WHY THE IBEW?

"We Represent CNY's Electrical Workforce"

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents over 800,000 workers throughout the U.S. and Canada in all phases of the electrical industry.

What You May Be Missing | Your Future | Membership Benefits

The goal of Local Union 43 (as with all locals within the IBEW) is to represent ALL persons performing electrical work within our geographic jurisdiction. This representation brings with it clearly defined contract rights including wages and benefits which allow our members to live in dignity and health through a rewarding career and to look forward to a prosperous retirement.

With over 70 electrical contractors signatory to our contracts within the areas of commercial/industrial and residential construction as well as the teledata field, work opportunities abound. Our training is recognized as some of the finest anywhere and the feeling of being part of the IBEW's legacy, which dates back over 100 years, must be experienced to be appreciated.

The pride and workmanship of our skilled craftsmen is evident in every project we work- be part of it. If you are currently working at the electrical trade and would like to improve your plight in life- call us. If you recognize that strength in numbers equates to bargaining power to improve wages and working conditions- call us. If you feel the electrical industry needs trained craftsmen and you want to be one of them- call us.

What You May Be Missing

If you have been working in the electrical industry for any length of time you would have been accumulating benefits if you had been represented by Local 43. Below is an example of the benefits (in addition to insurance coverage at no cost to the employee) which would have been earned by a journeyman working 1600 hours per year.

Your Future

If you work at the electrical trade, there is a place for you within the IBEW. We will help you to evaluate your current skill level through a review of your work experience and training, to ensure you are placed at the appropriate training level. Our goal is to breed success and to continue the fine tradition of skill and ability which is recognized throughout our industry.

Membership Benefits

The following are some of the many benefits of being a member of Local Union 43, IBEW. It's your future make it the best it can be.

Training

Training is sponsored by employer contributions and is offered at no cost to the student for classroom hours. This training is available for apprentices and journeymen and everyone in between.

Job Referral

Out-of-work members are referred to future employment through the Local 43 Referral System. This means no more answering ads or pounding the pavement when the inevitable construction layoffs occur. The Referral Office does the work for you and NYS Unemployment recognizes this process as an employment search.

Wages

Wages and fringe benefits are based on the classification of worker and will be the same no matter which IBEW signatory employer you work for within Local 43's jurisdiction. These wages are negotiated for you by the Local Union and annual wage increases have become the norm.

Hours of Work and Conditions

The contracts of Local 43 determine the hours that our members work as well as the compensation for work outside of the prescribed hours. The basic Local 43 work day is 8 hours and the week is 40 hours. Your employer alone cannot force extra hours to be worked without overtime pay. Breaks are guaranteed and defined as well as parking reimbursement, travel pay, safety, tool-lists, union representation on the job and the list goes on and on.

Travel

If work is not available within the Local 43 area or you choose to travel, IBEW membership allows work opportunities in any IBEW Local in the country which has a similar classification of worker. Should you work for another IBEW local, your benefits will continue to be sent to Local 43 to maintain insurance coverage and continue the accrual of pension credits.

Scholarships

Local Union 43 annually awards college scholarships to qualified members, their spouses and dependents amounting to nearly $200,000 per year. In addition, the IBEW awards competitive scholarships each year.

Social & Community Activites

Local Union 43 has many social activities throughout the year for its members and families including golf outings, a clambake and holiday parties. In addition, the members regularly take part in local political activities, fund raisers and volunteer work.

Union Process

As a member of the IBEW you have a voice in your future. Through monthly union meetings members can voice their concerns, air their problems, vote on contracts and decide who will be the future leaders of the Local Union. Strikes within the IBEW are very rare indeed, but they NEVER occur without the approval of the effected membership. Membership also allows for a grievance process with representation by your union officials should a contract violation occur. The Local Union ot only represents its members but it is controlled by its members.

Annuity Fund

• Pre-tax negotiated contribution of $2.20/hour
• Option to increase contribution by $1.00/hour
• Participant directed investments
• Available upon retirement at age 55

Health Insurance

Provided adequate hours are worked to maintain coverage, there is no cost to the employee beyond the negotiated hourly contribution. Coverage includes:

• Full medical coverage
• Dental plan
• Optical plan
• Yearly physicals
• Chiropractic care
• Prescription plan
• Employee Assistance program (EAP)
• Life insurance
• Supplemental disability coverage
• Retiree coverage available

Pensions

There are 3 separate defined benefit pension plans in which members participate.

Local 43 Pension Plan

• full pension available at age 55
• five (5) year vesting
• unlimited credits
• national reciprocal

NEBF

• full pension available at age 62
• five (5) year vesting
• unlimited credits

IBEW Pension Plan

• full pension available at age 65
• five (5) year vesting

Rate of Pay

Effective June 1, 2007, the staight-time rate of pay for a Journeyman Wireman is $28.10 per hour PLUS contributions to the preceding benefits funds.