IBEW
FACT SHEET
Who Runs the Union... The Facts
Who really runs the Union?
The members. Unions are democratic organizations
formed by workers for workers.
If workers really run the Union, why does the union
have officers?
As in any organization, certain responsibilities
must be met. A Local Union, as well as the
International Union, elects officers to meet these
responsibilities imposed by the members, such as
presiding over meetings, reviewing expenditures,
taking meeting minutes, and overseeing the
operation of the union.
What are the typical officers in a Local Union ? The typical officers in a local union are the
President, Vice President, Recording
Secretary, Treasurer, and an Executive Board
consisting of three to seven members.
How are Officers chosen?
All union officers are elected by the members. The
Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of
1959, the federal law that defines the operation of
unions, explicitly states that all local union
and international officers must be elected by the
members at regular intervals. The IBEW
International Union, through a membership vote,
elects its officers every five years at its
International Convention. Local Unions elect
their officers on terms decided by the membership.
Most Local Unions elect their officers by
secret ballot every three years.
Can any member run for office?
Any member of good standing for two years (not
delinquent on dues) can be nominated and
elected to Local Union office. Any member of good
standing for five years is eligible for
International Office. Members are nominated at local
union meetings in accordance with the procedures
determined by the members in their local union
by-laws.
Who
runs the Union?? You do! |
