Trystan Casey
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is a union that represents around 775,000 to 860,000 active members and retirees. It was founded in 1890 as the Electrical Wiremen and Linemen's Union No. 5221 in St. Louis, Missouri, and changed to its current name in 1899. The IBEW offers apprenticeship programs and training for electricians, linemen, and VDV installers, providing pathways to fulfilling careers, fair treatment, and job security. The union is committed to collective bargaining, diversity, inclusion, equity, and the highest standards in the electrical industry. It also negotiates strong health benefits and retirement security for its members. The current International President of the IBEW is Kenneth W. Cooper, who was appointed in 2023.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International President | Kenneth W. Cooper |
| Year of election | 2023 |
| Number of members | 775,000 (2020); 860,000 (2024) |
| Apprenticeship programs | Yes, in conjunction with the National Electrical Contractors Association |
| Training programs | Yes |
| Journal | The Electrical Worker |
| Founding location | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Founding year | 1891 |
| Founding name | National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (NBEW) |
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What You'll Learn
History
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is a labour union that represents nearly 750,000 workers and retirees in the electrical industry worldwide. The union also represents some workers in the computer, telecommunications, broadcasting, and other fields related to electrical work. The IBEW is based on the principle of collective bargaining and has 22 departments serving its members and retirees.
The IBEW's history can be traced back to 1890 when Henry Miller, an American electrical worker, saw an opportunity to organise electrical workers at the St. Louis Exposition. The Electrical Wiremen and Linemen's Union No. 5221 was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, in the same year. In 1891, a convention was held in St. Louis, leading to the formation of the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (NBEW) on November 21. The American Federation of Labor granted the NBEW a charter as an AFL affiliate on December 7, 1891.
The union's official journal, "The Electrical Worker," was first published on January 15, 1893, and has been in circulation ever since. In 1899, at a convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the union's name was officially changed to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The IBEW's membership peaked in 1972 at approximately 1 million members. However, the numbers declined throughout the 1970s and 1980s, stabilising later. As of 2020, the IBEW's membership stands at about 775,000 active and retired members across North America.
The IBEW has a long history of providing comprehensive training programs to its members. In 1941, the National Apprenticeship Standards for the Electrical Construction Industry were established jointly by the IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Federal Committee on Apprenticeship. Over the years, the IBEW has added various training programs and courses to keep up with new technologies, including an industrial electronics course in 1959 and an industrial nuclear power course in 1966.
The IBEW has a strong presence in the electrical industry and is committed to ensuring the professional growth of its members. The union has a vast network, extensive training programs, and dedicated representatives to support its members in their careers.
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Leadership
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is an international organisation based on the principle of collective bargaining. The IBEW's international president is Kenneth W. Cooper, who was appointed in 2023. The organisation is affiliated with the AFL-CIO, with Cooper serving on its Executive Committee. The IBEW's international officers direct the work of its 22 departments, which serve the members and retirees.
The IBEW's leadership has a long history, with the union's origins dating back to 1890 in St. Louis, Missouri. The union was officially formed in 1891 as the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (NBEW), and it received its charter as an AFL affiliate from the American Federation of Labor. The first full-time, paid president of the union was Frank Joseph McNulty, who was elected in 1903 and retired in 1919. The IBEW has since had numerous leaders, with membership peaking in 1972 at approximately 1 million members.
In recent years, the IBEW has seen a decline in membership, although numbers have stabilised. In 2020, membership stood at about 775,000, with the union representing workers in various fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, and manufacturing. The IBEW offers apprenticeship programs and training for its members, with a focus on keeping up with new technologies.
Under the leadership of Kenneth Cooper, the IBEW has achieved significant successes, including an increase in the National Electrical Benefit Fund and the successful campaign for the Butch Lewis Act, which secured retirement security for millions of workers. The IBEW's leadership has also fostered a commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging within its ranks, with various initiatives in place to support tomorrow's leaders.
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Membership
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 to 860,000 active members and retirees who work across a diverse range of industries, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads, and government. The IBEW's membership peaked in 1972, with around 1 million members, but experienced a slow decline throughout the 1970s and 1980s. This decline was partly due to the court-ordered breakup of AT&T in 1982, where the IBEW had a significant presence among telephone workers and in manufacturing facilities.
