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IBEW 46 Limited Energy Electricians are on STRIKE

UPDATE (April 15, 2024) –The strike by Limited Energy Electricians represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 46 in the Puget Sound area continues Monday. There will be a Rally to Support Striking Limited Energy Electricians represented by IBEW Local 46 on Monday, April 15 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Bellevue Downtown Park, 10200 N.E. 1st in Bellevue. Get details.

Last week, more than 150 LE members participated in strike training and spent the week on picket lines, and with the support of other trades, shut down at least five job sites. More of the same is planned for this week.

“We take pride in the work we do as specialty electricians, and we know it’s important,” said IBEW 46 strike captain Kaylin Ullman. “But NECA wants us to continue working day in and day out with NO paid time off, and FORCED unpaid furlough on holidays. Union workers fought hard to set the original standard for paid holidays and PTO across the workforce. Management at the NECA contractors we work for enjoy the benefits of that hard-fought paid time off, but we don’t. It’s time for that to change.”

Stay tuned to The STAND or visit IBEW46.com for updates.

 

 

UPDATE (April 13, 2024) — There will be a Rally to Support Striking Limited Energy Electricians represented by IBEW Local 46 on Monday, April 15 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Bellevue Downtown Park, 10200 N.E. 1st in Bellevue. Get details.

 

UPDATE (April 12, 2024) — The strike continues Friday, although it has been lifted for employees of Net Com. IBEW Local 46 reports: “We thank the Ownership of Net Com for standing with their valued employees and Members of LU 46! ONLY the LU 46 LE Unit Members employed by Net Com are FREE to work on all and any projects.”

 

KENT, Wash. (April 11, 2024) — Effective at 12:01 a.m. this morning, hundreds of Limited Energy Electricians represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 46 in the Puget Sound area are on strike against National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

Unless they are working on a job site covered by a Project Labor Agreement/Community Workforce Agreement, these electricians — who install and maintain multiple life-safety systems, such as fire and security alarms, building access and HVAC controls, computers, phones, emergency radios, and more — are now on strike.

Since January, the union has been bargaining for better wages, paid holidays, and a fair contract to replace the one that expired on March 31, and was subsequently extended for 10 days. But the union reported Wednesday that NECA negotiators have “refused to make any movement” from an offer that was unanimously rejected by members, and instead have insulted this workforce by suggesting they are easily replaced.

“This unit has stood strong this entire time,” said Sean Bagsby, Business Manager / Financial Secretary for IBEW 46. “It’s most disappointing that the Contractors do NOT value these incredible workers. Quality of life is important to all workers, but the contractors do not agree. The contractors have forced our hand.”

Limited Energy Electricians have extensive training in various systems and are well-versed in the latest technologies, with continuing education and regular license renewal required. However, they are paid significantly less that other Puget Sound-area unionized electricians. And NECA negotiators have refused to grant them something that most workers have: paid holidays.

Earlier this week, IBEW Local 46’s Limited Energy Electricians voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.

“Our members have spoken and we stand in solidarity,” said IBEW 46 member Michael Holcomb. “We have kids, too. We want to provide them a future and spend time with them.”

IBEW 46 negotiators have been very transparent with members on the status of talks throughout negotiations with updates like this on Tuesday:

Stay tuned to The STAND or visit IBEW46.com for updates.

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