Probationary Membership

PURPOSE
The purpose of this probationary member program is to provide rules for affiliated outside local unions of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, for establishing a sanctioned probationary member program. This program will be for the employment and training of Ironworker probationary members (non-journeyman and non-apprentice) to participate in related and on-the-job training, leading to being slotted in the Local Union Apprenticeship Program or being advanced to the appropriate journeyman classification.

MEMBERSHIP

1. All probationary members must pay monthly dues at the Apprentice dues rate in order to maintain membership. All applicants for probationary membership shall pay no less than one (1) months’ dues at time of application. The initiation and/or reinstatement fee shall be deferred until said applicant is accepted into the Local Union Apprenticeship Program or is advanced to the appropriate journeyman classification. Each applicant will be furnished a membership card reflecting probationary member classification and membership number from this International Association.
   
2. Probationary members shall be allowed to attend Local Union membership meetings, but will have no voice or vote in any Local Union matters.
   
3. Participation in this program does not guarantee admittance to a Local Union Apprenticeship Program or Journeyman membership in a Local Union of the International Association.
   

ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS
To be eligible for the probationary member program under these rules, an applicant must be:

1. At least eighteen (18) years of age.
   
2. Have an interest in the craft.
   
3. Able to read and comprehend typical construction safety signs and must be able to complete the requirements of related training.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
The recruitment, selection, employment and training of applicants, during their training as probationary members, shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. The sponsors will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in the probationary member program and will operate the program as required under Title 29 CFR Part 5 Federal and State Laws and regulations governing equal employment opportunity and parallel to Title 29 CFR Part 30 as well as Executive Order 11246.

CLASSIFICATION

1. Probationary member applicants shall be fairly classified with respect to previous work experience and applicable skills and knowledge. This will, however, in no way restrict organizing or recruitment of new members into the Local Union.
   
2. The probationary member classification shall be assigned to those individuals who meet the basic entrance qualifications. All individuals enrolled as probationary members under this program shall be evaluated by the Business Manager to determine their level of skill and the wage scale to which they are entitled in accordance with the terms and condition of this probationary member program. Each probationary member shall be paid a starting rate of not less than the beginning apprenticeship rate.
   
3. Within the first six (6) month period, all probationary members shall be evaluated by the Business Manager in conjunction with the Local Examining Committee for referral to the Local Union’s Apprenticeship Committee for placement in the Apprenticeship Program or elevated to journeyman status. No probationary member shall remain in the program for more than one (1) year without having been placed in the Apprenticeship Program, elevated to journeyman status or dropped from the program. Contractors or Organizers may make recommendations to the Business Manager in conjunction with the Local Examining Committee regarding the appropriate placement of a probationary member.
   

REQUIREMENTS

1. All probationary members shall be required to take the OSHA 10 hour course.
   
2. All probationary members shall be required to attend an orientation which will cover referral rules, fringe benefit plans and expectations of the probationary member, including obligations to the union.
   
3. A probationary member may be dropped from the program at any time for not meeting the requirements of the program or employer qualifications. All such decisions will be made by the Business Manager in conjunction with the Local Examining Committee. The Local Union is required to send written notification to the General Secretary’s office when a probationary member is dropped from the program.
   

WORKING HOURS
Probationary members will be allowed to be placed on all jobs covered by the Local Union Collective Bargaining Agreement except that under no circumstances shall any probationary member be allowed to work on a prevailing wage rate job unless they receive the journeyman’s wage rate as specified in the Local Union Collective Bargaining Agreement.