At its September meeting, the IBEW 1245 Executive Board adopted a new policy on honorary “BA” withdrawal cards. This policy is designed to address the problem faced by Local 1245 members who are not working in the trade due to unemployment and who are today forced to re-initiate if they return to work after an extended layoff. This is especially relevant for our line clearance tree trimming members.
Under this policy, which was adopted based on a strong encouragement from IBEW International Secretary Chilia, any “BA” member who discontinues working in the trade due to unemployment or any other reason outlined in Article XXIV of the IBEW Constitution will be placed on honorary withdrawal status without being issued a participating or honorary withdrawal card. Members on honorary withdrawal status can resume work without going through the process of readmission.