Members

Intro

Welcome to IBEW Local 733, a local union that has been championing the rights and welfare of electrical workers since 1939. By joining us, you're not just embarking on a job, but embracing a way of life where camaraderie, support, and collective strength stand at the forefront.

At the heart of our union is the profound difference between union and non-union work environments. As a member of IBEW Local 733, you'll experience job security, fair and equal treatment, growth opportunities, and amazing benefits that ensure you and your family are well cared for. The work environment in a union setting is designed to prioritize your rights, safety, and well-being, starkly contrasting with the uncertainty often found in non-union workplaces.

Being part of our union means more than having a job; it means having your rights, wages, and working conditions safeguarded by a legally-binding contract. This contract is a testament to our collective strength, secured through years of negotiation and unity. If your rights are ever challenged or violated on the job, know that IBEW Local 733 stands firmly beside you, ready to uphold the protections we've collectively fought for over decades.

Your participation is the lifeblood of our union. The progress we've made in enhancing wages, benefits, and working conditions is directly attributed to the involvement of members like you. We encourage you to begin your journey with us by setting an RSVP reminder and attending our monthly meetings, which are the first Tuesday of every month, one hour after 1st Shift ends (currently 3:30 PM). Here, you will find a platform to voice your opinions, learn about ongoing initiatives, and play a direct role in shaping the future of our union.


36 Reasons to Thank Unions




Highlights of Union Representation

Skills Development: JATC training programs enhance members' skills.

Safe Work Environment: The union works with employers and agencies to ensure workplace safety.

Effective Representation: IBEW Local 733 defends members' rights at various levels, including work sites, bargaining tables, and legislative bodies. Members are represented by a full-time professional staff and nearly 30 job site stewards.

Listening to Members: Members can bring concerns to stewards, officers, E-Board members, or business representatives.

Keeping Members Informed: The IBEW Local 733 website is frequently updated with news and workplace issues affecting members.

Democratic Participation: Members elect the officers and participate in monthly local meetings where fund allocation and other proposals are submitted and voted on.


IBEW 733 Structure

Every member plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our union. As a part of our community, it's important for you to understand the power you have and the structure that supports and drives our collective efforts.

At the core of IBEW Local 733 is a democratic system, powered by the active participation of members like you. This democratic approach is evident in the way we elect our leaders and make decisions. Members have the opportunity to elect the Business Manager, Officers, Executive Board, and Unit Officers. These elected individuals are responsible for guiding our union and making important decisions on our behalf. Your vote in these elections is not just a right but a powerful tool in influencing the direction of our union.

The Business Manager/Financial Secretary, elected for a three-year term, is at the helm of managing our day-to-day operations. This role is crucial, encompassing broad executive powers and responsibilities that ensure the smooth running of the union. The Officers of our union, including the President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer, work alongside the Business Manager. Each of these roles plays a significant part in overseeing various aspects of our union's function and governance.

The Executive Board, including the Officers and additional members, is responsible for controlling the union’s treasury and making major policy decisions. They convene monthly (3rd Tuesday of the month) to discuss and decide on matters that affect our members and the union as a whole. These meetings are crucial in shaping the strategies and actions that guide our collective efforts.

For more details on the roles of these officers, read this PDF on the Structure of the IBEW or read the IBEW Constitution.

IBEW Local 733 also includes six Units, representing different employers, each with its own contracts and officers. The autonomy of these Units allows for tailored approaches to address the unique challenges and opportunities that arise with each contract.

Your involvement in the union is not limited to the election process. We encourage you to attend local unit meetings, where you can participate in discussions, submit contract proposals, and vote on important issues, like how the union spends membership money. These meetings are your platform to contribute to the decision-making process, voice your concerns, and help steer the course of our union. You are an integral part of a system that values and relies on active participation of its members. Together, we will continue to build a strong, responsive, and effective union that stands up for the rights and well-being of all its members.


IBEW Local 733 Union Meeting

Our strength lies in our unity and democratic values. Your participation in our monthly union meetings is not just encouraged – it's essential. These meetings are where the heart of our union beats, where decisions are made, and where the collective voice of our members shapes our future.

Our union meetings are the embodiment of the principle that every member's voice counts. Here, you'll find a welcoming environment where you can engage with fellow members, discuss important issues, and contribute to the decision-making process that affects us all. These meetings are your opportunity to stay informed, get involved, make decisions about union finances, and help guide the direction of our union.

Beyond the formal business, our union meetings are a chance for you to connect with other members outside of work. These interactions foster a sense of community and solidarity, which are the cornerstones of a strong and effective union. They are an opportunity to share experiences, offer support, and build relationships that extend beyond the workplace.

Our meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month, one hour after 1st Shift ends (currently 3:30 PM). We ensure that these gatherings are not just productive but also enjoyable, with food and drinks provided. This relaxed atmosphere creates a welcoming space for open dialogue and camaraderie.  And remember, your involvement in these meetings is a key part of what makes our union strong and drives us forward.


