Florida Initiative Paves Way for Mass Construction Organizing

February 15, 2006

The Florida Initiative, IBEW's strategy for growth, is kicking in as entire crews of Florida's open-shop electrical construction workers sign up with the union.

Gainesville, Florida, IBEW Local 1205 is showing the combined power of the small works agreement and the newly-created job classifications of construction wireman and construction electrician.  When an entire crew was recently sworn in to the IBEW, the workers immediately became eligible for a range of benefits. A signatory employer immediately got skilled, responsible workers. A nonunion contractor was forced to recognize the IBEW.

Jeffery Henderson, Local 1205's business manager, says, "It's a win for the employees, the contractors and the union."

New members gain higher pay and job security.  After paying as much as $500 per month for health benefits, they now qualify for low-cost IBEW family health plans.  Their prior employer had no pension plan. Now they are covered under three separate retirement funds.