IBEW members?

Hey all, I'm looking at a career change and had some questions for IBEW members. Background first...I'm 31, minimal debt, no kids or wife and currently work for the railroad.

How good is the pension?
What is the job outlook over say the next 5 years?
How hard is the job on your body, ie would I be worn out physically in just a few years?
Any other benefits aside from insurance and pension I'm not seeing?
Finally, do you enjoy your job?

I've worked for a major Class 1 railroad for 11 years, and am vested with railroad retirement. However, I'm tired of working on call, and the other bs that comes with the railroad life. I was already looking at getting out, and after a crossing fatality last month I could care less if I ever went back to the railroad.

 

I’ve just organized into the IBEW as of a few months ago. I was doing electrical work for a few years prior to my acceptance into the apprenticeship program.

The pension is pretty good, I believe our current hourly contribution (in the Sacramento - Redding Local) to main pension is $9.25/hr and that goes up a dollar next February I believe. There are 2 smaller hourly contributions that are made but this is the main one. The closer you get to the Bay Area, pay and benefits go up substantially. A lot of guys go to work down there for a few years just to rack up their pension. My current foreman did it for 10 years.

EDIT- I realized that some of this info is only pertinent if you live in CA, otherwise it might not mean much to you. Pay and pension vary by local, some locals post their contract on their website and you can view it in .pdf form. I’d try google searching the local closest to where you live and checking it out.

Right now from what I’m told, we are one of the busiest locals in California. There are 45 unanswered calls at the hall and tons of work on the books, probably about 4-5 years worth.

It’s hard to answer how hard it is on your body, specifically because every day is different. The best way I can put it is that some days are harder than others. If you’re in shape you’ll be fine. If not, you might have a hard time with it at first. I wouldn’t worry to much about that though. Plenty of old electricians and plenty of big electricians out there!

Aside from the pay, pension and healthcare, being a part of a union is the best thing that ever happened to me! I can tell you it’s absolutely night and day from working at a non union shop! Other perks are pride in what you’re doing, job security, respect from peers, ability to do side work as you want to, the list goes on.

I love my job. I love learning new things every day! I’m 29 and I’m so happy I chose this path. If you are curious I would urge you to give it a shot. Send me a dm if you need help with the application process or have any other questions.

 

Thank you for the reply. I wound up applying in January. I've taken the aptitude testing and am now waiting on the interview. Fortunately I've got three 20 plus year guys putting a word in for me. Unfortunately, they are waiting on the Corona to be over before they interview. I checked, and insurance is excellent, Journeyman wage is 38.xx an hour, and a 21% pension for the local, plus international pension. I'll honestly probably take the job if they offer.

Physically, I am I'm good shape other than over weight. I switch rail cars all day, so surely I can handle the job? I'm 5'8" and 255, but I can still click off a 7:30 mile so not much I couldn't do.

I've got a background in engineering. Do you think that would be a benefit in this field? I've been involved in designing and reading electrical schematics, but have never had to apply it in the field.

 

Sounds like you’re a great candidate! Good luck in your interview. 7:30 mile is way faster than I could run right now by the way

 

Thank you! Yeah don't get me wrong, I'm gassed after that mile. lol

 

Dude, running is the worst. The most physically intense thing you’ll be required to do as an electrician is dig a trench, which is just as much mental as it is physical. But it hasn’t yet happened to me, and a lot of times companies will hire excavation contractors to do the bulk of the digging for us

 

Finally getting to interview today. First interview in 12 years so a little nervous.

 

Good luck!

 

Good luck from another brother

 

Thank you from another union brother! I'm currently a 12 year member of SMART Local 490, so hopefully that helps a little. I've served as trustee, vice local chairman, and as local chairman.

 

Thank you!

 

Hope your interview went well bro!

 

Interview seemed to go well. Most questions were generic, like "What are your hobbies?" It was only 10 minutes long and I should know something by the middle of August.

 

I think you got it in the bag. They typically like people with experience turning some wrenches, which you obviously have. Keep us updated!

 

How is it going in the IBEW? In Texas they are pretty weak. I had to leave it in 2017.

 

Of course I'm not in yet, but they seem pretty strong. Looking to hire 100 guys out of this local due to retirements in a few years.

 

Local 46 Seattle here, hope you get in soon! Without the IBEW I probably would have fucked my life away. Now I get to go make killer money doing something both fun and mentally challenging! No way I would have survived an office job or college