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Why Join?

Why we join unions

Union members earn better wages and benefits than workers who aren’t union members. On average, union workers’ wages are 28 percent higher than their nonunion counterparts. While only 15 percent of nonunion workers have guaranteed pensions, fully 69 percent of union workers do. Four out of five union workers get health insurance benefits, but only half of nonunion workers do. Unions help employers create a more stable, productive workforce—where workers have a say in improving their jobs.

By joining together, we have more of a say in our working lives. With a union we can negotiate with our employers for better wages and benefits, fair treatment, safe working conditions and a harassment-free workplace.

These goals can be achieved because of the strength which comes from our unity, a very old and widely used concept.

The nations of the world join the United Nations, employers join the Chamber of Commerce and doctors join the American Medical Association.

All such groups recognize the power that comes from joining together to work toward common goals.

Working people recognizing that there is strength in numbers join unions to further our common goals.

Through our unions we achieve a strong voice one that cannot be easily dismissed by management. 

Why should you sign a representation card to have IBEW Local 2323 be your union representative?

1. IBEW Local 2323 has exclusively represented telecommunication workers in Rhode Island for over 25 years.

2. Presently we represent over 1100 telecommunication workers in the state of RI. Some examples of the work our members perform are: Data Techs, Video Techs, Voice Techs, Lineman, Clerical, Service Reps, Sales Reps, Advanced Data Techs, Fiber splicers, Computer techs ETC...
3. Our union members are among the highest paid in the telecommunication field.
4. Our present members have no health insurance copay, dental or vision weekly copay. No employee may be laid off for the duration of the 5 year contract. No contractors at all are allowed to perform bargained for work. A great Pension plan provided at no cost to our union members. Additionally, they  get a 401K plan with a company match in addition to pension.
 
 What If?
What if we told you that you wouldn’t have to worry about taking time off to be with a sick family member or new baby? 

·        With a union contract, you can have designated family medical and maternity leave.

 What if we told you that you could get sick without fear of losing your job?

·        Local 2323 members have generous sick days, as well as disability benefits.  They cannot lose their job just because they become sick or injured.

 What if we told you there was a way to gain a secure retirement?

·        Local 2323 members have defined benefit pension plans, with the employer paying the entire cost.   Local 2323 members have these pension plans in addition to 401(K)s.

 What if we told you there was a way to control your health care costs?

·        Local 2323 members have health care plans funded completely by their employer.  These plans include medical, dental, optical, prescription, disability, and life insurance.  

 What if we told you there was a way to gain more money in your paycheck?

·        Local 2323 members have regularly scheduled raises in their contract, and they know the exact day when they will receive their next raise.

  What if we told you there was a way to gain dignity and respect on the job?

When you have a union contract, you have the ability to negotiate with your  employer all of your wages and benefits.  If you have a problem on the job, you have the right to sit down with management and sort out the problem, with the help of a union representative.  With a union contract, you have a VOICE.

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