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Break Thunder
IBEW Local 520 is conducting an urgent membership survey on rest break practices across our jurisdiction. Our members' working conditions are under attack and your response is a critical first step in our fight to protect them. This survey is the foundation of our response — every answer matters. Your responses are confidential and will be used solely for union representation purposes.
Your answers are CONFIDENTIAL and will be used solely for union representation purposes. Please answer every question as accurately and specifically as possible. If you are unsure of an exact date or number, provide your best estimate and note that it is an estimate.
SECTION A — MEMBER IDENTIFICATION
This section is for internal verification only. Your name will be de-identified before any materials are shared outside the union.
1.
Full Name:
2.
IBEW Card Number:
3.
Classification / Job Title:
(e.g., Journeyman Inside Wireman, General Foreman, Apprentice 4th Year, CE, etc.)
4.
Current Employer (or most recent signatory employer if currently out of work):
5.
Best contact phone number or email for follow-up:
SECTION B — UNION & EMPLOYER TENURE
This section helps establish how long you have been subject to the working conditions under this CBA.
6.
How long have you been employed by your current or most recent signatory employer?
7.
How long have you worked in the electrical construction industry overall?
8.
Are you currently working for a signatory NECA contractor?
Yes
No
Currently Unemployed / Hall
9.
If yes, which contractor are you currently working for?
SECTION C — BREAK PRACTICES BEFORE ANY CHANGE
This section documents your understanding of the established break practice BEFORE any changes were made by your employer. Be as specific as possible.
10.
How consistent were these breaks? Did all foremen and crews follow the same practice?
Always consistent across all crews / foremen
Usually consistent (minor variations)
Varied significantly by foreman or crew
Unsure
SECTION D — THE CHANGE: WHAT HAPPENED
This section documents what changed, when it changed, and how you were notified.
11.
Did your employer change, reduce, or eliminate your rest break(s)?
Yes — breaks were eliminated
Yes — breaks were reduced in minutes
Yes — breaks were rescheduled / moved
No change that I noticed
Unsure
12.
"Before any change, how many TOTAL PAID BREAK MINUTES did you receive in a standard 8-hour workday (not counting lunch)?"
0 Minutes
30 Minutes
60 Minutes
Clear
13.
After the change, how many TOTAL PAID BREAK MINUTES do you / did you receive in a standard 8-hour day?
0 Minutes
30 Minutes
60 Minutes
Clear
14.
If your break schedule before the change was different from what the slider above captures, briefly describe it here.
15.
HOW were you notified of this change?
Verbal from foreman
Written notice / memo
Posted on jobsite
Job Site Expectations / employee handbook
No formal notice — just happened
Other (describe below)
16.
"Did your employer or foreman attempt to get you or your coworkers to individually agree to, sign off on, or accept this change?"
Yes
No
I'm not sure
17.
If yes, describe what happened when you or others objected:
SECTION E — COWORKER KNOWLEDGE
Help us understand the scope of impact.
18.
Did this change apply to ALL employees on your jobsite or only to some?
All employees
IBEW members only
Certain crews / classifications only
Unsure
19.
Are you aware of other IBEW members who experienced the same break change?
Yes
No
Unsure
20.
If yes, please list their names and jobsites if you are comfortable doing so. You may also simply note 'Yes — multiple coworkers' if you prefer not to list names.
SECTION F — MARCH 4, 2026 MEETING (IF APPLICABLE)
This section is specifically relevant to the Big State Electric NFM jobsite. Answer No to if you were not present.
21.
Were you present at a morning meeting at the BSE / NFM jobsite on or around March 4, 2026?
Yes
No
Unsure of exact date
22.
Was the group asked to agree to or sign anything at that meeting?
Yes
No
Unsure
23.
If yes, describe what you were asked to agree to or sign:
24.
Did the group collectively refuse or object to the proposed change?
Yes
No
Unsure
25.
If yes, describe the group's response and any actions taken:
SECTION G — IMPACT ON YOU
26.
Are you willing to provide a signed written statement to support this grievance?
Yes — I am willing to sign a statement
Maybe — I want to talk to someone first
No
27.
Are you willing to testify if this case proceeds to arbitration or an NLRB hearing?
Yes
Maybe
No
I need more information before deciding
SECTION H — CALL TO ACTION: GET INVOLVED
The union is planning member actions to push back on this violation. Your participation strengthens our position at the bargaining table, in arbitration, and before the NLRB.
28.
Would you be willing to participate in a collective member action (e.g., attending a meeting, signing a petition ?
Yes, absolutely
Possibly — depends on what is asked
No
I want to talk to a rep first
29.
Is there anything else you would like the union to know about your experience with breaks or this situation?
THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING THIS SURVEY.
Your identity will be protected. This information is confidential union work product.
