Unions……….

I know there has been a lot of debate as to whether unions are good or bad. So, I just thought I would post this seeing my son-in-law is an apprentice union pipefitter. Today they went to work, today they will not be paid for the work they do. Today they are donating their time and money to help out the low income elderly folks in our community. They are going into the elderly persons home, they check all the plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems. If there are repairs that need to be done, they (the pipefitters union) buys the parts, repairs the system, and asks for nothing in return. My son-in-law said that those people were so appreciative, and he saw so many smiles, and heard so many thank yous that he really got emotional at times during the day…..he plans to do it again in a couple weeks, and then again next year. IMHO, some people think unions are good, not just me.

Your right! And Kudo’s to your son and the Union Pipe Fitters. BUT……There are alot of other people donating their time for projects like that also.

A proud union man here.Our local gets involved in guite a few community events and its always good to here of people union or non helping those that need it

I’ve always respected unions, they have thier place. They can see the side of giving to the worker a fair wage that some may not. In some situations the wages and benifits can’t be paid because of the market thier in but in alot they can and should but not too the point of being inflationary. Unions do have thier place.

The project you are referring to is called Heats On. In the spring the plumbers do a similar thing called Waters Off. This projects is done as a partnership with the Pipefitter and Plumbers Unions along with the Minnesota Contractors Association. The Contractors provide the vans and tools and the union provides the labor. We split the cost of materials with the MCA. Its a great program that is perforformed in the North, Metro and the South. As a representative for the Minnesota Pipe Trades I would like to thank all the members who helped today and also would like to remind the public we represent over 10,000 Members in Minnesota. So here is a fact in the Plumbing and Pipefitting, Fire Protection, and HVAC Refigeration and Service industry a majority of the tradesman choose to be union.

Thanks Joey for all the particulars of the day. I was not sure about all that participated. to all the other unions, contractors, and others that gave of themselves today. I was a union apprentice pipefitter back in 1965 when I got my draft notice, and have been a member of the IBEW while working my way through college, and now have been a union member at my present occupation for 31 years. They can have my union card when they pry my cold dead fingers from it……

One of the times I dont appreciate union employees is when they snuff me just because I’m a non-union manager. I dont like that at all. And I dont mean at the same company necessarily.

What does this have to do with unions? I did know that they were the only volunteers out there.

Do they need someone to organize them before they can volunteer there time? Some people just do it on their own because they enjoy helping out.

Zuki-

Unfortunately thats how it is most of the time. Company v.s Union. I was Teamster and my father and uncle retired as Teamsters. Ive seen the good and the bad.. I’m in the middle of an excellent documentary on the Cole Miners Union. The movie is titled Harland County U.S.A Click Here

You get a first hand look how our fathers and grandfathers fought to organize and gain our rights. This is must see movie.

Let me start by saying I have no problem with unions. I worked for a non-union company and did a lot of volunteer work. We donated a lot of labor and materials for needy people. In fact we were responsible for doing at least 8 hours of work each year. I think these projects are great and I think more companies should reach out and help our communities. Good work guys.