Like you I chose the union side of labor for the benny's and the money. Nothing changed in conditions, safety, work load or work in general but I am basically a free agent doing my own thing for customers at their request. For the most part I set my own schedule and did the lions share of the bid work on my projects. The fitters side was always at odds with us as they only worked approx. 10 months a year and felt they deserved more money for their efforts than the service side for our efforts and overall knowledge. I went for an entire summer and worked the construction/fitters side just to shut some of those guys up. I also wanted to test my skills and broaden them if possible. At the end of the 2 projects they admitted I could do their work. Hard, physical work, yes. Some skills involved, of course. None of them would even attempt my work. So much to know and so many skills to master. I do not short change the work they do. It is hard. But they do look at us as underlings. We were always paid less, had to know far more and worked the same conditions as they did. We have to have customer skills and work directly with engineers, maint. staff and property managers. They never see a customer and just complain about engineers. Yes, a very broad statement that lumps a lot of folks into a tight view point but for the most part this has been my direct experience. I do not even want to get started about the UAW.
I am glad you are doing well with your union. I hope you prosper there.
