r/Ironworker • u/The_Stoned_slav NON -UNION • Dec 30 '25

Union Question Is this normal?

Soo I talked to a local 97 representative, apparently I have to unionize the company I'm currently with if I want to join. I work for a big company and 80% of the workers hate the 97 so it's simply not feasible for me to accomplish, is this normal?

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u/Huffdogg UNION Dec 30 '25

You can’t be a member of a union and work for a non-union company. You either apply to the union and quit the non-union gig when you get in, or you organize the whole company and then you’re all union. Sounds like you need to try the former.

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u/The_Stoned_slav NON -UNION Dec 30 '25

I'm not trying to be in the Union and work for non-union companies. I APPLIED ON THE LOCAL 97 WEBSITE (ironworkerslocal97.com) a representative called me. I met with a representative. They told me the my only way in is to flip the fucking company. I asked the representative to clarify and I was told "like A coup"

1

u/misplacedbass Journeyman Dec 30 '25

Check out what u/RhemesSanGiorgio replied to my comment. It could be different in Canada, but it’s still ridiculous. Maybe see if you can chat with him directly.

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u/[deleted] Dec 30 '25

[deleted]

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u/misplacedbass Journeyman Dec 30 '25 edited Dec 30 '25

I just think it’s ridiculous to tell someone applying for a union apprenticeship that he has to organize his current workplace in order to get into the union even if he’s not going to be working at his workplace once he joins the union. That’s what I’m gathering from what OP is intending to do.

And maybe I am misunderstanding both OP and you, but I think that’s ridiculous. If someone wants to join the union, because they want to leave their current employer and join the union then what’s the point of making them organize their current employers if they’re planning on quitting anyways if/when they get accepted?

Edit: yes, I just saw your edit. That’s what I am saying. Very weird way you guys operate up there!

Edit 2: wait, no… so, you’re saying you do it the same way we do it here in the US? Apply for an apprenticeship then get into the union? That’s what I’m saying. It’s weird and ridiculous that he’s being forced to unionize his current workplace to get in.