Union legal issues

[abmichelle]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Is it possible to be kicked out of the IBEW local union for working non union where the hiring hall can not supply a job...afterall, I need to support my family during these economical conditions.please advise

[justalayman]

going to need a little more than that if you want any sort of dependable answer.

[Erudition]

I'm not in the IBEW but in a closely related trade. I would recommend that you contact either your hall or your international and get a copy of the Constitution and Bylaws. There is probably one for both the local and the International.

Those should state whether you will be fined - how much per offense - the way to contest the fines etc. and if expolsion from the union is even an option for working non-union. Most unions can not expell you with out a trial.

I hope this helps.

After thought here -
We had three guys come from another state to work non union down here. Each guy was put on trial and fined $1,000 per offense. They failed to show up at the trial hense the harsh fine. The International reduced one of their fines b/c he followed the proper procedure of requesting leniency. All three were put on "probation" and anytime they are caught working non-union again they will be fined more harshly.
Also - These men tried to cover up their plan by saying they didn't do the work they merely came down as consultants for a firm. Our locals Organizer caught them on camera. I guess it just depends on how badly "policed" your area is by your BA... The east coast is pretty union strong by what I hear.

[justalayman]

Originally Posted by abmichelle

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Is it possible to be kicked out of the IBEW local union for working non union where the hiring hall can not supply a job...afterall, I need to support my family during these economical conditions.please advise

Yes, you can be expelled from the IBEW for working non-union. You took an oath to uphold he rules and bylaws of the IBEW when you joined and refusing to honor your oath could result in expulsion. In most cases, you would be treated more like erudition stated although the last couple of guys I know that worked non-union were fined $5000 for a first offense. I also know of a member that was fine $14000 as he worked as a contractor. Another member who worked as a contractor and played the game poorly when he decided to be a contractor ended up mortgaging his house to pay the fines and legal expenses.

btw; the hall does not supply "jobs". The contractors do. Just to let you know, you are not experiencing anything that is not being experienced across the US. I know of no locals that are not experiencing high unemployment.

Now, there is something you can do if your hall will allow it. It is possible to work as a salt at a non-union shop. Speak with your business manager about such a possibility.