The IBEW’s rules and regulations are designed to govern and control the activities of their members, both on and off the job – and the union defines that control in writing, in a very critical document – the Union Constitution.

Click on the sections below to learn more about what it means to be an IBEW member.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

The Union is serious about collecting money from members as the constitution states:

Any member indebted to his L.U. for three months’ dues, or having any past due indebtedness to the I.B.E.W. for dues or assessments, shall stand suspended …

— Article XXI, Section 3

Any member indebted to his L.U. for six (6) months’ full dues shall be dropped from membership by the F.S. and cannot become a member in good standing again in the I.B.E.W except by joining as a new member.

— Article XXI, Section 4

UNION POWER

If members wonder who really runs the union, the constitution points out that:

The International President [I.P.] of the IBEW has certain powers and authority that include:

To decide all questions of law, dispute or questions in controversy however arising,…

— Article IV, Sec. 3, (b)

RULEBREAKERS

The union spells out the “Trials of a Member” who violates their constitution.

Any member who commits any one of the numerous violations and specific offenses is subject to a trial and, if convicted, reprimands, including financial assessment, suspension and/or expulsion. — Article XXV

The union constitution restricts the freedom of their members and violations of these rules can and do result in disciplinary action, including fines, for their members. The fact remains that the only way to avoid having to work with these restrictions is to avoid working under a union.