Join Us
What is a Union?
A union is a group of workers who band together for mutual benefit. Union members are united by their desire to earn fair wages and benefits in a safe work environment. By standing together, union members can secure fair wage packages that include medical benefits for themselves and their families, and benefits that help ensure dignity and a decent standard of living when they retire.
Unions do not discriminate. Opportunities for membership, education, skills training and job advancement are open to all members without regard to sex, race, creed or color. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters is a democratic organization. Members elect their leaders, and each member has a say in how the UBC is operated and governed. With those rights comes responsibility: every member is responsible for voicing an opinion and attending meetings so each can make informed choices about UBC leadership and activities.
Unions also strive to improve the standards of the industry with which they are connected. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters improves safety, quality and productivity in the construction industry through high-quality training programs for apprentices and journeymen, and through specialty training programs developed in partnership with government, manufacturers and industry organizations.
A Variety of Membership Benefits
Our members benefit from high wages, world-class benefits and the resources developed in the course of over a hundred years of experience in the construction trades. Membership offers an impressive wage and fringe benefit package. This includes your hourly wages, a Health and Welfare Plan, a Union Pension Program and a Carpenter’s Savings Plan. Accommodating wage adjustments are made for overtime and holiday work.
Fair Wages and Benefits through Collective Bargaining
A union carpenter has the opportunity to work for fair wages and benefits. Our workers are under a contract. They know when they are going to receive raises and how much they will be earning, because their wage is established through collective bargaining. If you’re an apprentice, you achieve regular pay raises as you learn your trade; full journeymen receive dependable, generous wage increases according to your Union contract. Our contract ensures fair wages, hours, working conditions and promotes good relations between you, the Union Craftsman, and your employer. This contract guarantees a mutually beneficial work environment and a multi-year agreement.
Health coverage
Health coverage for members is provided for the member and his or her family with a major medical, dental, eye care and a prescription plan. Medical coverage continues for the member and spouse throughout the members retirement.
Pension and Annuity
Two of the most important benefits are the pension and annuity. For every hour a member works money is placed into his pension and annuity. These plans are paid through employer contributions and no money is withheld for these benefits from the employee’s paycheck. It is sometimes difficult for people to save money for their future or their children’s education, due to the demands of everyday life. By being a member of the OVRCC, your future can be more secure!
A Secure Future with Guaranteed Growth
With the Union at your side, one may plan for the future with confidence. Work smart, grow in your industry, maximize your potential and build a rewarding future as a member of the Ohio and Vicinity Regional Council of Carpenters, a division of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
Why Union Dues?
As a member of the OVRCC, you have access to a number of benefits and services, including an improved standard of living, good working conditions, health care for yourself and your family, and a pension for when you retire. Each of our 33 local unions is funded through union dues, while our State Council is funded by the working assessment. Your local union bargains for your wages, benefits and working conditions. Your monthly contributions are also used to fund efforts that enforce contracts, organize new carpenters, and attract new contractors to the UBC and the OVRCC.
Join Us!
For information about becoming a member of the Ohio and Vicinity Regional Council of Carpenters, contact:
OVRCC
3615 Chester Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216-391-2828
Or e-mail us at info@ovrcc.com
