What is
"organizing" and how does it affect me?
The mission of the IBEW is " To organize all workers in the
entire electrical
industry into local unions." By being a part of the
IBEW you will see a change that will
affect various parts of your life. Of major concern to everyone
is the wage and benefits
package. This not only affects your attitude about your job but
also improves your
personal financial outlook. You will also be working under a
contract agreement that is
signed by both the contractors and your Local Union. This
contract will determine how
your wage and benefit package is divided up so you know what to
expect to receive for
every hour that you work. It will outline working conditions,
Employer rights, Union
rights, referral procedure, shiftwork, apprenticeship and safety.
Every Local has it's own
Inside Labor Agreement and it is every member's duty to read
it.
Why isn't
every electrician a member of the Union?
This is what I would call personal preference. To each his own.
Some people
apparently do not mind working for a sub-standard wage which
usually means no
benefits and contractor controlled working conditions. By joining
the Union, you have
shown that you are no longer willing to do this. Unfortunately
there will always be non-
union contractors so there will also always be non-union
electricians.
What is the JW
test?
In order to enter the Union as a Journeyman Wireman, all Locals
give a written
test to determine if your knowledge is of Journeyman
level. What is on the test will vary
from Local to Local. Some Locals are also starting skills testing
to determine your hands
on ability. If your skills and/or knowledge level is not up to
Journeyman level, you may
be placed in the apprenticeship program or possible in a special
class for newly organized
members depending on your Local's organizing program. We will
talk more about skills
later on.
Ok, I have passed
all the testing, what next?
You will now have to be voted on by the membership and if
accepted, be initiated
into the Local. ( Not all locals work in the same way. You may be
voted in before you
pass the test and put on book two. Check with your Local to see
how they are set-up.)
You will then sign Book 2 until you have worked under a
collective bargaining agreement
for one year. You will also be available for work.