One of the best aspects of being an IBEW member is: HAVING A VOICE IN YOUR WORKPLACE! WITH WITHOUT Vacations Paid vacation negotiated according to length of service with the employer (seniority). Vacations Vacations given, paid or unpaid, at the employer's whim. Holidays Holidays above and beyond the legal holidays with pay negotiated by the IBEW. Holidays The employer must observe certain holidays by law, but is not obligated to pay the employee for these holidays Sick Leave Paid sick leave or short term disability. Sick Leave Sick leave paid at employer's discretion. Leaves of Absence/Parental Leaves Negotiated leaves which go beyond laws, with return to work guarantees. Leaves of Absence/ Parental Leaves The employer must grant only those leaves mandated by law and only under strict guidelines. Layoff Protected by seniority. Return to work rights specified in contract. Layoff No protection for long term workers. In fact, sometimes layoffs start with long-term, higher paid workers. Protection Language that protects IBEW members in case of sale, merger, take-over or closing of the company. Protection NONE. Small/Big Companies Employees in small companies have the same rights and protections as those in big companies, as negotiated in the contract. Small/Big Companies Rights and protections legislated by size of company, number of employees, cash assets, etc. under State and Federal laws. Dues Small portion of entire wages and benefits paid to the IBEW for representation. Dues No dues - no rights! But you may get a turkey at Thanksgiving!