Where are the most stable Pipefitting/Welding jobs? Union or NonUnion???

My husband is a welder/pipefitter in the union with experience in hot tapping, pipe fitting, welding (yes he has his certs), and more. He has been in the field for 15+ years. He is 2 months away from becomeing a journeyman. He joined the union as a third year apprentice and in the last 3 years has been laid off many times due to lack of work. We are in Southern California. The pay is great, however I need him to work consistantly for our family. Are we in the wrong state? Should he leave the union. Is it possible to have a stable career in this trade, or is this what I have to look forward to forever? Just a wife wanting to know other pipefitters opinions on this. We are willing to relocate, but do not want to if it is going to be the same somewhere else. Thanks

Louisiana. Chemical plants, Oil Ref, and Pipe Fab shops are everwhere. Very Stable work. If not for Fitters and Welders these Companies would shut down. average pay varies. In the plants you will make between 21 and 35 dollars a hour. In a fab shop you will make between 19 and 24 dollars an hour. It just depends on where youre at. And the cost of living here is alot lower than that of Cal. You dont have to be in a union to get a job here.

I could really use some numbers if you have some for jobs in Louisiana. I live in Kansas and there's not a lot here. If you could send some that would be great.

2 things. Culture shock. Your quality of life will be substantially lowered by moving to Louisiana from So Cal. I grew up in Louisiana, moved to Orange County for 5 years, came back to Louisiana and wanted to die.

AND

That area is not called CANCER ALLY FOR NOTHING.

been a union fitter in southern ca for 15 years , never been out of work. if an apprentice is constantly being layed off its because hes lazy.

ive been working for a pipe manufacturing co. for 12 yrs and other
companys as well.i got layed off in march.what ive found is this,
the companys that have work are not bringing on new people becuase they are woried about things slowing down for them.im only working 20% of the time. lots of others i know are experiancing the same.
ive been in the buisness more then 25 yrs collectivly.i rode out the
last recesion ok /this ones alot harder and will take longer.
work is slower in some places more than others.the economys bad
right now so just hang in there.

Shawna in Los Angeles, California said: My husband is a welder/pipefitter in the union with experience in hot tapping, pipe fitting, welding (yes he has his certs), and more. He has been in the field for 15+ years. He is 2 months away from becomeing a journeyman. He joined the union as a third year apprentice and in the last 3 years has been laid off many times due to lack of work. We are in Southern California. The pay is great, however I need him to work consistantly for our family. Are we in the wrong state? Should he leave the union. Is it possible to have a stable career in this trade, or is this what I have to look forward to forever? Just a wife wanting to know other pipefitters opinions on this. We are willing to relocate, but do not want to if it is going to be the same somewhere else. Thanks

It's like that here in Houston also. It seems we have a thousand plants in our area, but the maint. jobs last longer than turnaround work, but turnarounds you make more money so it's kinda a catch 22. I've worked maitenance for a year and made $55,000 and worked turnarounds (shutdowns) and made $80,000. If he can get on permanent at the plants then its mostly permanent. Here, even a maint. job for a contractor isn't permanent. I do know this. I've been a pipefitter for 25 yearsand do know regardless of your political views, when a democrat is in office, our work shuts down compared to when a republican is in office

spyder53 in Sylva, North Carolina said: Either lazy or not in tight with the right people, that's union.

Could you possibly give me the names of some of the union welding shops in North Carolina? My husband is in the Laborer's union (LIUNA) in Ohio but there is no work in Tuscarawas county. Even the union President is laid off. Hubby has been laid off since October when the pipeline job here ended. We have family in North Carolina and are seriously considering relocating. Any help anyone can give us would be greatly appreciated.

Darrin in Houston, Texas said: It's like that here in Houston also. It seems we have a thousand plants in our area, but the maint. jobs last longer than turnaround work, but turnarounds you make more money so it's kinda a catch 22. I've worked maitenance for a year and made $55,000 and worked turnarounds (shutdowns) and made $80,000. If he can get on permanent at the plants then its mostly permanent. Here, even a maint. job for a contractor isn't permanent. I do know this. I've been a pipefitter for 25 yearsand do know regardless of your political views, when a democrat is in office, our work shuts down compared to when a republican is in office

Yah works shuts down because your a ucking scab. The economy always crashes when a democrat is in office becuase the republican that left ucked it up. Union is the only wya to work live union die union.

