How do I qualify for pensions and welfare benefits?

For pension, you need to work 5 years and at least 1000 hours per year to become vested. For welfare benefits, you must work 6 consecutive months and at least 600 hours to become insured. Your insurance is paid 100% by the Union Contractors, not out of your pocket.

What if I become disabled on the job?

If injured in the job, your area local union will represent you if you have a problem with your Workers Compensation. Non-union contractors represent themselves and not the workers.

The owner I work for now says the union will take me in and I will not work, is this true?

Absolutely not. As stated before, if you are a hard worker and qualified worker you will have your own future. Also we have organized many Ironworkers in the past 2 years and their names and phone numbers are available upon request.

These men are now working as Union Ironworkers and work as much as any other Union Ironworker, sometimes more depending on the job they are on.

The owner I work for now also says that I will have to strike!

Our local unions have not had a strike in over 20 years.Union contractors realize the importance of union labor and union labor realizes the importance of union contractors. Together, they form a good team.

Questions to ask yourself?

Am I earning a fair wage for meeting the physical demands and dangers of being an ironworker?

Will I have a pension retirement when I reach age 55?

Do I presently have medical benefits for my family?

If the company I am working for now goes out of business or fires me, where will I work?

Listed below are the area Ironworkers current pension, welfare and other benefits:

1. Respectable Apprentice and Journeyman wages. Raises every year (not merit raises).

2. Excellent welfare benefits: Paid 100% by Union Contractors:

        A. Hospital Coverage
        B. Dental Program
        C. Optical Plan
        D. Prescription Plan
        E. Supplemental Disability

3. Excellent Pension Plan

A. Currently $___ for every year of service B. Annuity Plan $___ per hour worked. Paid for by contractor. C. 55 years old with at least 30 years service and retire! Quit work! D. Social Security optional at age 55.

We also offer the following:
        1. Apprenticeship program.
        2. Certified welding school-Dot & AWS certifications.
        3. EAP-Employee Assistance Program-for all family members.
        4. Journeyman Upgrading

In closing, if you feel you have the qualifications to be a good Ironworker and want to better your future for your family, give your area Ironworkers Local a call at the number listed, or the contact person on the front of this brochure.

"If I worked in a factory, the first thing I would do is join a Union."

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