The Electrical Workers Death Benefit Society (EWDBS) 83rd annual meeting was called to order in the JIB auditorium on February 10. Local 3 members in attendance voted to temporarily suspend the General Membership Meeting and commence the EWDBS meeting and election process. The incumbent slate of Officers and Directors was nominated and re-elected. ADM Division Chairman Raymond Ripley was nominated and elected at the meeting as the 20th member of the Board of Directors.
Treasurer Damon Armstrong read the annual report, including a history and overview of the EWDBS, to the members gathered in the auditorium. Net assets were reported at their highest ever, $67 million. The EWDBS was established on January 1, 1940, by the membership of Local Union 3, I.B.E.W. for payments of death benefits for members in good standing. It is overseen by four Officers elected every two years and 20 members on the Board of Directors, ten of whom are elected every year. The dues premium at the time of its founding was $1.70 and is still only $2.20. Cumulatively, this is enough to provide 100 percent of face value of the certificate, which doubles the beneficiary benefit, in addition to plans managed through the Joint Industry Board and the IBEW Pension Benefit Fund.
The EWDBS meeting concluded at 5:55 p.m., at which time the General Membership Meeting resumed.
It is vital that you confirm your benefit and beneficiary information. The form is available for download from Local 3’s website. If you need to change your beneficiary, the form must be completed properly, notarized, signed and received by the Electrical Workers Death Benefit Society (EWDBS). If you have any questions, please call 718-591-4400.
