WHY JOIN PLUMBERS
LOCAL UNION 16 AS A MEMBER?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL I MAKE MORE MONEY?
There are four wage rates set for journeyman plumbers, depending on the amount of responsibility that you assume. There is a rate for a journeyman, a foreman, an area foreman and a general foreman.
WHAT BENEFITS WILL I RECEIVE?
You will receive health care coverage for you and your family, a defined benefit pension plan, a defined contribution plan (401-K), life insurance, burial expenses, disability insurance, and a vacation plan.
WHAT IS THE COST OF JOINING THE UNION?
There will be a minimal one-time initiation fee of $200.00.
WHAT ARE UNION DUES USED FOR?
Union dues are used for the monthly operating expenses of the union. You are paying non-union dues by not receiving the wage and benefits that are available to you and your family.
WILL I HAVE TO TAKE A TEST TO JOIN?
No, You will not need to take a test. You will be required to show proof of your current plumbing licenses and other certifications that you hold.
WILL I BE ACCEPTED BY THE OTHER UNION MEMBERS?
All present union members are aware of the need to increase our membership. We look forward to initiating into our membership, good, qualified people. As of present over half of our membership is due to recruiting.
WILL THERE BE STRIKES?
Most contracts today will have a clause in it to prevent strikes. By working very closely with our contractors we can prevent strikes from occurring. There has not been a strike in over 50 years.
WILL I HAVE A SAY IN WHAT THE UNION DOES?
You have a voice through the democratic process of voting on all important issues. All authority rests with the membership and is exercised at the monthly membership meetings.
WILL I BE WORKING YEAR-ROUND?
The nature of construction work is the same for everyone union or non-union. The weather, economy and other factors dictate the amount of work that is available. When it is slow it is slow for everyone.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I QUIT OR I AM LAID OFF?
You will come in, and your name will be put on an out-of-work list. The union will find you a new job and you will be contacted to come in and pick up a new workorder.
IS THERE OVERTIME PAY?
Yes, Time-and-a-half is paid after an eight hour work day or after a 40 hour work week. Double time is paid for Sundays and holidays
WILL I GET A PAID VACATION?
There is an hourly contribution made to an account in your name. You can use these funds at your discretion, and can access the funds quarterly.
WILL THERE BE CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES?
Yes, you will be notified of all upcoming classes that will be available to you. There will be classes offered for journeyman on a variety of subjects. There are classes offered to maintain your requirements for city licenses, backflow certifications, med-gas certifications, etc.
WHAT IF I WANT TO MOVE OUT OF TOWN? CAN THE UNION HELP ME?
Yes, You can transfer to another local union.
DO I HAVE TO SUPPLY MY OWN TOOLS?
You will be required to supply a pair of pliers or channel-locks and a tape measure or folding rule, the contractor supplies all other tools. You will be required to keep track of the tools assigned to you and keep them in good working order.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM A GOOD CANDIDATE TO BE A PLUMBERS LOCAL 16 MEMBER?
Do you show up regularly and on time?
Do you give a full day’s work for a full day’s pay?
Are you willing to keep up with changing technologies?
Are you drug- free?
Are you the one on the job doing the lay-out work?
Are you the one everyone comes to for answers?
Do you want to take on more responsibility and try new types of projects?
IF YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST AT WHAT YOU DO, PLUMBERS LOCAL 16 WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO YOU. YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY TO EXPLORE BECOMING A PLUMBERS LOCAL UNION 16 MEMBER. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE. YOU CAN SET A TIME TO MEET WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AFTER BUSINESS HOURS OR ON THE WEEKEND.
YOU CAN CONTACT US AT THE FOLLOWING:
PLUMBERS LOCAL UNION 16
4801 F STRET
OMAHA NE 68117-1406
PHONE: 402-734-6274
FAX: 402-734-0180
RECRUITER: J.R. AMATO
4801 F STREET
OMAHA NE 68117-1406
CELL: 402-740-4165
EMAIL: j.amato@plumberslocal16.org