IBEW

FACT SHEET

Union Trials and Fines... the Facts

What is a Union Trial about? As in any organization, the IBEW has in place a code of conduct. This code of conduct has been developed by the membership of the IBEW, and has been implemented by a vote of the members through the IBEW Convention. The purpose of any conduct code is to protect the members of the IBEW from others who may use their IBEW membership to do harm to the organization, to other members, or groups of members, and ultimately the IBEW's membership as a whole.

In the IBEW, a member must be specifically charged, in writing, by another member of the IBEW with a  violation of the IBEW Constitution. Such charges include:

1. Engaging in activities designed to cause schism (division) within the IBEW;

2. Wronging a member of the IBEW causing him/her physical or economic harm;

3. Fraudulently receiving or misappropriating any moneys of the Local Union or IBEW;

4. Willfully committing fraud in connection with voting for candidates for Local Union office or the International Convention;

5. Entering or being present at a meeting of the Local Union while intoxicated.

Once charges have been submitted to a Local Union by an IBEW member, the Local Union convenes a Trial Board, composed of Local Union members, to hear the charges and take testimony and evidence by the charged and charging parties. If a member is found in violation, the Trial Board can assess a penalty which may include a fine.

Can the charged member appeal the decision of the Trial Board? Any charged member has the right to appeal the findings of the Trial Board all the way to the International President of the IBEW, and ultimately the IBEW Convention.

What is the IBEW's position on Charges and Fines? The IBEW believes that an allegation of misconduct against another member is a very serious matter, and the accused should get every chance and right of due process. The sole purpose of charges and trials are to examine fully and fairly actions which may be detrimental to an individual member, or the IBEW as an organization. Fines levied by a trial board are subject to appeal, review, and  reduction by the International Vice President, the International President, and the International Convention if excessive.

How often do trials and fines take place?  The IBEW prides itself on the fact that trials and fines happen very infrequently. As an organization, the IBEW seeks to remedy situations without resorting to trials and fines.

How is a trial similar to discipline by an employer?  As in any company, the IBEW must have internal procedures to address alleged violations of the IBEW's code of conduct. However, in the IBEW, judgment is rendered by a jury of your peers, not agents of an employer.

The IBEW believes in the protection of rights for both the individual and IBEW members as a whole.