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1.
Interview: This is the first step of the
“Application for Membership” process. Here we
require each applicant to provide us with an updated
resume, which includes his or her work history
within the pipe trades, and personal information.
Each applicant is required to show a minimum
of five (5) years verifiable experience in the pipe
trades, a current Journeymen License, a New Mexico
Drivers License or Picture I.D., an unlaminated
Social Security card, or a receipt showing they have
applied for a new one, and all certificates of
training pertaining to our trade .
After
meeting all of the requirements, we will explain the
breakdown of the initiation fees (i.e. deposit of
three (3) months dues, establishment in the Death
Benefit fund, cost of U.A processing, etc.) and go
through an in-depth explanation of the
Wage and
Benefit package, including, the hourly rate of pay,
the Working Assessment, and the contribution to the
Market Recovery program. We will then discuss the
monthly obligation fees, such as, monthly dues and
Death Benefit contributions and the Fringe Benefit
Package. We will also explain the basic and
important parts of each plan such as, Health and
Welfare (deductibles, co-pays, eligibility, maximum
benefits, etc.), retirement plans (vestment
periods), and training, which is available to
everyone all at no cost to the individual. If the
applicant shows an interest in our program, we will
have them fill out all the necessary paperwork as if
they were signing up right then and there. Once the
basic presentation is over and we have answered any
questions the applicant may have, we will ask them
to think about it and talk it over with their spouse
and/or family, explaining to them that we want this
to become a career change not just a job change.
Once their decision is made, they will pay all the
applicable fees and their names will be placed on
the appropriate out-of-work list. Some applicants
just do not qualify or may change their mind. In
either case, as long as the applicant has not worked
on the job for thirty (30) days or more, regardless
of the number of employers, their application fees
are refunded (less any applicable test fees paid if
the evaluation test has been taken).
2.
Evaluation Test: This test is designed to
indicate applicant's general knowledge of the trade.
A 60% score is required to pass.
3.
Employer Evaluation: This is the step we
feel is the most important part of the whole
process! When an applicant is referred out to a
contractor, they will be graded on a point system of
1 to 5. Number 1 being poor and number 5 being
excellent. They are graded on a variety of subjects
such as:
Legend: 5-Excellent
/ 4-Very Good / 3-Average
/ 2-Needs
Improvement / 1-Poor
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Pride in work
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Employee on time
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Works
alone
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Knowledgeable in trade
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Leadership abilities
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Shows
initiative
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Works
well with others
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The immediate
Supervisor and co-worker on the job will fill out
the evaluation report and send it back, usually
within 30 to 45 days.
4.
Executive Board Orientation: After an
applicant has passed the evaluation test, the
employer/co-worker evaluation, paid required fees
and has proof of the proper New Mexico Certificate(s)
of Competence, he or she is required to attend a
Unionism orientation. There we will explain what is
expected from each and every one of them. Everyone
is given copies of our Local Union's By-Laws, a copy
of the Labor Agreement and the UA Constitution.
Highlighted sections of these documents are
explained in detail. A question and answer session
will follow, along with a tour of the Training
Facility. By the time an applicant leaves the
orientation, he or she should have a good idea of
what being a member of the United Association of
Plumbers and Pipe Fitters is all about!!
5.
Swearing In Ceremony : After an average of
45 to 60 days on the job, passing the evaluation
test, receiving a satisfactory employer/co-worker
evaluation, and going through the Executive Board's
Orientation, the applicant is ready to be sworn in!
At the beginning of the regular union meeting each
month, all the qualified applicants are brought to
the front of the podium. The Vice President of Local
412 proceeds to administer the Oath of Obligation.
Each new member then introduces himself or herself
to the officers and body of Local Union 412.
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