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DockBuilders Local Union#1456 Represents |
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Dockbuilders, Pier Carpenters,
Shorers, House Movers, Pile
Drivers, Tenders & Foundation
and Marine Constructors
of Greater New York and
New Jersey |
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| About DockBuilders Local Union #1456 |
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DockBuilders are the people who work with pile-driving rigs. You know, those big machines that look like cranes, but shake the ground as they drive metal, concrete or wood piling into the earth during the early stages of construction. Usually, dockbuilders are the first workers at the construction site. They drive metal sheet piling to hold back the dirt during excavations. They drive concrete and metal piling as part of the foundation system upon which skyscrapers are built, and they drive wood and concrete piling to hold up docks, wharfs and bridges. In some cases they work on off-shore oil rigs and as commercial divers involved in underwater construction. Dockbuilders are also required to install heavy timbers and weld or cut large metal beams. If you like working outside with large equipment, heavy materials, and sometimes under extreme weather conditions, then you'll like the hearty occupation of the dock builder! How can I become a dock builder?
Training for dock builders is generally available through local-management apprenticeship committees. These committees, made up of contract and union representatives, make sure you get proper instruction while you are working to earn a decent wage. The first thing to do is call your local Dock builder or Carpenter union to get more information. And remember, dock builders are members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, a proud organization with more than 650,000 members like yourself.
What is apprenticeship training?
An apprentice is someone who is learning a trade while working under the guidance of skilled workers called journeymen. Apprenticeship is on-the-job training. You earn while you learn, and are paid a wage from the first day you become an apprentice. Today women are welcome in this specialized field. Beginning apprentices usually start at about half of the journeymen rate of pay. Your wages are increased periodically, usually every six months, until you reach the full journeyman scale at the end of the apprenticeship period. In most cases the length of your apprenticeship is four years, with no cost to you for the training. What a bargain!
How do I prepare for apprenticeship.
If you are still in school, you should take classes in mathematics, drafting or mechanical drawing, industrial shop or any construction courses, which familiarize you with construction technology. These classes will help you to develop the dexterity and practical thinking skills you will need as an apprentice dock builder.
| What are the hours and working conditions?
Dock builders generally work eight-hour days starting at 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning. However, on projects like bridges, highways and overpasses, dock builders may be required to work nights and weekends, and to travel long distances. In such cases the union sees to it that dock builders are compensated with shift pay and travel allowances. Apprentices usually start out by helping journeymen with basic tasks like material handling, and move into more sophisticated jobs as their knowledge and skills increase. Overalls, hard hats, gloves, eye protection and steel toed boots are worn by dock builders to protect them from falling objects and the dirt, oil and debris associated with heavy equipment and machinery. Dock builders work with a variety of hand and portable power tools, and frequently cut, join and fasten metal construction materials using welding equipment and oxy-acetylene torches.
The pay and benefits really add up!
The rewards of apprenticeship training are the good wages and benefits you receive as a skilled building and construction tradesperson. And if you learn to become a commercial diver you will get even higher wages. We'll see to it! Because union dock builders and belong to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. You'll be working for a good contractor with the protection of a union contract, with health insurance, pension and welfare benefits. It pays to be the best you can be — an apprentice-trained dock builder. |
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MANDATORY UNION ACTIVITY PROGRAM |
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 District Council By-Laws Sec. 21g -
"It shall be mandatory that each active member perform at least 1 day or 7 hours of union activity (picketing, etc.) per calendar year when called upon by the New York City District Council of Carpenters. The District Council shall call upon members to perform such activity on a fair and equitable basis. Any assessment, fine or penalty for failure to perform such activity shall be imposed in compliance with section 28 of these By-Laws and sections 52 and 53 of the United Brotherhood's Constitution, and shall be used to defray the expenses of organizing and shall not be used for any other purpose." |
Click here for Picket Locations
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