The United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) is North America's largest building trades union, with more than a half-million members in construction and woodworking-related industries. With nearly a 130-year history, the UBC improves the lives of its members through dedicated work, education, and solidarity. UBC members work hard to help one another succeed and build a better future.

Members

"Carpenter" is a blanket term and the union covers many occupations, including general, interior systems, residential carpenters, exhibit and display installers, lathers, cabinetmakers and millworkers, flooring and insulation installers, pile drivers, millwrights, roofers, siding installers and concrete formers.

Joining the Union

If you are thinking of joining the union, talk to carpenters to find out what union they belong to and what their recommendations are for you. Carpenters.org provides a link to find union councils in your area, which can provide more detailed information regarding union benefits and responsibilities. Complete all necessary paperwork and documentation needed to become a member of the union and pay any required dues or fees. Be aware that there are some employers who are considered "union shops" where you must be a union member to be employed and still other employers who do not employ union workers.

Union Benefits

A union's collective bargaining agreement can bring about higher pay, better health and retirement benefits, job security and safe working environments. It also allows a union member to provide for his or her family and provides for a financially secure retirement. An apprentice is someone who is learning a trade while working under the guidance of skilled workers called journeymen; it's on-the-job training. The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters reports that the beginning rate of pay for an apprentice is 40 percent of a skilled journeyman's salary. Wages are increased in periodic intervals until they are 80 percent of a journeyman's pay. As a union member, you have access to a union-provided referral service for employment. If you get laid off, your local and your servicing business representative will assist you in finding another job. If you decide to move to another state or area, you will be able to find a job as a union carpenter as long as the state has a carpenter's union. However, the wage rates do vary in different states.

Source:

CarpentersUnion.org

Carpenters.org

Building3c.com