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Summary of Resolutions Adopted at the 36th IBEW International Convention October/November 2001 IBEW Journal

The following is a summary of the resolutions adopted by the delegates to the IBEWs 36th Convention.

Resolution No. 1 recommends that all local unions affiliate and participate in the affairs of the National Safety Council and its Labor Division.

Resolution No. 2 recommends the IBEW support the continuation and ongoing improvement of the Jobs Board on the IBEW web site for construction members and strive for 100 percent participation of local unions with construction jurisdiction; and that all participating local unions continuously update and post all job information. The committee recommended that the I.O. expand the IBEW Jobs Board to all applicable branches.

Resolution No. 3 notes that thousands of IBEW manufacturing members have benefited from the Enhanced Training Opportunity Program (ETOP) and recommends that a jointly administered training program be established for every IBEW represented bargaining unit; that all such programs become part of the collective bargaining agreement; that the convention endorse ETOP as the training program of choice for manufacturing members; and that employers of IBEW manufacturing members be encouraged to utilize ETOP.

Resolution No. 4 condemns excessive corporate pay and recommends the IBEW pledge to expose abuses in corporate executive compensation, and continue to support targeted shareholder resolutions as well as legislation to establish a cap in the ratio of CEO pay to that of the average worker.

Resolution No. 5 puts the convention on record in support of the National Consumers Leagues Child Labor Coalition (CLC), which works to end child labor exploitation and exposes responsible companies.

Resolution No. 6 calls for support of nuclear energy through legislative initiatives, regulatory reform, research and development and other measures. The committee found it could not concur with one portion of the resolution stating that nuclear energy is the "only" practical and economical large-scale source of electricity that does not pollute the air. Therefore, the committee substituted a revised resolution in support of nuclear energy stating that nuclear energy is "a" practical and economical large-scale source of electricity that does not pollute the air.

Resolution No. 7 calls for IBEW support of efforts to enact a living wage sufficient to raise a familys income above poverty level.

Resolution No. 8 recommends the IBEW prevent employer intrusions into workers privacy and support legislation to restrict and regulate all forms of electronic monitoring and electronic work evaluation of employees.

Resolution No. 10 recommends the IBEW negotiate an agreement with the National Building and Construction Trades Council (NBCTC) to uphold the jurisdictional (HVAC electrical work) interpretation of the Business Managers Construction Jurisdictional Handbook, known as the "Green Book"; and reinstitute allegiance to the September 3, 1988, revised edition of the "Green Book." The committee, having determined that the NBCTC is not responsible for enforcing jurisdiction, substituted a revised resolution that the IBEW take a strong position with the other building trades to uphold the jurisdictional (HVAC electrical work) interpretation of the "Green Book," and that there be a reinstitution of allegiance to the March 1, 2000, revised edition of the jurisdictional handbook.

Resolution No. 11 puts the IBEW on record in support of the March of Dimes.

Resolution No. 12 supports the IBEWs defense of project labor agreements (PLAs) on large public construction projects, as PLAs are currently under attack by the Bush administration; and declares IBEW resolve to support passage of legislation to allow contractors and unions to voluntarily enter into project labor agreements.

Resolution No. 13 puts the convention on record in support of the Davis-Bacon Act (now under assault by the Bush administration), which requires that all workers on federally funded construction projects will be paid the areas prevailing wage and benefits. The resolution calls for the IBEW to use every means at its disposal to preserve the prevailing wage at both the federal and state level.

Resolution No. 14 reconfirms the IBEWs support of labor involvement with young people and with helping establish labor education programs in public and private schools.

Resolution Nos. 15 and 16 (which address the issue of "rollovers" of traveling construction workers pension benefits) were combined for consideration by the Resolutions Committee. Resolution No. 16, which expresses the intent of both resolutions, puts the convention on record in support of all appropriate efforts to enhance the portability of traveling participants, and requests the I.P. and I.S.T. to take steps in that regard.

Resolution Nos. 17, 21, 22 and 23 pertain to earlier retirement. The committee combined the four and submitted a substitute resolution supporting these concepts and requesting that NEBF trustees continue to strive for a lower age for full retirement, as well as a lower age for early retirement opportunities with lesser penalties, within legal and actuarial guidelines.

Resolution Nos. 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 and 26 call for expanding NEBF plan language to either improve benefits or to adopt more liberal plan language. The committee combined the six resolutions and submitted a substitute resolution recommending to the NEBF trustees that they give these issues due consideration; and that the trustees attempt to achieve these improvements while maintaining their fiduciary responsibilities in accordance with actuarial and legal guidelines.

Resolution Nos. 27 and 28 point out the abuses under the existing blanket "right-to-reject" language in the standard IBEW-NECA Referral Procedure; put the convention on record in support of a change in this provision in the Referral Procedure which would allow a right-to-reject only for cause, and would require an employer to provide the reason for rejection of an applicant; and calls on the IBEW to meet with NECA to seek new language to accomplish those objectives.

Resolution No. 29 reaffirms the IBEWs commitment to fight all forms of discrimination and harassment; resolves that all IBEW members shall be treated with dignity and respect and afforded fair representation in handling of discrimination issues; and resolves that the IBEW will continue to lead by example in taking proactive steps to reinforce tolerance and diversity in its policies, procedures, education programs and employment practices.

Resolution Nos. 31 and 32 request that the I.O. continue its opposition to deregulating the electric utility industry, support local unions in their effort to fight utility deregulation and provide additional staffing for this effort; and put the convention on record in support of principles to ensure a reliable, safe and low-cost supply of electricity throughout North America.

Resolution No. 33 puts the IBEW on record in support of the annual United Way Campaign.

Resolution No. 35 urges all IBEW local unions to support endeavors of the Variety Club, an organization that aids children in need.

Resolution No. 36 deals with trusteeship and addresses the conduct of assigned trustees while maintaining the affairs of a local union. With committee clarifications, the resolution was adopted.

Resolution No. 38 puts the convention on record in support of the Girl Guides of Canada and the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

Resolution No. 39 relates to employee participation programs; advocates communication between labor and management; affirms the concrete bond of the collective bargaining agreement; and emphasizes that employee participation programs must remain separate and distinct from the collective bargaining agreement.

Resolution No. 40 regards international trade and the global economy; advocates continued IBEW defense of labor interests and workers rights in this arena; and puts the convention on record as promoting core convictions of the International Labor Organization.

Resolution No. 41 puts the IBEW on record in support of the Boy Scouts of America and Canada.

Resolution No. 42 deals with application of the IBEW sexual harassment policy. Although the committee endorsed most of the "whereas" clauses, it could not, in view of its findings on certain issues, concur and therefore submitted a substitute resolution that includes reaffirmation of the IBEWs commitment to fight sexual harassment.

Resolution No. 43 concerns Social Security and Railroad Retirement; addresses the detrimental impact that "privatization" could have on Social Security; and supports passage of the Railroad Retirement Survivors and Improvements Act of 2001 in its entirety.

Resolution No. 44 proclaims the 100-plus years of solidarity between the Brotherhoods Canadian and U.S. members; celebrates the centennial of that unity; and supports continued and increased solidarity.

Resolution No. 45 puts the Convention on record proclaiming the IBEWs 110th anniversary and encourages all members to recognize this anniversary through appropriate functions and festivities.

Resolution No. 46 supports lowering the 10-year pension vesting requirement under the Railroad Retirement Act and declares strong support for passage of the Railroad Retirement Act of 2001 in its entirety.

Resolution No. 47 supports prescription drug reform in the interests of older Americans and recommends that IBEW work with the AFL-CIO to introduce legislation regarding prescription drug prices.