FAQ
- Contact your nearest Local Union office and request a list of signatory contractors that are hiring. Click here to find your nearest Local.
- Solicit your own work: Contact a contractor from the list to find out if they have any job openings. The list of approved contractors is available at your Local.
- Complete the required training: After getting hired, bring your letter of intent to your Local Union office to enroll in the required training seminar.
After completing these steps, your application will be processed and you will become an official member of the Brotherhood.
No carpentry experience required, however you must be at least 17 years old to join our Union. We do require a high school diploma if you want to become a millwright.
Once you’re in our Brotherhood, we provide training to improve your skill and craft, and advance your career.
Yes. We offer our members extensive resources to find and keep a job. For example, your Local monthly meetings are great places to learn about job openings. Through our professional development, we also provide training and classes to improve your skills and make you more competitive. In addition, the job list and Ready to Work list are updated regularly to provide you up-to-date information on job openings.
Starting pay varies between states, regions, and trades.
We offer competitive wages that include better working conditions, quality health care, and retirement benefits. Contact your nearest Local for more information.
Benefits include vacation pay (paid out twice per year or more via On Demand Withdrawals), an outstanding health insurance plan for you and your family, and retirement benefits.
Health Insurance
Initial eligibility for medical or other health and welfare benefits requires a minimum of 360 work hours in a 3 to 6 month period. Once eligible, continued eligibility requires 120 work hours per month. Excess work hours are held in a reserve bank, up to 720 hours, for later use to maintain coverage when work is not available.
Pension
Vesting in the Pension Plan requires 5 vesting credits without a permanent break in service. Members can earn up to 1 vesting credit per year with a minimum of 1,000 work hours in a calendar year with partial credit granted between 300 and 1,000 hours. Once vested, the right to a pension benefit at retirement is guaranteed.
Annuity and Vacation
Contributions to the Vacation Plan or the Annuity Plan do not require vesting but can only be paid out according to the rules of each plan.
Learn more about our benefits and guidelines here.
You will need to pay orientation and your first month’s dues. Please contact your local to confirm orientation fees.
Dues are $20 a month when you opt into automatic payments. We have many ways to opt-in: automatic monthly bank account deductions, monthly credit card or debit card payments, or pay 12 months in advance.
If you choose not to opt into automatic payments window dues are $25, or subject to certain exceptions.