Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I've always thought that construction Unions were "boys clubs" - should women even bother to try to join?
A: The old-school "boys club" mentality is a thing of the past. We gladly welcome women into our Union and the trade. In fact, we actively encourage them to join. They become our Sisters in the Brotherhood and we value their contribution to our Union.
Q: What are the requirements to become a member - do I have to "know someone"?
A: You do not have to "know someone" to join the UBC. Any man or woman who seeks to make a good living working in the craft may walk in and join as a Journey-level Carpenter. Of course it goes without saying that a potential member's carpentry skills should be of a proficiency that will keep them employed in the trade. We also urge these potential new members to try to secure a commitment of employment from a Union Signatory Employer first, as that is the quickest way to get to work.
Q: I've heard that Union Carpenters are the best - what if my skills aren't up to par, I'm new to the craft, or I'm a young person fresh out of high school? Can I still join?
A: Absolutely! We're glad you asked because that brings us to the topic of Apprenticeship. Anyone who is at least 17 years old and has either a high school diploma or a GED equivalent may sign up to be indentured and join as an Apprentice Carpenter. As an Apprentice, you will work side by side with Journeymen Carpenters on the job every day and about every three months you will attend a week of instruction at one of our regional training centers located throughout Northern California. These centers and the hands-on as well as classroom instruction they provide have been consistently awarded for being the best in the nation. The term of Apprenticeship is four years and you will earn generous pre determined raises as you progress until the day that you graduate and are officially awarded the title of Journeyman. What could be better? You essentially get to "earn while you learn"! What's more, this education that will help you provide for yourself and/or your family costs you virtually nothing - and you get college credit for it to boot. If you happen to be a Journeyman already and you feel like your skills could use some brushing up or perhaps you would like to learn some completely new skills, you may sign up for Journey Level Advancement Classes which are held at our training centers. You can take classes in welding, rigging, blueprint reading, first aid/CPR, Superintendent/Leadership, Total Station, interior systems, and bridge building just to name a few and just like an apprentice, it won't cost you anything except an investment of your time.
Q: I've always worked non union and had to beg for every fifty cents of pay and I've never had fringe benefits - how does a Union Carpenter know exactly what he or she is to be paid?
A: Because our Union bargains collectively with its signatory employers approximately every 4-5 years, a Union Carpenter always knows what the total pay and benefits package is at any time. Once these agreements are reached, they are guaranteed for the duration of the contract and every Union Carpenter gets an official dispatch which lists every penny of compensation. Think of it as a receipt. There are even higher pay grades such as Foreman and General Foreman as well so if you posses the right combination of skills and attitude, you can earn even more. Plus, every Union Carpenter gets a pre determined raise every July 1st. Imagine that - never having to beg ever again. As if that weren't enough, Union Carpenters get a fringe benefit package consisting of Health & Welfare (medical, dental, vision) for themselves and their spouse and children - regardless of pre existing conditions, a Pension, an Annuity, an optional supplemental 401K (all to ensure a secure retirement), and a Vacation Fund check based on hours worked that is paid out once a year and may be spent at the individual Carpenter's discretion.
Q: What happens if I become temporarily unemployed? Do I have to check the want ads for a job?
A: Absolutely not. Come to the Union Hall and sign the ready to work list. When an employer contacts us with a job order, we will contact you if you are qualified for the specific type of work required. If you want the job, we will dispatch you. No games, no favorites. It goes in numerical order. We run a fair and square hiring hall.
Q: Suppose my Union Employer violates the agreement or fails to pay me properly. Do I have to fight it out with him in the parking lot or even hire a lawyer to sue him?
A: Never. As a Union Carpenter, we represent you. Stay cool, simply call your Field Representative and let them handle it for you. Your Representative is your advocate and more often than not, most disputes are settled amicably, the same day. In any event, these situations are rare.
A: The old-school "boys club" mentality is a thing of the past. We gladly welcome women into our Union and the trade. In fact, we actively encourage them to join. They become our Sisters in the Brotherhood and we value their contribution to our Union.
Q: What are the requirements to become a member - do I have to "know someone"?
A: You do not have to "know someone" to join the UBC. Any man or woman who seeks to make a good living working in the craft may walk in and join as a Journey-level Carpenter. Of course it goes without saying that a potential member's carpentry skills should be of a proficiency that will keep them employed in the trade. We also urge these potential new members to try to secure a commitment of employment from a Union Signatory Employer first, as that is the quickest way to get to work.
Q: I've heard that Union Carpenters are the best - what if my skills aren't up to par, I'm new to the craft, or I'm a young person fresh out of high school? Can I still join?
A: Absolutely! We're glad you asked because that brings us to the topic of Apprenticeship. Anyone who is at least 17 years old and has either a high school diploma or a GED equivalent may sign up to be indentured and join as an Apprentice Carpenter. As an Apprentice, you will work side by side with Journeymen Carpenters on the job every day and about every three months you will attend a week of instruction at one of our regional training centers located throughout Northern California. These centers and the hands-on as well as classroom instruction they provide have been consistently awarded for being the best in the nation. The term of Apprenticeship is four years and you will earn generous pre determined raises as you progress until the day that you graduate and are officially awarded the title of Journeyman. What could be better? You essentially get to "earn while you learn"! What's more, this education that will help you provide for yourself and/or your family costs you virtually nothing - and you get college credit for it to boot. If you happen to be a Journeyman already and you feel like your skills could use some brushing up or perhaps you would like to learn some completely new skills, you may sign up for Journey Level Advancement Classes which are held at our training centers. You can take classes in welding, rigging, blueprint reading, first aid/CPR, Superintendent/Leadership, Total Station, interior systems, and bridge building just to name a few and just like an apprentice, it won't cost you anything except an investment of your time.
Q: I've always worked non union and had to beg for every fifty cents of pay and I've never had fringe benefits - how does a Union Carpenter know exactly what he or she is to be paid?
A: Because our Union bargains collectively with its signatory employers approximately every 4-5 years, a Union Carpenter always knows what the total pay and benefits package is at any time. Once these agreements are reached, they are guaranteed for the duration of the contract and every Union Carpenter gets an official dispatch which lists every penny of compensation. Think of it as a receipt. There are even higher pay grades such as Foreman and General Foreman as well so if you posses the right combination of skills and attitude, you can earn even more. Plus, every Union Carpenter gets a pre determined raise every July 1st. Imagine that - never having to beg ever again. As if that weren't enough, Union Carpenters get a fringe benefit package consisting of Health & Welfare (medical, dental, vision) for themselves and their spouse and children - regardless of pre existing conditions, a Pension, an Annuity, an optional supplemental 401K (all to ensure a secure retirement), and a Vacation Fund check based on hours worked that is paid out once a year and may be spent at the individual Carpenter's discretion.
Q: What happens if I become temporarily unemployed? Do I have to check the want ads for a job?
A: Absolutely not. Come to the Union Hall and sign the ready to work list. When an employer contacts us with a job order, we will contact you if you are qualified for the specific type of work required. If you want the job, we will dispatch you. No games, no favorites. It goes in numerical order. We run a fair and square hiring hall.
Q: Suppose my Union Employer violates the agreement or fails to pay me properly. Do I have to fight it out with him in the parking lot or even hire a lawyer to sue him?
A: Never. As a Union Carpenter, we represent you. Stay cool, simply call your Field Representative and let them handle it for you. Your Representative is your advocate and more often than not, most disputes are settled amicably, the same day. In any event, these situations are rare.