1 

 

 I.B.E.W. LOCAL 415 

 BENEFIT 

 INFORMATION 

March 2, 2012 

 
2 

 I.B.E.W. Local 415 Summary Benefit Sheets 

 Table of Contents 

8th District Electrical Health & Family Care Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 

8th District Electrical Pension Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .Page 4 

National Electrical Pension Benefit Fund Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 

I.B.E.W. Pension and Death Benefit Plan Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . Page 5 

Apprenticeship and Journeyman Training Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 

Voluntary Vacation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . .Page 5 

8th District Electrical Annuity/401k Contribution Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 

I.B.E.W. Local 415 Death Benefit Plan Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 

AFL-CIO Union Privilege Services Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 

Quarterly Dues Distribution Information . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 7 

Local 415 Wage-Fringe Package Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pages 7 

Local 415 Union Dues Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8 

8th District Electrical Pension Benefit Examples at Retirement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9

8th District Electrical Annuity/401k Plan Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Pages 10 to 12 

 

 

 
3 

SUMMARY OF UNION BENEFITS AND UNION DUES FOR IBEW LOCAL 415 MEMBERS

Upon becoming a member of L.U. 415 you have immediate voice and vote at union meetings, 

representation during grievance procedure, and the Council of Industrial Relations arbitrates all 

contract disputes (there is a no strike clause and procedure). Benefits are reciprocal with all 

signatory contractors in Wyoming, the United States and Canada. 

HEALTH, LIFE & DISABILITY INSURANCE 

Fringe Benefit Paid by the Contractor 

Effective 6/01/11 $5.50 per hour worked 

 * Medical coverage for the employee AND the employee’s dependents 

* Preventive Maintenance Dental coverage for the employee and the employee’s 

dependents. 

 * $20,000 Life Insurance on employee 

 * $20,000 Accidental Death, Dismemberment benefits on employee 

 * $2,000 Life Insurance for Spouse 

 * $1,000 Life Insurance for dependents age 0 - 6 months 

 * $2,000 Life Insurance for dependents age 6 months and older. 

 * There is a preferred provider list for medical services available in the office. 

* If you receive medical services, the insurance covers 75% of the first $8,000 of 

allowed charges, per person, per year after deductibles have been met; 100% thereafter. 

Deductibles are $400/person and family cap of $1,200.00. There is a cap of 

reimbursement of $750,000 through 12/31/2011; $1,250,000 from 1/01/12 through 

 12/31/2012; $2,000,000 for the period 1/01/2013 through 12/31/2013; and starting 

 1/01/2014 there is no calendar year benefit maximum. 

 * If you receive medical treatment in the emergency room of a hospital, there is a 

 a co pay of $200 per visit and after the deductible is met, the plan covers 75%. 

 * If you receive medical treatment in a hospital, there is a co pay of $200 per visit and 

 after deductible is met the plan covers 75%. 

* Retail Prescription reimbursement deductibles are: Generic: You pay 10% of the drug 

cost plus a minimum copy of $10.00 and a $20 maximum co pay; Preferred Brand 

Name Drug- You pay 25% of the drug cost plus a $25 minimum co pay to a maximum 

$50 co pay; Non-Preferred Brand Name Drug- You pay the greater of 50% of the drug 

cost or a $50 co pay. 

* Mail Order Facility (90 day supply) reimbursement deductibles are: Generic- Plan 

covers 100% after you pay a $20 co pay; Preferred Brand Name Drug- Plan covers 

100% after you pay a $50 co pay. 

* Specialty Medications (up to a 30-day supply): Plan covers 100% of the cost after you 

pay a $35 co pay. 

* Up to 3 months of “bank hours” can be accumulated to maintain insurance coverage 

when unemployed. 429 hours maximum. 

 * Short Term Disability Insurance Benefits available. 

 
4 

Contributions to this plan on your behalf begin upon employment with a signatory contractor. 

Your insurance will become effective two months after the month in which you complete 143 

hours of work. 

 EXAMPLE: Completed 143 hours of work in January. January hours reported by 

contractor in February. February is lag month. Coverage begins March 1st. 

