May I ask which union do you belong to?
The reason why I ask is because some union locals have "B" lists where you can be put on that list, and if there's too much work in a local not too far from you, then they'll grab you so that they can maintain enough heads on the job so-to speak! ;)
If I were you, I would look into that because, when I was with the Boilermaker's union and my local was slow, I got on the NTL (National Transient local)which gave me all kinds of work all over the country where I was able to pick and choose which job was preferable to me as far as distance, pay, and length of job. So, if your union has something similar to the Boilermaker's NTL, then I would strongly suggest for you to look into it!!! :) :) :)
Anywho, Happy hunting KENNY629!!! :) :) :)
Respectfully,
Henry