Advice Needed - Union Electrician Apprentice with Chronic Illness
Hi! I’m super close to starting as a union electrician apprentice and I’m beyond excited! I did a pre-apprenticeship program and they helped me get in. I start work in July. Super grateful!
I have a union-specific question for anyone who might have advice. I have IBD, a chronic illness, that is pretty much under control (but there is potential for a flare down the road). Is it best practice to let the union training director know (he’s super nice), or my new employer each time I get assigned? Or should I only wait to tell them if it becomes an issue? Only thing that may be a problem is random stomach pain and a sudden need to go to the bathroom, so I just need some understanding with that. It isn’t frequent, though, unless I’m flaring, which hasn’t happened in a while.
I haven’t had to navigate this at a previous employer (worked at home), so I’m not sure how to navigate this. I don’t want to hurt my chances or be seen as some sort of liability. It is technically a disability, but I know discrimination based on that is often hard to prove. The union seems very serious about handling any sort of discrimination, though. So far everyone at the union is super nice, but I just don’t know what’s the best route here. Any advice from people with health issues that can chime in? Once I tell someone, I can’t take it back, so I just want to make sure I do this correctly.
Thank you!