 This means that coverage for new employees usually begins with the third month of 

employment. The Fund Office will notify you when your coverage begins and will provide you 

with a copy of the plan description. 

* When an employer becomes signatory a one time waiver of the initial eligibility hours 

can be waived. You will have immediate coverage. 

PENSIONS

 We control our own retirements, they cannot be touched by outside interest, i.e. company 

by-outs, I.R.S., law suits, etc.. If you are disabled, or die, benefits are paid to your survivors. 

You do not forfeit your benefits. 

EIGHTH DISTRICT PENSION PLAN 

Fringe Benefit Paid by the Contractor 

$3.06 per hour worked 

* Pensions average $1200 - $1600 per month. Pension amount is determined by the 

actual dollars contributed into the plan. 

 * Pre-Retirement Death Benefits 

 * Disability Retirement Available 

 * Early Retirement at age 55 is available 

 * Spouse and Survivor Options available. 

 * 5 Year Vesting 

 * Availability to retire at age 62 with 30 years of continuous service with full benefits. 

For Journeyman Wireman, contributions to this plan on your behalf begin upon employment with 

a signatory contractor. For apprentices, at the present time, the collective bargaining agreement 

states the contributions will begin when you’re in the 2nd year of the apprenticeship program. 
5 

NEBF PENSION PLAN

Fringe Benefit Paid by Contractor 

3% of gross earnings 

* Pensions average $700 - $930 per month. Pension amount is $32 per month per year 

of service. 

 * Availability to Retire at age 62 with full benefits 

 * Disability Retirement available 

 * Spouse Option available 

 * 5 Year Vesting 

Contributions to this plan on your behalf begin upon employment with a signatory contractor. 

IBEW PENSION AND DEATH BENEFIT PLAN

Paid for by monthly Union dues 

* Pension amount is $4.50 per month per year of service 

 * $ 6,250 ($12,500 in case of accidental death) Pre-Retirement Death Benefit 

 * Disability Retirement available 

 * Early Retirement at age 62 available, after 20 years of service. 

 * Spouse Option available 

After 6 months membership in the IBEW you are eligible for the IBEW Death Benefit. 

APPRENTICESHIP AND JOURNEYMAN TRAINING CLASSES

Fringe Benefit Paid by Contractor 

2.0% of gross earnings 

 * NECA-IBEW Apprenticeship offers the Best training program in the electrical industry. 

* Training classes are held regularly for apprentices and journeymen. These include 

welding, fiber optics, programmable controls, Code study, Code update, fire alarm, 

telecommunications, process controls, blueprint reading, study classes for the state test, 

etc.. 

VOLUNTARY VACATION PLAN

5% of earnings is placed into members account at the Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union. 

There is no restriction on when the member may withdraw these funds. 

EIGHTH DISTRICT ELECTRICAL ANNUITY/401k PLAN

Fringe Benefit Paid by the Contractor 

$2.50 per hour worked in the Southern Agreement and $1.00 per hour in the Northern Agreement 

Contributions to this plan on your behalf begin upon employment with a union contractor. For 

Journeyman Wireman, contributions to this plan on your behalf begin upon employment. For 

apprentices, at the present time, the collective bargaining agreement states the contributions will 

begin after six (6) months in the apprenticeship program. You may contribute, in increments of 

$.50 to $8.00 per hour worked, to an individual 401k plan that is administered like the annuity 

plan, only if you are working for a contributing signatory contractor. 
6 

 

LOCAL 415 DEATH BENEFIT FUND

For Local Union 415 members after joining the IBEW you are eligible for the Local Union Death 

Benefit. Self perpetuating fund by $10.00 per member contributions as necessary. Benefits are 

averaging $3,000.00 to beneficiary. 

 *Death Benefit paid immediately to beneficiary 

AFL-CIO UNION PRIVILEGE SERVICES

For Local Union 415 Members 

 * MASTER CHARGE CARD - No annual fee, low variable rate of interest. 

 * LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE- Participating lawyers offer free initial consultation, 

 free follow-up services, 30% discount on personal legal matters. 

* MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE PROGRAM - Down payments as low as 5%, Special 

protection for members out of work, Special help for first-time buyers, Discounts on 

real estate commissions, reduced closing costs. 

