New Members

Dear Member:

On behalf of the Officers, Executive Council and the thousands of union members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, I welcome you. You are among the over 700,000 hard working men and women who are members of the IBEW, a part of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, AFL-CIO.

For some of you this may well be your first union experience and the material in this New Member Kit is for your benefit. It was designed to educate you on the history and structure of the IBEW as well as highlight the importance and value of union membership. You will also find information that is unique to members working in the rail industry. In addition to what is in this kit, you may obtain more information on the IBEW and railroad issues by visiting our website at www.ibew.org and going to the "Railroad Department" section.

As your leaders, we are committed to bringing strong and effective union representation to your workplace. We are also committed to extending ourselves beyond the scope of the union bargaining table and into the community. We do this because IBEW members interests should and do reach far beyond the workplace and out into their neighborhoods and communities. I feel very strongly about membership participation because of the firm belief that "the members are the union."

The wages and benefits provided in your contract were not given to you by your employer. They are the result of a process called "collective bargaining" between your union and your employer. Your union contract is your security and contains all your rights and privileges. Guard them zealously. In addition to providing you with the best possible wages, benefits and working conditions in your industry, above all it enables you to have pride and dignity on the job. If you are happy with your union, tell a friend; if you become unhappy with your job, tell your union. We stand ready to serve your needs.

With best wishes, I am

Fraternally yours,

Lonnie R. Stephenson
International President