Local 219 Akron Plumbers and Pipefitters has been representing workers like you for over 100 years! There is misinformation spreading around about how the union would operate at Jeff the Plumber. Employees have a right to form and join a union, free from interference or retaliation. Please see below for some FACTS about Local 219. Any additional questions or concerns can be submitted annomously by clicking here.

Will my retirement be tied up in underfunded Union Pensions?

Here’s the TRUTH. UA Local 219 light commercial/residential agreement provide workers with a defined contribution retirement plan; one that is much more generous than the 401(k) currently offered by Jeff the Plumber. For every hour worked under the Local’s contract, the contractor/employer must pay $4.06 into your individual retirement account. You get this money in your retirement account without having to contribute anything other than your hard work. You are vested 100% on day one and you can select investment options that are offered through the plan and the money is waiting for you when you retire.

Am I still allowed to talk to my boss?

YES!!!!

UA Local 219 enters into agreements with their signatory contractors. These agreements cover minimum pay scale, breaks and lunches, tools supplied, overtime compenstaion and more. The company still maintains the ability to oversee day to day operations. If you have issues that arise on the job, we encourage an open dialog between our members and contractors. Even though you are a member of Local 219, you are still an employee of the contractor. The vast majority of issues are resolved without the Union being involved. In the event you can’t come to a resolution, you’ll have the ability to contact your union representative for further support.

How expensive are the dues?

UA Local 219 has a one time $40 dollar iniation fee. Union dues are 4% of the gross taxable wage.

Will the union replace me with someone who has more senority?

NO

UA Local 219 will not replace you with a higher tenured member. Local 219 and our contractors do not have seniority when it comes to hiring, firing or layoffs in our Building Trades and Light Commercial/Residential Agreements. Local 219 will work to find our members employment if their relationship with their current contractor ends.

Will everyone make the same pay?

No

UA Local 219 negotiates a minimum pay scale for apprentices and journey-workers. Contractors have the ability to pay over and above the negotiated wage. In the service industry especially you will find technicians making over the above specified wage package.

Will I have to start as an apprentice?

No

UA Local 219 offers a 4 year apprenticeship for residential/light commercial workers. You do not have to start as a day one apprentice. Placement into the union apprenticeship is based on years of experience. All qualified individuals will be journeymen.

Will I be on strike all the time?

No

UA Local 219 has not been on strike since 2005. In fact, over the last 30 years they have only been on strike twice. Strikes are a powerful tool when it comes to negotiations, but are rarely used. The Union and Contractors work hard to reach an agreement without the use of strikes. If the membership decides to strike it is through a majority vote of the members working under that agreement. If building trades goes on strike, that doesn’t mean that residential workers would have to strike and vice versa.

Is there high unemployment in the Union?

While the construction industry can have it’s ups and downs, Local 219’s contractors work hard to keep people at work. As of 8/11/2020 Local 219 does not currently have any members performing residential/light commercial or mechanical equipment service off work. Local 219 does have 24 Building Trades members currently off work. Local 219 has 93% of it’s membership employed, even during the Covid-19 pandemic!

Will I get my retirement?

YES

Local 219 offers a defined contribution annuity to it’s residential and light commercial workers. You are 100% vested on day one. That means any money the employer contributes in your name is YOURS! You have the ability to control your investments, and if you leave the union you can take it with you. Current employer contribution is $4.06 an hour.

What if the company will not negoiate with the Union?

If the employees of Jeff the Plumber were successful in achieving representation, the employer has a legal duty to bargain in good faith with their employees’ representative and to sign any collective bargaining agreement that has been reached. Failure to bargain in good faith is in violation of labor law and your rights as employees.

How much will my training cost me?

Our training center is open to every member at Local 219 at no out of pocket cost. The employer does contribute an hourly contribution on your behalf to fund the training center, that money is above the current take home pay.

Contact: Rich Ochocki (440)655-0365 or Tim Stem (330)618-3005 for more information.

This page is intended for informational purposes only and no one is being asked to stop working or refuse to make deliveries.

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