TJ Dick, Business Agent, Vice President and Organizing Director for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 571, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how the Local has grown, despite the challenges of organizing in Nebraska, a So-Called “Right to Work” state.
Local 571 represents about 800 members in the greater Omaha, Neb. region.
The key to considerable membership growth is to convince new members about the value of paying dues and the benefits from paying those dues, Dick said. He talked about working with signatory contractors and how their success ultimately benefits the membership. He added the contractors also benefit from working with the Union by obtaining a skilled and reliable workforce.
Dick also talked about Union retirement benefits and the value of receiving a defined pension, which can support a spouse in the event of a member’s death.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.