Frequently Asked Questions of the
Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters
A. Questions from Carpenters.
1. How do I join the Carpenters Union?
There are a number of ways to join the Carpenters Union:
a. You may come in as an Apprentice, for information on requirements please contact e-mail us or call the Training Center at 631-952-9666.
b. The contractor that you’re working for may sign up his company with the Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters. For information and assistance please call the Regional Council office or Local Union that is closest to your location (or you can contact the Council and we will put you in touch with a Representative nearest you.
c. You can personally contact the Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters and ask to speak to an Organizing Representative of the Council. The Representative will interview you and discuss the opportunities that the Carpenters Union has that will be suit your skill level and your needs. For a Council Representative to nearest you please e-mail the Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters.
2. How do I get benefits?
You will become a participant in the benefit plan after your work at least 500 hours (750 for shop employees) in covered employment during no more than tow consecutive “Half Years”. You must have registered for coverage with the fund office (631-952-9700). A “Half Year” is a six consecutive month period that starts with a January 1st or July 1st. When you do work at least 500 hours (750 for shop employees) in covered employment in no more than two consecutive “Half Years”, you will become a participant in the Fund on the first day of the next month. Being a “participant” means you are covered under the Fund for the benefits that apply to your classification. No prior time can be banked and then used toward achieving initial eligibility. However, if you are not available for covered employment with the within the jurisdictional area of the Empire State Carpenters Welfare Fund on the day that your coverage is to start, and are not available for employment covered by another fund that has a reciprocal agreement with this Fund, you coverage will not start until you once again meet the initial hourly requirement. However, if the reason your not available for work is illness, pregnancy or injury, your coverage will start when you are eligible. For more information on any of the benefit funds please contact us via e-mail or call the Fringe Benefit Fund office at 631-952-9700.
1. Are there any fees, dues or other costs associated with becoming a Union Signatory Contractor?
There are no dues or fees that a contractor must pay to join to be a Signatory with the Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters. For more information please e-mail us or call a Regional Office near you.
2. How long is my company obligated to remain a Union Signatory Employer?
It depends on the length of the contract that your company signs. We view our relationship with your firm as a partnership and believe that if we are successful, your decision to be a Union employer will be a smart business decision and , therefore a lasting one.
3. Can my company remain competitive as a Union Signatory Employer?
The most successful companies are, in fact Union signatories. As a partner, the Union will bring all it can to the table to make your company competitive. In fact, most employers have expanded and grown market share as a result of being a Union Signatory Contractor.
4. Can I keep my current employees on payroll as a result of being an Union Signatory Employer?
Absolutely. In fact, the Union will work with you to provide the skill if necessary, and bring your existing employees fully into the Union at a level that you and they are both comfortable with.
5. Can I call the Union Hall for good workers?
Yes. The Carpenter’s hiring halls are available to you as a Signatory Employer. Simply call the local in the area that you will be working in with a good description of the work to be done, and we’ll work to match your needs with our area workforce.
6. What if I am unsatisfied with the workers that are sent to me?
Ultimately, you have to decide who is going to be part of your company. You have the right to terminate for just cause. We do not have a seniority clause in our Collective Bargaining Agreement.
7. How do I get workers with special skills?
The Carpenters Apprentice and Journeyman Training Program provides special training in leadership, hazardous materials handling, asbestos abatement, welding, certified safety and first aid, and many other courses. All courses are available to your Carpenter employees as a Union Signatory Contractor. For more information contact us via e-mail or call the school at 631-952-9555
8. How will a partnership with the Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters impact my company?
Our partnership is a positive approach to doing business. Your company must be competitive and performing quality work in order to be successful. We bring positive factors to the table in the partnership such as training, political advantages, all of which are designed to help the Union Signatory Contractor succeed. Our members benefit by the way of a fair wage with basic benefits, under a Union Agreement. Our agreement works for the employer as well as the employees.
The bottom line is your company will profit from a partnership with the Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters. For more information please contact us via e-mail or call Mike Conroy, Director of Organizing at 631-952-9800.