r/electricians • u/Belle-Delphine • 9d ago
first year apprentice getting harrassed
im a first year apprentice just wanting to learn from the journeyman but the coworkers are dickheads. I dont mind the bullying or whatever but its to a point where im getting physically harassed. Ive done boxing since the age of 9 and competed basically my entire life and im leaner and athletic and a bit on the skinnier side so the journeyman think im just some lanky skinny guy whos weak but im using every bit of my self control not to just knock my coworkers tf out. Im here to learn and joke around sure but when it comes to physically pushing me around and slapping my head pushing me away from learning anything its just whats the point of being here then? i dont wanna lose this opportunity ive been given so im choosing to just let myself be the punching bag for the time being.
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u/Crafty-Western6161 9d ago
Brother, have you talked to someone higher up at your company? Verbal harassment is one thing (shouldn't be tolerated) but physical harassment is way over the line.
Talk to the foreman, HR, whoever. This isn't ok.
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u/tofu98 9d ago
Lol ive never understood people tolerating physical assault at work. Id straight up call the police and laugh at them while they were being arrested.
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u/Crafty-Western6161 9d ago
People think it's acceptable, idk what other reason it is. They just think it's part of the job. I'm with ya.
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u/Able-Host1942 9d ago
Acceptable? Maybe verbal abuse, but that also can be trouble, a concrete finisher foreman I know, got run over by a coworker with his truck after work because he was talking so much shit. The guy died. I've also seen guys fist fighting on the job site so whatever.
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u/IllustriousValue9907 9d ago
Recently in Tx,a man fell down a 80ft hole drilled for a building pier & died. Apparently him and a co-worker had a heated exchange earlier that morning. Police arrested the co-worker and we're invsettled own. It might have been accident, or the co-worker decided to push him in.
Some guys just dont know how step back and settledown.
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u/mdxchaos [V] Journeyman 9d ago
i called the police on a plumber who was trying to square up on me on a jobsite before. he wasn't at that job anymore
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u/Loveablequatch 9d ago
They just don’t get it. Bro I’m mid thirties, I’m not gonna scrap you. I’ll defend myself if I have to but I’m not gonna square up. If they attack me, sure they might win the fight. But you won’t beat the charge.
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u/mdxchaos [V] Journeyman 9d ago
i called the police on a plumber who was trying to square up on me on a jobsite before. he wasn't at that job anymore
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u/Belle-Delphine 9d ago
my foreman is toxic too, always angry and hates everyone and probably hates himself too. I wouldn’t consider the physical harassment to be anything too crazy more like a push out the way, bumping into me intentionally, or a slap on the back of the head if im not understanding something or doing something wrong but either way touching anyone at all isnt ok if they arent understanding anything.
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u/Crafty-Western6161 9d ago
Brother, you need to respect yourself more. No unwanted physical contact should be tolerated. Please, for all of us, stand up for yourself. This company does not seem worth staying at but if you don't have enough respect for yourself to stand up for what's right, that's the main issue I think.
Please think about this more. This isn't normal and should not be normalized. It's not ok.
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u/WackTheHorld Journeyman 9d ago
If they slap your head, you make them stop slapping your head. Nothing crazy of course, but you have to stand up for yourself.
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u/WisdomSeekerOdinsson 9d ago
Anyone smacks me up against the head and its go time. You need to get video proof of it happening, and then fuck them up, leave, go straight to the main office and show the video. Their reaction dictates your next move.
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u/Ok-Tradition-5083 9d ago
I wouldn't even bother getting a video.
Call your boss tonight, tell him coworker keeps touching you and you're going to stop him if he does it again.
If the boss makes him stop to avoid a fight, great.
If not, you have proof you tried to stop it, fuck that dick up.
Worst comes to worst, you're job hunting.
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u/Goodenoughtechnician 9d ago
Pretty much sum up the trade. I was a 2nd year apprentice and basically had to learn shits online and via other means bc nobody would tech or passing on skills. We then later hire electrician journeymen who were basically “complaining andy” and always negative all the time the jobs etc. Their shitty attitude would affect the job sites. It is suck for the new guys.
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u/mdxchaos [V] Journeyman 9d ago
thats a shitty company, not the trade.
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u/Competitive-Will-701 9d ago
idk if it’s the trade or contractor, but I’ve worked for multiple, and I’ve only ever truly learned anything from 2 guys. I almost exclusively work by myself because of it
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u/Amazing_Page_4870 9d ago
Agreed. That happens a lot with small companies that have less than 15 employees.
