Why even join a Union? #IBEW #EWMC #Unions

[PrecursorYang]

I read an article title, "The slow death of America's union". Only 10% of americans are in a union in 2023. In 1983 that number was 20%.

[Con]

Eric what could I do or what possible routes can I take if I didn’t get accepted into the apprenticeship?

[JamesCottle-qw]

IBEW Union is a freaking joke! We have certain people that look out for certain people! I worked at places without a union and had better treatment! Screw unions! I have never had to beg or ask for a raise! Most places have a yearly raise based on your work performance a union does not base it on a workers performance they just give everyone a raise regardless if you work hard or just sorry! Most places give you health care and unions are B/S! Just paying dues to someone who don't give a crap! Done with Unions and their democratic B/S!

[Hatim.]

Brother! You re such an amazing union Brother, I ve learned so much from you, we need more hardcore union membership!

I have immigrated to this amazing country 2.5 years ago, started doing Electrical in the non union, then our boss surprisingly organized the shop (Small 4 guys operation, boss was a lifetime IBEW member, and he told us that as soon he gets a bigger job to afford the jump, he ll unionize us, and he did).
Now I ve been a CW for a year and finally got accepted into the apprenticeship (school starts on September)!

I am so proud of being an IBEW brother, and it changed my whole perspective, I used to be into right wing ideas, Fox news got me with the stupid culture war (which is a weapon of mass DISTRACTION), but after watching your videos and alot of other videos about labor history, class struggle and IBEW subreddit (shout out to Brother Chops and you), my whole perspective radically changed! I see the rightwing propaganda for what it is, hate and division between the working class, so we re distracted while the elite steal and hoard all the ressources for themselves!

One unfortunate thing I ve noticed, is that alot of journeymen I ve worked with (especially boomers), are hardcore republicans who hate the left, and don't have a drop of solidarity in their blood, they proudly say that they never go to meetings, and that they go to the whole once a year to pay "the stupid dues", they re in the union because they cannot find better pay, benefits and conditions, only in the brotherhood for what benefits them, and would jump ship in the first hardship! I ve also heard union members talking shit about UPS striking, saying they re overpaid, and paying them more would only increase cost for the rest of us, also heard the same about the writers guild strike...The lack of solidarity is frightening, but there is hope!

Each one teach one, go out there and reach one, or two!

Solidarity forever! You have no idea about the impact you have on real people out there in the world! You have contributed majorly into changing my perspective! Thanks alot, you re a great brother!

Cheers and respect from a super grateful IBEW#375 Brother 💯⚡️💪✊️🇺🇲