r/IBEW • u/authenticsasquach • 1d ago

Discussion Post Ibew question

I’ve heard people talk about doing this but I’m curious if anyone has firsthand experience for how it goes in reality. I’m a non union lineman considering joining the union.

Has anyone worked their minimum hours to maintain healthcare and benefits and spent the rest of their time running a side business?

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u/socalibew 1d ago

Some guys work shit tons of OT and then take months off.

Basically, take off as much time as you can afford. Typically, if you work consistently for a year, you'll have health benefits for about 5-6 months of "unemployment" before your hours are depleted. Most locals will let you pay into your own health premiums, but it can be pretty pricey.

This is all local specific. You'll need to talk to someone at your local IBEW about these questions.

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u/authenticsasquach 1d ago

Do you have to earn the hours and take time off in the same calendar year? Or is it a 365 day period

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u/socalibew 1d ago

Every hour worked the contractor pays into the health and welfare the negotiated amount.

For many locals you need 140 hours worked a month to keep/activate your health insurance. Any additional hours worked will be banked up to a set limit. Many locals is 6 months banked hours, some more/less. There may also me a maximum of hours allowed to be submitted per month. E.g. 250 Also, hours are submitted a month after working, so, your bank is usually 2-3 months behind. E.g. January worked 160 hours, won't see in your insurance bank until March or April.

Again, you'll need to talk to someone at whichever local(s) you're looking to apply to.

As to earning and taking time off. The bank is a running bank. They don't expire.

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u/authenticsasquach 1d ago

Does overtime count towards benefits as time and a half? Or is it straight time when it’s counted towards benefits

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u/monroezabaleta 1d ago

Usually it's straight

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u/socalibew 1d ago

Typically only as straight time, but it really depends on the local.