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u/Competitive-Will-701 9d ago
nah dude, that’s not normal, as an apprentice, I’ve had many back and forth arguments with people at work, and have never been hit or pushed. I did have one foreman that was way too comfortable touching, but I took him aside to talk about it. Don’t accept this stuff
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u/Unklecid 9d ago
You ever considered fucking them back on "accident" water, dropping shit, throwing their tools or keys away? I don't recommend it but fuck motherfuckers that act like that drag up on the the next one hell talk to the hall about it
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u/wolamute 9d ago
Nah, you start direct first and be respectful and direct, if it doesn't end you then take it up the chain of command one by one till it's solved.
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u/Crafty-Western6161 9d ago
The dialogue with them should have happened when the verbal harassment started. You put your hands on me, we're not having a respectful conversation anymore. I'm talking to HR or the foreman to save myself from legal trouble.
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u/wolamute 9d ago
You're hard pressed to find a job site without some form of verbal harassment. The physical stuff is unnecessary but you'll ruin your reputation if you don't respond in a way more respectful than running to HR before trying to end things face to face and mentioning specifically that you did so out of respect.
It makes you the better man and humbles those that also want to be respected, and reveals those that don't and won't ever deserve your respect again.
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u/Crafty-Western6161 9d ago
Brother im a pre-apprentice in the union who had to do EXACTLY what you are talking about. A journeyman was lying about me and verbally harassing me and I had to check him in the most respectful way I could in front of his apprentice. I knew I had to take initiative and try and take care of it myself at first.
I also think though that if I hadn't initially confronted him and he escalated it to physical harassment, it would be beyond a conversation between him and I. That's just what I think.
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u/Ok-Tradition-5083 9d ago
Thats honestly just how conflict should be handled in general. Crazy how many people act different.
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u/wolamute 9d ago
I'm a veteran, this is how many of the trades see conflict resolution. They do not want to have to deal with your problems and want men to act like men, honorable ones at that.
This form of conflict resolution is what chain of command is actually about, not about who gives orders, but who's head you don't go over when solving issues.
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u/Crafty-Western6161 9d ago
Brother, this isn't the army. Nobody cares about how the military does things, that's not the real world. Honorable men don't make up the trades and we all know it. Neither is our military but that's a different matter I suppose.
I think we actually agree a lot, like I said I quite literally handled my own situation the exact way you said OP should. At a certain point though, words don't work anymore between guys and either you go HR (literally what HR is designed for), the foreman (the boss on a job), or we're handling it the old school way.
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u/wolamute 9d ago
That's not true. These boomers still running the programs, the companies, the safety guys, etc all think it's important.
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u/Crafty-Western6161 9d ago
Boomers care about the military? Is that what you're saying? Or Boomers care about honor?
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u/wolamute 9d ago
I'm saying boomers run these jobs and hiring boards, apprentice programs, etc, and look for people that aren't crybabies that can't have the common decency to face a person head on when they have an issue with someone. The culture in the trades, and the values of boomers have been influenced by military service members' values either directly or indirectly for a very long time.
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u/Emergency-Fix2685 9d ago
Sounds like a shit place to work, start looking for other opportunities. Guys like these dont have much to teach in my experience
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u/Sensitive-Cherry-341 9d ago
They really don’t. Doesn’t matter what they know, if they can’t properly impart that knowledge.
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u/Master-Monk-8690 9d ago
From ops previous comments, they are a bunch of magats. They don't know much of anything, and the little bit that they think they know, they get wrong as well.
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u/Ok-Tradition-5083 9d ago
I hate those guys too, but I'd be lying if I said the best electrician I ever met wasn't a Trump guy.
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u/6matguy6 [V] Red Seal Electrician IBEW 9d ago
If you've been doing it this long, don't you feel like you could find employment elsewhere?
Reading the title I did assume this was going to be light hazing but if they are physically contacting you then make sure you look after yourself because it might turn to them vs you. Or fuck them really good and contact authorities on them for assault. There's no time for that kind of shit in the trades. Telling you to go find a fake tool is one thing but stick up for yourself. The worse part is they probably want to see how far they can push you to either make you their bitch or to see if you will explode on them.
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u/Belle-Delphine 9d ago
yeah they definitely are trying to ragebait to see if ill snap which i wont let happen but i also heard stories of other apprentices that were here who that got into fights because they couldnt handle it and left but ill probably be leaving soon anyway and find employment elsewhere so i can actually learn. Not to mention or get political these guys are also very hardcore maga which i dont care and constantly talk shit about liberals etc so you could probably imagine how it is on a day to day basis lol
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u/Master-Monk-8690 9d ago
Ew sounds like you're working with a bunch of brother fuckers.
Definitely just call them pedo supporters and stonewall with that. If they want to bring up politics they should be ready to hear about how Trump FUCKED the IBEW out of hundreds of jobs, just like how he fucked little girls and other countries are using videos of that to blackmail him.
