So I am joining the Union

[bobturner]

After much thought, I have decided to join the Union. Down here in Austin, people set tile for $1.50 PSF, and you can imagine what it looks like. I have been told it all. A contractor the other day could not see paying me any more than $1.75 for a tile counter. I tried to explain, and he said it was the same as a floor. The first thing most people ask is"how much per square foot?"
People are always trying to save money by installing their own HArdi, and it is never right. NO joint tape, no moisture barrier behind it on shower walls, screws not flush. Sometimes trim nails holding it on. It is a slow time, so I made a promise to myself that I would not sacrifiice quality no matter what. So, I decided to join the UNion and set myself apart from most of the unskilled labor down here.

Have you ever seen 16x16 on a floor installed with mastic? Thats what I deal with on a daily basis.

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[Shaughnn]

Hey Bob,
It sound's like your enviroment blows big ugly chunks and I'm feeling for you. Joining the Union gave me the opportunity to learn what I thought I already knew and exposure to plenty of "professionals" to compare and contrast my work against. The experience made me a better, and faster, installer. The downsides are somebody else is calling the shots for you and there are some really bonehead inter-office political games that can sometimes impact your work schedule without you ever being involved.
BEst of luck, Brother!,
Shaughnn

[cx]

I find it a little difficult to believe that there is a union shop in The People's Republic Of Austin, actually. Must be the onliest one, eh?

Good luck, Bob. Do let us know how it goes. I'll be really curious what kind of jobs y'all are getting in Austin that require a Union bug.

[bobturner]

That is funny. And you are dead right. I think (according to the union) I am the first in Travis County, or even all the way to San Antonio. We shall see. That is exactly why I joined. After all the "cheap" labor down here, I needed to do something. I got my paperwork for Journeyman tilesetter today and will be sending it in WED. I don't claim to know it all, but I know I would like to know more. I wish texas had regulations though. It is really bad here in Austin. There are seriously like 3 guys I know of who can even build a shower pan. I get builders everyday trying to get me to finish out a pan that they already put fiberglass in and nailed through. Or want me to set a tub surround on greenboard.
The Union is trying to organize Texas, so all texans call in and show your support. We all need it.

[Zaritile]

Bob, it sounds like your really getting a raw deal over there. Have you thought about moving north, like pie rate? Less Ignorants, I mean immagrants to deal with. :D

[Autoplay]

If your area has alot of prevailing wage jobs,you stand a chance of succeeding as far as being union based. And,solidarity helps. But with anything,it's supply and demand,and who is willing to work for what etc etc.

If you're competing against 10 bucks an hour guys,and the majority of the contractors are willing to accept the end results....you're doomed. As someone else mentioned,are you willing to move or work in a location where a tile/stone union is already based,and is strong? That's a possibility,and in the future,possibly the union can spread into your area?

Solidarity is the key,and without it,it will never succeed. How many people are in this union you joined?

[cx]

Our friend and recently retard moderator, Jason Butler, apparently got all the work he could handle up there in Austin while he was/is still bein' a full-time Injineer. Guess he just wasn't/isn't ready to take the plunge into self unemployment like the rest of us. But it was never for lack of work, best I can tell. And we know he knows how to do the work correctly. :)

Anyway, Bob, I think we need to talk. Gimme a call (210-863-3269) or send me a number. I know a guy who knows a designer in Austin that needs a good remodeler/tile guy. Don't know that he knows diddly about union cards, but he's grown accustomed to the very best quality work where he usta be based.

'Course I gotta come up there and have a peek at your work, first. :)

[bobturner]

No problem. I got a glass shower about to kick off that I am really jazzed about. As soon as I shrink some photos down I will post some pics as well.

[bobturner]

I have considered moving, but my wife and little girl would not be happy. I install hardwood as well, so I usually stay busy enough to pay the bills between the two. My work is so much better than the other guys, that all I have to do is show pictures usually. That is if I can get past the customers price shopping over the phone for the cheapest per square foot installer.

[John Bridge]

Hey Bob, :)

Nothing against the Union, but I share CX's doubts as to whether the Union actually has a large enough market share in Austin. Here in Houston they do only governement work as far as I know. No residential at all. :)

Get hold of CX and have that chat, and do post some work pictures. We can direct a little work your way from time to time. :)

[bobturner]

Here are a few of my most recent jobs. I will post more later.
Thanks for the words of wisdom folks. I love this site.
Bob
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/9281/completeremodel4we.th.jpg (http://img96.imageshack.us/my.php?image=completeremodel4we.jpg)
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8900/bubbletile2zw.th.jpg (http://img90.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bubbletile2zw.jpg)
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/4711/hpim00192rg.th.jpg (http://img96.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hpim00192rg.jpg)
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4459/waveshower0bn.th.jpg (http://img90.imageshack.us/my.php?image=waveshower0bn.jpg)
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/9954/repair9fk.th.jpg (http://img147.imageshack.us/my.php?image=repair9fk.jpg)
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1927/hpim01809tx.th.jpg (http://img147.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hpim01809tx.jpg)