If you’re doing the job, should you get the pay?
I’m an ironworker apprentice and currently working as a connector on a large project. For quite a while now I’ve been performing the same work and carrying the same responsibilities as my partner, who is a journeyman connector. I’m making picks, connecting steel, handling the daily responsibilities, and pulling my weight without needing constant supervision.
I’ve also been with the same company for over a year straight, which seems pretty uncommon these days.
My question is: am I wrong for asking to be scaled to journeyman pay while on this project? I understand I’m technically still an apprentice, but if I’m doing journeyman-level work and producing at that level, is it unreasonable to ask for journeyman wages?
Looking for honest opinions, especially from other ironworkers, foremen, and superintendents. Would you ask, or just keep your head down until you top out?