Well sort of...you get 2 checks during the year...one in Jan and one in july with your accrued time off.If you take off time you do NOT get paid for that week,this is why they send out the 2 checks every year.

But the checks twice a year do not come till after you get sworn in...so your first six months, including if you get laid off , will sort of suck because you really shouldn't take time off as a proby... You CAN take time off but it's usually up to the boss.

No work no pay. No it is not a BONUS check. You will be required to take 3 weeks off, and 5 single days off. If the Local your in enforces the rule. So save that Vacation check to manage when you take it. There is also a elevator 401K and a annuity once you make it through your probationary period.

ok, that explanation clears that up, thank you. And the pension is still an active benefit, which is vested after 5 years correct?

Banshee do yourself a favor and get into contact with your personal sources who recommended the union to you. Most of the people in this thread, myself included, do not have much experience in the trade so far.

If you have any questions about how local 133 works feel free to PM me, but just as an example, skilledbutcher and I were hired into the trade around the same time, and from what I can tell have both had vastly different experiences.

There is a degree of luck when getting hired as to whether you find yourself in a good spot or not, because as a new guy you do not control your fate at all.

Where are you on our list if you don't mind me asking?

What's up all.I've been lurking this thread since I signed up for the local 8 last Jan. I got ranked 115 in May and got called to work for schindler last month in N.I. so 90 doesn't sound too bad but construction is booming here. My union rep said that 8/10 guys he calls turn down the offer or quit within a week I don't know why cause I love this job so far. If anyone has any questions for a 50 % proby I'll try to answer

I've been working in Nashville Local 93 since October. We have been slammed with new construction. All of our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year apprentices have been upgraded to mechanic. I've been in construction the entire time. Started on Traction and now I've been doing hyros for the past few months. Since I hired in we've had about 6 or 7 new hires quit. I've compared it to basic training in construction. These guys just want to test you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Just stick it out and get that union card and you'll be fine.