United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local 1598

Frequently Asked Questions

Q	HOW DO I JOIN?
A	By filling out an application form at our office. The office is located at 210 - 2750 Quadra Street or call us at (250) 383-8116.

Q	DO I HAVE TO HOLD A TICKET TO JOIN?
A	No. You only have to show that you have been earning a living doing carpentry work. It is our goal to help you get your ticket in the trade. We offer financial support for schooling. There are also excellent opportunities to start apprenticeships for those who have an interest in the trade.

Q	WHAT DOES IT COST TO JOIN?
A	Until December 31, 2007, Local 1598 has waived the initiation fee – so if you thinking of joining now is a great time! If you know carpenters who are not in the Union, urge them to join. You will be doing them a favour to earn superior wages and benefits, and you will be doing yourself some good by strengthening your Union’s ability to gain future increases. The monthly dues are Journeypersons $20/month and Apprentices or Material Handlers $16/month.

Q	IF I JOIN CAN I WORK FOR A NON UNION COMPANY?
A	Yes. However, consider this - We can protect the gains we have made in our wages and contribute to raising standards in the future by resisting offers to jump to employers who promise the appearance of higher wages. Remember the journeyman package is $36.49 and the foreman package is $41.60. Moreover, employers like Farmer and Campbell Construction have been around for over 50 years and they will continue doing business in Victoria long after the out-of-town contractors have gone.

Q	WILL I HAVE TO ATTEND MEETINGS?
A	Members stay informed and get a voice in the affairs of the union by participating. Attendance is encouraged.

Q	WHAT TOOLS WILL I NEED?
A	You will only need hand tools, the employer supplies all of the power tools at the site.

Q	HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET ON A UNION SITE?
A	This depends on the amount of projects in the local's area. The office will call members or Contractors may name request.

Q	HOW MUCH WILL I GET PAID?
A	Currently Journeyperson wages are $29.33/hour plus 8% holiday pay and benefits of $4.82/hour for a total package of $36.49/hour for jobs currently being bid.

Q	CAN I MAKE MY OWN DEAL WITH THE BOSS?
A	Our agreements with Union Contractors call for certain minimum. Employers may pay more than is set out in the agreements.

Q	CAN I WORK PIECE WORK OR SUB CONTRACT?
A	The agreement provides for piecework on certain jobs within the drywall sector.

Q	WHO SETS MY WAGE RATE?
A	Minimum rates are negotiated with the employer and the Union. Members have the final say when a vote is conducted to ratify the agreement..

Q	WHAT HAPPENS IF I TURN DOWN A JOB WHEN THE DISPATCHER CALLS ME?
A	Our local has a dispatch board which shows who is available for work. The member who has been waiting and is next in line for work will be called first. If that member is not available the dispatcher will move down the list accordingly until all positions have been filled.

Q	DO I PAY DUES IF I AM NOT WORKING?
A	Yes. Monthly dues for journeypersons are $20.00 per month.

Q	WILL I HAVE SENIORITY WITH A UNION COMPANY?
A	Most of our agreements do not have seniority provisions.

Q	DO I HAVE TO REJOIN IF I MOVE TO ANOTHER TOWN OR PROVINCE?
A	As a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, you may transfer your membership from local to local anywhere in North America six months after becoming a member of the Brotherhood.

Q	WILL THE UNION HELP ME UPGRADE MY SKILLS?
A	Yes. As demand grows for a particular course, the Union will provide courses taught by professionals.

Q	IS THERE A PROCESS FOR PROMOTION?
A	Apprentices have a schedule for pay rate increases. Journeypersons become foremen and superintendents based on experience and ability.

Q	WILL I HAVE TO STRIKE?
A	Most labour disputes are concluded without strikes or lockouts. The last lockout in Victoria was 1986.

Q	WHY DO UNION PEOPLE CALL EACH OTHER BROTHERS AND SISTERS?
A	A union is a family - in that members support one another and stand together on common issues.

Q	WHAT ARE RAT UNIONS?
A	Employer dominated organizations established to prevent bone-fide unions from representing workers and getting better wages.

Q	MY FRIEND SAYS, UNIONS ARE A THING OF THE PAST, IS HE RIGHT?
A	Through the Union, workers have a fair say in their wages and benefits. The Unions set the standard - without this - non-union bosses would set wage rates - making it impossible for workers to earn a living wage.

Q	WHAT CAN THE UNION DO FOR ME?
A	Office staff will assist you with employment related issues, like E.I. Appeals, Employment Standards issues, Workers Compensation claims. We are also available to help you sort out medical and dental claims, etc. Remember, the U in Union is YOU - U can make a difference - organize and mobilize. Better working conditions and wages for all!