How long is probation period? When will insurance kick in? It would be nice not paying for insurance which would be a blessing and worth me taking leap. I will have to get used to union setting but don't think it will be big issue for me.
The company can work you casual for a long time. Its based on a formula of full time hours to casual hours and it's kind of confusing for someone new. Trust me, the Stewards keep a close watch on the hours and will pester the TM to hire when the hours get high. But you will have to work casual for a while.
Getting hired on really depends on starting early in the year (Feb/March/April) and how many other casuals they hire behind you. The Company doesn't necessarily have to hire in the order that you started as a casual. They can hire someone that started behind you first. But the Company also doesn't want hard feelings, so as long as you're a good worker, you will probably get hired in the order you started.
With that said, you should always be willing to work whatever shift they ask, while keeping a positive attitude. Just like any other job try not to be a problem child. Also, learn who the City Stewards are and make them your friends
Once the company decides to hire you, you will get a 30 day probation letter, then you're in the union after the 30th day. Your benefits will start 8 weeks after the end of your probation. Basicly from the day you get your probation letter its about 90 days until you get benefits.
Don't get discouraged about working causal, last fall at my terminal, some of the guys hired got a probationary letter the very first week they worked.
Hang in there and don't be afraid to ask questions at your terminal. You will be able to tell right away which guys you can talk to easily. You can also ask questions on here. Private message somebody on here if you don't feel comfortable posting a question on the thread.
It all sounds a lot more complicated than it really is. Good Luck!