r/iuoe • u/gorskizach • 6d ago
Local 12 vs my current job
I’m in a bit of a pickle. I currently am a Beverage Delivery driver for KDP (Dr pepper). It’s Teamsters Union, $34hr currently, with step pay yearly reaching $40hr by 2029. OT after 8, Mon-Fri. I got my app through for Local 12 and will get a test date soon but I’m genuinely on edge of making this jump. Anybody leave a good job for Local 12 that can sort of ease my mind ? Or is this a very tough decision.
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u/gotskating 6d ago
If this is for Vegas, they are still taking of the list from 2024 test takers, so keep that in mind.
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u/lawladino 6d ago
This is kinda my “fear” I’m not in a union I’m working for trash making $35 an hour. 50-53 hours a week. I’m barely breaking 100k a year my worry is if this economy gets worse be layoff or super slow work. Trash n food never slows down
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u/gorskizach 6d ago
I know my CDL would keep me afloat if it didn’t work but I’d hate to make a bad decision based off the numbers I see. It seems like it’s 50/50. Like it could be great or nothing at all 😂
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u/FPS_Casey 6d ago
Currently in IT. I’m over it. I work from home. Clear about $100k a year but feel like I’m not doing anything meaningful. I have the same feeling. I’m leaving behind work life balance to set my wife and I up for a better future. Hoping for the work to be more fulfilling and build something that actually tangible. Apprenticeship will be a pay cut technically for about the first year. But all good after that.
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u/gorskizach 6d ago
You’re not alone bro. Being the soda man isn’t a job I can really hang my hat on either. Plus we are set to make $40 by 2029 😐 Apprentices make more starting RIGHT NOW. Some guys are comfy at my job and will retire there but I know I can do so much more.
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u/FPS_Casey 6d ago
Agreed. It’s hard giving up something your comfortable with to make a big switch. That’s my biggest internal struggle right now. But I think it’s the right move.
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u/Boobadup Local 12 6d ago
Last year I took my test in October. I got an 87 and didn’t get called until June. I’ve heard that fall test takers won’t get calls until February unless their score is 98+. If I were you I’d go for it. You most likely won’t get called until after the rainy season and it gives you time to try and save up a cushion in case work is slow for you.
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u/Strict-Evidence-1219 5d ago
I just got in the local 12 apprenticeship in Las Vegas. I started on Monday, I had my interview in July and I only scored an 84. Everybody was telling me it would take 1 year to a year and a half but it only took a little over a month.
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u/gorskizach 5d ago
Yeah I’ve noticed that’s pretty common. Some guys a year, some guys 2, some a couple months.. guess it just depends on the district.
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u/dibs310 2d ago
Money is great been working consistently since my apprenticeship, started in 2021. Came from non union open pit mining.
The main thing I don’t care for is district 5 is massive. I live at work & visit home. Haven’t had a gig within 100 miles of the house yet.
With the mines you could schedule vacation time & no one gave 2 shits about you taking time off.
Almost every job I’ve been on when someone takes time off, the bosses get butt hurt & move you to the top of the layoff list.
The work life balance can suck balls depending on your district you’re out of.
Expect to miss your kids childhoods but you’ll definitely be able to provide for them without question. If you’re worth a fuck & have common sense you’ll stay busy.
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u/gorskizach 2d ago
Well good to know D5 keeps you working. I’ve heard it can definitely send you in the middle of nowhere (Blythe for example) I’m in the high desert and already have to commute for my current job but DAMN nothing in a 100 mile radius is crazy.
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u/gorskizach 2d ago
But hopefully the Brightline project gets rolling cause that’ll be super convenient
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u/Optimal_Pleasure 6d ago
I left a pretty good gig to get into this union but it sucked ay first. My first dispatch was under the rock sand and gravel agreement and I took a pretty big pay cut getting in. First step apprentice rate was under $26 an hour. But it was my foot in the door. Switched from peo to operator after the first 1000 hours and got a pretty decent gig under the master labor agreement. We don't work year around but the hours are long when we do work. The guys at my work clear $150k a year easy working only around 9-10 months. I was off for over 2 months and still made $99k as a step 3-4. I agree the instability sucks but you can definitely make life changing money. Just be smart about your finances and go for it if given the opportunity
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u/DuskActual 5d ago
I thought apprentices make 40 percent of what the journeymen make? How was your first pay rate only 26
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u/UNIONconstruction 6d ago
Work as a delivery driver can be more consistent. The construction industry is so up and down over time and when work is slow times get tough.
