International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Intl. (IBEW)

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 750,000 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. The IBEW was formed 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, 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. However, the IBEW is not about a growing business of organization, it’s a fraternity. The IBEW is made up of working men and women in the electrical industry, committed to bettering themselves and the industry.