When I was a member of IAM 751 15-16 years ago they told me there was enough work for 7-10 years. I was laid off 18 months later. However, the union did pay for the classes I needed to move on and to tell you the truth, the lay off was the best thing that ever happened to my career. I would never want to go back and deal with the politics and good old boy network ever again. But I do miss the 2 weeks of vacation plus the time off paid at Xmas, getting paid Grade 8 money to run a spot welder on the weekends with no work to do, just reading a book. Beers at the Royal Bear. Ping Pong and basketball during breaks and lunch (I was building ping pong champ for 3 weeks until the Fillipino inspector took me down).

I hope it all works out for you but I would also suggest you have a Plan B.