 * LOAN PROGRAM - Personal loans up to $15,000 for terms up to seven years, Lower 

 rates and longer terms mean lower monthly payments, Government-backed and other 

 education loans available, Skip payments. 

* HEALTH NEEDS SERVICE - Discount mail-service pharmacy, Covers your family 

and relatives, Significant savings compared to neighborhood pharmacies. 

* UNION SHOPPER - Brand name products-up to 60% off, Car shopping, price 

comparison services, Eyewear discounts - 20% to 60%, $19.95 annual fee- only $9.95 

when purchased in combination with Union Driver & Traveler. 

* LIFE INSURANCE - Low group rates - up to 25% below comparable plans, Select 

from $10,000 up to $100,000 of coverage, Special plans for seniors and members with 

health problems. 

* UNION DRIVER & TRAVELER - Towing, roadside assistance for household family 

members, Repair discounts from 30,000 shops nationwide, 5% cash back on completed 

domestic airline travel, Low $39.95 annual family membership fee. 

* UNION MEMBER DISCOUNTS - Hertz rental car discounts on daily, weekend or 

weekly rentals, Discounts on tires, car care from Firestone, Discounts on eyewear, 

hearing aids, Discounts on mail-order videos, tapes and CD’s, Walt Disney World hotel 

discounts. Discounts on College Counsel-college selection, financing guides. 
7 

QUARTERLY DUES DISTRIBUTION: 

 Your dues are distributed as follows: 

2012 

 $ 42.00 IBEW Pension Fund 

 45.00 General Fund (International Office) 

 6.00 Wyoming Building & Trades 

 8.10 Local 415 (includes AFL-CIO per capita) 

 $101.10 

 As you can see from the distribution above, monthly dues do not pay for the operation of 

the Local Union. Therefore, a working dues assessment of 5% of gross wages is paid by all 

electricians working under the collective bargaining agreement to operate the Local Union. 

 Here is a recap of your wage and fringe benefit package, based upon the Cheyenne 

Southern Agreement, and your Union dues expressed in hourly rates: 

 Wage Wage Wage Wage 

WAGE-FRINGE PACKAGE Package Package Package Package 

 3/02/09 3/02/10 6/01/11 3/02/12

Wage $26.70 $24.97 $24.72 $25.72 

Health Coverage 4.75 5.00 5.50 5.50 

8th District Pension 2.45 3.06 3.06 3.06 

NEBF Pension .80 .75 .74 .77 

Annuity 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 

Training .52 .50 .49 .51 

 -------- ---------- --------- -------- 

TOTAL: $36.18 $ 37.72 $ 36.78 $38.06 

Note: The Gillette Northern and Industrial Agreements current wage is $ 25.87 and $ 27.19 

respectively with the Annuity Contribution of $1.00 per hour on both of these agreements with the 

other fringe benefits the same. 
8 

UNION DUES

A. 2011 Quarterly Dues $ 95.10 (quarterly dues not deducted from check) 

 

 3/02/09 6/01/10 6/01/11 3/02/12 

B. 5% Per Hour Working Assessment $1.60 $1.50 $1.48 $ 1.29 

 (Deducted from check based on the Cheyenne Scale)

C. Working assessment for apprentices vary according to the period they are in. 

 1st and 2nd Period: none 

 3rd and 4th Period: 2% of Gross Wages 

 5th Period: 4% of Gross Wages 

 6th Period: 5% of Gross Wages 

 As you can see from this distribution, and contrary to some non-union propaganda, the 

wages and benefits you receive through the union are well worth the union dues you pay. 

 Remember to keep your beneficiary cards current with the following funds: Health & 

Welfare, 8th District Pension Fund, Vacation Fund, and IBEW Death Benefit Fund. If you need to 

change beneficiaries, add dependents to your health coverage, or file a change of address, stop by 

the Union Hall and fill out the paperwork. If you have any questions about the Union, the 

Funds, the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the IBEW Constitution, the Local Union By 

laws, or the customs, practices and policies of our organization you can call us at the Union 

Hall (307) 632-5944. 

