General FAQ

A labor union is a group of working men and women who agree to stand together for better wages, working conditions, and benefits. By standing together and bargaining collectively with employers, workers gain the power to negotiate a fair wage for their labor. This is a power that individual workers do not have. Through unity, workers can insist on a fair wage, health care benefits for both themselves and their families, pension benefits for security in retirement, safe job sites and training for tomorrow’s work force.

Rates are negotiated between contractors and the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council through collective bargaining. Members have the final say when a vote is conducted to ratify the agreement.

Union dues cover the cost of running the union, which is a nonprofit organization. All union operating expenses are voted on by the membership to ensure accountability. The amount varies from one Local to another. Dues and the initiation fees you pay for union membership are a tax deduction. Learn more about tax deductions here.

We recommend you contact and join the Local Union nearest your home. The success of a union is based on active members and you are more likely to be active if your Local Union is near your home. To find the Local closest to you, enter your zip code in the Find My Local search at the top of the screen.

As part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters of Joiners of America, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council Members who move may transfer their membership from Local to Local anywhere in North America six months after becoming a member of the Brotherhood. Your Local dues must be current to transfer.

Most labor disputes are concluded without strikes or lockouts.

An Apprentice is a member who is learning a trade by working under the guidance of skilled workers of the trade, called Journeyman. It is on-the-job training. You earn while you learn, and are paid a wage from the first day you become a working apprentice. Today, many women are training as apprentices too in our Sisters in the Brotherhood program. As an apprentice, your wages will start at 40% of the Journeyman rate of pay and will increase periodically until you reach the full Journeyman scale.

In addition to on-the-job training, you will receive classroom and workshop training. Training is anchored at the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council Training Centers. Apprentices attend classes one (1) week every three (3) months, a system designed to accommodate the needs of contractors and apprentices alike. The courses build from instruction of basic skills, like math and geometry, to programs that teach the use of leading industry technology and products.

It usually takes five (5) years to become a Journeyman. But, remember, the training is free!

Any woman or man meeting the minimum requirements! Apprentices must be at least 17 years old and in good health. A physical may be required. S/he must pass a drug and alcohol test during a 90 day probationary period. A high school diploma or GED is required.

Classes cost $0.

Yes! Our training programs have grown with our union by combining journey worker upgrade classes with the traditional apprentice programs. By taking advantage of training programs throughout their careers, carpenters keep their skills sharp and become more valuable to employers. Upgrade classes are free to members and conveniently scheduled to local training center and during off-work hours.

In seeking to establish high standards for all carpenters in the industry, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters works to set minimum standards for wages and benefits. These standards include a wage and benefit package that is fair and equitable to both carpenters and the contractors employing them and is established in accordance with economic conditions in each area. Attempts to undercut area standards hurt the ability of the industry to attract and retain skilled crafts workers. The Carpenters Unions fight to protect area standards is at the very heart of our mission.

Through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, workers have a fair say in their wages and benefits. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters set the standard – without this – non-union bosses would set wage rates, making it impossible for workers to earn a living wage.

When the union learns that contractors are not meeting area standards for carpenters, we alert the general public and those in the industry through various activities, including demonstrations and/or bannering. We think it’s important for the public to be aware when businesses operating in their communities are undermining the standard of living for carpenters because such activity can have a broader negative impact on the community. While those identified through such activity may not appreciate it, we feel their violation of area standards more than justifies any shame or embarrassment they may experience.

The mission of the Carpenters Union is to raise the standards for wages, benefits and working conditions for all carpenters. While most recognize this effort through collective bargaining and representation of members on jobsite, there is much more. The union regularly talks to and educates carpenters on their rights. We encourage them to advocate on their own behalf and serve as their voice when they are unable to do so. And we fight for laws and enforcement efforts for those not protected by a collective bargaining agreement.