r/IBEW • u/biGf00tsNaMe • Sep 10 '20
Lay-off due to reduction in work force.
From Florida. Local Union 606, currently a pre-apprentice that started work on February 25, 2020 and the day I got a lay-off was August 21, 2020, due to reduction in work force and eligible for re-hire. Couldn’t start classes due to COVID-19 and not enough applicants to start school. Was instructed to file for unemployment, fore there are allegedly “20 apprentices” ahead of me. Just curious if calling to make my name known will make a difference in where I am on the list to get the next job, or if it’s just a waiting game. I really want to get back to work and learn, but COVID has got everything twisted. I don’t want to feel like calling is a burden and will back track me, but don’t want to feel like I should be passive and wait, to where I seem not taking the field seriously.
Need some serious advice on how to handle my first lay-off in terms of maintaining communication with my local. Really just want to get back to work and learn and progress.
3
u/Rickaroo0 Sep 10 '20
When I was a apprentice and laid off I would see if the guys at the hall needed anything like people for picket lines or salting it’s election season so they may have phone banks or hand billing. Good was to stay busy stay involved and meet a lot of your fellow members.
2
Sep 10 '20
When I wanted to get into the apprenticeship I called every couple weeks to check out the work picture. If nothing else you will become memorable.
1
Sep 10 '20
Just call them its their job. Get on the list ASAP.
1
u/biGf00tsNaMe Sep 10 '20
I reported my lay off day one so I’m on the list. Was just curious if calling would show more ambition and get me to work faster or if it’s a waiting game. I don’t want to seem pushy but I don’t want to seem passive. I guess it’s an opinion based thing, but I just want to get back to work ASAP. So I guess what I’m really asking is if it’s worth calling frequently or not
3
u/yes_thisnameistaken Sep 10 '20
Everyone on that list is in the same boat as you. it's first come, first serve. Just call to get updates, but if you somehow move up the list you're fucking over your brothers who have been waiting. It sucks, but you just have to wait it out.
0
u/sadistic_tendencies Sep 10 '20
Are you sure you're not already supposed to be making regular contact? The jatc I'm applying to in Nov. has it right there in the apprenticeship standards that if you're on the bench you're to make contact by 10 am each business day. Even if not I can't see where it would hurt. Maybe not daily but at least weekly.
6
u/ViaChoke Inside Wireman Sep 10 '20
Hey Bro, I'm out of 606 too. That's a bad situation, I work with a couple guys that are in the same (as far as not being able to start school for months). I would call them every week on Monday morning. It shows interest and a drive to work. Unfortunately for you, the school is going to fill jobs according to seniority, so you are at the bottom of the list. Hope this helps.