Become a Union Shop

To unionize your shop and organize others, contact Pete Seaberg at pseaberg@ibew332.org

Organized labor is currently enjoying a boom, with workers across the country standing up, uniting, and forming unions, realizing that there is strength in numbers. Over the years, unions have accomplished so much – particularly in the construction industry, where union wages, benefits, and training are the gold standard. 

Unionized electrical workers have access to cutting-edge education, and unionized shops have access to an enormous pool of highly-skilled journeymen, apprentices, and foremen. And when a contractor doesn't follow the contract, safety rules, or problems arise on the worksite, the union is there to hold them accountable and help create equitable solutions. Together, IBEW 332 works with contractors to expand market share: When union contractors are successful, our members succeed. So it is a reciprocal relationship. 

Here are some myths and facts about unionizing:

Q: Myth: You can't stay with your current employer

When workers unite and share your concerns, that is one step to becoming a union. When you and your coworkers form a union, you gain a voice in decisions that affect your job, your future, and your family. Unfortunately, management sometimes doesn’t like the idea of sharing decision-making power with employees. So management’s first reaction may be to make a lot of misleading statements to try to convince you not to join together. You absolutely can stay with your current employer.

Q: Myth: One of the most common statements management makes in response to employees unionizing is, “A union is a third party that will come between us. We can work things out together in a peaceful way. Once a union is involved, it becomes hostile.”

Fact: The IBEW is a democratic, member-run organization. When you unionize, it simply means that you have an organized, collective voice to create a uniform set of agreements about pay and benefits, reduce favoritism, and have a formal procedure for solving problems on the job. You will be a part of negotiating your contract, and you vote on whether to approve it.  

Q: Myth: “The union will make you go on strike.”

Fact: Strikes are rare at IBEW 332. They are an absolute last resort and are hard on everyone involved, so we try to avoid them. In fact, Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) prevent work stoppages for all crafts. The Santa Clara/San Benito County Building Trades Department negotiate many PLAs and secure billions of dollars on projects of all kinds.      

Q: Myth: “If you form a union, you risk losing benefits and pay raises.”

Fact: It is illegal for a company to freeze or cut previously scheduled raises to discourage you from forming a union. Once you’re unionized, you’ll lock in our current wages and benefits and then negotiate improvements from there. All of you will get an opportunity to review your proposed contract before you vote to approve it. Obviously, you’re not going to approve a contract that cuts your wages or benefits.

Q: Myth: “The union just wants your dues money.”

Fact: As newly organized IBEW members, you won’t pay dues until you’ve negotiated and voted to approve your first contract—and decided for yourselves whether it’s worth it. Every serious organization—business organizations, churches, clubs, etc.—has to have some kind of funding, and unions are no different. Dues pay for the costs of contract negotiations, dispatch, grievances, and arbitrations; training for members; legal fees; and support, so no worker has to go it alone.

Q: Myth: “With a union, you won’t be allowed to talk to your supervisor—you’ll have to go through the union.”

Fact: The IBEW has found that having a union strengthens communication between employees and supervisors. Direct relationships with immediate supervisors continue, and you can negotiate to retain any good policy and procedures already in place. The advantage of joining together in a union is that you’re able to make your voices heard at the upper levels of management where key decisions are made.

Q: Myth: “The improvements we’re willing to make right now show that you don’t need a union.”

Fact: It’s great that management is responding to your concerns. It shows that when you join together, your voices are heard. By forming a union, you ensure this progress continues—you’ll build an ongoing dialogue with management on all your issues. You'll also have peace of mind with a union—since the improvements you agree on will be guaranteed in your union contract.

It's normal for some tension to arise when workers start to form a union. But the tension is temporary. Management gets used to the idea of you having a voice on the job. They also have the added benefit of having an unlimited supply of journeymen, foremen, and apprentices for larger jobs. Stay focused on your shared goals: to make your workplace the best possible place to work.