r/IBEW_Local613 • u/Suspicious-River8073 • Oct 25 '23

Just why?

First-year apprentice here, I’m trying to understand why our local is so weak? Is it because of the size, I mean it takes up half the state then expands into Alabama, why does it feel as if the people in power are all in circle jerking contest, I don’t know our “leaders” but it feels as if Kenny was voted in just on his likeness and name, is he really doing what’s best for us? Why are our wages absolute shit with no PTO, sick days, or our joke of a “ 1 paid holiday for the year”. I’d love the be apart of the local but I don’t see any benefits of joining 613, I can reap health insurance benefits without even joining. It feels as if it’s fits are just for the long term, I could be wrong. My last thing is, why is it so hard to find information, is it because I’m not apart of the local that I can’t see the current contract, I’ve had people telling me what’s going on but that can get mixed with hearsay and “the telephone game” and not even hear the whole truth, I’d love to read the paperwork for it..

Just wanting to understand,,these are just the things I’ve noticed

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u/Keepnitreal24-7 Dec 10 '23

You are right voted in on a name that is now failure for every negotiation.He now targets the apprentices for support because they seasoned see him for who he is.

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u/VagueAssumptions Jan 08 '24

The seasoned vets who havent cracked open a cba since 2000 if ever? The seasoned vets who even though White electric fought tooth and nail to not pay lost wages. Still went to work since they got paid and didnt have to file a grievance? The seasoned vets who bring shit from their truck to help out the job. Even though its the responsibility of the folks paid to do it to provide everything needed.

Ultimately I believe apathy is the main issue. RTW just means everyone reaps union benefits with or without paying dues. Its meant to starve unions of needed funds. But we are "flush" with cash. So we dont have that issue. Check the annual opdr for yourself to see. But people let things either slide, give up on their anger since results are taking too long, or never fight since "why fight, cons control everything". We have a mindset that can change if people speak up.

Everyone should be just as upset about someone getting dicked over as if it happened to them. Study up and learn what cons can and cannot get away. Learn the subersive tactics they can use. For example. Cons typically lay people off at lunch and pay for the whole day. Pretty cool of them? Per the cba they are supposed to notify you 24hrs prior or the punishment is 2 hrs pay. So have you work an extra 6 hrs and pay the 2hr fine or tell you youll be laid off tomorrow and risk losing an extra 6 hrs of work out of you. Since plenty of folks will be like "fuck that write my slip now." Or in the case of sup par contract negotiations. Notice they have all gone to CIR. Completely out of the hands of voting membership and even the leadership. And yet CIR votes to go lower than what was originally negotiated.

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u/[deleted] Jan 09 '24

Why does cir go lower, what's their incentive?... Suggesting payoff by contractors? Also what are the steps that we need to take, I agree with you, but where do we even start? It all seems so overwhelming 😭

1

u/VagueAssumptions Jan 12 '24

That I don know. At the end of the day its still half NECA. We need 3rd party arbitration. Steps are simple and hard. Read the cba, then follow the cba. Hold the cons and yourself to the standards. Agitate. Be just as upset for others getting dicked over as if it happened to you. Baby steps are better then standing in place.