SOME FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS (IBEW)
Like other unions, the IBEW has a constitution that enables it to control its members' work lives.
Below are but a small sampling of excerpts from the IBEW's constitution. As it is a very thick document, you should make sure to read the entire constitution (as well as any applicable bylaws) before you agree to sign anything from the IBEW.
Throughout the IBEW's Constitution, the union repeats its control over its members:
ARTICLE 1 NAME AND CONSTITUTION
Sec. 1. This organization shall be known as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, with jurisdiction over all electrical workers in the United States and Canada as defined in Article XXVI of this Constitution, including all workers in public utilities and electrical manufacturing plants, and shall consist of an unlimited number of local unions acknowledging its jurisdiction and subject to its laws and usages, and it shall not be dissolved while there are five (5) dissenting local unions.
Sec. 3. This Constitution, and all acts and proceedings which, in the figure and in due course may be enacted, shall be absolutely binding on all L.U.’s and members. The initials “L.U.’s” as used throughout this Constitution shall include Railroad Councils, System Councils and other subordinate bodies where applicable.
ARTICLE XV RULES FOR LOCAL UNIONS
Sec. 7 This Constitution and the rules herein shall be considered part of all L.U. bylaws and shall be absolutely binding on each and every L.U. member.
Sec. 8 All L.U. bylaws or rules in conflict with this Constitution and the rules herein are null and void.
ARTICLE XX ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
Sec. 3. The acceptance of an application for membership, and the admission of the applicant into any L.U. of the I.B.E.W., constitutes a contract between the member, the L.U. and the I.B.E.W., and between such member and all other members of the I.B.E.W.
Sec. 4. Each applicant admitted, shall, in the presence of members of the I.B.E.W., repeat and sign the following obligation:
“I, ___(give name)____________, in the presence of members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, promise and agree to confirm to and abide by the Constitution and laws of the I.B.E.W. and its local unions, I will further the purposes for which the I.B.E.W. is instituted. I will bear true allegiance to it and will not sacrifice its interest in any manner.”
The IBEW claims jursidiction over all electrical workers
The IBEW specifically states that its constitu-tion is binding on ALL local unions and ALL members
The IBEW repeats itself in stating that the Constitution is "absolutely binding" on ALL members
The IBEW further states that its Constitution is a "contract" between the union and its members
Further, IBEW members must take an oath promising and agreeing to obey the IBEW Constitution
The IBEW further exerts its control on members when it states:
ARTICLE XI PENSION BENEFIT FUND
(d) Prohibition of Work. It is a condition for admission to pension benefits, including vested pension right and the continuation thereof, that the member shall not perform any work of any kind coming under the I.B.E.W.’s jurisdiction either for compensation or gratis for anyone, except that a member may work as an instructor in an I.B.E.W. recognized apprenticeship program, or as an Electrical Inspector for a governmental authority where Electrical Inspectors are not covered by an approved I.B.E.W. collective bargaining agreement.
ARTICLE XV RULES FOR LOCAL UNIONS
Sec. 11.No L.U. shall allow its members to work for any employer in difficulty with it or any other L.U. of the I.B.E.W., or directly with the I.B.E.W providing the I.P. has recognized such difficulty.
As a union member, the union forbids you from doing any kind of work coming under the IBEW's jurisdiction for pay or for free.
The union also forbids its members from working for any employer "in difficulty" with the IBEW
What the IBEW can place its members on trial for...
ARTICLE XXV MISCONDUCT, OFFENSES AND PENALTIES
Sec. 1. Any member may be penalized for committing any one or more of the following offenses:
(a) Violation of any provision of this Constitution and the rules herein, or the bylaws, working agreements, or rules of a L.U.
(b) Having knowledge of the violation of any provision of this Constitution, or the bylaws or rules of a L.U., yet failing to file charges against the offender or to notify the proper officers of the L.U.
(c) Obtaining membership through fraudulent means or by misrepresentation, either on the part of the member himself or others interested.
(d) Engaging in activities designed to bring about a withdrawal or succession from the I.B.E.W. of any L.U. or of any member or group of members, or to cause dual unionism or schism within the I.B.E.W.
(e) Engaging in any act or acts which are contrary to the member’s responsibility toward the I.B.E.W. or any of its L.U.’s, as an institution or which interfere with the performance by the I.B.E.W. or a L.U. with its legal or contractual obligations.
(f) Working for, or on behalf of, any employer, employer-supported organization, or other union, or the representatives of any of the foregoing, whose position is adverse or detrimental to the I.B.E.W.
(g) Wronging a member of the I.B.E.W. by any act or acts (other than the expression of views or opinions) causing him physical or economic harm.
(h) Entering or being present at any meeting of a L.U. or its Executive Board, or any committee meeting while intoxicated, or drinking intoxicants in or near any such meeting, or carrying intoxicants into such meeting.
(l) Causing or engaging in unauthorized work stoppages or strikes or other violation of the laws and rules of the I.B.E.W. or its L.U.’s.
(q) Working for any individual or company declared in difficulty with a L.U. or the I.B.E.W., in accordance with this Constitution.
(s) Any member convicted of any one or more of the above-named offenses may be assessed or suspended, or both, or expelled.
Violating any of the union's rules
Failing to press charges against a member who violates the rules
Attempting to kick the union out or trying to switch unions
Engaging in acts contrary to the member's duty
Working for a company whose position is "adverse" to the union
"Wronging" a fellow member
A union conviction can result in an assessment (fine), suspension or expulsion
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