IBEW....it's a long post but informative..
WHAT DOES THE I.B.E.W. DO ?
Through the collective bargaining process, the I.B.E.W. officers negotiate working agreements, or
collective bargaining agreements, with your employer. These agreements govern wages, benefits,
and working conditions. Inside the workplace, the I.B.E.W. strives to resolve on-the-job problems
including protecting members against unfair discipline, unsafe working conditions and violations of
seniority rights. The I.B.E.W. also works with the employer in building long-term positive
Labor/Management relationships which respects the Unions right to organize. The I.B.E.W. also works
to improve local, state, and federal laws to further the interest of working people. Our members are
also actively involved in organizing unorganized workers to provide them the protection of a union
agreement.
2. IS THE I.B.E.W. AFFILIATED WITH OTHER
LABOR ORGANIZATIONS?
YES. The I.B.E.W. is affiliated with the 10+ million member AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO represents the
labor unions and their members before Congress and provides support in organizing, research,
collective bargaining, education, strategic campaigns, and legislative and political affairs. Local
unions are encouraged to affiliate with AFL-CIO local, central, and state organizations.
3. WHAT IS A WORKING AGREEMENT?
A working agreement, or collective bargaining agreement, is an agreement between the Union and
your employer that sets the terms and/or conditions of employment in the workplace for a designated
period of time.
4. DO I GET TO VOTE ON THE AGREEMENT?
Yes. After the bargaining process ends and the Local Union has a final agreement offer from your
employer, the locals members vote on the agreement.
5. WHAT HAPPENS IF PROBLEMS ARISE ON THE JOB
AFTER THE AGREEMENT IS RATIFIED?
The Union Agreement provides for a grievance process to address problems on the job. A grievance
is a complaint concerning the employers actions under the agreement. If you have a grievance, you
should first talk to your Union Steward. Your Union Steward is your on-the-job Union Representative
who has been trained to handle grievances. The Steward will first review the facts and determine if
the employer has violated the agreement. If so, the Steward will try to reach a settlement with the
supervisor. If this effort fails, the grievance may then continue to the next person in the chain of
command.
6. CAN I RECEIVE REPRESENTATION WITHOUT
JOINING THE UNION?
Under current Collective Bargaining laws the answer is yes. Please keep in mind though, that if you
are a municipal employee, under current Texas labor laws, Public Sector / Municipal employees are
not covered under the Collective Bargaining guidelines outlined in the NLRA (National Labor
Relations Act). Therefore, Unions representing municipal workers do not have Collective Bargaining
with Binding Arbitration. So the answer to the question above for Municipal employees is NO.
Because Unions that represent Public Sector workers in the state of Texas do not have Collective
Bargaining with Binding Arbitration, the Union is under no obligation to represent the non-union
employee. Non-union workers must also understand that by choosing to be non-union also means
that they are giving up their *Weingarten Rights*. (See #7 below)
7. WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AS A MEMBER?
As a member, you have the right to representation, you have the right to attend meetings, to vote on
all motions, to vote in all elections(refer back to #4), and to vote on any changes you might want
according to the IBEW Constitution and your Local Union By-Laws. You have the right to run for local
and international office and to become a delegate to the IBEW conventions.
Also as a member, you have what is referred to as Weingarten Rights. These are the Rights that
entitle you to representation if you are called in to the office by your supervisor for an investigatory
interview or for disciplinary reasons. You may be familiar with the "Miranda warnings" given by police.
The Miranda warnings notify criminal suspects of their rights, including the right to a lawyer and to
remain silent. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court did not impose a notice requirement in its
Weingarten decision. Employers have no obligation to inform workers of their right to request union
representation. Weingarten Rights simply state;
"If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my
personal working condition, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer, or
steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any
questions."
***Weingarten Rights do not apply to non-union employees.***
8. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE I.B.E.W. LOCAL?
Under the IBEW International Constitution, most powers and decisions are left to the members of
each Local Union. Each Local Union establishes its own by-laws determining membership
requirements, election and referendum procedures, meeting requirements, dues, steward system
operations, duties of Local Union officers, and any other rules needed to establish and maintain a
democratic Union. All Local Officers and the Executive Board are voted upon by the Local Union
membership. The Local holds its membership meetings on the first Thursday of each month.
Additionally, part of the Locals' role is to assist its members in their time of need. When a member
gets hurt off the job, the Local will supplement the members' pay, through an established Health &
Welfare Fund, up to $30 a day for 30 working days only after all benefits provided by the
company have expired. (sick leave, vacation days, Company paid holidays, etc.)
9. WHO CAN JOIN?
Membership is open to all wage-scale employees, and all non-management salaried employees.
10. HOW MUCH ARE UNION DUES?
Dues are very reasonable and may very depending upon your current hourly wage. Dues are payroll
deductible. Check with your steward or local officer for the cost of dues.
11. WHAT ARE UNION DUES USED FOR?
Members dues pay for all the Union's operating costs, including negotiations, organizing, research,
communications, and public relations, educating officers and stewards, and legislative activities.
(Refer to by-laws for additional costs).
12. IS THE I.B.E.W. ACTIVE IN THE LEGISLATIVE AND
POLITICAL ARENA?
The IBEW is active and vocal in the legislative and political arena on local, state, and national levels.
The International has a political program aimed at creating awareness of political issues and lobbying
Congress on behalf of our members. The IBEW believes that strengthening the political climate in
favor of working people strengthens the labor movement.
13. HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE
UNION?
You can stay informed by going to union meetings and participating in the activities of your Local.
Remember that as a member you have an equal voice and vote with all other members. Your steward
and local officers can answer questions you may have about specific Union programs and policies.
14. WHAT CAN THE UNION DO FOR ME?
In short, it can do a lot, but how successfully depends on you. For over 96 years it has ensured
our Members a good stable job at a fair wage with health insurance and pension benefits. It
could do the same for you. It can also change your life by giving you a voice at work and the
opportunity to stand up for what you believe. What the Union can achieve for you, however,
depends on what you do for yourself and your Union.
If you would like to sign a card please ask.....
Thanks