 
9 

PENSION BENEFITS IBEW LOCAL 415 

We are proud of the retirement benefits that our union has been able to negotiate, 

guarantee, and provide. As productive and union craftsmen, we have the means to maintain our 

dignity and standard of living in our retirement years. The following presentations are based on 

twenty and thirty years of credited service at sixty five years of age assuming you are starting 

your career now and the current calculation information is constant.

1. DISTRICT 8 PENSION PLAN: 

 2,000 Hours/Year x 30 Years Service @$2.45 x 1.5%(Current Ration) = $2,205.00 per month 

 1,500 Hours/Year x 30 Years Service @$2.45 x 1.5%(Current Ration) = $1,653.75 per month 

 2,000 Hours/Year x 20 Years Service @$2.45 x 1.5%(Current Ration) = $1,470.00 per month 

 1,500 Hours/Year x 20 Years Service @$2.45 x 1.5%(Current Ration) = $1,102.50 per month 

2. NATIONAL ELECTRICAL BENEFIT FUND:

 $32.00 Per Month Per Service Year x 30 Years of Service = $960.00 per month 

 $32.00 Per Month Per Service Year x 20 Years of Service = $640.00 per month 

3. ELECTRICAL WORKERS BENEFIT ASSOCIATION:

 $4.50 Per Month Per Service Year x 30 Years of Service = $135.00 per month 

 $4.50 Per Month Per Service Year x 20 Years of Service = $90.00 per month 

AVERAGE WORKING 2,000 HOUR TOTAL MONTHLY PENSION BENEFITS

 20 Years: $2,200.00 30 Years: $3,300.00 

AVERAGE WORKING 1,500 HOUR TOTAL MONTHLY PENSION BENEFITS

 20 Years: $1,832.50 30 Years: $2,748.75 

YEARLY PENSION BEFORE SOCIAL SECURITY:

30 YEARS WORKING 2,000 HOUR @ $2.45 = $39,600.00 

20 YEARS WORKING 2,000 HOUR @ $2.45 = $26,400.00 

30 YEARS WORKING 1,500 HOUR @ $2.45 = $32,985.00 

20 YEARS WORKING 1,500 HOUR @ $2.45 = $21,990.00 

ADDITIONAL PENSION BENEFITS:

Eighth District Electrical Pension Fund Annuity/401k Plan 

Multi-employer Plans with participating employers in all of the United States and Canada 

Pre-Retirement Death Benefit 

Disability Benefits 

Survivor and Joint Pension Options 

Early Retirement
10 

THE ABOVE PRESENTATIONS ARE ESTIMATES, THE RESPECTIVE PENSION 

PLAN AGENCY WILL CALCULATE YOUR EXACT PENSION AMOUNTS. 

8TH District Electrical Pension Fund Annuity/401 K Plan 

Currently I.B.E.W. Local 415 signatory contractors contribute $2.45/hour if working under the 

Local 415 Southern Agreement and $1.00/hour if working under the Local 415 Northern Inside or 

Industrial Agreements into an individual account set up in your name. This is a self-directed 

investment plan. Every year the 8th District will charge each individual account an administrative 

fee for maintaining your account and will deposit your share of earnings from the investments 

made in accordance with the plan description. 

The 401K aspect of the plan allows you to voluntarily deduct from your check for retirement 

investment in increments of $.50/hour worked to $8.00/hour worked. This aspect is administered 

the same way as the annuity plan. 

When can you receive the money in your individual account?

1. At Retirement - Receipt of a pension from the 8th District Electrical Pension Fund will 

establish your Retirement status. If you have attained age 65, or the age of 55 and no contributions 

have been made to your Individual account for at least 3 consecutive months, you are entitled to 

receive the money in your Individual Account. 

2. When you stop working in the industry. Regardless of your age, you may apply for payment 

of the money in your Individual Account, if you have worked less than 500 hours in the industry in 

a two consecutive Plan Year period. 

3. If you are totally and permanently disabled. Regardless of your age, if you are totally and 

permanently disabled, and entitled to a Social Security disability benefit, you may apply for the 

money in your Individual Account. 

