NDT national agreement represents union workers in growing new field


By William P. Hite,UA General President

This is the seventh, and final, in a series of JobScope articles about new and updated national  labor agreements of the United Association. These articles explain what the agreements cover,  their purpose, and how they can make union workers and their employers more competitive.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of pipe welds is nothing new. Who is performing the tests, however, is changing. Since the UA identified NDT as a new opportunity for employment of its members, more UA members have become certified NDT technicians. A few years ago, the UA, working with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, established a joint labor agreement setting fair terms of employment for members of both unions doing NDT work. The general presidents of both unions, representing the labor side, originally signed the agreement in the fall of 1991. Signatures of officers of the Non Destructive Testing Contractors Association (NDTCA), representing employers, also appeared on the document. The NDTCA acts as the employers’ agent. The two unions created the Quality Control Council of the United States (QCCUS) to administer their responsibilities under the agreement. The national NDT agreement covers all the standard areas found in similar labor agreements — like scope of work, rights and responsibilities of all parties, wages and benefits, and handling of disputes. It also addresses areas unique to this type of work.

Like all specialties, non-destructive testing requires technicians who have had a significant amount of special training and certification. NDT technicians strive to master three testing methods — radiography, ultrasonics, or eddy current — as they advance through the levels of accomplishment. A Level I technician has a Level 1 certification in at least one of the three methods. A Level Iib technician has achieved the higher Level II certification. The Level IIa technician has earned Level II certification in two testing methods. The NDT Level III technician has the highest rank. (The NDT agreement also applies to helper/trainee members in the work crew.) Employers, who make the hiring decisions must look at the training and certification levels of prospective workers. The unions, which have rights as “first source of employees,” must be able to supply a sufficient  number of qualified workers to fill all the job opportunities. If they are unable to refer enough qualified technicians, the employer may seek workers from other sources.

The agreement allows for applicable testing, if needed, to be administered by the owner or contractor. It also allows for a probationary status of all new employees for up to 30 days. Employers have the to right to determine the size of the workforce, equipment and materials, and methods and techniques of work. However, they cannot establish new classifications, pay rates or conditions related to any new processes without first bargaining with the unions. Wage rates are based on the geographical location of the work and not the location of the employer. Overtime work, performed beyond the standard 8-hour shift, or on weekends and holidays, is paid at 1-1/2 the normal hourly rate. The employer also pays for health and life insurance benefits through the shop plan (Plan M) of the Boilermakers for all their workers, regardless of union affiliation, during employment. For UA members, employers contribute to the UA pension fund, as well as a separate NDE Joint Training Fund, which establishes new training programs related to non-destructive testing.

Employers also pay into the Non-Destructive Testing Communications and Productivity Fund, a new trust to promote the non-destructive testing industry. In line with other national labor agreements  developed by the UA, the NDT agreement prohibits any work stoppages, slow downs, strikes or lockouts. Instead a grievance and arbitration procedure is set up to allow both parties to work out a fair solution in an expeditious manner, “so that work may be done efficiently and without interruption.”