I work through a trade union, the company supervisor has asked me a few times if i knew any locals who need work. Theyre behind alot on the job it started as me and another welder us two are locals the rest from out of town. The other welder quit a week ago. The boss told me alright i got one guy coming from florida and another local hand will be out soon. I was the only welder for a few days, being in the heat everyday ive avoided overtime when asked if i can stay. Since given a choice i tell him no. 40 hours a week is all i want with it being 100+ outside its miserable as is.
Our local welder comes out finally yesterday he had to rig all day because we had nobody on the ground, meanwhile i was burning metal in the heat unsupervised.
Well this morning comes and he tells the new guy first thing this morning while im filling coolers with ice.
He says since the other guy(meaning me) just sits in the corner not doing anything yesterday i want you to weld up there and hes on the ground here. I heard him say that across the jobsite and i about went hysterical. Instead i dropped everything walked over as he was surrounded by the crew and called him out, i said if youre going to talk sh* say it while im standing here punk. He immediately smirked and said “oh thats what i was told, you werent doing anything yesterday” I had the urge to slap the old man but instead told him goodluck keeping a welder because im out.
Grabbed my tools and headed out, felt just great knowing that hes back in a bind over his mouth and ungratefulness. Im also grateful for the union im apart of and being a journeyman, i can pick and choose where im going to make my money. Best wishes to everyone and know what youre worth.