WHO WHAT WHY HOW
Most successful contractors in Puget Sound pay their employees Union wages and benefits.
ARE YOU A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN, CONTACT US TO JOIN NOW
NOT A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN?, PLEASE CONTACT THE psejatc
As union members, we bargain collectively (as a group) with our employers over wages, benefits and rights.
We have the best chance of receiving better wages, benefits and fair treatment in the workplace by bargaining collectively as a Union. Most of us have very limited bargaining power as one person, but as a group, we are strong. And, with a good negotiated contract, we have legal protections we would not have otherwise.
Members have a variety of continuing education and training options available through both the Puget Sound Electrical JATC and Local 46.
CEU classes are free to members and associate members. They are held at the IBEW 46 Union Hall.
The Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (PSEJATC) is a non-profit organization that provides the training required to receive certifications in Inside Wireman (Construction) Electrician, Limited Energy/Sound and Communication Electrician, and Residential Electrician.
PSEJATC is jointly sponsored by the Puget Sound Chapter of the NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) and IBEW local 46 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers).
It is the responsibility of PSEJATC to provide training for apprentices and journeymen in the organized electrical industry within the IBEW local 46 jurisdiction which includes King, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam counties.
It is important that members participate in the political process as there are many decisions being made every day in our city, state, and nationwide that effect working people and their families.
We believe it’s our organization's responsibility to work toward protecting and improving wages and working conditions for all members and that is not limited to simply negotiating with Employers.
Union members have fought on a political front for benefits that many of us are able to appreciate today such as social security benefits, unemployment insurance, disability and maternity leave, and compensation when workers are hurt on the job.
Local 46 observes the Constitution but also has its own organic set of local rules that guide the organization above and beyond the Constitution. These set of rules are called Local By-Laws. By-Laws are created, maintained, and amended by Local 46 members at Union meetings. Changes to By-Laws must be approved by the International Office and cannot contradict the Constitution.
Local 46 elect its own officers from rank and file members. Elections for Local 46 officers are held every 3 years. Members elect a Business Manager and Financial Secretary, President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, 5 Exam Board Members, and 5 Executive Board Members. Each unit also has the opportunity to elect its own officers among unit members.
The IBEW internationally represents approximately 750,000 electrical workers in every branch of the electrical industry. Since its founding in 1891, the IBEW has dedicated itself to the well-being of electrical workers and their families and the achievement of continued progress on their behalf.
But how do we accomplish this ambitious task? The simple answer is member involvement on a grassroots level. Our success is directly aligned with the hard work and dedication of our members. A few cannot do it alone and that is why we came together to form a Union in the first place.
The good, the bad and the just plain untrue
Training is very important in our industry and we, as Union members, promote training constantly. We have such a commitment to training that we have our own 60,000 sq ft training facility in Renton, which is one of the best electrical training facilities in the nation, as well as our training labs and classrooms at the Union Hall in Kent.
The training is FREE and is paid for by contributions made as part of our benefit package. The opportunity to learn the latest techniques and processes in our industry are available at our training facility. Check our the Journey Level classes available at our Training Centers, by visiting the PSEJATC or GPSEW. Not an IBEW Local 46 member? Contact us regarding our Associate Membership program.
Opportunity is what the IBEW is all about.
Providing opportunities for members and our contractors is what happens on a daily basis in our Union.
Here are some examples: 200+ Local Contractors use IBEW members. If one contractor does not work out for you because of location, type of work, or manning issues, you have over 200 other contractors to work for; all with the same wages and benefits. No need to negotiate alone!
You pay NO medical premiums! These are all employer-paid, whether you are single or married with five kids or ten. There are also three pension plans which are all employer paid.
IBEW electricians can retired when they reach the age of 55, with many retiring before the age of 60.
Many members spend their whole electrical careers with one contractor. Some members just want to work during the winter or summer, while others may want to hunt during hunting season. Whatever your preference, it's up to you. Most of our members want to work year round and do that.
No one joins an organization like the IBEW to be unemployed or under-employed.
What can you do to help make our union strong and successful?
The answer is, a lot!