Wages are set by the collective bargaining agreement and apply to all members equally. There are no individual negotiations, no pay disparities for the same work, and no ambiguity about when raises happen.
Currently, a first year apprentice’s base rate is $31.88 per hour with a total package including benefits starting at $71.65 per hour.
Raises are scheduled and predictable. Apprentices advance through defined wage steps as they complete training milestones. Journeymen receive increases on the schedule negotiated in the CBA.
Union membership comes with a benefits package that most non-union workers in this trade simply don’t have access to:
Comprehensive health insurance (Aetna Choice POS II) for you and your family
Employee Assistance Program connecting those in need with Drug, Alcohol, and Mental Health Services
Vision coverage for you and your family through our Vision Benefits of America plan.
Dental coverage for you and your family through our Asbestos Workers of Philadelphia Dental Plan
Access to our prescription drug coverage through the Sav-RX Plan for you and your family.
Defined benefit contribution.
Additional defined contribution retirement benefit.
Access to the Local 14 Credit Union and all the products and benefits of a private credit union.
A set payment to a member’s designated beneficiary upon the members death.
The gap between union and non-union total compensation in this trade is substantial. The wages you sacrifice by not being in the union aren’t saved by your employer — they’re kept by your employer.
