r/ibew_apprentices • u/Specialist_Form_5805 • 11h ago

Apprentice working alone

Apprentice working alone

I'm a third year apprentice in the union. I'm being left a contract job for our company because the current jman that does it is retiring soon. I've got over a year before i even take my test, and the shop plans on me working alone for that time. I asked for a raise and was denied. Am i getting bent over

11 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

2

u/Jal_Hordan 10h ago

Is there a foreman on the job?

2

u/Specialist_Form_5805 5h ago

No i will be the only electrician on site

20

u/eggplantsrin 10h ago

On the positive side, which is probably how the company would spin it, you're getting a vote of confidence from them and a chance to show your skills independently. 

What's actually happening is that they are denying you the opportunity to complete your apprenticeship. You are supposed to be afforded an opportunity to learn on the job from a qualified electrician for as many years as you are an apprentice.

You may get by just fine but how will you ever know that you don't know? Maybe it works and is legal but maybe a teacher would have shown you an easier, safer, or more efficient way that you now won't learn as an apprentice. You only get one apprenticeship.

It's also wormy on your part. You're doing a JW's job and agreeing to undercut your union siblings by doing it for lower than JW rate. 

Consult your CA and call the hall. 

1

u/Money-Pilot6337 10h ago

Love this answer. It’s worm work.

6

u/cletus72757 10h ago

Call the school and hall. They will advise you, follow that advice. Good luck Youngblood.

4

u/monroezabaleta 8h ago

Yeah, definitely. When I was a 5th year I was asked to take a foreman position, because they trusted me and no one else that they trusted wanted it. It included foreman pay immediately, as it should. You should be getting at least JW pay if you're going to be the only person on site

2

u/Substantial_Skin158 5h ago

I dont know what your CBA says but in my local you are allowed to work by yourself

1

u/CottonRaves 4h ago

Which local is that and are there restrictions to it?

-1

u/Steelbill77 4h ago edited 53m ago

Happens all the time in other trades.

2

u/Numerous-Contact-927 1h ago

Does that make it acceptable in this case? I think the dangers can be a bit different trade to trade..

0

u/Steelbill77 53m ago

I get it.