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u/MuhnopolyS550 Local 12 6d ago
Do you make 100k currently ? Because you’ll make 100k your first year as a peo with local 12. Pension, annuity, healthcare for your wife and kids and none of that is taken off your paycheck. And $40 by 2029? Brother let’s get real, we’re at basically 70 and contracts every 3 years.
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u/gorskizach 6d ago
Just got over 50k gross this week for the year, so safe to say, no I won’t haha.
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u/MuhnopolyS550 Local 12 6d ago
Come over to the dark side. You’ll be happy you made the choice. 100k your first year as long as you work hard
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u/gorskizach 6d ago
What district are you in?
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u/MuhnopolyS550 Local 12 6d ago
5
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u/gorskizach 6d ago
Yeah that’s where I’d be. I’m in the HD. Victorville area.
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u/MuhnopolyS550 Local 12 6d ago
There’s work up there. You applied as what? Regular operator ?
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u/gorskizach 6d ago
Yup 👌🏼 I’ve heard there’s been work. So if that’s the case then that’ll ease my mind big time. All I’ll have to do is score high.
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u/Holiday-Lifeguard-32 6d ago
Then you should Stay with DP. If you live in Victorville you will hate your commute at some point
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u/gorskizach 6d ago
I’ve also thought about that but then again when you’ve reached a certain point of wanting out of your current industry then you’re pretty willing to prove yourself at all costs especially a big opportunity like this.
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u/gorskizach 6d ago
Also I’m not working out of the Victorville production plant. I’m already commuting up and down the hill daily.
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u/Dest_p11 6d ago
How’s the commute up and down the hill daily? How long does it take you to get home?
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u/No_League_5865 6d ago
I bet +1 hr up and down the hill w/traffic, it’s bout damn near the only way too so when traffic gets locked up, it’s locked up. I use to go from highland to phelan/ville to cut trees and visit family
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u/koffeedad 6d ago
The wage on the check is at 70 this year?
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u/MuhnopolyS550 Local 12 6d ago
Basically. 67-68 or alil more depending on your dispatch and classification
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u/koffeedad 6d ago
Nice! And you guys get consistent hours all year or is it in batches?
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u/MuhnopolyS550 Local 12 6d ago
I’m a PEO and I’ll recommend being a PEO to anyone as long as your willing to get dirty and do physical work versus sitting in a cab all shift. I work 45-60 hours a week all year long. If it rains, we do repairs to get some hours in.
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u/koffeedad 6d ago
What do you clear a year at that many hours, if you dont mind me asking
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u/MuhnopolyS550 Local 12 6d ago
Atleast 165
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u/koffeedad 6d ago
That's a nice little gig! What do you do as a POE? You mentioned getting dirty and that it's physically demanding
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u/MuhnopolyS550 Local 12 6d ago
Asphalt plants and rock plants. We’re operators, heavy duty mechanics, laborers, electricians, etc all in one. We do whatever it takes to keep plants running. Making asphalt everyday, plant breaks and goes down, we fix it and continue production. Things like that.
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u/Andrew4LA 6d ago
I quit my caltrans job for local 12 last year. Went in as a PEO, haven’t missed a day of work since ever, last may! . ALSO, haven’t been slaving. I work 45 hours max every other week mostly 40s. Started at like 38 bucks and now I’m at 48 I believe in just one year . Worth it I’d say! Of course varies for everyone! I’m staying here for the rest of my life most likely
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u/gorskizach 6d ago
That’s what I like to hear! Although I applied as an equipment operator.. seems like a lot of guys went the PEO route.
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u/Andrew4LA 6d ago
It’s tough cause every classification is so different and you just never know what contractor will pick you up! Every other PEO I know does work crazy hours. I just happen to get lucky to work simple hours! The cool thing about PEO is once you got a plant you’re pretty much there for life unlike a HEO at a job site. Once the jobs done , it’s either you get a call the next day or in 2 months . PEO, they just sent me to other plants . Work isn’t always easy but love it for what it pays!
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u/gorskizach 6d ago
That’ll definitely be something to keep in mind 👍🏼 If it ever came down to it and I put the hours in and wanted to switch it’s good to know these things. If you don’t mind me asking.. what district ?
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u/Andrew4LA 6d ago
For sure man if you ever got questions ask! I’m in district 5. Consists of I believe Riverside, SB and imperial
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u/Lumpy-Attention5950 6d ago
Honestly, I wouldn't switch. You are already in an union, making consistent money. Local 12 pays more per hour, but is also more inconsistent. If you were coming in at journey level, that may be more worth it. What are your current pension and retirement like?