Your Union Contract

IBEW members working for signatory employers are covered by a union contract. Contracts cover such rights and benefits as:

• Wages: Fair rates of pay for each job, increases, etc.
• Working Conditions: Seniority, job security, safety and health, personal rights, and fair treatment.
• Hours: Rest periods, paid holidays, vacations, overtime pay, etc.
• Benefits: Company-paid insurance, hospitalization, sick leave, pension, etc.
• Grievance procedures

Your contract is negotiated with management by your coworkers and IBEW leaders. Every member has the right to make suggestions about what should be in the contract and to vote on the final agreement.

To win a good contract, members have to show management that they are united in support of their negotiating team.

The working conditions and benefits in the contract are guaranteed. During the term of the contract, management cannot legally change it without negotiating with the union.

Solving Problems under a Contract

We all want to have a good working relationship on the job. However, at times problems come up in every workplace.

An IBEW contract contains an orderly system for settling disputes between employees and their employer; a grievance procedure to protect you from being treated unfairly or fired without good reason; and protection against discrimination or favoritism in the way work assignments, promotions, layoffs or other issues are handled.

If you think management may have violated your rights under the contract or if you have any questions or problems about work, tell your IBEW Local Union Steward.

The steward and other local union leaders can answer your questions and help you figure out the best way to solve the problem.

Sometimes that involves discussions with management.

Sometimes it requires getting the support of other workers for a fair solution.

The Contract Is the worker's "Bill of Rights."

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

22 Amflex Drive • Cranston, RI 02921

(401) 946-9900 • Fax (401) 946-9907