BENEFITS OF BEING A UNION MEMBER
NON-UNION CONTRACTORS
Why should you consider becoming a signatory contractor?
1. Training - The IBEW is committed to putting the most highly trained people in the field. Our manpower pool is second to none. Highly skilled electricians are available in whatever specialty you need, most times within 24 hours with just one phone call. You specify what your requirements are and we provide the level of expertise.
• No more ads in the newspaper.
• No more going to employment agencies.
• No more wasted man-hours evaluating skill levels; we do the evaluation for you.
• No more walking away from work because you may not feel you have the experienced manpower to complete the project.
What about your existing workforce? We will bring them into membership, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and provide improvement classes where necessary to bring their abilities up to date. Local 226 provides professional personnel who have chosen the electrical industry as a career, not just for a job.
2. Wages and Benefits - Our agreements are negotiated between the National Electrical Contractors Association and Local 226. Negotiations provide continual renewal to the commitment by management and labor to provide the best product at a reasonable cost. If the signatory contractor cannot compete, we as a union cannot long survive. Being fair, the wage and benefit structure not only takes into consideration what it takes to compete, but also what it takes to assure a stable workforce. We are a partnership. Our Health and Welfare plan, for example, is self-insured and provides excellent coverage at a very reasonable cost. We also have an excellent defined Benefit Pension Plan. Both you and your office employees can participate under certain circumstances.
3. Manpower Pool - Probably one of our strongest selling points is our member pool. Contractors who sign with Local 226 express that getting the right manpower at the right time is a big problem. Often, the difference between making a profit and suffering a loss is having the manpower to get the job done. Newspaper ads attract, at best, semi skilled workers who tell you in the office they can do it all, but in the field, more often than not, prove otherwise.
What about going through employment agencies? Did you know that if you hire someone through one of these trade agencies and that worker gets hurt, your worker's compensation insurance may not cover them and leave you open for a third-party lawsuit? Electrical work requires a level of expertise that employment agencies cannot provide. All members who graduate our apprenticeship program have successfully completed 5 yrs classroom and OJT, are KS State certified for licensing, are safety trained, first aid and cpr certified, NFPA 70E Training and OSHA 10 certified, can read blueprints, are trained in installation and fabrication of all types of conduit, have basic transformer connection and moter control skills, have extesnive training in all areas of NEC. Have comprehensive AC & DC theory training. More new training is implemented each year and continuing education classes are offered for all members.
Most agencies charge more than it would cost you under a union contract. Is it worth risking your business to lawsuits while paying more to simply stay nonunion?
Manpower should be a business decision, where the manpower comes from should be of no consequence. Your decision should be based on value and getting the best employees for dollars spent, much the same way you decide on which supply house to use. Local 226 simply supplies the best for the money. Local 226 provides the vehicle for you to run and grow your business. Whether you need manpower for one day or one year, we have the trained personnel to respond.
So where do you go from here? While a web page can be helpful in getting some points across, the reality is that most electrical contractors have specific concerns and needs. The only way to address these issues is on an individual basis, one-on-one. Local 226 has a no commitment, no obligation policy that allows a contractor to hear firsthand what the IBEW has to offer. Then, and only then, can you make the decision if the IBEW is right for your company. There is no contractor considered too large or too small. We have shops ranging from one man to 100+ men working under our agreements. The first step, however, is yours. Why not find out what the IBEW can do for you and your business?
Why should you consider becoming a signatory contractor?
1. Training - The IBEW is committed to putting the most highly trained people in the field. Our manpower pool is second to none. Highly skilled electricians are available in whatever specialty you need, most times within 24 hours with just one phone call. You specify what your requirements are and we provide the level of expertise.
• No more ads in the newspaper.
• No more going to employment agencies.
• No more wasted man-hours evaluating skill levels; we do the evaluation for you.
• No more walking away from work because you may not feel you have the experienced manpower to complete the project.
What about your existing workforce? We will bring them into membership, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and provide improvement classes where necessary to bring their abilities up to date. Local 226 provides professional personnel who have chosen the electrical industry as a career, not just for a job.
2. Wages and Benefits - Our agreements are negotiated between the National Electrical Contractors Association and Local 226. Negotiations provide continual renewal to the commitment by management and labor to provide the best product at a reasonable cost. If the signatory contractor cannot compete, we as a union cannot long survive. Being fair, the wage and benefit structure not only takes into consideration what it takes to compete, but also what it takes to assure a stable workforce. We are a partnership. Our Health and Welfare plan, for example, is self-insured and provides excellent coverage at a very reasonable cost. We also have an excellent defined Benefit Pension Plan. Both you and your office employees can participate under certain circumstances.