4. If you die. If you die, and have been legally married to your surviving Spouse for 1 year or 

more, any money in your individual account will automatically be paid in the form of a qualified 

joint and 50% surviving Spouse annuity unless you elect to waive that form of benefit with the 

consent of your Spouse in writing witnessed by a notary public or Fund representative. If you are 

not married, or, if you are not eligible for or have waived the surviving Spouse annuity, your 

accumulative share can be paid as an annuity or in a lump sum. 

5. Financial hardship. Regardless of age, you can receive a distribution of your Individual 

Account balance if you have an immediate and heavy financial need in one of the following 

categories: 

 A. Certain medical expenses which are incurred by you or your family. 

 
11 

 B. Purchase of a principal residence by you. This does not include making mortgage payments 

on your principal residence. 

 

 C. Payment of tuition, related education fees, and room and board expenses for the next 

semester or quarter of post-secondary education for you or your family. 

 D. To prevent eviction or foreclosure on the mortgage of your principal residence. A 

participant will be limited to use this no more than once every two Plan Years, unless the 

Participant has been unemployed for at least six consecutive months. 

 E. Funeral expenses for the Participant’s Spouse, child or parents. 

 F. Any other need specifically listed in the Regulations or other official guidance that allows the 

Plan to make hardship distributions. 

6. Loan Program. A participant who has had an Individual Account in the Fund for five (5) or 

more plan years shall be eligible for a loan from his Individual Accounts, subject to the limitations 

and requirements of this program. 

A. Maximum Amounts. The maximum dollar amount for a loan will be the lesser of: 

 1. $50,000, reduced by the highest outstanding balance of loans from the Fund to the 

 Participant during the one (1) year period ending on the day before the date of the 

 new loan, or 

 2. 50% of the value of the Participants’ vested interest in the Individual Accounts as of the 

 Valuation Date most recently preceding the date of the loan. 

B. Eligible Purposes. Loans will be made only for the following purposes: 

 1. Expenses of at least $1,000 incurred (and which the Participant is obligated to pay) 

 because of sickness or injury which have not been reimbursed by, or for which the 

 Participant has no right to reimbursement from, any public or private plan or program 

 including, but not limited to, Social Security, Medicaid, any Employer, Union or joint 

 employer-union welfare plan or program, or Workers’ Compensation. 

 2. Expenses incurred in connection with the payment of tuition and/or room and board 

 maintain a dependent child at an education institution beyond the high school level. A 

 loan pursuant to this shall be made to a Participant only once per dependent child. 

3. Expenses due to the purchased or substantial rehabilitation of (when such expenses of 

 rehabilitation exceed $5,000) a home, or cooperative or condominium apartment, in 

which he will reside and has thereby incurred down payment, contract, and title 

expenses, provided however, that a loan for this shall be made to a Participant once. 

 4. The Participant is threatened with loss of a home, or cooperative or condominium 

apartment, in which he resides, as a result of any foreclosure proceedings brought 

against him or any tax lien proceeding that is based on his failure to pay real estate taxes 

on such property. 

 5. Funeral expenses incurred because of the death of a Spouse, child, or parents. 

 
12 

How will your Individual Account balance be paid out?

If you are not married and the amount in your Individual Account is more than $3,500, your form 

of payment will be a single life annuity, unless you elect an optional form of payment. If you are 

married and the amount in your Individual Account is more than $3,500, your form of payment 

will be a qualified joint and 50% survivor annuity, unless both you and your spouse reject this 

form of payment within 90 days before your pension payment commences. 

(1) Single Life Annuity. A single-life annuity provides you with a lifetime monthly benefit with 

no further benefits payable upon your death. 

(2)Qualified Joint and 50% Survivor Annuity. This provides you with a lifetime monthly benefit 

and a lifetime monthly benefit for your surviving spouse if you die first, equal to 50% of your 

monthly benefit. No benefits are payable following the death of your spouse. 

The monthly annuity benefits will be provided by purchasing an annuity from an insurance 

company. The amount of your monthly benefit will be determined by the insurance company 

based on your Individual Account balance upon Retirement. 

If the amount in your Individual Account is $3,500 or less, your benefit will be paid in a lump 

sum, whether or not you are married.