Frequently Asked Questions

If you're thinking of joining IUOE Local 825, you may have some of the following most frequently asked questions.

QUESTION: Do I have rights and protections if I want to join a union?
ANSWER: Section 7 of the National Relations Act states: "Employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representation of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining..."

QUESTION: Who runs the union?
ANSWER: You and your co-workers are the union. You elect your own officers and decide what you want your union to do by a democratic process.

QUESTION: What about union dues?
ANSWER: Union dues are used to fund everything we provide our members and retirees, including contract administration, job promotion, collective bargaining, internal and public communications, public affairs, community relations and periodic events. Although we don't want to resort to it, it has been necessary in the past to call a strike. In such an event, the dues that you've paid in are used to provide funds to help you and your family through to a resolution.

QUESTION: And what about strikes?
ANSWER: Most contracts are negotiated without the need for any sort of work stoppage. And because the union is a democratic organization, you and your co-workers are the only ones who can vote to strike or not.

Apprenticeship & training

How apprenticeship prepares you

An apprenticeship program with the Operating Engineers Local 825 will prepare you to work as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic in the construction industry.

"Heavy Equipment" describes many types of machines used on a construction site, including cranes, bulldozers, graders, front-end loaders and paving equipment.

Operating Engineers are masters of a variety of equipment. A broad range of skills keeps IUOE members in demand, since employers' needs vary from project to project. The apprenticeship program is set up as a four-year program. There is a minimum of 144 hours of classroom and on-the-job, hands-on training each year. After the training, apprentices are available for work at the trade and must have approximately 1,500 hours of work experience each year before they can advance to the next level of apprenticeship.

To be considered for acceptance into Local 825 you must meet the following requirements:

You must be at least 18 years of age.

You must be a high school graduate or possess a GED.

You must provide a birth certificate and valid drivers license.

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Member testimonials