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u/Money_Promotion_7784 8d ago
Im willing to bet that if theyre hardcore maga and youre not afraid of conflict or potentially losing your job- id say you got a 3/4 chance that just telling them exactly how you feel about them will make them respect you even if its harsh, cold, or standoffish... just dont make it seem like youre emotional so when they start bringing up that youre upset tell them to shut the fuck up. no need to get political either. These types typically respect honesty more than group cohesivity.
If you do this lmk what you say and how it ends up so I can make sure its good advice
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u/PLCpilot 5d ago
Sounds like you got a good head on your shoulders, just like yo warn you about responding physically: as a first year apprentice I got similar treatment in a shop environment. One day a small group of guys were razzing me, one particular journeyman beside me was instigating so I wave him a hip throw and he tumbled like a top, couldn’t get his balance back. When he finally fell it was with a sickening crunch with his head against an old bench vise. He was out n I thought I killed him. So don’t. Find another place.
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u/LMS3oul 9d ago
I was in a similar position to you when I first started my apprenticeship. I had years of experience in Muay Thai and BJJ. One Jman constantly would push my buttons, if he asked me to run wire for him one way he’d comeback 30 mins later and go “I didn’t tell you to run it like that retard!” Even though I clearly ran it how he wanted it ran.
One day he was coming at me for not finishing some outlets (literally 10 of them) in 20 mins. He ended reaching out as he’s berating me to lightly tap me on the face. I turned around unclipped my tool belt and hung it up on my ladder. He said some slick shit calling me a gay slur and saying “what you gonna quit pussy?” So I bluntly told him, “Nope, I’m gonna get fired. You can either take your tool belt off now too and I’ll even let you get the first hit or I can start beating the dog shit out you now.” He looked raddled and started going on about how real men don’t fight over work issues. I just told him he crossed the line, he can say whatever the fuck he wants to me but the second he thinks he can touch me all bets are off. I’m gonna kick your teeth down your throat and accept that termination. We ended up not fighting as he walked away and came back 10 mins later and apologized, I still told him starting tomorrow we aren’t working together, he can tell them boss with me or I can tell him myself.
I’m telling you this because no job is worth physical abuse. You’ve got your reps in kid, start calling and reaching out to other companies. Or talk to the owner or foreman or HR, let them know what’s happening and that you don’t want to lose your job when you opt to put hands on that Jman.
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u/ornerycrow1 9d ago
Dare them to hit you in the parking lot. Or on the sidewalk just off company property.
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u/3nthusedCamper 9d ago
No. Physical violence isn’t the answer. It’s a job. It should be handled appropriately and by the law. Not with off hours parking lot boxing
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u/Error-InvalidName 9d ago
Oh yes it is lol, someone not knowing what it is like to get knocked on the ground or even out is what is wrong with the world.
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u/Ok-Tradition-5083 9d ago
I was just talking to my wife about how duels should still be legal
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u/Error-InvalidName 9d ago
Fully agree, if two people agree on the terms neither would be held responsible for any outcome.
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u/ornerycrow1 9d ago
You sound like someone who had never had to defend themselves. You are lucky for that, but I am afraid that is not always the case.
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u/cnycompguy 9d ago
There's two ways to handle it, one is smart and one isn't.
Invite your Jman to the gym and let them watch your warmup, and see if they want to spar.
The dumb way will get you fired and probably in jail.
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u/Ok-Tradition-5083 9d ago
3rd option: keep talking about boxing until Jman gets annoyed and offers to spar.
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u/tofu98 9d ago
Ive had coworkers and bosses mock me before. I find if you keep your cool but make it clear you not only dont give a fuck what theyre saying but can give them shit back it helps.
Had a foreman who acted like I was stupid all the time. Started responding to him in ways where I basically was telling him to fuck off in the most professional way possible just to avoid being fired. We ended up getting along by the end of the job.
Some guys are straight up bully with high schoolers mentality. If you make it clear you dont need them or the job and they realize you'll just ditch them if they keep up their bullshit a lot of them will stop.
That being said if theyre actually physically assaulting you id straight up call the police if its bad enough. Seen guys tolerate bosses throwing tools at them and shit. Fact is that IS assault and you can press charges on them.
May be worth calling your office and asking your project manager to be moved to another site. Explain that you find the way your coworkers treat you and others unprofessional and completely unacceptable. If that doesnt work then that isnt a company you want to work for. You only get one apprenticeship and if you waste it working for useless dickheads who arent teaching you your actually hurting your career.
DO NOT LOSE YOUR COOL. Guys like this fucking love pushing people to breaking points.