Collective Bargaining

Union membership is about much more than just having a job; it's about having a voice. In the world of work, the power dynamics can often be skewed, favoring employers. This is where unions, and specifically IBEW Local 733, play a vital role. Through collective bargaining, we level the playing field, ensuring that negotiations between workers and employers are fair and result in mutually beneficial agreements.

By joining IBEW Local 733, you become part of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. We are deeply committed to advancing not just the wages and benefits of our electricians but also their overall working conditions. Our collective bargaining agreements are at the heart of this commitment. They are legally binding contracts negotiated between our union and employers that set out the terms and conditions of employment. These agreements cover a range of crucial aspects, including wages, hours of work, working conditions, and benefits, ensuring that your rights are clearly defined and protected.

At the heart of our union's efforts is the commitment to continually improve the financial and working conditions of our members. Through the power of collective bargaining, we work to ensure that our members receive wages and benefits that are not only fair but also competitive within the industry. These benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, and other protections that are crucial for the well-being and security of our members and their families. We understand that fair compensation goes beyond the hourly wage; it includes the peace of mind that comes with knowing you and your family are protected.

The process of collective bargaining is a cornerstone of our union's strength. It involves detailed negotiations, where members appointed by the Business Manager sit across the table from employers to hash out the terms of the contract. This process is founded on the principle of good faith, meaning both sides are legally obliged to participate in earnest and aim for a fair outcome.

As a member, your involvement in this process is paramount. You have a say in the terms of your employment, with the opportunity to vote on the acceptance of the contract. This direct involvement ensures that the contract truly reflects your needs and interests.


Local 733 Union Contract

The union contract is a legally binding document and a result of ~85 years of meticulous negotiations between IBEW Local 733 and the employer. It outlines everything from your wages and benefits to overtime rules and the grievance procedure, ensuring that your employment terms are clearly defined and protected.

The Ingalls contract includes several key articles, such as:

  • Article 5 - Overtime
  • Article 6 - Holidays
  • Article 7 - Shifts
  • Article 8 - Wages
  • Article 9 - Safety and Health
  • Article 10 - Reporting and Call-In Pay (Covers rules about reporting to work and compensation for on-call periods)
  • Article 11 - Vacation
  • Article 12 - Seniority
  • Article 14 - Leave of Absence
  • Article 17 - Grievance Procedure
  • Article 20 - Miscellaneous
  • Article 21 - Apprentice “A” Program
  • Article 24 - Jury Military and Funeral Pay
  • Article 25 - Life Insurance and Welfare Program
  • Addendum: Company Manual of Rules and Regulations
As the current contract approaches its expiration, negotiations for a new contract begin. This is a critical process where members appointed by the Business Manager engage in discussions with the employer to draft a new agreement. These negotiations are conducted with the utmost diligence and aim to secure the best possible terms for our members. Once a new contract is formulated, it is presented to the union members for ratification. This process is democratic, with the contract only taking effect upon receiving a majority vote from the members.

The contract is not just a set of rules; it's a living document that evolves in response to the changing needs and circumstances of our members. It is a testament to the collective strength and unity of IBEW Local 733. As a member, your understanding and engagement with the contract are vital. It not only governs your day-to-day work life but also symbolizes the protections and benefits you enjoy as part of our union.


Required Tool List

The shipyard will provide all the necessary power tools to finish any given job. This approach ensures that all tools used on-site meet specific safety and operational standards, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safe working environment for everyone.

Electricians must have the following tools at the start of their shift every day:

  • side-cutting pliers
  • one 9-inch diagonal cutting pliers
  • four screwdrivers - assorted sizes
  • standard/metric tape measure
  • one crescent wrench (appropriate for work assignment)
  • hacksaw frame
  • center punch
  • ball-peen hammer
  • one pocket knife
  • one metal tool box
  • channel locks or equal pliers
  • set of open or box wrenches, standard and metric
  • assortment of “Phillips Head” screwdrivers
  • set of Allen wrenches
  • and a 3/8-inch drive socket set, standard and metric.
Apprentices employed with prior experience shall bring in the above tools.

Newly employed apprentices must also provide themselves with the above tools within four (4) weeks from date of hire.

Cablemen must have the following tools at the start of their shift every day:

  • One ball-peen hammer (small)
  • one 6-inch adjustable wrench
  • one 8-inch adjustable wrench
  • one screwdriver, 10-inch
  • side-cutting pliers, 8-inch
  • one 9/16-inch combination wrench

Weingarten Rights

An essential aspect of union member rights is understanding our Weingarten Rights, a fundamental set of protections during investigatory interviews. These rights, established by the Supreme Court in the case of NLRB v. J. Weingarten, Inc., ensure that you are able to have union representation during investigatory interviews.

