Sixteen instructors at the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center in Portland have joined Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 11. NIETC voluntarily recognized the unit Feb. 25 after all the instructors signed a petition seeking recognition over several weeks.
Local 11 also represents clerical support staff at NIETC’s two sponsoring organizations, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 48 and the local chapter of National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
Local 11 Business Manager Howard Bell said the NIETC instructors wanted a union in order to get greater job security and schedule flexibility. Bargaining over a first contract is expected to start soon.
“We’re really excited about it and we’re looking forward to representing other training centers as well,” Bell said.
