Electrical Workers

About IBEW

The IBEW represents approximately 820,000 active members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government.  The IBEW has members in both the United States and Canada and stands out among the American unions in the AFL-CIO because it is among the largest and has members in so many skilled occupations.

IBEW was founded in 1891 by a group of electricians who wanted a safer workplace, fair wages and, in general, respect for the service they rendered their communities through their labors. In 1891 there were no training programs, no safety regulations, no medical plans, no pension or retirement plans, and nearly half of all electricians were being killed on the job. Because the IBEW nourished the needs of these workers, it has grown from a handful of pioneers to the largest electrical union in the world.