One
of the most important decisions you will ever make will be whether or not to become a member of an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
local union. Before you can make this decision, there are many questions which must be answered, and misconceptions to be cleared up. Much of this section is designed for you, "the worker" seeking to make a well
informed decision concerning your future.I.B.E.W.
members are often asked about the union, its structure and benefits. We have created this section to answer some of the most frequently asked questions; we're sure you will find the information you need here.
Why Consider Joining a Union?
When you join a union, you are joining a democracy. Each member has the opportunity to voice his concerns and suggestions, working for a better life for all.
What Union Should You Join?
Naturally, when you join a union, you will want one which best represents the work you do. The I.B.E.W.
represents workers who may be journeyman or apprentices. They also represent utility and production workers, maintenance and/or service personnel, marine and many other worker classifications that are equally represented by the
I.B.E.W.
Because the I.B.E.W.
is composed of workers who share skills and experience, it is well suited to help you achieve your goals. The local union officers, elected by local union members, have a good working knowledge of the conditions and demands of the trade. They can speak with authority on the problems and challenges that workers face daily on the jobsite.
If you are employed in the electrical trade or any other type of work allied to or connected in any manner with the electrical industry, then the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
is the union for you.
What Is The I.B.E.W.?
The I.B.E.W. is an effective international union made up of the most highly skilled electrical tradesmen the construction industry has
ever known. It is a union which protects its members and jurisdiction at every level. The I.B.E.W. is composed of journeymen and apprentices in every division of the electrical industry.
A democratic
organization, with officers elected by the membership, the I.B.E.W. is affiliated with the various departments of the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Federation of Labour.
The I.B.E.W. is
international, having members in Canada as well as the United States. It is an organization that you can be proud to be a part of.
Why Does The I.B.E.W. Exist?
All unions were born of
necessity. During the Industrial Revolution, working men and women were treated very unfairly. There were no child labor laws, and thousands of children some as young as five years old worked ten hour days
under oppressive conditions.
It was the standard practice for employers to demand that their employees work ten hours a day, seven days a week. There were no vacations, no sick leave, no workman's
compensation, no pensions, and no health and safety laws. Working men, women and children had nothing to look forward to their lives were spent working, and they worked until they died.
In the mid
1800's, the trade union movement began in earnest. The I.B.E.W. was officially born on November 21, 1891.
The organization was formed to ensure that workers would no longer be taken advantage of.
Almost all of the benefits and protections enjoyed by American workers today are a direct result of the trade union movement.
What Can The I.B.E.W. Do For You?
The I.B.E.W.
and its local unions work to provide members a fair wage and safe working conditions, process grievances, and protect the members from unjust and injurious competition. All local unions have training facilities, health and welfare plans, and pension plans. The
I.B.E.W. provides training for both apprentices and journeymen, providing I.B.E.W. craftsmen the opportunity and means to become the very best.
Journeymen may take advantage of training
sessions which provide up to date technology necessary to I.B.E.W. members so that they can keep abreast of innovations and changes in the industry, thereby assuring that their skills are current and in demand.
If you are working in an industry allied to the electrical trade, it is important to your future to become a member of the I.B.E.W. . Join with the thousands of craftsmen who have united to build a
secure, prosperous future for themselves and their families.
How Does The I.B.E.W. Operate?
The I.B.E.W.
is led by a Officers who are elected by the delegates at a convention held every five years. Members who attend these conventions as delegates are "elected" by their brothers and sisters at the local union level.
The International Office has many departments and functions, including Jurisdiction, Organizing, Training, Legislative and Safety. Each Officer pledges to uphold the I.B.E.W.
constitution and to protect the interest and welfare of all members.
Where Can You Learn More About The I.B.E.W.?
Every major city in the United States and Canada has one or more
I.B.E.W. local union. When you are ready to learn more about the us, you may e-mail an
