Union Benefits

An OLD AND PROUD PROFESSION Can Provide A PROFITABLE CAREER And A SECURE FUTURE

What do you want as a worker?
You want a steady job that pays a living wage. You want a decent livelihood for yourself and family. You want a voice in matters, which affect this livelihood. You want your fair share in the ever-increasing standard of living.

What is a Union?
Webster's dictionary defines a union as 'A confederation of independent individuals for some common purpose.'

The common purpose for the tradesman is the protection of his individual rights, the advancement of his interests, and the achievement of personal security.

What is the reason for a Union?
It's a well-known fact that two heads are better than one. We all know that there is a power in numbers. Without the Federal Government, our Nation could never stand against World Powers. Without a representing agency, an individual could never stand against the power of a company or contractor.

Examples of Unions
United States of America
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
Office and Professional Employees International Union
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
Associated General Contractors
American Medical Association
State Bar Association
National Education Association

With educators, doctors, lawyers, politicians, and contractors uniting forces to protect their own interests, can you as an individual tradesman afford to stand-alone?

How have I benefited from the existence of Unions?
Laws have been enacted, and departments have been formed as a direct result of pressure from Organized Labor for the betterment of every workingman and woman in America.

National Labor Relations Act
AFL CIO
Social Security Act
Davis Bacon Act
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Industrial Commission
Unemployment Insurance
Fair Labor Standards Act
Medicare & Medicaid

How Can I Benefit As A Union Member?

Collective Bargaining
Your union representatives bargain with your employers on your behalf. These representatives are fellow members and therefore sensitive to your needs as a craftsman. Your dues monies make funds available to hire competent professionals who are well versed in contract law and negotiation techniques.

Stable Wage Conditions
Have you ever left one job only to start over again by proving yourself on the next? The collective bargaining procedure establishes a wage at your competency level with all signatory contractors. You know what your wage will be from job to job.

Protection for Your Family
Your representatives have negotiated benefits for your protection as a package over and above your wages.

Insurance in today's world is essential to the well-being and security of every working man and his family. Unions have fought long and hard for this, and it's something we cannot afford to live without.

Security for the Golden Years
Believe it or not, barring any personal tragedies, you will reach a point in your life when you will want to reap the fruits of your years of labor - RETIREMENT.

At your present rate of savings how much will you have set aside 10, 20 or 30 years from now when you reach retirement age? Will it support your style of living for 10, 20, possibly 30 years or more after you retire.

As a union member you can qualify for a pension contribution, which is part of your negotiated benefit package that could translate into a nest egg of over $150,000 after 20 years.

Benefits That Carry From Job To Job
Because of the nature of the construction industry, a tradesman generally finds himself working for several contractors in the period of a year. You won't have to worry about qualifying for benefits, or what those benefits will be every time you go to work for a new contractor.

Representation
Through Collective Bargaining, work rules and standard procedures are established. If these rules are violated, there are contract documents and Business Agents to represent you in a grievance.

Training
The secret to success and security for the tradesman is craftsmanship. A Labor / Management Jointly Administered Apprenticeship and Training Facility is available to all members. The system provides the opportunity to learn a trade, obtain a saleable skill, and acquire trade fundamentals that will enhance future career advancements. Apprentices earn while they learn.

Membership Costs

  1. Monthly dues of less than $50.00.
  2. An initiation fee of up to $350.00. Cost varies dependent upon entry level.


Membership Benefits

  1. Major Medical Coverage that protects you from possibly over 80% of all doctor and hospital charges.
  2. Dependent coverage.
  3. $10,000 Life Insurance coverage.
  4. $10,000 of Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage.
  5. Dental coverage.
  6. Vision coverage that covers examination every 12 months, a base amount on lenses every 12 months, and a base amount on frames every 24 months with no deductible.
  7. Non-occupational sickness and accident benefit of $175.00 per week up to a maximum of 13 weeks.
  8. Maternity coverage of up to 100% for participation in a prepaid maternity program.
  9. A skeletal adjustment benefit of $750.00 maximum per year.
  10. A coinsurance stop-loss provision at a level of eligible expenses.
  11. Bank hours that allow you to build up to 5 months of coverage after you cease employment.
  12. An employee contributed vacation savings plan of $0.50 per hour.
  13. A retirement annuity contribution of $1.15 per hour.
  14. Hospice care.