I used to think union guys were just slow and overpaid until I worked a shutdown with Local 42 in Pittsburgh

For years I ran my own small non-union crew and figured union plumbers just milked the clock. Then I got subcontracted for a 3 week plant shutdown and watched those guys lay 300 feet of 6 inch pipe in one shift without a single redo. They had a system for everything from material handling to break rotation that made my crew look like amateurs. It made me realize the higher hourly rate buys you reliability and skill you can count on, not just attitude. Has anyone else changed their mind about a trade after working alongside the other side?

2 comments

2 Comments

michaeltorres1mo ago

Hell yeah, nothing humbles you like watching pros work.

kimr741mo ago

Watch some of the old time tradesmen on YouTube, they make everything look effortless.