“Sears
Union News”
05-07-08 Joel Holden-Sears Agent
Sears Meeting-May 15th 7PM (Stewards-6PM)
Union Building Meeting-May 22nd- 5pm
In the past few weeks, various issues regarding membership and recruitment of new members have been brought to our attention.
The various issues discussed were the different job classifications, dues structures and dues payment schedules that have created much confusion and disheartening feelings with the past, current and future members of IBEW, Local Union 68.
Through several different meetings held with non-members, members and the
Sears Stewards, we have come up with ways to remedy these issues which have been approved by the Eighth District International Vice-President, Ted Jensen. We hope this will give you the structure needed and the means necessary to grow into a self functioning Unit.
There will now only be two (2) classifications that a Sears bargaining employee can choose from. These classifications can either be paid on a monthly or quarterly basis at the discretion of the member. (Classifications and dues payments are the member’s choice).
“A” Membership:
Basic Dues International Office 
$ 36.00
Basic Dues Local Union $ 60.00
*Pension Benefit Fund $ 36.00
**IBEW Local 68 Life insurance$ 2.76
Total for 3 months $134.76
Total for 1 month $ 44.92
*Pension Benefit Fund pays $4.50 per month for each full year of continuous “A” membership which includes a Death Benefit of $6,250 if the “A” member dies of natural causes or a Death Benefit of $12,500 if the “A” member dies of accidental means.
(Six months of continuous good standing required by the IBEW Constitution permits a death claim to be paid)
**LU 68 life insurance pays an additional $2500 for active “A” members
$2.76 per quarter
“BA” Membership:
Basic Dues International Office $36.00
Basic Dues Local Union $60.00
Total for 3 months $96.00
It is important for all employees to remember that with increased membership numbers, comes power and more bargaining strength.
For any questions, concerns or help in becoming an IBEW, Local Union 68 member, please contact one of the following Stewards/Members:
Tom RohlederDavid Ashmore
Stevan Hughes Greg Christoffersen
Rick Cook Becky Linenberger
Gary Coleman Craig Carter
Raymond ChavezBrian Hedke
Ed Humbert Sr. Rod Williams
or you can also contact Sears Business Representative, Joel Holden at 303-944-7038.
We have also removed all back dues if past members want to start over with a clean slate. This is a one time situation due to past confusion and potential mis-information but WILL NOT occur again. If we can get 80-100 percent membership you will beome a recognized labor force within Sears Management here and across the United States and Canada. You have a very good first time contract and the power you obtain is in your hands. A few Union Stewards are busting their backs house calling, phone banking, visiting with workers in their spare time bringing in many new members but we need more participation!
