Submitted by givingup3579 t3_123s1eb in massachusetts
Hi everyone. I have a question and am in search of some guidance. I'm mid 30s female looking for a career change. Something with good benefits. Looking to possibly get into a union but have zero idea where to begin. I've done a bunch of Google searches but can't seem to find anything? Maybe I'm just googling the wrong stuff? Not even sure what I'd qualify for or how any of this works. Any and all information would be awesome! Thank you!
If you get a job within the UMass system those are almost all union jobs. I've been in the system for ten years in two different unions (AFSCME and now USA/MTA) because of position changes.
How would one go about getting a job within the UMass system? What is required?
Depends on the job you are looking for but most can be found on any specific campus' website. Amherst has a "yellow sheet" that's posted weekly with open positions like this:
https://umass.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/humres/EX8-9naqTe5KlHJdGfCdA10BBmrwpqH0qwmf2Ln6rCP1Yg?e=bFpHJ2
Requirements will vary depending on the position. There should be instructions for applying if you find something that looks interesting to you. Best of luck!
Greatly appreciated thank you!
Mbta has 2000 jobs available..most of them union.. with the new pension plan rolling out, It would be hard to pass up if offered.
10 years to be fully vested.. eligibility at 55.
Good to know I'll check it out!
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To each their own. It's a beautiful thing that pursuit of happiness.
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There are those that believe in being accountable for their own feelings and actions...and there are those like you who choose to be a victim angry and sad . I choose to feel sorry for you and those like you. But I also choose to do nothing for you. Enjoy that uncomfortable seat you sit in.
USPS
I second this. if you don't mind working over 40 plus hours per week, you will be hired on the spot. federal benefits for what it's worth
Crazily enough I tried to get a job with the USPS and they wouldn’t offer me 40 hours or benefits for a few years…
things have certainly changed since COVID. before there was quite a wait to receive the benefits etc. they aren't even drug screening at the moment... benefits right when you start. things have got a little desperate, pretty short staffed
Oh wow yeah I had applied right at the start of Covid when I lost my “real” job.
Going to pile in with either Umass or any state university like Westfield State. Both my parents were maintainers there because they didn't know a trade, pay was only like $35,000 but the benefits are so good. My dad retired from there and has no regrets with his 80% pay each month.
State jobs are mostly union/ union-covered even if you don't join, benefits are decent:
UPS is affiliated with The Teamsters. Most jobs are part time (4 hour shifts/ 15-25hrs a week) and they are typical warehouse work, with pay anywhere from $18-22/hr. UPS is a workout but the benefits are top tier and less than $100/month.
Part time workers who gain enough seniority, pass driving tests and medical clearance are able to sign bid sheets and eventually drive, which is where the real money is. If you are looking something to keep you in shape while you look for something else, and have solid benefits…UPS is a decent place to start. It would take 6-9 months of part time work to become eligible for the insurance.
Check state or local municipality jobs
What trade do you know? Most unions require you to know a trade.
Right and that's the thing. I don't know any. I was curious about their on the job training benefit that most boast about. I'm just trying to find the right career path for myself and I'm struggling severely. Ugh
Plumbers and electrical. Plumbers are in a bit higher demand in MA as far as on the job training goes a lot of the trades are up to 5 years of (paid) apprenticeship.
As someone who is a trades union member, I can tell you hvac, electrician and plumber are always in demand. Hvac especially lately. Most are a four year paid working apprenticeship. Union halls will guide you to what you need to get in. Local 12 plumbers are advertising on tv, so they must be really hurting for members
Lol. Local 12 is not hurting for members. The advertising is to promote the union in general. We take an apprentice class every year, but there are way more applicants than spots. Being a woman can definitely help. Knowing someone in the union who will vouch for you will also help. I think it’s too late to apply for this year’s class, but it can’t hurt to go down and talk to them.
Just talked to a business agent from 12 recently during our contract negotiations so agree with you on the female angle and Boston residency, and never hurts to contact them asap. Yeah, classes fill up quick but it’s not like a few years back when it was a very long wait
HVAC is often not unionized but pays great with minimal school-- my dad switched from hospitality to HVAC and didn't even have to complete his whole program to be certified and get a job.
It would help to know your wills and your wonts. For example as a prison guard you’ll make good money ($75k) and get a pension after 20 years but you may not want to do that kind of work. I know law enforcement is looking for women for all roles not just police so think trial court officers too.
You could make $100/hr as an underwater welder but that means welding and diving experience. But that’s got a death rate of like one out of seven people.
Are you looking for an office type job, inside/outside work, do you have a clean driving record for a trucking job?
Court officer sounds intriguing but I have zero experience
I like to swim, can weld, and have a death wish, wow!
Custodial union is decent at BU, Harvard, and MIT. Pays almost $30 an hour which is more than USPS.
BU is desperately hiring right now.
I'll definitely check that out! Thank you!!
Pretty much every state job is a Union, if you go to the mass careers website and click on a job you like it’ll say what bargaining unit that job is for. I’m an accountant with the NAGE Union. The state is also desperately hiring
Thank you for the information! Much appreciated!
GE Lynn has a paid machinist training program with union membership day 1. Once you complete the program you are guaranteed placement in any open job at above starting rate.
I'll have to do some research on that thank you!
Also check into the E-Team out of Lynn Tech.
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My wife is happy driving a bus for PVTA.
It's union job, hires regularly. Pretty good money to drive in a circle.
indeed.com and craiglist should be good for jobs
DBLJ33 t1_jdvyg73 wrote
Go to the local union hall for whichever trade you are looking to join. They will have all the info you need.