| Benefits of Becoming
a Union member |
|
 THE
UNION REPRESENTS ITS MEMBERS
Have you ever had a disagreement
with your employer? Most workers have at one time or another. When that
happens, it is you against your employer, one on one. Guess who is going
to win that argument! Your Boss! As a "Union member", you have representation
and protection. First, you are working under a collective bargaining agreement,
which is negotiated with the employers. This agreement sets down terms
and conditions of employment that are agreed to by the Union and the employers.
That eliminates many problems, which could arise between worker and employer.
Secondly, you have representation in the form of a Business Manager or
Agent. They are the representatives of the Union who intervene on your
behalf when issues come up between worker and employer.
WAGES
Do you feel that you are being paid
a "fair" wage for what you do and the amount of experience you have? Most
non-Union workers are not! The collective bargaining agreement sets fair
wages for difference classifications of workers, based on their experience.
Not only are the wages fair, but also you will know in advance when you
will be getting a raise and how much it will be. Wages are negotiated in
the collective bargaining agreement.
BENEFITS
Do you have adequate benefits where
you are now working? The Union offers its members excellent benefits. You
will have quality health care for yourself and your family. You will also
have an adequate pension plan, which will provide you with enough money
to retire and maintain your lifestyle. In addition, you will have an annuity
benefit to supplement your pension. An annuity is a personal fund invested
for you at your direction. That money is also available to you when you
retire.
WORKING
CONDITIONS
Are the conditions you work under
safe? Do you put yourself at risk trying to make money for your employer?
You don't have to! The collective bargaining agreement sets down rules
and responsibilities for both workers and employers regarding safety and
dangerous working conditions. Safety is a major concern for everyone involved.
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BECOMING A UNION
MEMBER MAKES GOOD SENSE FOR MANY REASONS. THINK ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
FOR A CHANGE! THINK ABOUT YOUR FUTURE AND TAKE A STEP THAT YOU WON'T REGRET!
JOIN A UNION!
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Frequently Asked Questions
| Q. |
 |
If I were to decide to join the
Union, would I work all the time? |
| A. |
|
As it is with any job, anywhere,
there is no guarantee of 100% employment. However, with the Union, your
chances of going back to work, should you be laid off, are greatly increased.
The Union has an out of work list containing the names of unemployed members.
Since the Union refers workers to multiple signatory contractors, the time
you would be out of work, should you be laid off, would be very short.
Unemployed members are refereed to work on an equal and non-discriminatory
manner. |
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| Q. |
|
Would I have to pay Union dues
if I decided to join the Union, I don't pay any now? |
| A. |
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As is the case with any organization,
there is cost associated with membership. An organization has operating
costs, just like any business. Yes, you will have to contribute, in the
form of dues, to the Union to be a member. You may not think that you are
paying Union dues to your current employer, but in a very real way you
are. The difference between the Union wage rate and wage you are being
paid by your current employer is the amount of non-Union dues you are paying
to your employer, each and every hour you work. |
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| Q. |
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Am I going to have
trouble with current members of the Union if I decide to join since I am
now a non-Union worker? |
| A. |
|
No, you will not. The current members
of the Union support the organizing program. They realize that anyone working
as an insulator other than in the Union sector is doing the same kind of
work that they are. Recognizing that, they believe that all people working
in our industry deserve the same living wage and benefits that they enjoy.
Experience has shown that Union members have welcomed organized workers
from non-Union, who only want to improve their lives and that of their
families. |
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| Q. |
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How will the Union determine
my wage rate in the event I decide to join? |
| A. |
|
The Union has wage rates designated
within the collective bargaining agreement for different classifications
of workers. When a worker is organized from non-Union there is an evaluation
to determine the length of time worked in the industry and the individual's
mechanical ability in the application of insulation materials. From this
evaluation, it is determined what classification the worker will become
in the Union. The wage rate will be that of the classification selected
for that individual. |
Local 14 Contact Information
Jim Cunningham
Union Address:
6513 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., 19149
Telephone
(215) 289-4303, Fax (215) 289-8655
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. |
