Pros
At the time I was employed: Alright medical; standard eye, dental, meds, can't remember if they had short or long term disability but they didn't have both. You pay into it so if you ever go off it's tax free. Half hour break plus a paid 15min coffee break. Was able to go home early if no breaks were taken during the 8hr shift (so 30min-45min early for 7:15-7:30hrs total). Depending on the section a lot of older coworkers will help you a lot when you first start. Free coffee and creamer, two fridges, occasional paid lunches. Early start at 6am. PPE allowance for coveralls/overalls. Could either have the company pay for a set and they clean or you could bring your own and get an allowance starting after 3 months
Cons
Management would come to a conclusion ahead of time over situations. For example, in performance reviews they would take the plant managers side and not your own - even if you could produce evidence otherwise (parts/hr, short notice change of timeline, lack of tools/parts, etc). Instead of saying no to hiring apprentices they will put your job as "helper". Do not expect to get your hours logged, nor will the ITA help outside of a gentle nudge. Will work "helpers" as if they were fully licenced tradesworkers (so instead of grinding/fitting/tacking/minor welds you would weld parts that other ticketed welders would be assigned as well). Not to say helpers can't weld, but it's pretty bad when the ITA is even wondering what is happening Repeated anti-union talk from management. Will keep track of who you talk to and who you don't. If you don't seem sociable enough they will ask that you "make an effort" and make it a problem if you don't. This lead to having to grin and bear my 15min break with a coworker who would say quite bigoted things to keep up appearances. Asked everyone to try and do 10hr days repeatedly (seems they succeeded). Getting tools and gear was a nightmare. Repeatedly told to not to bring my own tools in. It took well over a month to get half the supplies I needed to finish most of the job books they needed done. You will have to hound to get PPE if you're a non-standard size. You will also be blamed for not getting jobs done due to lack of proper tools. The head manager mentioned in the other reviews will care about your well being in the most HR way possible (as her job is HR). She does mean well but at the cost of having to worry about the company first, but also taking the most blind eye to any problems within the shop itself and relying on the plant manager's opinion. From my other coworkers: raises were few and far between, even after 5+ years of service