A good Brother in Dispatch once told me, "I will give you the information I have. I will hear your concerns. I will help you with your grievances. I WILL NOT hold your hand. You will need to be a Proud Wireman in your own right."
Using Your Personal Cell Phone for Work
This can be a heated topic, but it’s important to look at
the bigger picture and consider a few key points.
Yourself
Even if a contractor reimburses your monthly phone bill,
it’s unlikely they will cover the cost if your device is damaged. We work in
dirty, rough, and sometimes hazardous environments. With phones costing upwards
of a thousand dollars, using your personal device for work can become an
expensive risk.
Your Brothers and
Sisters
Not everyone has the ability (or the desire) to use their
personal phone for work. When some members provide their own devices and others
don’t, it creates division and sets a dangerous precedent. Could one worker be
favored over another simply because they offered their phone? And where does it
stop? Tablets, drills, lasers, vehicles?
Your CBA and Your Local
Local 226 has a long tradition of proud craft workers who
protect the integrity of our trade. Year after year, our Local has fought to
keep the tool list capped. When members voluntarily add items beyond that list,
we weaken our collective bargaining power. A level playing field is a core
principle of our CBA, and it only works when we all stand on it together.
Remember
What we choose to do today sets the foundation for tomorrow.
Let’s give our future members the strongest footing possible.
While Working in Other Jurisdictions
As more of our Local 226 members take on work outside our
home jurisdiction, it’s essential that we carry with us the values and
standards that define who we are. Please keep the following in mind:
- Carry
your credentials
As proud Journeyman Wiremen, we
must always have a current dues receipt when working in ANY jurisdiction. If
required, also carry a valid working card for the Local you're assisting.
- Lead
with Brotherhood and Sisterhood
Strive to be a shining example of
solidarity, respect, and unity. Be the kind of member others are proud to work
alongside.
- Etiquette
Always bear in mind, you are book 2 and should
conduct yourself as such. There is a code.
- Be
a respectful guest
When working outside our
jurisdiction, remember that we are guests in another Local’s house. Just as we
hope to be welcomed with pride, we must conduct ourselves with quality and respect.
- Honor
their fight
Other Locals have worked hard to
build what they have. Support their goals, respect their agreements, and
contribute to their progress; not undermine it.
- You
represent Local 226
Every action (positive or negative)
reflects not just on you, but on all of us. Let your conduct speak to the pride
and professionalism of our Local.
Why Sitting for a Contractor Undermines Us All
Our book system exists for one reason: to ensure every
member has the opportunity to provide for their family. When someone chooses to
“sit” for a contractor, they sidestep this system—blocking the next person on
the books from bidding on a job call. You take the job before it even hits the
books, returning to work while the hall hasn’t had a chance to dispatch the
next member. So how does the next member get a fair shot?
Sitting doesn’t just hurt other members—it hurts you. You're
missing out on the wages, benefits, and fringes you could potentially earn.
While you collect unemployment, someone else is out there waiting to secure wages
and benefits. Don’t fall for the promise that it’s “just a couple of weeks.”
Four months later, you could be facing denied insurance claims and wondering
what went wrong.
So you wanna travel for work to another Local…..
Before you go to another hall:
- It’s best to get ahead on your dues but at least make sure
you are current. It’s a terrible feeling to be out of jurisdiction and realize
your dues are expired.
- Hit your local Hall. Get signed up on ERTS and pick up a
travel letter if you need it.
When you arrive at a hall:
- Have your dues ticket in hand and ready to present.
- State your name, local, and wish to be placed on book 2.
- Ask about the referral procedure (get a copy of it if you
can) – is it a bid system, do you need a special app, what is the timeframe to
bid, when is their resign period and how to do so?
- Make sure you have anything you need to bid: Login info,
placement #, etc
- Get a copy of the CBA. At the very least get a breakdown of
benes and a tool list so that you can be ready with the correct tools and info
for when you get a call
Don’t forget to keep a log of when/where you sign. You will
need a list to call and remove your name from other local books if you do catch
a call.
