Statement regarding IBEW Local Union 6 member John Ramondetta:

IBEW Local Union 26 absolutely DOES NOT CONDONE racism in any shape or form. We condemn racism and discrimination in any form, and its adherents. Our Local believes in, and acts in accordance, with the Constitution of the IBEW. IBEW Local 26 equally represents all members of the IBEW without regard to race, religion, creed, ethnicity, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

John Ramondetta is a traveler from IBEW Local 6 who signed our Book 2, presented a letter of good standing from the Business Manager of Local 6, and a current dues receipt. He was referred to work in accordance with the Local’s lawful non-discriminatory referral procedures.

As mentioned in Local 6’s letter, the authority of IBEW to discipline or otherwise hold a member accountable, does not extend to the expression of personal views or opinions of that member outside the workplace. Any action taken by Local 26 to restrict the use of our referral, because of Mr. Ramondetta’s speech, would be a violation of the Local’s referral rules, and labor law. Below you will see a communication from the Business Manager of IBEW Local 6 to Local 26.

Dear Messrs. and Brothers,

Here you will find a copy of IBEW Local Union 6’s public statement on Mr. John Ramondetta. You will note that nowhere in this statement does IBEW Local Union 6 ban, ‘blackball’, restrict Mr. Ramondetta’ access to our federally compliant hiring hall, exercise any disciplinary actions, or in any way seek to intimidate or threaten Mr. Ramondetta. To do so would be a violation of Mr. Ramondetta’s rights under federal and state law and thus would put the treasury of the Local Union in jeopardy, and open the officers of the Local Union to personal lawsuits by Mr. Ramondetta.

As was stated in August of 2017, “IBEW Local Union No. 6 is an inclusionary organization that at all times seeks to represent workers without regard to their race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, age and/or disability.

[…]

While IBEW Local Union No. 6 does not share the views and opinions expressed by John Ramondetta, we recognize that the Constitution of the United States allows him to express those views and opinions provided that he does so in accordance with the law. The authority of IBEW Local 6 to discipline or otherwise hold Mr. Ramondetta accountable does not extend to the expression of his views and opinions as an individual outside of the workplace.”

If you have any questions regarding the position of, and actions taken by, IBEW Local Union 6, please do not hesitate to reach out and ask. In an effort to help clarify the record, IBEW Local Union 6 grants permission to IBEW Local Union 26 to post a copy of our August 2017 statement and, if you feel necessary, the full contents of this email correspondence.

In Solidarity,

IBEW Local Union 6