Shawna in Los Angeles, California said: Well, did you get any helpful advice? My husband is a journeyman pipefitter and I too hate the instability of when the job is done going back on the list. Especially during slow times like this. I want him to get a stable job doing what he does year round, with benefits. His union health care sucks. And we can never afford to go on vacation when he is laid off, it is a catch 22.
Especially now that I have lost my job and been off work for over a year now. I hate him to work the turnarounds too since they are so dangerous and dirty and a long drive too.
Did you get any good answers?

db in Milford, Pennsylvania said: Yah works shuts down because your a ucking scab. The economy always crashes when a democrat is in office becuase the republican that left ucked it up. Union is the only wya to work live union die union.

U R FULL OF HIT.

I can see the pros and cons of both sides...bottom line is the kids gotta eat!

I am here in NC started welding a year ago and found it is the greatest thing i have ever come across, i always respected welders and got a shot at going to school for free from the state so i took the opportunity and worked my ass off day and night to get as good as i am now. I have now worked in one of the largest solar fields on the east coast doing most all welding and general construction. And what i have learned so far is that NC is tough. I look at other states along the east coast mainly union states and the wages and treatment seem better. I am not even making enough to get by on my own. I think its all in who you know and can get in with down here but as far as what i have seen and who i have talked to Union is the way to go for Construction jobs such as welding and fitting. A well paid and taken care of person is worth way more than a poor, uncomfortable one. Although this may be alot of people and myself have to keep dishing out quality work at low wages just to hold on and wait for a better opportunity. My bet would be trying to move to a union state ive seen some pretty fair jobs in VA and Maryland with OT pay and benefits.

ljmeese in New Philadelphia, Ohio said: Could you possibly give me the names of some of the union welding shops in North Carolina? My husband is in the Laborer's union (LIUNA) in Ohio but there is no work in Tuscarawas county. Even the union President is laid off. Hubby has been laid off since October when the pipeline job here ended. We have family in North Carolina and are seriously considering relocating. Any help anyone can give us would be greatly appreciated.

Hey i Live in Charlotte Area Nc. Check out Local 421 out of Charleston SC. they control NC and SC. or Local 72 in Atlanta. they are doin call outs right now. thats if he wants to do pipework.

is there any welding unions that pays my way there college in north Carolina? or close to the state?

It´s dificult everywere. In Europe aumost no work as well.no chance to be near, with our family.

Shane in Prairieville, Louisiana said: Louisiana. Chemical plants, Oil Ref, and Pipe Fab shops are everwhere. Very Stable work. If not for Fitters and Welders these Companies would shut down. average pay varies. In the plants you will make between 21 and 35 dollars a hour. In a fab shop you will make between 19 and 24 dollars an hour. It just depends on where youre at. And the cost of living here is alot lower than that of Cal. You dont have to be in a union to get a job here.

Dear Shane--

My son has been looking for a pipefitting job now for 2 weeks after another layoff. He has been doing this kind of work for almost 3-4 years, and he also knows welding.
If you know anyone who is hiring, here in the local area of Baton Rouge or somewhere
close by, could you please let me know?

Please email me if you have any leads. Thankyou, Jeri M. jerimartin92@yahoo.com

nate in San Diego, California said: been a union fitter in southern ca for 15 years , never been out of work. if an apprentice is constantly being layed off its because hes lazy.

if u are in the trade as a fitter/welder or both or would like to get in the union is the only way togo. there is on other organization in the country (besides maybe the federal government) that can offer the opportunities, the education, the comraderie, and the lifestyle that the union does. i'm a fifth year apprentice fitter/welder and have worked consistently for the last five years. while this year has been slow, i've been layed off seven times but a total of only about three weeks. my hall has been very good about getting me back out there as soon as possible. i've made more money this year than in any other as well. i don't really feel bad for those union hands that complain about there not being any work. there is work out there but you have to be willing to leave the nest for it. that is the greatest thing about the union is that when you turn out you can get a travel card that allows you to go anywhere in the US or Canada. for example, apprentices are not supposed to be able to travel outside of their jurisdiction. this year however with work being so slow my hall allowed me to pull a travel card to keep me busy and off i went. the other thing is that you always have the chance to further your education. the UA offers college courses and every hall allows you to come in and sharpen your skills. after all it is YOUR hall. we ar a joint local and we are not allowed to turn out without a state plumbing license. even though the majority of my work has been pipefitting i can still walk on a job as a plumber. best thing is that if you are a laid off plumber ypu can spend all of your off time at the hall learning to weld. exactly what i did. now even though i have yet to turn out, i am a licensed plumber, a pipefitter, and a combo welder.

