IBEW Internation Convention Summary

October 20th, 2011

Thank you for giving me the distinct honor and privilege of sharing in representing Local 953's membership at the 38th International Convention, which was held in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. International President, Ed Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Sam Chilia were  re-elected, along with Sixth District Vice-President Lonnie Stephenson and Fifth District International Executive Council Representative Michael Walter to 5 year terms.

It is sad to report that Union Membership in the IBEW continues to decline. The numbers show a loss of another 30,000 members since the last convention in 2006. A lot of this loss is tied to the continued loss of the manufacturing base in the United States, along with continuing decline in the market share of the electrical industry.

The IBEW's constitution directs all Local Unions and the International to "Organize" all persons in the electrical industry in their jurisdiction and as you are well aware of organizing cost money. With that said, President Hill asked for and received the go ahead to raise the International portion of the Union dues.

The dues increase will be as follows:

"A" & "BA" Members
1-1-2012 - increase $2 per month
1-1-2014 - increase $2 per month
1-1-2016 - increase $1 (if membership fails to meet 1% growth)

"A" Members Only
1-1-2013 - $1 additional increase per month
1-1-2015 - $1 additional increase per month

The "A" and "BA" membership dues increase will be used to put on more regional organizers throughout the United States and Canada. The "A" member additional dues increase shall be used to help strengthen the pension benefit fund for those that choose to be "A" Members.

A full report of the convention proceedings will be available on the International's website in the near future.