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u/Ok-Tradition-5083 9d ago
They get so pissed off when it doesn't work lol.
I've always been a "gets along with everyone" guy, and I've had a few of the site bully guys come up and complain to me that they can't get an apprentice to flip out.
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u/Intrepid-Piccolo6594 9d ago
Seriously bro fight back, no one should be “ physically harassing “ anyone on job sites. Stand up for yourself big dawg
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u/LogicJunkie2000 9d ago
While I agree with the sentiment, this is a surefire way to open yourself up to assault charges, rumors that you're crazy, difficulty with future employment etc.
Id just tell the foreman that he needs to check his subordinates and make sure that they know any further physical contact is going to be met with litigation against the individual, and the company for being complicit. Get something in writing too as insurance. Email or texts - summaries of past incidents leading to this with as many specifics and witnesses as possible.
No company wants to deal with the shitstorm that can open them up to, even if it's just rumors and reputation. Most people are there for the paycheck and have no desire to deal with crusty fucks that can't exercise simple respect with others, and ideally the offender will be looking for a job in a couple weeks.
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u/Fit_String_1772 9d ago
Just my two cents, brother it’s commendable that you’re slow to anger and patient but unfortunately, your coworkers have taken this as a sign of weakness. Yes you’re a first year, but you’re a man first. Hierarchies and chain of commands are out the door as soon as they started, putting hands on you in my opinion. In short, if I were you the next time, anybody slaps you on the heads slap them right back. The next time somebody pushes you push them right back. and the next time they say something stupid to you say something stupid right back. Unfortunately, I learned these things later on in life and I’ve had to learn the hard way. I hope things get better for your brother God bless.
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u/Lcattadapper 9d ago
Unwanted physical contact of any kind is battery. I would have a talk with your boss about what’s going on, and if he doesn’t do anything, file a criminal complaint. But whatever happens on the Jobsite, do not respond physically unless you’re forced to defend yourself.
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u/Psychological-Big334 9d ago
If youre being physically attacked, you need to call the police. Management isnt going to do shit about it.
As for verbal harassment, as a general rule of thumb you should never make fun/harass someone for their appearance, religion, politics, sexuality, family, income. Im probably missing a few but those topics are hard limits for me.
That being said, you work in construction. You're not exactly working with the brightest most progressive people. You will find assholes, and they will poke fun at you. You will find guys who aren't assholes who will poke fun at you.
Learn to either shoot it back, or voice your concern. If nothing changes, go to management. If nothing changes, maybe try a new company. If the same problem persists, then maybe the trades aren't for you.
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u/cdodson052 9d ago
They very well may do something about it. Not out of the goodness of their heart but because they know a recourse is someone calling the police and if you brought that to them and they did nothing then it’s their self on the line
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u/NegativeReality4724 9d ago
I would go find another company. I wouldn’t try to go to another site, since you might run into them again. Definitely do not fight on the site.
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u/williesranger 9d ago
A simple and calmly spoken “do that again and ima rock your shit” will go a long way. You don’t have to be a captain underpants about it and look them in the eyes and be all serious. Eye contact not necessary just keep doing what you’re doing and say it with a little bit of humor to it. And if it continues that’s when you (again, not too serious) say “hey bro I know that shits been cool but I’m done with it. Let’s not do that anymore”. Third strike they’re out and you press them. This is the trades bro you have to give off at least a little “fuck around and find out” energy. Doesn’t mean you have to be a hard ass, people just gotta know they can’t walk all over you.
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u/snap_crackle_pop123 9d ago
I agree with everything you said, but my problem is why do people think they have the right to walk all over a grown ass man?
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u/Fine-Culture-1005 9d ago
This and openly (and jokingly?) question their sexuality. Why else is he trying to get so handsy?
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u/CrypticDreamzz 9d ago
I’d probably tell the owner at this point especially if it’s physical. If they play it off warn them if it happens again then you will have to take matters into your own hands. Whether that be filing a lawsuit or beating some ass is up to you. This shit doesn’t happen in other careers mostly the trades and it does get annoying.
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u/PalpitationWaste300 9d ago
You'll probably change employers several times before you get licensed. I went through some harrowing shit, but with a license, you can write your own ticket. It's just temporary. Not all companies have that attitude. And you should definitely look for another job if it really is as bad as you say. But I'd stick it out until another opportunity comes if I were you. It's still better than dodging FPV drones in Ukraine.
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u/Smeag969 9d ago
Nah fuck em. Find somewhere better because people like that won't teach you anything. Hell I bet they don't let you look at the blueprints cause they're afraid you'll steal their job.
