Why Choose Union Membership?

The benefits of being a Union Cabinetmaker/Millworker/Exhibit Builder or Industrial worker are countless, but we will cover the basics.

• Collective Bargaining Agreement: (CBA or contract) A CBA spells out the hours of work, terms and conditions of employment, it provides for a grievance and arbitration procedure and so much more.
  


• Wages: A contract establishes wage rates for the term (length) of the Agreement as well as for the different types of work done. Some higher skilled jobs deserve higher pay. This and other types of considerations are all spelled out in the contract. You know that on a specified date you will receive a wage increase and the amount of such increase.
  


• Healthcare: The CBA either spells out the healthcare coverage, or references the SPD (summary plan description) or policy which gives you in detail what you benefit coverage is. The CBA restricts the employer from changing coverage without at least discussing any changes.



• Vacation and Holidays: Many people don’t realize it, but if it were not for Unions we probably would not have vacations or holidays. Your CBA establishes how vacation time and holidays accrue and the guidelines for them.



• Retirement: The Collective Bargaining Agreements provide that money be placed into an approved Pension Plan or Retirement Savings Plan in the name of the member. If it is the Carpenters Mill Pension Plan members with just five years of service become vested in the plan.



• Training: Not only does the Union provide in initial pre-apprentice training which covers construction math, blueprint reading, safety training and other basic work practices. It also provides a four year comprehensive Federally approved training curriculum that will enable you to become the highly skilled journey person that today’s designs and technology demand. (click on careers for additional info). Once you have completed your apprenticeship and become a Journeyperson, the training doesn’t stop there. The Union (and our signatory employers) provide for continuing education. Once you are a member you will automatically receive our booklet offering hundreds of skill advancement classes which are basically free to you as a Union Member.



• Placement: It doesn’t stop there. As a Union Member, you will have access to a Union-provided referral service for employment. If you get laid off, want to get closer to home or simply want to make a change, your Local and your servicing Business Representative are your source for a smooth transition.
  
  Hopefully you get the idea. Union is the way to go if woodworking is your chosen career or if you think it is the career path for you. Numerous doors are open when you become a Union Cabinetmaker/Millworker/Exhibit Builder or Industrial (Shop) worker.
  

If you are looking for a CAREER that will allow you to support a family, receive great benefits and enjoy your retirement, contact us to find out more.