To opt out of BBF Local 1 dues:
- Enter your information into the form below and click “submit.”
- On the resulting page, click the link to open your customized form. You will also receive an email with a link to your form.
- Print the form. If you check the appropriate box about needing a printed version, we’ll mail you a copy of the form.
- Sign and date the form.
- Mail the completed form to the address at the top of the form. We highly recommend sending it via certified mail.
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (BBF) Local 1 is the designated union for over 400 boilermakers and craftsmen working in Illinois, in both the private and public sectors.
A private sector employee who disapproves of paying BBF Local 1 does not have the rights described below to end deductions but may be eligible to pay a reduced rate. The private sector employee who has a faith-based objection may also be allowed to donate to charity instead of paying union dues as described here.
Public sector employees who are employed by the certain private organizations are also represented by BBF Local 1.
For years, public employees have been forced to pay union dues as a condition of employment, allowing unions to take their members for granted. However, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that public employees can no longer be required to financially support a labor union against their will. (Janus v. AFSCME, 2018). Janus v. AFSCME, 585 US (2018)
Consequently, public employees may decline to pay these private organizations without losing their jobs or employer-provided benefits.
It is important to know that BBF Local 1 may continue to automatically withhold dues from employees pay even if they never signed up for membership in the first place. The best way to ensure the deductions stop is to submit a request to the union in writing.
You can opt out of BBF Local 1 dues by filling out the form above, printing it and mailing it to the union.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should receive some acknowledgement of your request from the union within a few weeks.
In most cases, union dues are automatically deducted from employees’ paychecks. Monitor your paychecks to make sure the dues deductions stop. If the deductions continue for more than a couple pay periods after submitting your opt-out request, contact the union.
Finally, keep in mind:
Opting out is your constitutional right. However, unions like BBF Local 1 sometimes place restrictions on when they will accept opt-out requests. If the union refuses to immediately cancel dues deductions from your pay, ask them to provide you with written documentation and contact us for assistance.
BBF Local 1 dues cost 4-8% of gross wages in addition to a flat rate cost of $645 per year. The average dues paid by a member in 2022 was $7,047.
Yes. BBF Local 1 has arranged to be the “exclusive representative” of its bargaining units, meaning it is impossible for workers to get out of the terms of the contract, even if they cease paying dues.
In exchange for the monopoly on this particular service, BBF Local 1 is legally obligated to represent all employees in the workplace, including those who choose not to join the union as members.
The collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union and your employer will continue to set the terms and conditions of your employment and the union will continue to represent you in grievances, contract enforcement, discipline assistance or other proceedings governed by the collective bargaining agreement.
No. Under state law, a union contract is binding on all employees in a bargaining unit, regardless of whether they are technically union “members.” Your compensation, health benefits, retirement, and anything else governed by the collective bargaining agreement will remain unchanged if you opt out of BBF Local 1.
While the terms of the contract will still govern your employment, union officials commonly prohibit nonmembers from participating in internal union affairs, such as attending union meetings, voting for union officers or participating in contract ratification votes. You’ll also be ineligible for any special “members only” benefits, such as discounts on additional insurance, scholarship programs, or deals the union has arranged with businesses. You may no longer receive the union newsletter or similar publications.
People have many reasons for not wanting to support the union. Some simply do not believe the services the union provides are worth the dues it charges. Others may find the union’s one-size-fits-all agenda does not serve them well because they are new to the profession, have a specialty that is not acknowledged in bargaining, or they believe their effectiveness is undercompensated. Some resent the union’s role in enabling and defending underperforming employees. Many find the union’s political activity and use of dues to advance partisan causes, candidates and ideology distasteful. Still others believe that union officials are corrupt and unaccountable to their membership.
Unions representing public employees are not governed by the usual consumer protection or anti-trust laws, so abuses are common. Unions can charge whatever they wish. They can spend dues money on anything they want. Often, they do not have to disclose how dues money is spent to members. They can speak for employees without consulting or informing them. They can injure some members’ interests while advancing the interests of others. Unions even have the ability to prevent employees from getting help in their workplace from other sources. They are not governed by any obligation to provide quality service, and almost never have to seek approval of the people they represent in an election to continue as the exclusive representative.
BBF Local 1 is a private organization with minimal obligations to disclose financial information to members.
However, the IRS requires unions’ 990 tax return to be a public document, and these can be found online at sites like this. BBF Local 1 reports using the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 36-1264124.
Additionally, a portion of your local dues typically fund several related organizations, such as state and national affiliates. BBF Local 1 is an affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (BBF), which is required to file annual financial reports with the U.S. Department of Labor that provide more detailed information about the union’s finances, including how much it spends on certain political and lobbying activities.
BBF Local 1
According to the most recent LM-2 report filed by the union, BBF Local 1 collected $3 million in dues and fees from members in fiscal year 2022.
In 2022 alone:
- $189,675 went to affiliated organizations like BBF’s national headquarters to support their massive political, economic and social agendas. BBF regularly supports a host of controversial organizations.
- $51,222 was spent on political activity and lobbying.
- $27,943 was paid or contributed to a variety of organizations, many of which are ideologically driven.
- $39,094 was spent on attorneys and private consultants.
- $22,998 was spent on food and catering.
BBF Local 1 paid 11 officers and employees in 2022, three of whom were paid six figures. Business Manager Eric Davis received $230,830. The union currently holds a cash stockpile of $7 million in cash assets.
BBF Local 1’s most recent LM-2 reports are available here: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019.
BBF (National Affiliate)
According to the most recent LM-2 report filed by the union, BBF collected $36.3 million in dues and fees from members in fiscal year 2022.
In 2022 alone:
- $1.5 million was spent by AFT on divisive political candidates, causes and lobbying.
- $$872,000 was paid or contributed to largely ideological organizations.
- $824,000 was spent on airfare, hotels, travel and transport.
- $1.2 million was spent on legal services and private attorneys.
- $22,000 was spent on food and catering.
BBF paid 120 officers and employees in 2022, 78 of whom were paid six figures. BBF international president Newton Jones received $656,179. Additionally, the union currently holds a stockpile of $15.8 million in cash assets.