Join The Union

In addition to excellent benefits and higher wages, sheet metal workers who join Local Union #162 have an opportunity to help shape their working environment by having their voices heard. As part of the union, members work under a collective bargaining agreement that establishes working conditions, wages and benefits, work schedules, scope of work, vacation and holiday time, seniority and grievance procedures.

Join as an Individual

There are several ways an individual can join Local Union #162. A pre-apprentice must pass a pre-apprentice test and a drug test before beginning work. This is a good way to enter the field for those who want to decide if sheet metal work is a good fit for them.

After a worker progresses to the apprentice level, the program requires five years of intense, state-approved training. During this time the apprentice acquires and hones the skills necessary to successfully work in the industry. Apprentice pay starts at $12.80 per hour and pay raises are granted every six months. The top benefits package for an apprentice is approximately $44.61 per hour which includes health care, pension and wages.

To join the union as a journeyman, workers must have at least four years of documented work experience in the trade. Their initiation fee is $500, which can be paid in monthly installments.

An individual can also join Local Union #162 as a classified worker. Classified workers and pre-apprentices are not recognized by the state so they typically work on private jobs or in shops, rather than on public works projects.

Join as a Company

Under the National Labor Relations Act, all employees have the right to organize their place of employment to join the union. If a majority of the workers agree to unionize, the National Labor Relations Board will conduct a secret ballot election to confirm the vote.

Under the Labor Relations Act, all employees shall have the right to:

1. Select a union bargaining agent without being threatened or intimidated by the employer.
2. Discuss the union with other employees in non-work areas during lunch breaks, rest breaks, before and after work.
3. Distribute union literature in in-work areas during lunch and rest breaks.
4. Be free from supervisors spying on union activities.
5. Refuse to discuss the union with supervisors or other management persons.
6. Keep records of all violations of these rights (time, people and incident).

1. Discriminating against you because you are a union member.
2. Preventing you from talking with other employees.
3. Promising you benefits or encouraging you to vote against the union.
4. Granting pay raises to influence your feelings about unions.
5. Threatening to close the facility if the shop is unionized.
6. Spying on employees during an organizing campaign.