The year was 2017. I had just graduated from Anoka Technical College with an associate degree in Welding Technology. I’d benefited greatly from the training I received from my instructors at ATC, and my opportunities in welding were broad. With a particular interest in pipe-welding, I had many options, and I was told that the best was to join the pipefitters union Local 455, a member of the United Association (UA), a national pipe-trades union covering pipefitters, steamfitters, plumbers, sprinkler fitters, and others.
The benefits of joining Local 455 seemed obvious: good pay, tight community, and a highly acclaimed apprenticeship program. The personal economic and career benefits were undeniable. With great excitement, I submitted my request for membership.
After two years, I had left Local 455 and the UA; disgruntled, discouraged, and determined to avoid the unjust and injurious UA union system. What I had seen was “Union America” (as one member described it), and what follows is what that looks like from inside UA Local 455 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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