I believe it was a democrat that started the unization process

My boyfriend is a union fitter/inspector and has been for 27 years. Work is plentiful but always out of state, which makes it tough on a relationship. Typical schedule would be (5) nine to ten hour days and (1) eight to nine hour day (Sat.). He is usually 4-6 hours from here and shows up most Saturday evenings and returns Sunday evening. He does feel fortunate to have work in such a down economy but has stated many times he would never do it again. He sacrificed so much, including being a father as well as a marriage. Pay and benefits are good but life quality frankly sucks!

Job Security...Union pays the best wages, has the most skilled workers and best pensions. Union shops offer top schooling for apprentices and also journeyman upgrading classes etc etc.
With these advantages a skilled worker can be the best and perform the best work on the job...the clients and companies see these standards of excellence and then there is a respect for union work.
UA canada is going to bust out wide open this year in Alberta,Saskatchewan,Newfoundland and some in Ontario.
Yes, Non Union in Alberta has a bigger % of unskilled workers that are paid less for a reason. If you have a journeyman certificate join a union hall...persistance keep pushing for it...organize your company...you will find much more benefits with union work.

Things are turning around...with some sacrifice. As you can see that the UA is slowly winning more and more at the barganning tables and outperforming non union contractors on every job...
Stable work isn't part of the trade. Contracts start and finish all the time...its not often to work for more than one company in a year. It does happen and with the recession it hurt everyone.

For the UA's in America, there has been meetings and the Canadian Locals are intending to hire UA brothers but you gotta get on your B.A's to make the calls thats what they are here for.

Thxs 2 UA-> 2 red seal JM,certif. rigger.supervis... etc. and a great pension at 30yrs of age.

BEARPAW in Concord, North Carolina said: Hey i Live in Charlotte Area Nc. Check out Local 421 out of Charleston SC. they control NC and SC. or Local 72 in Atlanta. they are doin call outs right now. that's if he wants to do pipework.

I am out of the local 72 in Atlanta and I can tell you now you do not want to come to the 72.. bunch of politicians. They have given up our weekends to straight time, overtime is straight time, the benefits suck and the mighty dollar has taken focus over the brotherhood.
the 72 has treated other UA so bad they wont even come back to the job. Fluor is the contracter anf they are raping us....
I hope the infection hasnt spread to all UA's.

nate in San Diego, California said: been a union fitter in southern ca for 15 years , never been out of work. if an apprentice is constantly being layed off its because hes lazy.

moving to san diego by years end - can you give me info on getting into the union there - been doing navy and power plant welding for over 20 yrs. thanks

moving to san diego by years end - can you give me some info on the unions there - been welding for over 20 yrs in shipyards and power plants - can weld anything in any position with both hands - have 6g certs. thanks daryl

nate in San Diego, California said: been a union fitter in southern ca for 15 years , never been out of work. if an apprentice is constantly being layed off its because hes lazy.

youre arrogance amazes me possibly u sell other people out but none the less youre still rude and an arrogant blowhard i wonder does the sun rise and set with u also from a 30 year member of the u.a. youre day will come

skin in Carrollton, Georgia said: I am out of the local 72 in Atlanta and I can tell you now you do not want to come to the 72.. bunch of politicians. They have given up our weekends to straight time, overtime is straight time, the benefits suck and the mighty dollar has taken focus over the brotherhood.
the 72 has treated other UA so bad they wont even come back to the job. Fluor is the contracter anf they are raping us....
I hope the infection hasnt spread to all UA's.

