Two jmen (I hold jman and master), two apprentices. Other jman besides myself has worked at a union shop in the past as a non-union employee and has stated he would vote for unionizing the shop im at.
Of the two apprentices, one who rides w me most says he would join if given the chance. The other one is open to union membership so a likely, but not a certain vote for it.
That being said, about a week ago, I reached out to my local UA, and got email back today. I have plans to meet up with someone Monday coming up, after work to discuss it.
So that being said I have some questions with me being a union member myself. I'm not officially a manager, my title is 'lead plumber' but I do a lot more than that. I schedule inspections, pull permits, give estimates for work, I supervise the new guy(s) when they need it, plan out the days work, read prints and make take-off lists for projects. I cannot hire/fire/promote/give raises/field complaints. maybe 75% of our repeat customer base just calls me directly to schedule appointments instead of the office. I have keys, credit cards and can write checks if nobody can find the owner. Am I considered a manager? Re-reading that I sure feel like I am. Managers can't be in a union can they? I have no idea what it makes me officially, but unofficially I feel like management or something similar.
Am I asking stupid questions? I suppose the person I will see Monday can tell me. Is it something I need to bring to their attention? Do I cancel because I'm a manager? I'm really sorry for the stupid questions.
against their own interest. Any semi-competent employer will attempt to fool around with the composition of bargaining units to influence things in their favor.