President’s Message – September 2023

Brothers and Sisters, 

Did you know that your IBEW 11 Collective Bargaining Agreement offers you certain protections, like reverse layoffs, that are only available at our Local?  

Some Locals (not all) have a reverse layoff procedure where, when the project is ending or the work slows down, Books 4, then Book 3, then Book 2, and finally Book 1 are to be “let go” in that order. The intent of this layoff procedure is to help keep the “Local hands” on the job for as long as possible.

We also have a rule that one out of every five workers on the job has to be at least age 50 or older. This protects our older members from age discrimination.  

There are also rules that support the contractor, as well. For example, foremen and certain “specialty” required journeymen are exempt from reverse layoffs. Those specialty classifications include certified welders, certified instrumentation techs, and high-voltage cable splicers. 

Like all IBEW Locals,  IBEW Local 11 is happy to share work opportunities when it is abundant. When the job market slows, that’s when we have to “look out for our own” members or “Local hands.”  

If you have any issues or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact any of our Local agents or call our offices. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you all! 

Respectfully,  

Gaylord R “Rusty” Roten
President IBEW Local 11