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Is it better I stay with the IBEW or go to private company?

Veteran

John Barker Victorville, CA

Hi my name is John I am an apprentice with the IBEW currently and wanted some input. Can being in the Union hurt me later on? (some companies I am sure hate unions) things like that. Any what do you all think?

7 April 2016 3 replies Career Advancement

Answers

Advisor

George Wilhelmsen Rochelle, IL

I agree with the other post. I'm a former IBEW worker (forced, no right to work) and the union protects the slugs. Sorry, but that's how it is.

However, that union experience hasn't hurt me. I transferred to management in 1989, and never looked back. Having an understanding of the collective bargaining agreement hasn't make me "grievance-proof" but it has helped me deal with the occasional union glitches I encounter.

So, there is no discernable downside, other than you get the same pay raise as everyone else in the union, despite how hard you work, or what you do better than anyone else, and that they will protect the people who won't work hard and make mistakes more than you.

9 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Neil Serafin Easthampton, MA

I was in the IBEW building the Cable TV system at a Military Facility. In my opinion...Any Union Pros: You drive a truck that starts, you take your family to the beach on vacation instead of seeing relatives, you go to the dentist yearly, you have a license instead of being a "handy man". Any Union Cons: They protect unproductive workers. The only disadvantage of being tagged as a Union Guy is if you work in right to work state. As a IBEW Master, later in your life, you will be in demand.

7 April 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Michael Arrandale Arnold Prairie Village, KS

I agree with everyone here. I have been on both sides of the union. I started with the CWA in 97 then promoted to management in 2001. I've seen the union do great things as well as protect those who really frustrated management. As a manager, I had an employee who was a no show one day and we found him in a local bar. Instead of confronting him right then, we called his union rep who quickly got him the help he needed. He is now a manager with the company and doing great.
We can all give you a list of good and bad but in the long run, the union will give you protection that the average employee doesn't get. Don't look at it like some companies hate unions or even that the unions have outlived their usefulness. Not only will you be protected but your pay and benefits will be better and you will have the opportunity to receive some great training that the average employee wouldn't get.

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