I have worked steadily for years for a nonunion contractor. Why should I give up the security to join the union?

If you are absolutely certain that you have your steady position locked up until the day you reach retirement age, then perhaps you shouldn’t. Even then, when you do retire from your nonunion job, the odds are that you will have made less money during your career and will retire with a smaller pension than if you had joined the union.

If you have 30 years until you retire, that comes to about 7500 working days. You may feel absolutely certain that you will keep your job today, but are you just as absolutely certain that you can say that for 7499 more days, especially as you get older? The odds are that you will lose your steady job before you reach retirement age. Very few workers have only one employer for 30 years.

The construction industry is not known for its steady continuous employment. Employers come and go; workers get laid off every day. They go out and get another job time after time and still do quite well. Changing employers is not the end of the world, especially when it means a big pay raise and other benefits.

Still, giving up a seemingly secure job is not a step to be taken lightly, and doing so requires courage. But before dismissing the union alternative, consider these points:

• Most Local 617 members have steady jobs. You could well become one of them—gaining much and losing nothing.
• Work in Local 617 has historically been good. Even if you work out of the hiring hall, you probably will still do well.
• Job security is relative. We are all aware of the pecking order in organizations. Most steady workers have at best only moderate security; few have a high degree.
• The construction industry regularly lays off for lack of work. If a contractor decides to get rid of you, he doesn’t have to fire you; he can just wait for work to slow down and then lay you off. The process is relatively painless for him.
• Someone new that the contractor likes better can always appear. Can you always defend yourself, especially as you get older? Contractors are always looking for someone better.
• Your relationship with any of those above you could deteriorate at any time for many different reasons. People come and go, things change.
• How many of your coworkers are above age 40? Over 50? Over 60?
• Do you really believe that you can maintain your security until you retire at age 65?
• How old will the contractor be when you are 65? If he retires before you do (and maybe at an earlier age because he has made a lot of money), where is your security?
• If you don’t plan to do electrical work until you retire, what do you plan to do? Do you have a plan for an alternative way to make a living when you get older?
• What if you make one significant mistake? That may well get you fired.
• Contracting is a risky business. One bad job or non-paying customer and the business may go under.
• As a union worker, you would have access to the union training program. A better trained worker has more job security.
• Job calls for instrument techs, welders, and cable splicers go only to those possessing these special skills. One may increase one’s employability by taking advantage of free union training.
• If you work as a foreman or higher, the union referral system doesn’t stand in your way. Contractors may place hiring calls for foremen and general foremen by name. Superintendents are not covered by the contract or the referral procedure.

What kind of security can the union offer me?

Both union and nonunion contractors are organized in the same manner: they have steady core people and hire others just for the job. Obtaining a steady position with a union contractor is no different from obtaining one from a nonunion contractor.

If you are convinced that you are head-and-shoulders above the rest and will have a steady job with your nonunion contractor until age 65, you will stand out just the same at a union contractor. If you have average ability and have a steady nonunion job because you just happened to be liked by one person, that job probably will be less than permanent over a long period of time. In the long run, you probably will have the same type of job security either union or nonunion—until you get older.