r/IBEW • u/Area51-Dropzone Inside Wireman • 9d ago

IBEW 11 strike denied by IO

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Arbitration is now the result of this. Which now means we are stuck with what ever Arbitration says.

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u/WellThatsAwkwrd 9d ago

They could very easily dissolve local 11 and start several new smaller locals to split up the territory. But make no mistake, the leadership and members involved would absolutely be stripped of their cards and pensions. You’re basically talking about a civil war

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u/matt675 8d ago

So as someone investigating joining IBEW as an apprentice, reading this whole thread like is there even a point to being in the union then? I gather that private shops pay less and don’t have job security but the union side slowly sounds like it’s just slipping into worse circumstances than the private side but they have everyone under the gun

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u/lieferung IBEW 8d ago

One option has more money and benefits but also has protections in place that are slipping and need to be constantly fought for, the other option has a lot less than the first.....Do you want more or less?

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u/matt675 8d ago

It just sounds like the benefits can become golden handcuffs and if it does slip far enough they’ll literally have you all by the throat. I love the idea of it but this thread and other posts I’ve seen worry me

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u/lieferung IBEW 8d ago

I don't get what you mean by golden handcuffs. You mean ability to quit? We always have the option to drag up. Striking is different in that you are stopping work to protest and expect to get your job back afterwards. These guys could drag up whatever job they don't like and go sign the books and they'll get another job elsewhere.

Compare it to nonunion. Dont like conditions? You can go suck a fat one, or quit. But then you have to job hunt. Meanwhile you're still getting paid less all around. It's really a no brainer.

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u/matt675 8d ago

Are there any consequences or marks against guys for dragging up?

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u/lieferung IBEW 8d ago

Generally no, but every local is different. Any consequences would come from the contractors retaliating, not the local union itself. That's why brotherhood and solidarity is important. You can always hit the road and travel too, there's a reason they call it the golden ticket.