Weingarten Rights are applicable during investigatory interviews, where a supervisor or employer seeks information that could potentially lead to disciplinary action. If you, as an employee, reasonably believe that the discussion could result in disciplinary measures, you have the right to request the presence of a union representative. This right is a powerful protection, but it's important to remember that it is YOUR responsibility to assert it. Supervisors are not obligated to inform you of this right; it's up to you to know and invoke it.

In any scenario where there's potential for discipline, your Weingarten Rights come into play once you request a steward.  Investigatory interviews can take many forms:

  • A formal disciplinary procedure,
  • An inquiry into your performance,
  • An inquiry into your conduct, or
  • An inquiry into an incident in the workplace.
Upon requesting union representation, your employer has four choices:

  • Grant the request and wait for the representative to arrive,
  • Give you the option to continue without representation, or
  • Deny the request and end the interview.
If your request is denied and the interview continues, you have the right to refuse to participate. It's crucial to note that such refusal is not insubordination, provided the employer has chosen to deny your representation.  You MUST wait for the supervisor to terminate the interview, but you do not have to answer without representation.

If you are provided a union representative, at that point you could potentially be disciplined for refusing to answer questions.

Your union representative’s role in these interviews is not passive. They can:

  • pull you aside for a private conference before questioning
  • actively participate during the interview
  • seek clarification from the supervisor
  • advise you on how to respond
  • and provide additional information to the supervisor at the end of the questioning.
If ever you find yourself in a situation where you believe your Weingarten Rights apply, a simple but clear statement like this is sufficient to invoke your rights:  "If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or discharged, I request that a Union representative be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions."

These rights do not apply in every situation, such as:

  • routine conversations about job duties, or training
  • communicating needed corrections in your work techniques
  • if the employer assures you prior to the interview that no discipline or consequences can result from the interview
Even in the above few examples, the employee can still ask for representation. Most employers will permit a representative to attend even when not required to.

When applicable, these rights are a powerful tool in protecting your interests. Rest assured that we stand by you, not only in ensuring that you know your rights but also in providing the support and representation you need when those rights are at stake.


IBEW Terms

5th District: The IBEW is divided into eleven districts covering all of the United States and Canada. Our Local is part of the 5th District which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Panama Canal, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands. Our District is overseen by one of the International Vice Presidents. Certain policies are set by the 5th District leadership and are common among all of the Locals in the District.

AFL-CIO: American Federation of Labor – Congress of Industrial Organizations. The AFL-CIO is an organization that almost every union in America is affiliated with. The AFL-CIO represents various unions and works to unite them for common goals and advocacy.

Apprentice: An individual who is enrolled in a Registered Apprenticeship training program.

Bylaws: These are the rules and regulations that govern the operations of IBEW Local 733. Bylaws cover aspects such as union dues, election procedures, roles and responsibilities of officers, and other important organizational guidelines.

Card Number: A member’s unique number identifying him or her as a member of the IBEW.

Collective Bargaining: A process where union representatives negotiate with employers on behalf of the workers.

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): The contract resulting from collective bargaining negotiations. It is a legally binding agreement between the union and the employer that outlines the terms and conditions of employment.

Grievance: A formal complaint raised by an employee or the union when they believe that terms of the collective bargaining agreement have been violated by the employer.

IBEW Constitution: The foundational document that outlines the structure, rules, and procedures of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as an international organization.

IO: International Organization – Refers to the broader IBEW organization, which supports local unions across the United States and Canada.

NLRB: National Labor Relations Board – A federal agency in the United States that enforces labor laws related to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices.

Organizer: A staff member or union representative responsible for recruiting new members, organizing workplaces, and assisting in the unionization process.

Robert’s Rules of Order: A set of rules commonly used to conduct meetings in a structured and orderly manner. Click here for example motions to be made at meetings.

Steward: A member appointed by the Business Manager to be a representative of the Union on the job site, serving as a liaison between the other union members and the union leadership.

How Can I Help?

One significant way you can help is by supporting your fellow union members. Whether it's lending a hand on the job, offering guidance to apprentices, or simply being there to listen and share experiences, your support strengthens the bonds of our union and enhances our collective resilience.

Additionally, consider volunteering for committees. Our committees are crucial in addressing various aspects of union activities, from organizing events to spearheading initiatives that benefit our members and their families. Your participation in these committees is not just a contribution of your time and skills; it's an opportunity to shape the future of our union and ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of all its members.

Another impactful role you can take on is becoming a steward. Stewards are the backbone of our union, acting as representatives on the job site and liaising between the members and union leadership. As a steward, you'll play a key role in addressing workplace issues, providing support to your colleagues, and ensuring that the voice of every member is heard. IBEW Local 733 provides the necessary training and tools for this role, empowering you to be an effective representative and advocate.

Your involvement in IBEW Local 733 is what makes our union strong and dynamic. We thrive on the active participation of our members, and every contribution, big or small, makes a significant difference. As you embark on this journey with us, know that your efforts and engagement are deeply appreciated and crucial to the success and vitality of our union.