Go Union?
I’ve been an apprentice at a municipality in Georgia for almost two years. I’ve been learning, but the progress has been pretty slow due to the workload and the type of work we have available.
I recently got in contact with SELCAT and found out that I qualify for direct entry. I’m seriously considering leaving the utility/municipality side and going union so I can get more experience.
I’m looking for advice from anyone who has made the transition from a municipality/utility to union.
How was the transition for you? Was it worth leaving the municipality? How consistent was the work, and how much traveling did you end up doing?
I’m also curious about the benefits, especially retirement and healthcare. If I stayed with the municipality for 30 years, I would receive a pension and healthcare benefits in retirement. How does the union pension and healthcare work compared to that? Do you have to work a certain number of years/hours to become vested, and can you still have a solid retirement after spending 20–30 years in the union?
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has actually gone through this transition and can share their experience. Thanks!