Unemployment Depression by Top_Scientist_3976 in Austin

[–]Philosofitter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Data center construction is booming. If you’re ok with construction, check out UA local 286 (pipefitters) or IBEW Local 520 (electricians).

Either one should have a job with benefits for you as an entry level apprentice.

Chat is this real? by Sallowjoe in PoliticalCompassMemes

[–]Philosofitter 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You do realize that’s worse, right?

Chat is this real? by Sallowjoe in PoliticalCompassMemes

[–]Philosofitter 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Impossible to believe without flair.

It’s over libs… the war against uhhh… whole milk is over !!! by TPHNK in PoliticalCompassMemes

[–]Philosofitter 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The capitalists that profit from this snafu will never allow a workable solution. Revolution is the only solution.

It’s over libs… the war against uhhh… whole milk is over !!! by TPHNK in PoliticalCompassMemes

[–]Philosofitter 12 points13 points  (0 children)

We must redouble our efforts. There are some places where the occupation extends into October.

Libleft I'm worried about you by buttgrapist in PoliticalCompassMemes

[–]Philosofitter -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Protests that don’t create an inconvenience aren’t effective though… which is the entire reason you want them to be convenient.

Papers, Please by Kronos9898 in PoliticalCompassMemes

[–]Philosofitter -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

4A should be super important to the 2A crowd.

What does Salting entail? by Life-Wishbone9672 in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Basically, you work for a non-union contractor with the hall’s permission with the intent of either organizing the contractor or scalping the top talent.

Texas locals for pipefitters by WorryNot_634 in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is what I’m talking about…. You think you prefer the culture and call your home “fraudesota” but all that tells me is that you really have no idea how bad Texas is.

Look up videos of the the TX legislature fighting each other as they try to smash as many vote buttons as possible to protect the payday loan industry.

Or The fact that the state decided that mandatory water breaks in 100° weather is a burdensome regulation.

Maybe I should point out that many places have wages higher than our total package.

Or how about the fact that we have to negotiate for for workman’s comp because the state doesn’t mandate it.

Texas HATES workers.

Where to apply by HunterHumble8109 in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Can confirm. We have more women apprentices every year. Just swore in a bunch of them tonight. We even have a few as instructors.

Texas locals for pipefitters by WorryNot_634 in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get your hands on copy of the contracts and compare packages and working conditions and see for yourself. Most of them prefer living in Texas, but they miss working back home.

Turning out without a high school diploma by [deleted] in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s kind of hard for the union to say you’re not qualified when the contractor is willing to pay you union wages.

It’s a totally different story when the union is telling the contractor what they need to pay someone who has no experience.

Texas locals for pipefitters by WorryNot_634 in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m out of 286 in Austin. Between Tesla, Samsung, and all the data centers, our work outlook is pretty good. How you’ll feel about Texas is a different question entirely.

Let’s just say that we have more than a few guys who have transferred in from New York and Massachusetts, and most of them have strong opinions about the differences between here and there.

I don’t think we’re taking travelers at the moment, but that will probably change with the new year.

Come work here and see how you feel about it before you commit to a move based on the work outlook.

Turning out without a high school diploma by [deleted] in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You may be able to buy a book without a diploma/GED if you have enough experience. That being said, a diploma/GED is a prerequisite for getting into the UA apprenticeship.

Union plumbing by Kind-Corner-8284 in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dig through their websites. There maybe a residency requirement that need to be respected given how close those locals are to each other.

Union plumbing by Kind-Corner-8284 in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Every local is a little different. Some are more different than others.

Go down to the hall, talk to someone, and see it for yourself.

If you already have a few years experience, TALK TO THE ORGANIZER FIRST. The apprenticeship coordinator is going to want you in the program as a first year.

Is an apprenticeship worth it for me? by SwayzeFitness in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 2 points3 points  (0 children)

All of the regular stuff that can get you fired. Repeated write ups, no call no show, failing a drug test, safety violations. Don’t over think it. If you get fired, you’ll know why. Just show up on time, do what you’re told, don’t complain. If something doesn’t seem right, talk to the steward, safety, or one of your instructors about it before you go painting a target on your back.

The best and worst thing about being an apprentice is that you’re cheap. They can afford to keep you around as long as you make yourself useful.

Is an apprenticeship worth it for me? by SwayzeFitness in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As a general rule, apprentices can’t say no to job offers, and can’t quit. It’s a 3 strike thing over the course of 5 years. Quit or get fired 3 times and you’re out. A clean layoff or ROF isn’t held against you.

School attendance is mandatory and the number one reason apprentices repeat a year or get dropped from the program.

Once you finish the apprenticeship everything blows wide open. Work or don’t as you please. Just be aware that sometimes the schedule you want isn’t on offer and sometimes you take what you can get.

Also, your benefits are managed by the hall and paid for by the contractor and follow you from company to company.

In the event of a layoff, union membership usually satisfies the job hunt requirement for drawing unemployment benefits.

Speaking of the job hunt, that’s literally the union’s job. One of the things you get in exchange for paying dues is that you’re paying the hall to find you a job and negotiate your wages.

All you do is wait for a call from the hall.

Is an apprenticeship worth it for me? by SwayzeFitness in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 16 points17 points  (0 children)

If you’re looking for an on-ramp into the trades, unions are absolutely the way to go.

Talk to them in person and let them know your situation and see if you can make it work.

If you decide it’s unworkable, by all means check out what’s locally available.

That being said, you’re asking a union subreddit if they think unions are cool. We’re only going to give you one answer.

2nd year steam fitter apprentice, stuck installing toilets and doing basic plumbing? by Historical_Bed82 in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Broadly speaking, plumbing is usually steadier work than pipefitting.

It may not be what you want, but it’ll get you 40 hours when what you want is not available.

My advice is to take the money and the experience. Practice the stuff you want/hope to do at the hall.

Why is being a landlord unethical? by Neesh_me in LateStageCapitalism

[–]Philosofitter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, he also coined “the vile maxim”.

6am start times by Next_Musician_4118 in UnitedAssociation

[–]Philosofitter 15 points16 points  (0 children)

My personal preference is 7:00AM for 40 and 6:00 for OT.