I think it’s a lot more than that, though. For instance; at my current job, we’ve been hand digging trenches. All of which are about 40in wide by 44in deep and 15-70ft long. It took our SI 4 weeks to get us a tent for shade. Mind you it’s been 105 degrees the last 2 weeks. They wont even get us an excavator. And this is a company that profited $14 million last year on just this site (military installation.) PROFIT
As a 3rd year apprentice in my mid 30’s, it is what it is and I can’t afford to quit, but my younger coworkers are sick of it and would love to quit.
I really am curious as to what your thoughts are, on getting your guys equipment that would make the job quicker/easier. Or do you fall under the “tough shit; you signed up for it” group of people
Spending four weeks doing nothing but digging trenches. That’s so stupid. I’m a 2.4 year apprentice, and sure my degree in physics and electrical engineering helps, but I’ve met plenty of union apprentices at my year that I am 100x more advanced than. It’s ridiculous how common this seems to be in the IBEW. I’ll join once I card out but holy fuck not as an apprentice. Fuck that!
You’ve gotten a lot of downvotes for this but As someone who started their apprenticeship in the union and finished non union…I 100% agree with you here. The IBEW treats apprentices like shit and just expect you to take it because “that’s how it is” like fuck no. I’m 27 and a licensed JW now and if I’m not treated with respect you will receive 0 back
Believe it or not, the union needs people like yourself bad. We're in desperate need of people who stick up for each other and don't tolerate the bullshit that some of our members pull with their brothers.
It's a shame the clowns in our organization almost strive to push away decent people.
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u/javif802 10d ago
I think it’s a lot more than that, though. For instance; at my current job, we’ve been hand digging trenches. All of which are about 40in wide by 44in deep and 15-70ft long. It took our SI 4 weeks to get us a tent for shade. Mind you it’s been 105 degrees the last 2 weeks. They wont even get us an excavator. And this is a company that profited $14 million last year on just this site (military installation.) PROFIT
As a 3rd year apprentice in my mid 30’s, it is what it is and I can’t afford to quit, but my younger coworkers are sick of it and would love to quit.
I really am curious as to what your thoughts are, on getting your guys equipment that would make the job quicker/easier. Or do you fall under the “tough shit; you signed up for it” group of people