3. Manpower Pool - Probably one of our strongest selling points is our member pool. Contractors who sign with Local 226 express that getting the right manpower at the right time is a big problem. Often, the difference between making a profit and suffering a loss is having the manpower to get the job done. Newspaper ads attract, at best, semi skilled workers who tell you in the office they can do it all, but in the field, more often than not, prove otherwise.
What about going through employment agencies? Did you know that if you hire someone through one of these trade agencies and that worker gets hurt, your worker's compensation insurance may not cover them and leave you open for a third-party lawsuit? Electrical work requires a level of expertise that employment agencies cannot provide. All members who graduate our apprenticeship program have successfully completed 5 yrs classroom and OJT, are KS State certified for licensing, are safety trained, first aid and cpr certified, NFPA 70E Training and OSHA 10 certified, can read blueprints, are trained in installation and fabrication of all types of conduit, have basic transformer connection and moter control skills, have extesnive training in all areas of NEC. Have comprehensive AC & DC theory training. More new training is implemented each year and continuing education classes are offered for all members.
Most agencies charge more than it would cost you under a union contract. Is it worth risking your business to lawsuits while paying more to simply stay nonunion?
Manpower should be a business decision, where the manpower comes from should be of no consequence. Your decision should be based on value and getting the best employees for dollars spent, much the same way you decide on which supply house to use. Local 226 simply supplies the best for the money. Local 226 provides the vehicle for you to run and grow your business. Whether you need manpower for one day or one year, we have the trained personnel to respond.
So where do you go from here? While a web page can be helpful in getting some points across, the reality is that most electrical contractors have specific concerns and needs. The only way to address these issues is on an individual basis, one-on-one. Local 226 has a no commitment, no obligation policy that allows a contractor to hear firsthand what the IBEW has to offer. Then, and only then, can you make the decision if the IBEW is right for your company. There is no contractor considered too large or too small. We have shops ranging from one man to 100+ men working under our agreements. The first step, however, is yours. Why not find out what the IBEW can do for you and your business?
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers was founded in 1891. This union is comprised of proud union members with a wide diversity of skills and jobs. One of the most progressive unions in existence, the IBEW represents some 750,000 members in the United States and Canada.
NON-UNION EMPLOYEES
YOUR EMPLOYER BELONGS TO A UNION, WHY CAN’T YOU?
Most Electrical Contractors belong to:
Associated Builders and Contractors
Subcontractors Association of America
Independent Electrical Contractors Association
All these associations are unions that were formed by employers to promote and benefit their interests. Why can’t you have an organization that works for your benefit and well-being?
Did you know that:
Your contractor signs an agreement for everything he does;
Your contractor signs a contact when they win a bid;
Your contractor signs a contract when they buy electrical supplies; and
Your contractor would not buy any supplies or perform any work without signing a contract.
The only contract they won’t sign is the contract that protects the rights of their workers.
A UNION CONTRACT
Ask them why?
What are the benefits to joining IBEW?
WAGE AND BENEFITS
As union members, we bargain collectively with our employers over wages, benefits, and rights. We offer an excellent wage and benefit package to our members.
NEBF PENSION
Every electrician or telecommunications technician within the IBEW receives this pension. The National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF) is a pension plan that is administrated by both The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) on a national level. This plan is based on years of service that goes towards your benefit. For every year of service you will receive $32.00. For example if you were a member for thirty years you would receive $960.00 per month at your retirement age.
IBEW PENSION
This is the second of our pension plans that is separate from IBEW Local 226 pension and is paid into through your International Dues payment. A portion of your monthly dues goes towards this pension. For every year of service as an IBEW Local 226 member you will receive $4.50. For example if you were a member for thirty years you would receive $135.00 every month at your retirement. This is the smallest of the retirement plans. This is a benefit of belonging to the IBEW International Union.
LOCAL 226 PENSION
Every working person deserves to have a secure, guaranteed income when they choose to retire. You may have a 401(k) retirement plan, that you have to take money out of your paycheck to fund. The difference between an IBEW Local 226 pension, which is a defined benefit plan, and a 401(k), is how much in benefits you receive. A 401(k) is an account balance when it is depleted that is all that you will receive. With an IBEW Local 226 pension plan you have a monthly pension payment until the day you die, and the option of payment until your wife dies.
IBEW Local Union 226 Respects and Protects Our Older Workers
How many electricians over the age of 45 do you see on the non-union jobs? Overall, not many? That’s because non-union construction employers do not provide the fringe benefits that older electricians need.
As an electrician grows older, benefits become more important. The likelihood of major surgery, heart attack, disabling illness, etc., increases. The need to earn decent retirement benefits also becomes more urgent. Because of this, many older electricians leave the non-union construction industry to accept other jobs in order to obtain the benefit coverage they know they need.
As union electricians, we have excellent fringe benefits and, as we grow older, we are covered by minimum employment quotas as well.
