Go Union?
We’ve heard your comments across our channels, and we’re listening! Many of you have expressed enthusiasm for union jobs, with comments urging others to “go union!” In response, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to explore why you might want to join a union, outline the steps to do so, and show how you can find union-posted jobs.
Why Consider Joining a Union?
Joining a union can significantly enhance your career in skilled trades like bricklaying, carpentry, or electrical work. Here are some compelling reasons to consider it:
Higher Wages
Union workers in the U.S. earn an average of 18% more than non-union workers (AFSCME, 2023). In the construction industry specifically, union workers earn 42% higher wages on average compared to non-union workers (University of California Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education, 2022).
Comprehensive Benefits
Unions negotiate robust benefits packages, including premium health insurance, dental coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans, which provide long-term financial security. Research indicates union members are 39% more likely to have employer-provided health insurance than non-union workers (PTT.edu, 2025).
Workplace Protections
Unions advocate for safeguards against discrimination, harassment, and unsafe working conditions, ensuring a fair and respectful workplace. This collective voice helps protect workers’ rights and fosters equitable treatment.
Superior Training and Completion Rates
Unions invest heavily in training programs, with North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) investing nearly $2 billion annually in apprenticeship training across North America, with the majority in the USA (NABTU). Union apprenticeships are known for their high completion rates due to comprehensive training and support systems. For example, in Michigan, union apprenticeship programs have graduation rates higher than most community colleges and double that of nonunion programs (Public Sector Consultants, 2017).
Enhanced Safety
Union construction sites are safer, with 19% fewer OSHA violations and 34% fewer violations per inspection compared to nonunion sites (Illinois Economic Policy Institute, 2021). This reflects the rigorous safety training and protocols unions enforce.
Collective Bargaining Power
As a union member, you gain a stronger voice in negotiating better wages, benefits, and working conditions, empowering you to shape your career. This collective bargaining can lead to more stable and predictable work environments.
Leadership in Sustainable Construction
Unionized workers are often at the forefront of green technologies and infrastructure projects, contributing to a sustainable future. Their involvement in innovative projects positions them as leaders in the industry.
While these benefits are substantial, it’s worth noting that joining a union may involve membership fees, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars annually, and access to unions can be limited in regions with low union presence, such as parts of North Carolina. Researching your local union landscape is crucial to making an informed decision.
How to Join a Union
The process of joining a union varies by location and trade, but the following steps provide a general framework:
Find a Union to Join
- Check with a union representative at your workplace, often listed in your company handbook, intranet, or on a union noticeboard.
- Search online for unions specific to your trade or region, such as through the AFL-CIO website.
- Use tools like the TUC’s union finder (TUC Union Finder) to identify a union that matches your job type or workplace.
Check Eligibility and Apply
- Contact the union to confirm eligibility, which may depend on your trade, experience, or workplace.
- Complete the membership application form provided by the union representative.
Pay Membership Fees
- Unions charge membership fees, which can be a flat rate or a percentage of your salary, sometimes deducted directly from your paycheck.
- Payment options include direct debit, cash, cheque, or a check-off system where your employer handles deductions.
Complete Additional Requirements
- Some unions may require attending informational meetings, completing training, or fulfilling other prerequisites, such as passing aptitude tests or interviews.
For those aiming to become a union tradesperson, the process is more tailored to skilled trades:
Choose a trade that aligns with your skills and interests, such as bricklaying, carpentry, or electrical work.
Step 2: Start the Application Process
Contact training centers or union halls to initiate the application process.
Step 3: Be Prepared
Gather documentation like a driver’s license, GED, or high school diploma, and prepare for aptitude tests or interviews.
Step 4: Submit Documentation
Provide required documents and pass any tests, including drug tests.
Step 5: Connect with Contractors
After acceptance, join a union contractor for on-the-job training and skill development.
Step 6: Get to Work
Start working on projects, earning wages while gaining experience without college debt.
This process, outlined by Building Advantage, emphasizes preparation and connection with local union contractors. Be aware that requirements, such as specific certifications or tests, may differ by region or union.
How Our Training Can Help
At Tradez, we offer cutting-edge online skilled trades training programs, featuring interactive modules and virtual reality (VR) courses designed to prepare you for careers in various trades. Our programs cover essential skills and knowledge required for union apprenticeships, giving you a competitive edge when applying to unions or seeking union jobs.
Through VR simulations, you can practice real-world scenarios, from plumbing to electrical installations, in a safe and controlled environment. Our interactive courses ensure you master the technical and practical skills that unions value, making you a standout candidate. Additionally, our certification programs provide industry-recognized credentials that can significantly boost your union applications, showcasing your expertise and commitment to the trade.
Explore our courses and certifications to discover how we can help you build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in the skilled trades.
Finding Union Jobs
Once you’re a union member, finding jobs is often facilitated through union halls, which connect members with employers, or through job boards that list union opportunities. Our job board is a valuable resource, featuring union-posted jobs that align with your skills and union status. We’ve enhanced our job board to include union-specific listings, making it easier for you to find opportunities that match your career goals. Whether you’re a newly minted apprentice or an experienced tradesperson, our platform simplifies the process of browsing and applying for positions that advance your career.
Conclusion
Joining a union in the skilled trades can open doors to higher wages, comprehensive benefits, and a safer, more supportive work environment. We’ve heard your enthusiasm for going union, and we agree—it’s a powerful step toward a successful career. By following the steps outlined—finding a union, applying, and leveraging resources like our job board—you can navigate the process with confidence. Our training programs further enhance your readiness, equipping you with the skills to excel in union apprenticeships and beyond.
Start Your Union Career Today - Visit our job board to explore union job opportunities, view trending entry-level certifications that can help boost your application, and embark on your journey toward a fulfilling career in the skilled trades!