Some Things Coming
Out of
the 2006 IBEW International Convention
-On September 11-15, 2006, the IBEW held its 37th
International
Convention in Cleveland Ohio. In election news, International
President Ed
Hill and International Secretary-Treasurer Jan Walter were
re-elected to their
positions. Canadian International Vice-President Phil
Flemming, was re-elected to his post.
Local Business Manager Ray MacBride attended on behalf of the local.
-In constitutional amendment news, the delegates unanimously voted to
increase the International Pension Benefit Fund (PBF)
contributions to
protect the fund’s solvency and provide enhanced
benefits. The ratified PBF amendment,
revising Articles IX and XI, raises contributions by $.70 per
month on January 1,
2007; $1.00 per month on January 1, 2008, and $1.00 per month
on January 1, 2010.
Currently a member who retires with 20 years of service
contributes $2,712 over the
course of his or her career, resulting in a present benefit of
$79 per month at
retirement. The new measure raises
total contributions for a 20-year member to $2,995 and
provides a payout of $90. Currently, the International Pension
is calculated at a rate
of $3.50/month for each year of service prior to 1998 and
$4.50/ month for the years 1998
to present. With the increase shown above, the calculation
will be bumped up to $4.50
/month for all years of service.
The fund has not raised its contribution rate in 40 years and
in 2006 had a $53 million deficit. The amendment also gives
the International Executive
Council, as PBF fiduciaries, the discretion to modify future
death benefit
payments only for “A” members enrolled in
the plan after a specified date, if it becomes
apparent that the PBF’s financial health is
jeopardized by a sudden influx of new participants
who are older than expected.
-The delegates also approved a $1.00/month increases on Jan1, 2007,
2009, and 2011 in the IBEW International dues. Which
means with the
$2.70/month total increase in the Pension Benefit Fund and the
$3.00/month total increase in
the International dues, The International portion of our local
dues will increase
$5.70/ month by Jan 1, 2011.
-Other amendments
approved included:
• an amendment that affirms
long-standing policy
on the ineligibility of apprentices to hold local union office. The
amendment, Article XV, Section 14, would prohibit any
apprentice
from holding local union office, except a member who was previously
eligible if they entered an apprenticeship program to upgrade their
skills.
• an amendment concerning the
appeals of members
who have been found guilty of misconduct, offenses or penalties in
violation of Article XXV, Section 12 by the local union trial board.
The committee statement said the current language had led to a
misunderstanding by some members that any complaint may be appealed.
Interpretations of the IBEW Constitution for more than 50 years have
concluded that only issues arising from local union trial board actions
may be appealed. Issues such as a member’s rights under a
collective bargaining agreement or questions arising out of a
member’s employment status with a local union cannot be
appealed
under this section. Members may still file complaints with their
International Vice President.
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