It Has Here

My husband works in the local union in New York and has often said that, if someone is being laid off consistently, then they are probably not working to the potential of the others...not necessarily that they're lazy....it's a dog eat dog world out there for your guys and resting or slacking sure doesn't seem to be an option if you want to get those 40 hour paychecks! Anyone got any leads on journeyman pipe fitter jobs on the southern east coast??

nate in San Diego, California said: been a union fitter in southern ca for 15 years , never been out of work. if an apprentice is constantly being layed off its because hes lazy.

B.S.

lee in Port Washington, Wisconsin said: youre arrogance amazes me possibly u sell other people out but none the less youre still rude and an arrogant blowhard i wonder does the sun rise and set with u also from a 30 year member of the u.a. youre day will come

he's blowing the BA

i am about to retest the entrance math test to local in dallas. its been a long while since ive used some of these math skills. i was wondering if any one knew which math is on the test so i could narrow the studying down .

Hi, does your husband have a "R" certification, for "Alterations or Repairs to Pressure Vessels"? Im bidding a job and need to hire a welder with this R certification.
Thanks
Mark
Pasadena CA
626 x 533 x 5101
malibu2010@yahoo.com

Shawna in Los Angeles, California said: My husband is a welder/pipefitter in the union with experience in hot tapping, pipe fitting, welding (yes he has his certs), and more. He has been in the field for 15+ years. He is 2 months away from becomeing a journeyman. He joined the union as a third year apprentice and in the last 3 years has been laid off many times due to lack of work. We are in Southern California. The pay is great, however I need him to work consistantly for our family. Are we in the wrong state? Should he leave the union. Is it possible to have a stable career in this trade, or is this what I have to look forward to forever? Just a wife wanting to know other pipefitters opinions on this. We are willing to relocate, but do not want to if it is going to be the same somewhere else. Thanks

Once your husband becomes JMan he can pull his travel card and deposit it where ever work is even in Canada. I know in the States its hard times don't let this hold you back from traveling to canada. Pass the message to any U.A. member in america that wants to make the trip.

I wish it were true. I haven't been able to get across the border, as a 32 yrs. of expirienced union fitter. I have filled out both sets of paperwork, for the Red Seal and turnarounds. The Alberta hall has been hostile when I inquire what is going on! To quote them, " As far as we a concerned, you are not, nor have ever been a member of our local, and therefore we owe you nothing." Yet, I'm also told by an American who did get out on a project outside of Edmonton, that there were 100 American travelers working there, along side of over 500 Indians ( not natives, but from "India" )on that job. He said that he would never go back. Here we are starving in the US for lack of work, literally tens of thousands of qualified men, and Canada chooses to bring in people from Asia. I guess the employment door only swings one way.

some years ago i worked shutdown's as a mill right in the north east Florida area but now I'm not sure were to find these job's Please help allenpye@bellsouth.net

I worked as a mill right years ago, in the northeast Fl. area but don't know where to look for these job's at please help.

no one seems to have mentioned shipyards, they run a lot of different kinds of pipe, as well as exotic pipe metals. they seem to be busy in western states that are on the pacific as well as yards in louisianna, even wisconsin has some shipyards if you live up there, but whats really going on in the south right now is hvac, jobs are plenty pay is good prevailing wage does happen it's non union and it's not going anywhere because July in Phoenix isn't either buildings always need chiller systems or re piping of some kind.

Hiring Now -
www.CanwestIndustrial.com

PipeFitters & Insulators.

I have 32 union credits working here in beautiful Southern California. I have been fortunate, lucky and put my head to the grindstone and give an honest 8hrs for 8Hrs pay. Currently I am a General Foreman w/a smaller than usual crew (economy).The decision to keep or get rid of a hand relies on a few but simple things:
1.Attitude (willing to do the project w/out complaining or second guessing)
2.Skill (being able to do the task @ hand expeditiously, efficiently but w/quality)
3.Work availability
Etc.. If you're a mechanic out in the field why should the Contractor keep you over your Coworker? It's a business and he needs to make money w/the best hands available! Remember your just a "Tool" out there and if a "Better Tool" comes around. Well you figure it out!
Local #250. FYI: We just sent 50 Apprentices out to work two weeks ago. (a small light @ the end of the tunnel)

If you "WHITE CARD" in to a Plumbers/Pipefitter Union. How do you go about changing your "CARD" to Pipefitter?