As an employee of a nonunion electrical or telecommunications contractor you have very few rights on the job. In most of the United States including the State of Michigan employees are considered as "at will employees". The "at will" doctrine basically says that you have the right to quit your employer and your employer has the right to fire you at any time, for any, or no reason at all. You are not entitled to be treated fairly, given any warning, or appeal his decision.

The only exceptions are if he discriminated against you because of your race, religion, gender, disability, or associating with a labor organization, or other protected concerted activities with your fellow employees. But to take advantage of these exceptions you will have to be able to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you were fired for one of these reasons, you may have to hire an attorney, and go through a long cat and mouse game through the legal system before you see any conclusion to the case. And even then it is not certain that you will prevail.

A Better Way

A much better way to ensure your rights on the job is to join with your fellow workers. There is strength in numbers, and that strength is what brings employers to the bargaining table. What one person is unable to do, can be done collectively.

As a member of the IBEW, you through the representatives of your choice, will have a voice at the bargaining table with your employer concerning your wages, benefits, and working conditions. As a member of the IBEW, your employer will not be able to fire you at will, without just cause. You will have a legally binding contract; signed by your employer, or his representatives, that assures you of your rights on the job. You will have the right to appeal any unjust treatment by your employer through a grievance procedure provided in the contract.

It's Just Smart Business

Look at any business, probably even your own employer and you will find that they belong to some organization or group that represents them or their interests in some way. organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Homebuilders Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, etc. They join these organizations because it makes good business sense to do so. It makes good business sense for you to belong to an organization also, one that will represent you and your interests, one that can bargain for the pay, benefits, and working conditions that you a skilled electrical worker deserve...

IBEW...the right choice for electrical workers

A Better Way

It's Just Smart Business