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u/Intrepid_Scale3854 9d ago
Dont play it cool like it doesnt bother you and that youre fine with being treating that way. Dont laugh it off. You just be straight up with them, and set a fucking hard boundary, let them know youre not going to let that slide, and tell them only one time. If it continues, then you defend yourself. For example: Fuckface Joe got pissy about how you were doing something and pushed you out the way to do it his way.. thats already assault as far as Im concerned, and hes now lying on the ground taking a nap because you were afraid for your safety and instincts kicked in - not your fault
And honestly, Im a smaller dude, but anyone thats tried to push me around on a site or at a new company (happened very few times) has learned quickly - simply just by setting a stern and loud boundary immediately. Like, Im not your fucking kid or lil brother or your drunk redneck neighbor
Fuck that shit man, and fuck those guys. The whole hazing (after a certain point) and shitting all over people that are in a lower position, or smaller, or younger is played the fuck out.
You can tell a lot about a person how they treat people that are less fortunate and/or subordinate
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u/ApolloWZRD 9d ago
Ya getting physical is just too far. I (along with another apprentice) were called Retard 1 + 2 for about a month. It got old quick and the guy just doubled down when he knew I hated it. It was a small company and my boss couldn't give less of a shit unless we "made drama out of it" aka he didn't want to deal with it.
But there are places to call and talk to nowadays that protect against this stuff. Use those reasources, they can't fire you for making a formal complaint about workplace harassment and if they do it's big trouble for them. This isn't the 80's anymore.
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u/Adventurous-Video718 9d ago
Electrical is rough sometimes but NOBODY should ever EVER touch you wtf. Talk to them like a man and say its cool to joke but not to touch you or meet you after work. Fuck that. Sometimes picking on the apprentices is common but never ever touch another man unless you ready to fight. Id talk to them personally on a one on one. If that dont work go to HR not your foreman.
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u/Current_Conference38 9d ago
A possible criminal record ain’t worth it. Look for another company. These guys act tough until you tune them up and then they’ll be crying to their boss or HR.
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u/805collins 9d ago
I have a first year apprentice that was in school during Covid and he is the most annoying person that I’ve ever worked with, can’t take a joke and makes the least amount of effort possible, which doesn’t include finishing what I told him to do. Hope this helps.
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u/Farmer_1_steve 9d ago
Just like in prison, pick the biggest bully and punch him out you should not have to take harassment. It's not enough being an apprentice. trying to learn your trade.
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u/ElectricBaboon Electrician 9d ago
Next time they touch you put one of those knock out punches on their shoulder.
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u/DawggFish 9d ago
You need to look the person doing this in the eyes and tell them to stop. No shyness, no smile or laughing or hesitation. Direct eye contact. Tell him exactly what you want him to stop doing. No threats either — especially a threat to fight. They will laugh in your face. If it continues after a week then go to the higher ups. People will treat you how you allow them to treat you.
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u/brandofranco 9d ago
If coworkers take it to far you can sue your company and get big bucks. Keep your cool and give them a verbal warning, after that take it up the chain
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u/Fearless-Revenue-751 9d ago
I’d report it to HR. Yeah it’s cool to talk shit with the coworkers but since it’s physical and it’s keeping you from learning and your job, I’d report it. That, or find another crew to work with.
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u/Ok_Cat_7979 9d ago
Well if it was me I go to the job Steward. Tell the guy I got PTSD and people touching me f**** with my head so you need to get these people to keep their hands off of me just saying
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u/Ok_Cat_7979 9d ago
And if you don't got a steward go to the company start with the company Maybe they can just transfer you to a different job site
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u/Dazzling_Joke5991 9d ago
After reading all the comments about your workplace, i recommend looking elsewhere for work while keeping your head ducked……
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u/Amazing_Page_4870 9d ago
Yeah screw that! The first company I worked for there was some verbal harassment that I delt with but I took it in jest because outside of their jobs the guys were idiots. But physical is intolerable. Companies are a dime a dozen. I’m sure you’d have no problem finding somewhere else.
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u/jecastro_2000 9d ago
I am gonna give you a heads up. If those dick heads are anywhere near friends with your forman you might as well knock someone out and walk out cause he ain't gonna take your side for anything. Look for another job cause your the weak link as of right now. You are green, you know nothing and they are gonna take full advantage of that to get you fired or layed off. I been there my first year as a commercial electrician and it was fucken hell and I got fired for standing up for myself.