In I.B.E.W. Local Union 226, we value our older workers. Their years of experience and their wealth of knowledge in the electrical trade are a valuable resource this union will never disregard.
Limited Rights Without a Union
In today's world, more than ever, workers need to join together. Instead of one lonely person asking for his share of the pie, by joining with others, employees can bargain from a greater position of strength and demand fairer wages, better health benefits, and a retirement plan for the future. In fact, according to the Department of Labor, union workers typically make up to 64% more than non-union workers in the same occupations!
Why? Because a union creates a more level playing field between employer and employee.
Union representation means that you gain rights. Legal rights that you don't have without a union contract.
Under the employment at will doctrine, the cornerstone of American employment law, in general terms, unless you belong to a protected group, your employer has the right to discipline or terminate, with impunity, you for any reason -- even a bad one -- or for no reason at all. That's why it is sometimes called the fire at will doctrine.
However, with a collective bargaining agreement, you have rights. Management must have just cause for any disciplinary action taken against a union employee. You bargain over wages, health benefits, working conditions and a retirement plan for your future. But, you bargain collectively with the strength that comes from a collective voice.
Most Electrical Contractors belong to:
Associated Builders and Contractors
Subcontractors Association of America
Independent Electrical Contractors Association
All these associations are unions that were formed by employers to promote and benefit their interests. Why can’t you have an organization that works for your benefit and well-being?
Did you know that:
Your contractor signs an agreement for everything he does;
Your contractor signs a contact when they win a bid;
Your contractor signs a contract when they buy electrical supplies; and
Your contractor would not buy any supplies or perform any work without signing a contract.
The only contract they won’t sign is the contract that protects the rights of their workers.
A UNION CONTRACT
Ask them why?
What are the benefits to joining IBEW?
WAGE AND BENEFITS
As union members, we bargain collectively with our employers over wages, benefits, and rights. We offer an excellent wage and benefit package to our members.
NEBF PENSION
Every electrician or telecommunications technician within the IBEW receives this pension. The National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF) is a pension plan that is administrated by both The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) on a national level. This plan is based on years of service that goes towards your benefit. For every year of service you will receive $32.00. For example if you were a member for thirty years you would receive $960.00 per month at your retirement age.
IBEW PENSION
This is the second of our pension plans that is separate from IBEW Local 226 pension and is paid into through your International Dues payment. A portion of your monthly dues goes towards this pension. For every year of service as an IBEW Local 226 member you will receive $4.50. For example if you were a member for thirty years you would receive $135.00 every month at your retirement. This is the smallest of the retirement plans. This is a benefit of belonging to the IBEW International Union.
LOCAL 226 PENSION
Every working person deserves to have a secure, guaranteed income when they choose to retire. You may have a 401(k) retirement plan, that you have to take money out of your paycheck to fund. The difference between an IBEW Local 226 pension, which is a defined benefit plan, and a 401(k), is how much in benefits you receive. A 401(k) is an account balance when it is depleted that is all that you will receive. With an IBEW Local 226 pension plan you have a monthly pension payment until the day you die, and the option of payment until your wife dies.
IBEW Local Union 226 Respects and Protects Our Older Workers
How many electricians over the age of 45 do you see on the non-union jobs? Overall, not many? That’s because non-union construction employers do not provide the fringe benefits that older electricians need.
As an electrician grows older, benefits become more important. The likelihood of major surgery, heart attack, disabling illness, etc., increases. The need to earn decent retirement benefits also becomes more urgent. Because of this, many older electricians leave the non-union construction industry to accept other jobs in order to obtain the benefit coverage they know they need.
As union electricians, we have excellent fringe benefits and, as we grow older, we are covered by minimum employment quotas as well.
In I.B.E.W. Local Union 226, we value our older workers. Their years of experience and their wealth of knowledge in the electrical trade are a valuable resource this union will never disregard.
Limited Rights Without a Union
In today's world, more than ever, workers need to join together. Instead of one lonely person asking for his share of the pie, by joining with others, employees can bargain from a greater position of strength and demand fairer wages, better health benefits, and a retirement plan for the future. In fact, according to the Department of Labor, union workers typically make up to 64% more than non-union workers in the same occupations!
Why? Because a union creates a more level playing field between employer and employee.
Union representation means that you gain rights. Legal rights that you don't have without a union contract.
Under the employment at will doctrine, the cornerstone of American employment law, in general terms, unless you belong to a protected group, your employer has the right to discipline or terminate, with impunity, you for any reason -- even a bad one -- or for no reason at all. That's why it is sometimes called the fire at will doctrine.
However, with a collective bargaining agreement, you have rights. Management must have just cause for any disciplinary action taken against a union employee. You bargain over wages, health benefits, working conditions and a retirement plan for your future. But, you bargain collectively with the strength that comes from a collective voice.
