IBEW policy does not permit approval of increases in admission fees that exceed 25 percent of the previous fee, or of admission fees that exceed $100.00, excluding the $2.00 payment to the Pension Benefit Fund.

GENERAL NOTE:
The monthly dues of the members make it possible for the Local Union to operate. The Local’s scope of operation and its effectiveness are dependent upon and limited to the funds with which it has to operate. All factors having a direct bearing on the monthly dues should be reviewed when determining the proper dues structure.

The bylaws provide the authority to collect dues and the amount or formula must be stated therein. The initial dues and any changes thereafter must be approved by the International President prior to being placed into effect. Members shall not be required to pay admission fees or dues in amounts different than those contained in the approved Local Union bylaws. It is the responsibility of the local union to establish their dues in an amount that will support and maintain the local for the purposes for which it was chartered. It is important that the dues are set in an amount that will also cover affiliation costs (per capita) to state and Local bodies and/or System Councils with which the Local Union is affiliated.

Sec. 3. State type of membership, classification, and fees.

NOTE: The classifications and amounts are to be established by the local union. The amounts listed in the Pattern Bylaws are for illustrative purposes only.

“A” and “BA” members performing the same type of work must have the same admission fee for both types of membership.

Sec. 3(b). Required if the local union covers “A” members.

Sec. 4. If the admission fee is $20.00 or less, this section may be changed to require the full admission fee to accompany the application for membership. Also, the initial percentage payment may be set by the local union.

Sec. 5(a). Conditionally Required where the local union has an Apprenticeship Program and there is a difference in admission fees between Journeyman and Apprentice.

Sec. 5(b). Conditionally Required where the local union has an Intermediate Journeyman Program and there is a difference in admission fees between Intermediate Journeyman and Journeyman.

Sec. 5(c). Conditionally Required where the local union has a Residential Program and there is a difference in admission fees between the Residential Trainee or Residential Apprentice and Residential Wireman.

Sec. 6. State whether dues are to be paid monthly or quarterly in advance.

Sec. 7(b). (Alternate language) The International portion is provided for in the IBEW Constitution. The International payments can only be changed by action at an International Convention or by referendum vote. Experience has shown that the best interests of the local union, as well as those of the IBEW, are served when the bylaws clearly separate the local union portion from the International portion. Separation makes it possible to:

Determine the monthly income of the local union.

Take the necessary action by the local union to adjust the dues structure to meet the needs of the Local.

Eliminate any discrepancy in the amount that may exist because of the type of membership.

Eliminate the need to amend your bylaws in the event of a change in the International payments.

Eliminate the need to retype the dues structure of nearly 1000 local union bylaws in the International office in the event of a change in the International portion.

Sec. 7.  NOTE 1: Some local unions set their dues structure to vary based on the balance in the General Fund, however a set dues amount is recommended. Variations in the dues structure does not provide stability and revenue for future growth and increased operating expenses. The following is an example of language used for a varying dues structure:

When the balance in the General Fund falls below $100,000.00, the (working dues) or (basic dues) shall be (___%) or ($___). At such time as the General Fund rises above $200,000.00, the (working dues) or (basic dues) shall be (___%) or ($___). Such changes shall be effective on the first of the month following the date on which the General Fund reaches the floor or ceiling amount herein established.

Usually the dues expressed in (a) would be the lower amount and the above provision would cover the higher amount.

NOTE 2: Whenever possible, assessments for special funds should be converted to dues. local unions should refrain from establishing special assessments due to their questionable status under various interpretations of applicable law. Where special assessments are necessary, they must be enacted in the manner prescribed in Article XVI, Section 2 of these Pattern Bylaws and submitted to the International President for approval prior to being placed in effect. Such requests will be processed more expeditiously when they are forwarded to your International Vice President for review and recommendation.

Sec. 7(d), (e), (f), (g), (h). These provisions are generally used by local unions with jurisdiction in the Inside and Outside Construction branches of the Brotherhood. NOTE: Numerous local unions in Construction have adopted Electrical Industry Advancement Programs funded by additional working dues. The establishment of an Electrical Industry Advancement Fund is no longer necessary.

It is the policy of the International Office to discourage the institution of funded target programs and where feasible to convert these funds to organizing the local union’s territory. Therefore, Electrical Industry Advancement Programs (EIAP) will not be approved as a separate fund. All such programs currently in effect should simply be merged with the General Fund.

Sec. 8. Required where local unions have agency fee payers.