Delegates to the 41st International Convention on Sept. 22 approved an increase in members’ contributions to the general fund, shoring up the union’s finances while keeping dues low compared to other building trades.
International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble, who provided delegates with a report on the state of the union’s general fund, recommended approval of a constitutional amendment to modestly raise the monthly per capita tax rate by $1 starting on July 1, 2027, with additional $1 increases taking effect each successive July 1 through 2031.
Noble pointed out that, even with such an increase, IBEW members’ dues remain some of the lowest among all unions, well below those of other building trades unions and the labor movement at large. Fully realized, the five-year increase amounts to less than 3 cents per hour worked.
“We came to this recommendation because we believe it is truly in the best interest of our members to keep our fiscal house in order,” Noble said.
Law Committee Chairman Bob Dean, business manager of Vacaville, Calif., Local 1245, and Secretary Mark Lynch, business manager of Philadelphia Local 98, introduced the amendment and noted the committee’s recommendation of concurrence.
“Based on the need for additional revenue to ensure continued growth, the information provided by International Secretary-Treasurer Noble, and the fact that the IBEW continues to have one of the lower per capita tax rates of any international union,” Lynch said, “your committee believes that this amendment presents a responsible plan to protect and serve our Brotherhood until the next International Convention.”
The convention approved the amendment.
