Why are campaign, political and nonprofit workers unionizing?
Workers in these industries are dedicated skilled workers who for too long have worked without basic labor rights like days off, paid sick leave, or healthcare. In 2020, campaign workers across the region came together as the Washington Campaign Workers Collective (WCWC) and later joined IBEW. We will run better campaigns and organizations, have dignity on the job, and win strong benefits only if we stand together in our union!
Why are campaign, political and nonprofit workers unionizing under IBEW? (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers)?
What do trade workers and our workers have in common? A lot! Whether it be going from jobsite to jobsite or campaign to campaign, or the prevalence of exploitation and misclassification (1099 vs W2) in our industries, we face many of the same workplace struggles.
In addition, IBEW has a history of organizing campaign and political workers. IBEW is the union home to the Oregon State Legislative staffers and several State Democratic Parties throughout the country. IBEW was also the union home of many of our founding members with Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttijeg and Tom Steyer’s 2020 Presidential Campaigns. IBEW has been there for us and believes in our organizing and is putting resources and money behind us so we can win the things we need.
Why should I join IBEW Political & Nonprofit Workers (IBEW PNW)?
IBEW PNW aims to connect campaign, nonprofit and political workers across the country to build collective power to change our industry for the better. What was your first campaign like? Like us, you likely experienced long hours, no time off, midnight phone calls, perhaps even workplace abuse or sexual harassment. Did you get a “win” bonus? Did you struggle with unemployment after the campaign ended? It doesn’t have to be that way. When we stand together and join our union, we can win transitional pay, healthcare coverage, no-contact hours, free apprenticeship programs, a network of our region’s most talented organizers, and more!
IBEW PNW is being led by workers and organizers of IBEW Local 89 with the support of Locals throughout the country. This structure means workers have access to industry experts nationally as well as on the ground support locally.
I’m currently employed on a campaign, a political organization or a non-profit. How do I unionize my workplace?
- Fill out our intake form: Your Union Representative will reach out within 1-3 business days to get started.
- Sign Authorization Cards with IBEW This authorizes our Union Representative to bargain on your behalf. If you are the only worker on your campaign, go to step 3. If you have fellow workers on your campaign, you’ll also need them to sign authorization cards. Not sure how to approach the conversation? We can help you!
- Seek Neutrality Agreement and/or Voluntary Recognition: If you are the only worker on your campaign, we will approach your employer to sign a Neutrality Agreement. If you have fellow workers on your campaign who have signed authorization cards, we will approach your employer to seek voluntary recognition. Generally, we are able to bypass an election, but if these avenues are not successful, we will file your authorization cards with the NLRB to trigger a union election.
- Develop a CBA: Our Bargaining Committee will help you create a collective bargaining agreement that meets your needs and protects you adequately.
- Bargaining: Your Union Representative will work to bargain a contract with your employer.
I’m not currently employed on a campaign. Can I still join?
Absolutely! Due to the nature of campaign work, employment in our industry is often temporary. IBEW believes workers deserve union protection regardless of their employment status. When you join IBEW PNW as an associate member, we will be here for you before, during and after a campaign. If you are currently looking for employment, you can utilize our job referral hall where we will help you get connected with a #UnionStrong nonprofits, campaigns and organizations and develop a CBA that meets your needs.
You’ll also get full access to the benefits below:
Member Benefits
- Fighting and winning ambitious CBAs with employer-paid healthcare, transition pay, transit passes, generous reimbursement policies, defined grievance procedures, and more
- A full-time IBEW union representative to represent you in all grievances and workplace disputes
- Full access to our union’s professional development programs
- Exclusive access to our job referral hall
- Affiliation with the AFL-CIO, County, and State Labor Councils
- Our lawyers who help write our CBAs and defend us in legal actions
- A professional network of our region’s most experienced and dedicated political workers to share and build our skills, knowledge, and solidarity.
I live outside of IBEW Local 89’s region. Can I still unionize with IBEW PNW?
Yes! IBEW Local 89 covers Washington State, Oregon, and parts of Idaho and California and is leading the effort of launching and growing IBEW Political & Nonprofit Workers. For workers outside of these areas, we will work to help you organize your workers, seek voluntary recognition and determine the needs of you and your fellow staff in developing a collective bargaining agreement. We will then work with the IBEW Local that is in your area to get you connected with on the ground support for bargaining and representational duties. This means you get the benefits of joining our nationwide network of campaign, political and nonprofit workers while also having local support from those in your area when you need it.
What is collective bargaining and what can we win?
Collective bargaining is when union members come together as workers to bargain a contract that covers multiple workers, multiple employers, or both. We need you in the fight so we can win healthcare and better pay for every worker’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)!
When it comes to what we can win through collective bargaining, the possibilities are endless. Below is just an example of some of the amazing wins members have secured through collective bargaining:
I’ll join! What do I have to pay?
Paying union dues is an act of solidarity which allows us to collectively build power in a way we could not do alone. Each dime you pay in membership fees helps maintain the strength needed to win the wage increases and benefits bargained in every contract. No other investment gives you so much in return. Dues support membership action, unionization campaigns, litigation, negotiation expenses, rent, fees, apprenticeship programs and other expenses needed to represent our members.
Associate Non-Voting Members who are looking to get connected with our network of workers, job referral hall and training opportunities will pay $11.50/mo.
For workers under a collective bargaining agreement in IBEW Local 89’s jurisdiction (Washington, Oregon and parts of California and Idaho), dues are $20 per month + Two (2) hours of straight time wages per month.
Workers outside this region may have different dues structures, but will be similar rates. Once we get you connected with your on the ground Local, we will determine the dues rate appropriate for your unit.
Additionally, for workers under collective bargaining agreements, we may be able to negotiate that dues check off be paid by the Employer if this is important to you and your fellow workers!
I still have more questions. Who can I reach out to?
You can reach out to info@ibewpnw.org to get connected with an organizer with IBEW!