Some people have never worked for an employer that has signed one of our master collective bargaining agreements and have questions. The below answers questions that apply to the master agreements Locals 513 and 101 currently have with their signatory contractors:
How much are union dues?
Union dues cost less than one hour of wages per week.
Will I get laid off in the winter?
Like all construction, weather plays a part, but with over 900 contractors within our organizations the likelihood of staying employed year-round is high.
Am I on the bottom of seniority because I am new?
No. Once you become a member, you have the same rights as all members. There is no member seniority.
Do/can I travel for work?
That is 100% your choice as a member of the union. The entire United States is open to travel for work if the union in those states need operators.
How long before I retire?
Employees working under agreements that adopt the 513 Pension plan are eligible for early retirement at 55 with vesting and applicable credits.
How do I find a job?
Finding a job is stress free with the Operating Engineers. It is as simple as calling and registering on our hiring list at our union hall.
How much will I get paid?
The wages are set by a master contract and do not change. It does not matter if you are working prevailing wage jobs or not. The wage stays the same for that area.
How secure is my union pension?
Local 101 and Local 513 pension plans are both rated in secure zones by the strict federal laws of the United States Government’s Pension Protection Act.
Do I have to go through job interviews?
No more uncomfortable job interviews. When we sit together for the first time, you fill out your operators skill sheet, writing down the machines you are skilled on, then dispatch will use this to dispatch you to work as the calls come in.
What do union dues pay for?
Union dues are used to pay for operating costs, such as a business agent that represents you to uphold the contract as well as the union halls that meeting and business are held in,
How does being in a union protect my job?
As a union member, you are protected under a master collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This agreement guarantees your wages, benefits and working conditions. If there is a breach of this agreement by the contractor, you have the full power and authority and protection of the union to enforce the legally binding agreement. Furthermore, under our agreements, they must have “just cause” for you to be terminated. Currently, you have no such protection, so you can be terminated “at-will” of your employer.
What does the insurance cost me out of pocket?
In large number of our CBAs, insurance contributions are paid in 100% by the employer on your behalf. This is what we strive for all agreements.
How much does it cost to have my entire family on the insurance plan?
In large number of our CBAs, insurance covers the individual and family for the same rate. This is what we strive for all agreements
How can I train on different types of equipment and earn certifications?
Through our unions, we have multiple training facilities throughout the state that are open to members. Due to our strong CBA’s nearly all of this training is at zero additional cost. We also have an International Training Center near Houston, Texas that is open to members without additional cost, including traveling to the facility.
Does the union protect workers from harassment?
Our CBA’s often including anti-discrimination and anti-harassment provisions. Further as members of our Union we look out for one another and stick up for each other across the state. We protect workers (our brothers and sisters) from on-the-job harassment where it is found.