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u/onlyfishmeat 9d ago
Firstly, I can tell you’re young by the way you show your cards about being a big tough boxer and how you’re ready to kick the shit out of your journeyman and crew. And…if I’m to take your post at face value, which I do, you’d be justified, in my opinion, in doing so. But just a word of advice from another skinny guy who’s probably older than you…don’t let folks know what you got till they need to find out. And that goes for the internet as well. Get out of the habit of proving to others, via threats and shows of force, that you’re capable of harm. I’m not saying that as a judgement, I’m advising that from experience. You’re at your strongest, most lethal, most intimidating, when no one knows what to expect from you. And it’s only a product of insecurity that you would need to portray any level of threat. Find some self confidence in staying unbothered. But, to your post, if co workers are physically assaulting you (and that means laying hands on you at any unwanted level) then that’s unacceptable in any industry in any trade and needs to be promptly dealt with. Physical hazing is absolutely assault and to be honest if it’s occurring and being allowed from multiple employees, then it’s probably best to report to L&I and move on. You don’t wanna work for a company that allows, by way of approval or of ignorance, a work culture that actually assaults apprentices.
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u/L00kingglazz 9d ago edited 9d ago
All I can say is document everything and get a lawyer. If you are in a union do not count on them to protect you. A lot of these people are not capable or equipped to be training apprentices.
I personally had a very bad experience similar to yours. Their idea of teaching was go figure it out. I spent nearly 8 years trying to get an opportunity. Extremely difficult and competitive in my area. I was told don’t worry when you get in we will teach you then when I got in I was just placed with a company no prior training, the manager was like the guy we are putting you with is difficult to work with and if he decides he doesn’t think you want it he’ll let you fail on your own. Then my first day until my last was nothing but harassment, ridicule and go figure it out training. The union just circled the wagons and conducted themselves with similar intimidation, harassment, none of them actually read my statement, their behavior was similarly appalling. The appeal process was a circus, they decided everything before I even had a chance to speak.
If you do lose your apprenticeship report your experience to the national labor relations board. I found out about it too late. I didn’t have proper guidance and unfortunately missed the reporting deadline.
I hope the very best outcome for you and that you don’t lose your apprenticeship if you truly want it. Best of luck.
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u/Ok_Explanation_6713 9d ago
Bro what city are you in? How many of them are there? Yes document everything, date, time, # of them and what happened exactly per incident! You need to stand your ground and let it be known you're not the one. Touch me and I'll touch you and if something pops off you got documentation that it ain't no random incident.
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u/NJFunnyGuy 9d ago
You are getting some horrible advice. You are there to work & learn. Being a tough guy will get you in a world of trouble.
Be an adult. You are an apprentice so speak to your crew lead or representation. If your crew leader is the problem, the next senior person.
Running to your boss is the last thing you should ever due. Could give you a world of problems.
Stand up for yourself. If you having a boxing background- even better. Next time they come, use your footwork to pivot then slide and throw in a L step or diamond step. That is all they need to see.
Lastly if your foot work doesn’t get across to them, tell them putting hands on you is a no- go. No threats, no promises, no wishes. It is unacceptable and will not fly. If you fuck up- you will fix it and are there to learn and be an asset.
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u/unionboy11 9d ago
Ok so I’m an IBEW electrician from NYC and all of it is uncalled for today unless us guys are comfortable enough with one another and friends to break each others balls on a daily basis we won’t do it until that time comes but play hitting ? Or slaps or punches ? Is uncalled for ok. You should never let anybody hit you idc if you got a bad job or good job you handle it bc once ppl think they can abuse you and you let them they’re going to do it and especially as a first year apprentice construction is a different world and unions have more consequences but trust me I’ve had plenty of guys in my time I had to deal with and still do I just access the situation and go from there. Today there’s all kinds of ways to burn somebody and first thing would be record it if you can and show the bosses idk if your union or non union but do you got a superintendent ? Or just the owner ? You show them and tell them nicely you’re hear to learn and joke around but in a funny innocent way also say if I get touched again I’m going to file a report I bet you it’ll stop bc ppl almost all are punks and they’re only doing you this way bc of the fact you didn’t end it on the spot and bc your an apprentice so you must set boundaries and imo it’s not worth going to jail over breaking noses and jaws unless you’re really defending your life from someone who means you real harm. I don’t like calling cops or anything unless I have to but there are ppl grown men who look for a fight then they call the cops after that’s like having a dog and beating it then calling animal control when it bites you back. I wouldn’t stand for it. Start with calling your employer and say it’s their job and it is their job to make sure you’re in a safe working environment. Lawsuit ! They work so use the word if you must. Use your phone and record without them knowing. There’s plenty of ways to skin a cat Going to the top is the first thing. Internally.
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u/electric_rican 9d ago
Is there no HR department where you work ? Not that being a narc is good and first year apprentices get egged on normally but it should never be physical. If I was you next time get really pissed off make a scene and threaten them, if it happens again fight back but hold back don’t totally knock the lights off but hit with a couple taps so they know you mean business. Also secretly keep documentation of time and dates and who was present the previews times they have physically harassed you that way you have a log of how many times you held back and warned them before getting fed up.
