CEO--Chief Excavating Officer of my small 1 horse residential,small commercial excavating biz---36 years now.
My Dad was a loyal union man in Local 825 IUOE out of Jersey for years until 1 Sunday when he worked,he didn't get his double time as per contract,the boss tried giving him time and a half.He goes to his BA to complain,the corrupt BA tells my Dad to take the money and run--you should be glad you're working he tells him.Pissed,my Dad goes to the labor board,gets his money,but now is blacklisted and doesn't work steady for 5 years.The hall would give him a day or 2 a week just to screw up his unemployment benefits.35 years with them and no benefits,pension,nada.
Fast forward to the early 80's,there's stupid money to be made at our 2 huge IBM plants so we partner up.He's a very forgiving person,he wants to go all union trades,I'm saying no to it but I gave in,he is my Dad after all.I get a book with Local 137 IUOE. So we had some real nice jobs,not too much union BS.Then in the late 80's,big work started drying up,IBM was hurting so we closed shop.So I go to my BA, ask him about any and all help as an owner-operator in the union.He completely blows me off-tells me his only obligation is to his men working out of the hall.I remind him I've been a dues paying member for about 9 years,wouldn't you want union representation in any form?Says I'm on my own.Left a real sour taste in my mouth.Now in my area there's hardly any union work at all,the big excavating companies by me have all folded,and the only union work is South,by and in NYC.