Member Driven

WHY "MEMBER-DRIVEN" ISN'T JUST A BUZZWORD UNDER SEAN BAGSBY

In many large organizations and historically even within the IBEW, it is the norm for decisions to be made strictly from the top down. Behind closed doors, leadership makes the calls, and the rank-and-file are simply expected to fall in line and accept the results. But over the last 13 years, Business Manager Sean Bagsby has intentionally disrupted that status quo at IBEW Local 46.

Sean knows that our Local's true power doesn't come from the executive offices; it comes directly from the members. That is why his administration has actively chosen to do the hard work of including the membership in the matters that affect our everyday lives. Building a truly member-driven local doesn't happen by accident, it takes a leader who intentionally pushes for transparency, inclusion, and empowerment at every level.

Here is how Sean is purposefully putting the power of the union directly into the hands of the members:

⚡️ Member-Driven Negotiations: Secret, top-down bargaining is a thing of the past. During the historic Limited Energy strike, Sean actively ensured the bargaining process was completely transparent, guaranteeing that all final decisions were made by the membership, not just the leadership. By intentionally empowering the rank-and-file with the facts, the unit achieved the highest voter turnout in its history. His commitment to honest, member-driven negotiations will never change.

⚡️ Empowering Every Voice at Every Level: Sean has actively pushed to open doors that were previously closed to the general membership. He intentionally restarted the Membership Volunteer Organizing Committee (MVOC) to give members true ownership over internal and external organizing. He also heavily champions our diverse member-driven committees—including the Women’s Committee, the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC), and the Veterans Committee—and has deliberately pushed for more rank-and-file participation on crucial boards like the PSE JATC Apprentice Interview Committee and Trustee Board.

⚡️ Protecting the Vulnerable: Recognizing that the worker condition is the human condition, Sean's administration has deliberately expanded what it means to support our members. He has actively bolstered support services to protect our most vulnerable members, including our LGBTQ+ community and members of color. By upgrading the Local 46 "Food Bank" into a comprehensive Family Support Services program and providing access to an in-house Union Counselor and Employee Assistance Program, Sean ensures we actively live by the motto that an injury to one is an injury to all.