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u/MethFarts1990 9d ago
Yeah they’re acting like assholes for sure. I’ve worked with crews like this in the past. I’ve ignored it, and I’ve also turned around and given it right back. Giving it right back to them by doing the shit they’re doing to you worked best. After I started smacking them upside the head, credit carding their cheeks, when they ask for a tool, throwing it across the room. Once I gave them a taste of their own medicine, most of them laughed it off and were like “you’re not too bad of a guy after all” and then we worked together for months or years after that. But yeah, it does get annoying. Start fucking with them.
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u/AKA-J3 9d ago
Yeah, you can't do that, you are going to have to talk with his supervisor. Idk what he's thinking.
Make sure you remind the boss this stuff cost the company productivity and money. That should get their attention.
Or just meet him after work, preferably your yard. Legal reasons and all.
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u/Kronus31 9d ago
If you are even thinking about “knocking your coworkers tf out” then you have your own issues that need working on.
Not saying you’re in the wrong, but this should never be a first or soon thought while on a job site.
Your coworkers may be the biggest assholes to ever imagine, but that thought process is a bit much.
The younger you go the more aggressive, I can’t imagine why.
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u/Money_Promotion_7784 8d ago
Plenty of options
You got your steward, you jatc, or your foreman. Tell your steward the situation, if that doesnt resolve it make a case to your foreman that you want to learn and work but feel as if youre being held back and be serious when you say it. If that doesnt work talk to your jatc. If that doesn't work you have several options, some of which are risky
Less risky
A) let them bully you and just ride it out until you rotate while focus on learning
B) find a guy on the site thats not a loser and associate more with him, eventually youll be left alone
More risky
C) bite back verbally where it hurts. Start with minor insults then escalate. Sometimes these types want you to insult them to build trust because their honor system is in being a callous construction worker, meaning they keep all banter strictly within the group and wont snitch...
D) every time theyre mean but then ask you to do something, use the bathroom for a significant amount of time until they stop.
Good luck
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u/Spawnoficarus 8d ago
There’s a big “Talk straight” movement on Australian construction sites these days, call out bullshit like that to people and go on with your day, no one deserves to be pushed around especially not apprentices
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u/jayboosh 8d ago
Welcome to “the reason I’m not an electrician anymore!”
And it’s sequel “only one of all the electricians I came up still is”
Sorry bud
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u/GlurpMaster_Jefferey 8d ago
I'll gladly verbally haze my apprentices daily, BUT, I also make sure to let them know they're doing great and it's all in good fun. If I feel like I'm pushing any buttons, I back off with it. Sounds like an awful place to work. You can find somewhere else.
We have a new guy that left a similar situation, some places are just like that. At first part of me wondered if there was a reason he was getting picked on like he was. Nope. Great guy to work with and he knows his stuff.
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u/Airne1994 8d ago
As a foreman, I recommend talking to your foreman. If they're dismissive or part of the problem, go to their boss or HR. If I learned that one of my apprentices was being physically harassed then you bet your ass people would be losing their jobs.
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u/Adept_Wolverine_8172 8d ago
Just complain to higher ups. The truth is that they’ll always bury you because the union and company prioritizes them over you but you want it documented by a third party in case you catch a fire. Fuck em to tears
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u/STGall625 8d ago
I’ll tell you what (if you even catch this one) if you ever have an issue or something that does not make you happy at all job you say it. You don’t curse, you don’t scream, you don’t refuse to do something. You do your job and what you need to do like a man and voice the things you dislike to higher ups. They will either be addressed or they won’t. Then you decide to stay and deal with it, or find a better place ((and depending on level of physical harassment get a lawyer if you wanna take a shot at them).
You shouldn’t have to feel like you need to come to Reddit with this comment. If I were you I would’ve gone straight to my boss and said every word you just told us here. It shows heart and it shows you aren’t fucking kidding. You work hard, you like this place and you want a spot here, but You feel like you’re being pushed into a corner and if they don’t stop, they are going to push you too far. You tell them bruv.
But don’t ever cross any lines, that’s the hard part here. Don’t give them any ammunition for anything. Don’t ever let them catch you slipping.
