What is it like working out of the union hiring hall?

Those union electricians who don’t work steadily for one contractor still do quite well and often better than the shoppies. There are definite advantages to working out of the hiring hall:

• most Local 617 members working out of the hall have averaged very little time off of work per year
• you can go where the money is—you are free to chase overtime if that is what you want
• you may well make more money
• you will have fewer worries
• you probably will work with more people
• you may work in more places
• you may have a greater variety of work
• you may become a more well rounded electrician from the variety of experience
• big jobs are more available to you if you prefer them
• you choose your jobs
• you are not as stuck in a bad situation should one occur—quitting is easier
• you can take advantage of work in surrounding locals
• taking time off is much easier
• any contractor is free at any time to make you a steady worker