L.U. 55 (lctt,o,u&c), DES MOINES, IA — In 2012, our local’s business manager and officers saw a need for a structured orientation early on in the process of initiating members in outside construction. New members often do not have a family history with labor unions, and as they enter this field of work, who better to inform them of union benefits than their local union? Our goal is to educate this new generation of IBEW members about historic struggles and successes of the labor movement and its importance in today’s workforce.
Over the years, this orientation has grown to cover all aspects of what it means to be union — not just the hours, pay and great benefits, but the history of Henry Miller and labor issues faced by those before us, often through tragedy.
Topics covered include the Code of Excellence; IBEW Constitution; local union bylaws; the oath of membership; our union ticket; union membership dues versus working assessments; our contract; working out of jurisdiction; ERTS; union meeting attendance; representation, safety and conflict resolution; buying USA/union/local; and financial stability.
Terri Vitiritto, Treas.