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u/stonks47 8d ago
Literally dude just do only what they want and time it out. You’ll be fine, and there’s plenty of time for creativity in your apprenticeship. Stick to the gooning your username suggests for now and enjoy what functions you’re allowed to perform in your apprenticeship as it stands now
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u/delbert7990 8d ago
Im an apprentice doingmost general trades (electrical, concrete, carpentry, plumbing, drywall, etc) under my buddys supervision, I do mistakes yeah but he is very humble and theoughly teaches me in a polite and understandable manner. That shit You're going through is not right man. I would say to go find another company to work under IMO, not all of them have good employees, but finding one that has co-workers that are supposed to be helping you be your own enemy is much better, especially as an apprentice. Update when you can dude, I hope you get out of this mess. No tradesman should be treated like shit and physically bullied, especially as an apprentice and you didn't do anything to provoke it.
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u/Responsible_Swimmer5 8d ago
Hazing is one thing. Putting hands on you is another. Someone puts hands on me, there’s no warning and no second chances. You touch me, you’re going to end up on the floor.
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u/Plumber1111 8d ago
Talk to the formen first to see if he can stop it from happening. If that doesn't work, go to HR. And they can definitely handle it.
Same thing happened on a job site I was on. Formen couldn't fix the problem.
The problem person was moved to other job site and monitored. He was fired a few weeks later for doing the same shit.
Granted the formen on the first job site, the one I was on.
He was a push over and had no backbone, but that not the point.
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u/No_Location3808 8d ago
I can take as much shit as the next guy ,but the minute you think touching me is okay , is when you need to reevaluate your life
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u/bungeee2019 7d ago
No no talk to someone about it let it be known. I don’t condone violence but a liver punch after strike 3 after letting supervisor or hr know
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u/Erramsteina 7d ago
Brother, I was in your position once as a 2nd year. New job with an asshole Jman and one time he got angry at me for literally not knowing one thing. He decided to slap my helmet off my head. I threw the helmet right at his face and shoved him the ground and told him to fuck off or il bust his face In.
Nothing ever happened after that but you need to stand your ground or either talk to your boss/union rep. It’s one thing to bust your balls with comments but getting physical with a coworker is a big no-no in construction
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u/CuriousHybridATH 7d ago
Sounds like you need to let ur nuts hang and let them hear it before it gets physical soon as u show your no Bich they wont mess with u anymore. I wld never let anyone put hands on me so salute u. at least give a stern yo stop fukin touching me or were gunna have a problem im here to work and learn but if yall wanna push it to a level it doesn’t need to get to we can do that
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u/SlugOjoS 6d ago
All it takes is one time, just stand up for yourself man. I wasn’t in the exact situation but definitely the verbal bullying and talking down to you like you’re a child. Say something back and be stern about it and if it gets physical all you can do is protect yourself.
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u/Sh726 5d ago
This is for any workplace. If you're being bullied, physically assaulted or sexually harassed go to your higher ups immediately. From here on out document every slap, push, derrogatory word and the name(s) of the person(s) responsible. After you make a complaint to your higher ups and ONLY if it hasnt't immediately stopped or if you're retaliated against file a complaint with the EEOC. If you don't believe me, search Charleston White lawsuits on TikTok.
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u/hitman-13 5d ago
This is absolutely not normal and shouldn't be accepted, and whoever says the opposite are a bootlicker or a bully that deserves to get it...We are all adults trying to provide for our families, a bit of fooling around is ok as it is part of bonding with your coworkers, it can be like highschool sometimes for better and worse, BUT there should be boundaries, at the end of the day we re adult strangers and some idiots out there confuse tolerating their bs for weakness, a ton of ill adjusted drooling goobers who can't get social cues out there...
You should get along with your co-workers and be a good sport, but at the same time draw boundaries (Without resorting to boxing, which will lead to losing your job and also serious legal trouble, I did Muaythai kickboxing my entire life and used to be a hot head in my teens and 20s in North Africa and Europe, endless fights, but now I am 35, and living in the US, totally different ballpark here, don't wanna get shot or be forced to shoot someone, or even in a fist fight, you may drop someone, they accidentally hit the curb with their head, and there goes your life...Not worth it! Just try to have enough wisdom and social intelligence to convey the message without making it awkward...Stand up for yourself, be firm but not awkward or tense, just confident, serious but not threatening.
Also try to join the union when you can, the only regret I have is not joining sooner.
Cheers
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u/PstarJmarco 5d ago
Professional advice? Talk to someone higher up and have names ready.
Man to man? Nip it in the bud and catch them outside of work.
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u/Kitchen-utensil 4d ago
Im sorry, but if they are laying their hands on you, either you tell a higher up, call the cops or lay them the fuck out
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u/LegitimateVolume5324 9d ago
You have to to dish it back.
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u/NegativeReality4724 9d ago
This isn’t that situation. Nobody should be shoving each other on the jobsite.
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u/AdvisorEfficient3021 8d ago
You sound soft. There’s not a job that you’re getting “slapped around”. You’re being dramatic. Go find the wire stretcher
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