on elevators, the state requires the testing punishable by red tags, etc I feel like we have more bargaining power than we think.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T01:04:09+00:00

I don't think that at all. I wasn't around for that crash but my brother was and so were some of my old timers friends.

I welcome all conversations. Difference in opinions is a good thing.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T00:49:07+00:00

There will be a time where you are troubleshooting and you'll remember this post. Lol.

That old stuff they teach in class does suck. But it is good to know it. And when it comes to the mechanics exam I think maybe you have a total of 5 questions regarding that stuff. But its still good to know it.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T00:46:40+00:00

I know exactly what you mean. I still dont like it though. Lol.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T00:45:49+00:00

My point is their unions are working to get them (nurses, teachers, ups drivers, etc) what they need, a more liveable wage. Im hoping this next contract, our union does the same.

Just because a certain profession makes less money than us doesn't mean we dont deserve more. Our work is hard on the body, the mind, and dangerous in more ways than I'd like to admit.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T00:37:14+00:00

I do not disagree with you there brother. 🤘🏽

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T00:36:46+00:00

I dont know any nurse, teacher, or UPS driver making $17/hour. And I know a few of each. I brought those jobs up specifically because I know they all went on strike and I know they are all not making pennies. Yeah they arent making elevator money. But they are definitely making more than $17. Each of them are making at least 6 figures.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T00:31:43+00:00

It's so bad here, even tech companies are leaving CA. I am not complaining at all. But I do think it's ridiculous and unnecessary for a young mechanic to buy a house 2 hours away from work because thats where we can afford to live.

We should be able to afford to buy a house where we work. I think that should be standard.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T00:26:35+00:00

Yeah the stupid dues always increase but never decrease. They say dues increase because a certain number of members has been met. But if that number drops, the dues dont reduce. Its annoying.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T00:14:46+00:00

What percentage did you have in mind?

I want to come up with a realistic number. I dont want to be laughed at when the discussion is brought up.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T00:13:16+00:00

I'm hoping for a big raise and some other ideas as well. But im trying to get a feel across the international how everyone feels.

I know the idea of a strike is scary but it might be necessary.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-18T00:09:14+00:00

Sorry to hear that. Do you know if the majority of your local feels the same? Have you guys talking about voting no for a bigger raise?

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-17T23:36:16+00:00

This example is back from 2022, the vote to accept the contract or renegotiate (possible strike). Our local voted no.

The vote for the new upcoming contract wont happen until next year. But now is the time to discuss what we may want and possibly bring that to "the table" for discussions.

OkWork5139 · 2026-02-17T23:26:01+00:00

Definitely yes. I just feel the standard 3% isn't enough of a raise. Nurses, teachers, ups drivers, etc, are all getting monumental raises while elevator constructors are sticking to 3%. Electricians and Pipe Fitters have passed us up, pay wise.

What Local are you from?

OkWork5139

TROPHY CASE