IBEW members enjoy numerous benefits, including enhanced career opportunities, comprehensive and affordable family healthcare, retirement security, and fair wages. The IBEW provides extensive training programs, apprenticeship programs, and a supportive community dedicated to the success of its members. The organisation is committed to ensuring its members have opportunities for professional growth and claims to offer the most comprehensive training in the electrical industry.
The IBEW also fosters diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging within its ranks. It has committees such as RENEW/NextGen, the Electrical Workers' Minority Caucus, women's committees, and veterans' committees, which promote mentorship and engagement among members. The IBEW's principles are rooted in collective action for the collective good, fair treatment, and ensuring a voice for all workers.
The IBEW's international president, Kenneth W. Cooper, leads the organisation and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The IBEW's international office consists of 22 departments that serve the members and retirees, working at the direction of the international officers. These departments include core branches, member records management, organising new workers, servicing local unions, and tracking legislation.
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Training
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is an international organisation based on the principle of collective bargaining. The IBEW is committed to ensuring that all its members have the opportunity to grow professionally and offers comprehensive training in the electrical industry.
The IBEW conducts apprenticeship programmes for electricians, linemen, and VDV (voice, data, and video) installers, in conjunction with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). These apprenticeships allow individuals to "earn while they learn" under the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC).
In Canadian jurisdictions, the IBEW does not deliver apprenticeship training but provides supplemental training for government-trained apprentices and journeypersons at little to no cost. Local IBEW chapters may require apprentices to register with the Joint Apprenticeship Council (JAC) for safety courses, pre-apprenticeship training, pre-trade school courses, supplementary training, and pre-exam courses.
The IBEW also offers extensive training programs and dedicated representatives to help members develop professionally and advance their careers. Their unique blended learning approach combines classroom instruction with online tools to provide ongoing education and support for students even after they have completed their formal training.
In addition to its focus on training, the IBEW also prioritises retirement security for its members. Through successful campaigns such as the Butch Lewis Act, the IBEW has ensured the retirement protection of millions of workers enrolled in multi-employer pension plans. The IBEW's National Electrical Benefit Fund has also grown significantly, further demonstrating its commitment to the financial well-being of its members.
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Benefits
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is an international organisation that represents approximately 775,000 to 860,000 active members and retirees. The IBEW offers a range of benefits to its members, including:
Training and Apprenticeship Programs
IBEW conducts apprenticeship programs for electricians, linemen, and VDV (voice, data, and video) installers, in conjunction with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). These programs allow apprentices to ""earn while they learn" under the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC). IBEW also offers extensive training programs to help members grow professionally and advance their careers.
Retirement Security
IBEW members enjoy stronger retirement security than their non-union counterparts, with nearly 100% of union members receiving retirement benefits through their jobs. The union has successfully campaigned for legislation like the Butch Lewis Act, ensuring the retirement security of millions of workers.
Higher Earnings and Fair Compensation
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, union members earn nearly 20% more than non-union workers. A union contract gives workers a say in their wages, benefits, and work rules, ensuring they receive their fair share.
Comprehensive and Affordable Healthcare
IBEW negotiates strong health benefits for its members, providing comprehensive and affordable family healthcare. This means workers can access the care they need without worrying about the costs.
Job Security and Stability
IBEW offers its members unwavering job security and support. The union fosters a positive and collaborative relationship with employers, leading to workforce stability, increased job satisfaction, and lower recruitment costs. A harmonious relationship with the union also encourages efficient conflict resolution and a cooperative approach to problem-solving.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Mentorship
IBEW is dedicated to increasing diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging within its ranks. It has committees such as RENEW/NextGen, the Electrical Workers' Minority Caucus, women's committees, and veterans' committees, which promote mentorship and engagement among members.
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Frequently asked questions
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is a union, and as such, it is owned by its members. The IBEW represents approximately 860,000 active members and retirees who work in fields like utilities, construction, telecommunications, and broadcasting. The current International President of the IBEW is Kenneth W. Cooper.
Members of the IBEW enjoy advantages such as comprehensive and affordable family healthcare, retirement security, and higher wages. The IBEW also offers extensive training programs and apprenticeship opportunities, providing a pathway to fulfilling careers and job security.
The IBEW was founded in 1891 in St. Louis, Missouri, as the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (NBEW). It was officially renamed the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1899. The union has a rich history spanning over 130 years, and its membership peaked in 1972 at approximately 1 million members.
