In Unity there is Strength

No experience, but still want to work as a construction electrician? We have the best training program that is second to none. The IBEW, along with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), administrates an apprenticeship program that is the best in the country, recognized for its commitment to training the best electricians anywhere. Call anyone of our locals or check out the NJATC site for more information.

Industrial/ Non-Construction or Where You Work

The first thing you need to do is to talk with your co-workers. Find out if there are any common issues that you share. In the end, it will be you and the other employees together who will negotiate with the company for your union contract. After the contract is signed, it will again be up to you and fellow employees to make sure that it is enforced. The effectiveness of any union hinges upon the involvement of a majority of the work force.

Next, call the IBEW. If we think we can help you, we will be more than glad to assist. If we don't think so, we'll tell you. If we see that we can help, we will be there to help you through the election process. Of course, all information is confidential.

We'll set up a meeting with you and your co-workers. We'll answer any questions that you might have and probably ask you a few too. It's very important that all questions are answered and that you and your co-workers, as well as us, are armed with knowledge.

We, together, need to know:

....who we think will compose the bargaining unit,

....what our rights are under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

....the election process,

....what we can expect

	from fellow workers.
	from the company.

....how a union works,

....& any other questions that we together might have.

a Voluntary Organizing Committee will be set up. This committee will be a cross-section of the entire bargaining unit. The committee's job will be to educate fellow workers, and when the workers are ready, get them to sign authorization cards. The committee will probably hold group meetings with fellow employees to make sure everyone understands and is educated.

Section 9 of the National Labor Relations Act requires that 30% of the employees sign cards authorizing the union to represent them before the union can ask for recognition from the company.

Here's how it works......

When a majority of cards, 65% of the bargaining unit) have been secured, the IBEW will ask the company to recognize your union. (Even though the law only requires 30%, we think it is wise not to ask for recognition with less then 65%. We don't want to waste your time or our time if we don't think we can be successful.)
If the company should refuse such recognition, the cards may then be taken to the National Labor Relations Board where the union files a petition for an election.
(If the union believes that the company's refusal to grant recognition was in bad faith, it may also file unfair labor practices against the company.)
The Board then sets a date when you vote -- by secret ballot -- for the union.
You vote -- in secret -- "Yes" for union representation, "No" for no union representation.
A simple majority wins.
The Board then certifies the union -- and soon thereafter contract negotiations begin with your employer for higher wages, job security and -- improved working conditions.

It's as simple as that!

You will be working UNION!

The Union
Difference
What the AFL-CIO says.

Now, We set down with the employer to negotiate a union contract. Under the NLRA, the company must negotiate with the union in good faith for wages, benefits, and working conditions.