Union vs Non Union - There is a difference!

Testimonials from IUOE Local 115 members discussing their experiences working with and without Union support.

[bettabegoodjr]

36yrs old. From non union to UNION a week ago! Just finished my 1st week and THANK YOU BIG GUNS UPSTAIRS (JESUS). THE BEST CARPENTER EVER! ICONIC. Local 687 M.I

[marioromero]

I use to work nonunion for 10 and I goin union 3 years ago and I made more money in those 3 years so there's a big difference in my bank account

[hjeanugranger]

Here in the U.S. the decline in union membership goes hand in hand with the decline of the middle class. I’ve been in three separate unions, retiring after 40+ years with the Carpenters. Keep the flame burning brothers and sisters!

[shauntampa]

I joined local 130 plumbers and was with a service shop. Worked 25 hours a week so I went to another service shop. Then was laid off because I didn’t “ fit in” with the guys who drank at the shop. Then was denied unemployment and now don’t have insurance benefits. Thank You 130 for all you do.

[ahhaah]

My dad worked non union for 29 years and they dumped him as he neared retirement. They got rid of anyone with 10+ years with the company

[kttfire]

For those that quit a union job for a non union job because of politics, environment, etc should not do so in my opinion. Unions give you lots right now but the huge benefit is when you are able to retire. Don't sell this short. YOU WILL RETIRE ONE DAY. Don't give up these benefits for short term issues. You and your family deserve the benefits of the union and union retirement.

[mannyknoxville]

After working non union for 10 years I can now say I’m a proud Union Worker, I’ll never go back to working non union jobs again. Best thing that’s ever happened to me 💯

[mattharper]

Retired Union Boilermaker 35 years of service, excellent pension, health and welfare, annuity I make more $$ a year retired than I ever did working

[cellobuchanan]

Best thing that ever happened to me....joining the Labour's Union Local 183 Toronto Ontario

[wesleycallison]

I was in the teamsters for 30 yrs. I'm not getting a big pension but it's way better than nothing. I was in a safer work environment than non-union all that time. The pension was part of my pay. The union gave job protection, seniority rights, good medical, all that. They (company or union) don't owe me a thing because I even liked my job. But I always thought they should offer training. In skilled trade unions there's apprentice, journeyman, master levels of accomplishment with pay commensurate. And a do it right the first time attitude that benefits everyone. Non union pay is generally about 75% of union pay not counting benefits. Which would you rather do knowing your gonna stay in that job? Unions are better for the working man period.

[arod]

Unionstutionalized... plumbers local union 68 has been the best choice I've made.. Houston Texas..

[mikefox]

I am an older guy, I have worked both, there are pros and cons both ways. With non union it depends largely who you work for. I know non union guys that have worked trades with the same family run shop for years and they are treated well and paid great. Of course there are shops that are run by greedy people, hey, no chains on your butt, quit and go to someone who will treat you right. Some guys love the union and the union's training is awesome. I just don't like the feeling of being 'owned' and the threat of them cutting off my retirement if I do something they don't like. I have seen some ugly stuff come from it. That's why I studied hard, got my license and did my own thing.

[seanfunnelwebman]

To the members of IUOE, thank you for your hard from a UFCW union member.

[artsci]

Privatizing workplaces means less money made by the private sector workers! All right to work is right to work for less!

[eml]

I've always wanted work somewhere where I could help people and make a difference. Earlier this year I landed a job at a hospital and happens to also be unionized. Didn't know there were such great benefits to them! Such a great surprise

[RDRF_SB]

I see the mental health of workers is increasingly deteriorating due to many conditions. I see little effort but words with no practical solutions. I see workers feeling ostracized from their labour because they feel they are nothing but a replaceable cog in a machine.

I've become more involved in my union to try and bring awareness to the needs of modern workers. A democratic workplace would be most ideal, but that is not achievable with the current ruling class holding the reigns of power. By becoming more involved, I hope to be able to empower my fellow worker and help us regain some dignity, pride, and connection to our labour.

Solidarity.

[artsci]

If you hate unions lord help yourself if you cannot work due to an injury!

[Javynoza]

Much support for you union guys from a cwa member

[safeinsound]

It goes beyond better pay and retirement. Union guys carry themselves with more pride. UNION STRONG

[austinraydavis]

Been working for the largest non union company in the southeast for 6 years. Haven't had a raise in 3 years. They started hiring illegals so I'm going union. I'm blessed. Local 92 offered me 90% of JIW wages for the first 480 hours. Can't wait to see where this takes me