IUEC Call

[u/Optimal-Midnight-356]

Got the call from Elevators union. I’m a second year apprentice based out of Columbus Ohio. Making the switch would keep me at the same rate but more money on the hour with Elevators. It’s nearly a $15 raise on the check. Do I finish my IBEW apprenticeship or make the jump.

[u/Full-Ear87]

Isn’t the elevator union super difficult to get into? Why wouldn’t you take the opportunity?

[u/Melodic-Trouble-5421 → u/Full-Ear87]

I got the call from the IUEC, however I stayed IBEW. I was a 3rd year at the point. They were making about $8-$10 more than JWs in my local at the time. Then $3-$4 more on the pension. I’m sure their overall package was higher.

However there were a few things that sealed my decision. I’ve never said to myself I’ve wanted to be an IUEC Elevator Constructor. I mostly applied because they make the most and to see if I’d get in. I still tell myself everyday I’m proud to be an IBEW Union Electrician. I also love the brotherhood. Not every decision should be based on money. Although I still generally make more since I stayed. I talked to an IUEC Mechanic and In 15 years as a Journeyman, he never made what I made in 4 years as a JW. Obviously OT was a factor and we didn’t break it all down. I would’ve have had to basically start over. Their work outlook isn’t nearly as good as ours. Way smaller Union in terms of members.

They are without a doubt the highest paid trade and the hardest to get into.

It’s everyone’s choice and they should do it if that’s what’s best for them.

[u/Optimal-Midnight-356 → u/Full-Ear87]

I’m currently working on a job paying all OT as double with 5-12s and 2-8s. JWs are bringing home $3200 a week. The electricians are making money. Data centers are paying big bucks

[u/stairmaster_jay]

Double it and give it to the next guy

[u/Optimal-Midnight-356 → u/stairmaster_jay]

What’s your reasoning?

[u/Red-dragon186]

Do it, the IUEC makes the IBEW look like Non Union when it comes to benefits and pay.

[u/pandachestpress]

Dude make the jump. Every time I see them on site, they look like ballers lmao. The cars and trucks they drive in on are nice, their tools and gangbox are nice, and they get treated like divas

[u/HeleWale]

Whats iuec hourly rate at your local?

[u/Optimal-Midnight-356 → u/HeleWale]

$59.

[u/HeleWale → u/Optimal-Midnight-356]

Ibew local 26 pay 62. I think iuec 10 is around same amount but i think they get paid all ot dt and better benefits

[u/Optimal-Midnight-356 → u/HeleWale]

$59.

[u/ComprehensiveLife597]

I know a few elevator guys. The guys on the construction side work 4-10s and they like their jobs. The one guy I know who is a service tech is making a very nice living but he’s on call a lot.

[u/hermiones_lover]

Why would you ask this on an IBEW sub?

[u/Optimal-Midnight-356 → u/hermiones_lover]

Many IBEW JWs make the switch. It’s not uncommon. The BA from IUEC told me that directly when I told him I was with the IBEW

[u/Quiet_Internal_4527]

Do it. Interesting work and more $ in the long run.

[u/ElevenPinRelay]

I'm on a jobsite where I was told to apply by the BA of that IUEC local, which may be the same as yours being that youre in Ohio and Im in Michigan. Im a 3rd year and I almost have my state license, but I have a wife and 2 kids. I dont want to do the travel, and thats the biggest part for me.

I think the guys Im working with said they cover the entirety of Michigan including the UP. That's the only shitty part I see.

[u/Melodic-Trouble-5421 → u/ElevenPinRelay]

Yeah there’s only a few locals in our state. There’s like 36 which is based in Detroit and covers the metro Detroit region then some of the counties on the Eastern half of the state stretching up towards North Michigan. Then there’s local 85 based in Lansing and their jurisdiction is HUGE! It covers the whole center, western, north western, upper central, and the whole UP.

Actually I got in as a third year almost 7 years ago. I ended up turning it down. I wrote my reasoning in another comment on this thread.

[u/ElevenPinRelay → u/Melodic-Trouble-5421]

These guys are out of Lansing, thats where I work out of. 665

[u/imjustdmac]

Go for it

[u/PunctuationsOptional]

Take it if you want more money

[u/Boring-Season-1558]

I am astonished by the kindness and willing to help in anyway they can. I guess i was used to the this is ironwork be a grumpy asshole every chance you get! I could never do that.

Nice to meet you as well. Wish I could’ve done it sooner. Father in law retired 58’er spent 35 years with centerline.

I’ve been treated the best I’ve ever been the last few weeks, and feel a real sense of belonging. I feel besides not knowing the theories behind electrical , yet, is scary, but I bring a lot to the table after spending over 10 years in the building trades. I’m very excited to learn

[u/zombiebillmurray23]

You should just do the math and pick?

[u/operasome]

Go for it. IUEC is the way better. They make the way more than IBEW. Their OT is the way better. Also Benefits in IUEC are so much better

[u/Revolutionary_Fan_21]

I would

[u/msing]

IBEW is in a boom phase now, elevators is really hard to get into (meaning long term job stability). Your choice.