There’s a hot debate in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) field, and you’ll have to choose a side eventually if you choose the industry for your career: Union vs non-union HVAC jobs?
The rules and laws regarding unions are different in every state, so you may have more advantages or disadvantages to joining than an HVAC technician working in another region of the country. The first step to making your decision is to learn what may happen on both sides of the HVAC union vs non-union debate. Once you complete your HVAC training, you can compare pay rates, benefits, work hours, and other information for both types of jobs to see what is most attractive in your local area.
Is HVAC Unionized in All States?
Unionization is not enforced for HVAC technicians in all states. There are currently 27 states with right-to-work laws that allow employees to choose if they want to participate in a union or not. While those in favor of union HVAC jobs argue that these laws have shortchanged unions and weakened their collective bargaining power, those in favor of the laws believe that they protect the worker’s right to choose.
Whether you’re required to join a union in your state or have the right to choose will have an impact on where you stand in the HVAC union vs non-union jobs debate. If you have a choice, you will need to know what it means to join the union and the potential advantages before you make a decision.
What Does it Mean to Join an HVAC Union?
Unions are organizations that serve as intermediaries between employers and employees in a technical field. All union members are represented by the union as a group. The union has the power to negotiate with employers to determine expectations for the following:
- Pay rates
- Benefits
- Work hours
- Overtime
- Health and safety
- Taxation
In some cases, unions are also involved in fighting for child labor, anti-discrimination, and other state laws. They’re strong political lobbyists with an interest in getting the fairest working conditions possible for their members.
When deciding between union vs non-union HVAC jobs, you’re determining whether you want to stand with the union and allow them to negotiate the terms of your employment on your behalf. There are some clear advantages and disadvantages that can come from joining.
Pros and Cons of Union HVAC Jobs
Union HVAC Pros
HVAC union jobs require employers to follow rules and laws that result from negotiations with the union. Union members can potentially benefit from the following, among other benefits:
- Better medical benefits – possibly including dental, vision, and hearing
- Fair work schedules without excessive mandatory overtime and other predatory policies
- Higher hourly rate or annual salary
- Guaranteed pay raises over time
- Safer, more sanitary work environments
- Employer-supplied protective equipment and gear, if needed
- Guaranteed pension
- Employer-provided training and advanced certification opportunities
- Protection against wrongful termination or discipline
Another benefit of union HVAC jobs is professional representation if there is ever a dispute with your employer. You don’t have to stand alone if you feel your employer is discriminating against you, paying you unfairly, or disciplining you for unfair reasons. You can discuss the issue with a union representative and allow them to fight for your rights.
Finally, you may have an easier time securing a position in HVAC if there are a lot of unionized companies in your area. The union can help you search for a job that fits your expectations.
Union HVAC Cons
The downside to union HVAC jobs is your obligation to follow the rules and regulations established by the union. For example, if the union goes on strike, you are expected to go on strike with your fellow union members. That may mean short-term loss of pay, but the long-term results may mean higher pay, more favorable working hours, and other advantages.
One of the regulations you will encounter regardless of your state is union dues. The cost of union membership is often based on your pay, so you could end up paying higher dues as your hourly wage or salary increases. You pay membership dues every month to remain in the union.
It isn’t unheard of for unionized technicians to receive negative attention from employers or fellow employees who don’t agree with unionization. Some companies don’t want to work with unions because it requires them to pay higher wages, offer better benefits, and live up to other obligations that they could otherwise manipulate to maximize profits.
You can report harassment or discrimination based on unionization to your union, but the tense work environment that you may endure is something to consider. That isn’t a concern with every company or in every region of the country, so you might talk to other HVAC technicians in your area to determine the political climate you may encounter.
How Do You Join the HVAC Union?
Every state is different when it comes to HVAC unions. Some states have a single union while others have multiple options. Some unions are restricted to technicians working in specific types of HVAC jobs while others are open to anyone working the field who wants representation.
Getting Your Start in the HVAC Field: Conclusion
HVAC is one of the most attractive trades for workers who want to get through the training, certification, and licensing process as quickly as possible. If your goal is to enter an in-demand career field that allows you to start earning consistent income within a year, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is a great option.
The field is expected to grow by 5% between 2021 and 2031, and jobs are available in cities large and small across the country. With a median pay of over $23 per hour or $48,000 per year in 2021, this is a field that allows you to build a strong career with fair compensation.
Whatever your stance on the HVAC union vs non-union jobs debate, the first step to becoming an HVAC technician is always education. You need a high school diploma or GED plus completion of a trade school program before you start applying for HVAC jobs. Most training programs are easily completed in under a year, so you can start growing your career quickly.
