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!

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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.

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Dreadedtrash t1_jdw66oz wrote

What trade do you know? Most unions require you to know a trade.

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rolandofgilead41089 t1_jdw7gms wrote

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.

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givingup3579 OP t1_jdw8i8b wrote

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

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rolandofgilead41089 t1_jdw9heu wrote

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!

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PlentyOFiesty t1_jdwacua wrote

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.

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rsex77 t1_jdwc8iw wrote

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.

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rsex77 t1_jdwg04i wrote

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.

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WilliamWarren81 t1_jdwhg6u wrote

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.

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peteysweetusername t1_jdwn6ky wrote

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?

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dougunder t1_jdwn9zs wrote

My wife is happy driving a bus for PVTA.

It's union job, hires regularly. Pretty good money to drive in a circle.

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Iamjacksgoldlungs t1_jdwtg6v wrote

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.

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sammydee44 t1_jdwuqgs wrote

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

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humanzee70 t1_jdx19sv wrote

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.

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sammydee44 t1_jdx4g5v wrote

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

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solariam t1_jdx6lqo wrote

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.

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Outrageous-Excuse229 t1_jdykjs4 wrote

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

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ThePaterMonster t1_jdzrs1j wrote

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.

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MrC-Diddy t1_je09mdf wrote

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

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