I'm a former IBEW (Union Electrician) member and I have TONS to say about this:
I absolutely agree that unions are not negotiating rates to keep up with inflation.
Worse, many jurisdictions are creating new positions that are assistant helpers, with compensation typically a quarter of journeyman rate, NO BENEFITS, and really isn't intended to lead into apprenticeships. This is NOT the CW/CE program, which was already controversially rolled out early 2000's... it is basically a burn-through-help and then don't even give them healthcare.
I just cannot imagine how skilled trades are going to be affected when most LUs negotiate 3-year contracts, and the past three years won't be anything like the next three years (i.e. it's only going to get exponentially worse)!
Also, I am not yet forty and am looking for another career as a partially disabled dude.
I absolutely agree that unions are not negotiating rates to keep up with inflation.
Worse, many jurisdictions are creating new positions that are assistant helpers, with compensation typically a quarter of journeyman rate, NO BENEFITS, and really isn't intended to lead into apprenticeships. This is NOT the CW/CE program, which was already controversially rolled out early 2000's... it is basically a burn-through-help and then don't even give them healthcare.
I just cannot imagine how skilled trades are going to be affected when most LUs negotiate 3-year contracts, and the past three years won't be anything like the next three years (i.e. it's only going to get exponentially worse)!
Also, I am not yet forty and am looking for another career as a partially disabled dude.