if you are looking for 40, you might be looking in the wrong place right now. There is a long wait in the NY/NJ area with 1000's of men on the bench.
For the near future, the unions will have trouble keeping everyone working. If you were already in and established with a company, you'd have a good shot at staying fairly steady.
Might not be a bad idea to look at some good merit shops. a good shop will offer many of the same things the union will, without the dues and a little steadier work situation.
good luck
