Boilermakers...

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Hey all, I'm I'm a bit of a dilemma (well, some might not call it that lol). I just got promoted to full time at my current job (warehouse) and the next day got a call from the Boilermakers local. They want me to come in and take their OSHA class so I can go to work for them. Are the Boilermakers (specifically local 502) still a good union? I've had people tell me that if they called they clearly have a need for workers,  and also had a lot of people tell me they're dying out and don't have much work. Last thing I want to do is jump ship to the boilers, land one job and then be laid off and unable to pay my bills. If not,  I'm planning on applying with the pipefitters local here shortly. Thanks for any responses!"I fully know my place in life, and it's behind a welding helmet...." - Jesse JamesIG: @weldakota
Reply:Is this with the metal trades side of the Boilermakers, or the building trades side. Metal trades side would be ship yards, fab shops, etc.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:are they offering you membership or permit work? although i've known guys to work on permit for 20 years it's not as secure as full membership which in the building trades isn't saying much in the way of job security.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Originally Posted by docwelderare they offering you membership or permit work? although i've known guys to work on permit for 20 years it's not as secure as full membership which in the building trades isn't saying much in the way of job security.
Reply:Weldakota have you been down and talked to Jesse Engineering? They have several yards / shops in the Tacoma tide flats. I don't remember if they are union or not. They do a lot of fab work for the company I use to work for. I think they are one of, if not the only certified bridge fab shop in the state. http://www.jesseengineering.com/Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Tough call. How secure is your current job ? Are benefits good there ? Can you continue to get wage increases there ?  MOST of all are you happy there ? Do you want to spend your life working there ?  Union boilermaker could be good if you got work as you mentioned. Does the boilermakers have men out of work ? Do you like to travel for work ? Driving a long distance for work could be a typical day.  Do you know any boilermakers to get some truthful info ?  Good Luck !
Reply:Me personally, just from the kind of work that I've seen BMs do, I would wait on the pipefitters. Unless you like working inside tanks and vessels. I never did, plus their standards as far as fitups are way lower than PF. Is there union PF work in WA? I'm in the pipefitters in Texas out of Houston...NVM, I just re-read your OP, you haven't even applied yet. Depending on your financials, go with who wants you first.
Reply:Originally Posted by TimmyTIGMe personally, just from the kind of work that I've seen BMs do, I would wait on the pipefitters. Unless you like working inside tanks and vessels. I never did, plus their standards as far as fitups are way lower than PF. Is there union PF work in WA? I'm in the pipefitters in Texas out of Houston...NVM, I just re-read your OP, you haven't even applied yet. Depending on your financials, go with who wants you first.
Reply:I'm not personally in the piping trades, so take this for what it's worth. I've worked closely with a lot of BMs and PFs. It seems like PFs love their jobs and BMs not so much. If you like heights, tight spaces, heat and welding through a mirror, BM is a good choice. I know BMs are among the best welders and riggers in the trades. I worked a power plant job several years back though where they did such a crap job, both work wise and safety wise (one of their members died on that job IIRC), they were booted out and job was finished by "rats". All that being said, if I had to choose between warehousing and BM Union I would choose the BMs. If you're good and willing to put in long hours away from home it can be an extremely rewarding career. If I had to choose between PF and BM, I would choose PF all the way. I know the BMs have had trouble with corruption in their int'l office, while the UA is one of the largest and strongest unions in the country. But I'm a SMW so what the hell so I know…
Reply:a good friend of mine is a longtime boilermaker. his full time job is correction officer.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Originally Posted by docweldera good friend of mine is a longtime boilermaker. his full time job is correction officer.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPWeldakota have you been down and talked to Jesse Engineering? They have several yards / shops in the Tacoma tide flats. I don't remember if they are union or not. They do a lot of fab work for the company I use to work for. I think they are one of, if not the only certified bridge fab shop in the state. http://www.jesseengineering.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by Weldakotado you know anyone in the unions or how they're fairing currently? Not just boilers
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldakotaI've heard the pf are expecting several thousand job openings in the next few years due to retirement, so they're looking for apprentices now. I'm just worried that if I go BM or PF, I'll get hired on and then laid off and be up **** creek with my bills.