Organizer's Corner:

 *** NEW 2008 WAGES FOR ALL “INSIDE” CLASSIFICATIONS – SEE BELOW***

Welcome to the Organizers Corner.  As Organizer my assignment is to help potential members and potential signatory employers understand the benefits of being a part of our union – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Local 659 has over 2200 members in many segments of the electrical industry, and we’re always interested in representing more working persons in their relationships with their employers.  Much of our organizing efforts are focused on those working in the electrical building construction industry.   Below are some figures and other information about the current benefits enjoyed by our members who are in the classifications of Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman and Systems & Communications Technicians (Oregon State classifications of General Journeyman, Limited Residential and Limited Energy – LEA & LEB)  Please call for information regarding other classifications and industry segments.

All three of the above classifications receive 100% employer paid full family medical benefits including prescriptions, dental, orthodontics and vision.  All three also include the small and medium sized defined benefit pensions (International Office and NEBF pensions respectively).  Additionally, for all three classifications, each worker’s employer contributes to our defined contribution pension (Cascade pension)  for each on-the-clock hour worked (see rates below).  We also have early retirement medical benefits which can begin as early as age 60 and can be in effect thru age 64.

We are equally committed to our contractors.  We can quickly supply any contractor with numerous professional and skilled craftspersons.  We are committed to partnering with all of our contractors and employers with the goal of continually enhancing all elements of the Electrical Industry in Southern Oregon.

Please call us at 541-664-0800 (closed noon to 1 pm) for more information.   We would very much like to let you know what we’re about and how we can help workers and employers alike.

Mike Klem, Organizer IBEW Local 659

Note that if you have looked at our “Books” link which is our “out-of-work” list, please remember that some of our Book I members choose to work out of town, etc..  February 2007’s Book I number of 22 Journeyman Wiremen out-of-work includes those who have chosen to work out of town.  Generally speaking, electricians qualify to sign Book I if they have worked in Local 659’s jurisdiction one in the last four years and have passed a Journeyman Wireman’s exam.

Check out our healthcare plan website for detailed info on benefit levels (click on the “Active Employee Menu” link near the upper left side of the webpage): 

http://www.harrison.aibpa.com

Check out the National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF) pension website at (click on the large letters stating “National Electrical Benefit Fund” towards the middle top of the webpage):

https://www.nebfonline.org

All amounts shown below for medical and pensions are paid by the employer (above and beyond the wage scale).

Journeyman Wireman (aka Inside Wireman):

Wage scale:  $28.93 per hour

Medical:  $6.95 per hour

NEBF Pension:  3% of workers gross pay ($0.87 per hour)

Cascade Pension:  $4.95 per hour

Residential Wireman:

Wage scale:  $26.90 per hour

Medical:  $5.80

NEBF Pension:  3% of worker’s gross pay ($0.81 per hour)

Cascade Pension:  $0.50 per hour

Communications & Systems Technicians:

Senior C&S Tech (LEA):  $24.40 per hour

C&S Tech (LEB):  $16.00 per hour

Medical:  $5.80 per hour

NEBF Pension 3% of worker’s gross pay