For unions, operational funding comes directly (and exclusively) from the members in the form of Dues.

Presently membership dues are one hundred percent (100%) tax deductible,

Under the IBEW Constitution, the formula for determining the amount paid by the members is developed by the Local Union and approved by the general membership.

There can be no change to the dues formula without a vote of the membership where more than 50% of those voting support such a change.

There can be no special levies or assessments introduced or established by the Local Union without a vote of the membership where more than 50% of those voting support such a change.

Some Local Unions have fixed rates established while others calculate the dues based on the earnings of the member.

• Often, the fixed monthly amount fails to keep up with the ever-increasing costs faced by the resulting in periodic requests for dues increases - that are never popular.

• A dues formula based on a percentage of earnings provides increased operating income as wages were increased through negotiations and eliminates the need for increase appeals since our revenues would be automatically adjusted.

The Executive Board of Local 636 has set the dues structure at one percent (1.1%) of the member's gross monthly earnings - exclusive of overtime - plus the prevailing International Union per capita tax (which in 2011 was increased to $13/member/month)