Why Join The Union

Why Join A Union?

1. Wages?

Better wages with fair overtime pay. (Overtime after 8 hours.)
Current on the check hourly wages: EL01 $50.57 | EL02 $27.00 | EL06 $34.34
Highest wages in the Industry.
Guaranteed Show-Up-Time paid for two hours.

2. Healthcare and Benefits?

Great medical for the Entire Family!! (Employer Paid!)
Three Pension Plans! (Most non-union shops offer NO retirement!)
Benefits follow you from contractor to contractor.

3. Continuing Education?

State of the art tools and training.
Free Continuing Education Classes! (Required by the State!)

4. Working Conditions and Opportunities?

Expect to work hard and reap more opportunities.
Better working conditions.
Safer working environment.
Use of Employer's vehicle to haul material and tools - Not your own!
You provide only hand tools.
Expect to work hard and reap more opportunities.
More work opportunities; can work in Union shops, non-union shops or in Canada!

5. Do I have to quit my non-union job when I join the Union?

NO! You can work for your current employer until you decide to take a job with a Union contractor. Also, you do not have to pay initiation fees or dues until you take a Union job.

6. Is it true that once I join the Union, I cannot work non-union?

You can work Union or non-union. Local 46 believes taking care of your family comes first. When you work non-union, simply keep us informed. You can return and take a job when you are ready.

7. Is it true that there is high unemployment in the Union?

The economy drives the percentage of employed workers fairly equally. Local 46 does roughly 80% of the commerical and industrial work in the county. When work is slow, works is slow for everyone; both Union and non-union.

More FAQs

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!

Work Availability

Many members spend their whole electrical careers with one contractor. Some members just want towork during the winter or summer; others may want to hunt during hunting season. Whatever your preference, it is 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.

Training

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 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 JATC or GPSEW.

Wages . . .

The Highest Wages in the Industry!

And Benefits . . .

You pay NO medical premiums! These are all employer-paid, whether you are married with five kids or ten. There are also three pension plans, which are all employer paid. IBEW electricans can retired when they reach the age of 55, with many retiring before the age of 60.

Contacts

Business Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Download Associate Member Form Here!

Myths About Union Membership

Myth: You only work six months a year.
FACT: Know what you are doing, show up on time, work hard, you work all year round.

Myth: You have to go on strike to get a fair contract.
FACT: Local #46 has never been on strike!

Myth: High Union Dues.
FACT: Do the math: increased wages, better medical improved retirement, annuity, and free CEU classes. Dues Pay! Not Cost! Every day you do not work for a Union Contractor, you Lo$e!

Most successful contractors in Puget Sound pay their employees Union wages and benefits.
Don't You Deserve Union Wages & Benefits?

Why Join The Union?