Aaron Johnson Legal Fees

Hi, My Name is Mike, and I'm asking on behalf of a friend and co-worker of mine, Aaron Johnson. You see, those of you who know Aaron, know that he's a hard working construction hand since way back. Aaron started the SMART Apprenticeship at Local 55 in 2017, and Journeyed out in 2022. He was a great hand and asset to the trade, but, he saw some hope in potentially jumping out and doing something different. He was approached by some other construction workers, who were UA Pipefitter Welders, who suggested that he make the transition, for more money. You see, Aaron had entertained the idea, and made the jump. He wasn't afraid to start another apprenticeship, he had a lot to learn, training for a different trade. Upon exiting his 2nd month as a UA Local 598 Apprentice Steamfitter, he was served with a collections notice from his former training center, for the sum of $36,303.73 . That is quite a sum of money for a man starting his life over again on the income brackets that are as different as the trade work. That is quite a sum of money to a man attempting to start a family. That is quite a lot of money for a young couple who are trying to save up and buy a house. Frankly, that's an embarrassing amount of money to levee against someone you called brother. The reason for this? During his joining of SMART 55's apprenticeship, at 21 years old, he signed a contract that he would repay his debt in JATC hourly payments over the course of the next 10 years, IF, he violated a non-compete clause he would pay the sum immediately. He never violated a compete clause! During his tenure as a SMART member, he learned and excelled as a sheet metal union worker in his classes. As a UA Steamfitter, he is learning and excelling as a Steamfitter/Pipefitter/Welder as well as taking classes in plumbing and drawing. You see, the trades don't mix work. You can't claim jurisdiction on using basic tools like tape measures and grinders, but the work, is very different in composition, shape, joining methods, suspension, and all manner of system expectations. Aaron approached his new local, to see what kind of guidance he could get. It was recommended to make sure that there was no connection between the locals funds, be they delivered by stewards appeal donations, or via legal department, etc., they could not be associated with it, as it was a case of debt collection, not a lawsuit. Aaron was reassured that the members would help where they could. He also has friends elsewhile, friends he made duck hunting, working on hotrods, and from his high school and trade school. I'm writing this to appeal to you as well, and maybe explain some of the problems with this situation. Unions are supposed to be a rock solid foundation, where you share your ideals and skills in a constructive and beneficial environment, not institutions stifling their members from bettering their economic status and getting more exciting work. The Union he has joined, wants this fight to never have started, as it not a brotherly thing to do, nor is it applicable as he has changed trade lines and is not in violation of a Non-Compete clause. In order to help us help him, we needed to get a GoFundMe started to get the lawyer retained to dismiss this debt collection through legal means. Nobody expects a back handed and shameful collections bill to bully their members into being scared of leaving for better. Nobody should. Nobody should put their lives on hold again, because someone has hateful feelings they act on. Let's help Aaron out!!