"
We earnestly invite all workers belonging to our trade to come forward,
join our ranks and help increase our numbers, until there is no one
left
working at our trade outside our Brotherhood . . ."
In 1891, when this speech was delivered one in every two electricians
died on the job. The industry was growing rapidly and the only education
you got was on the job training. Safety was minimal and human life was
cheap. Wages were kept low enough to keep the workers needy.
One hundred and nine
years later safety, education and the quality of life has improved a great
deal for those working under the banner of the IBEW.
Unfortunately, there
are still those outside the Brotherhood working for less than what they
are worth and less than they are entitled to.
here are still employers
that will sacrifice your safety and health to save a dollar. There are
still those who will rob you of your daily wages in overtime. There are
still those who will cut corners in quality and service at the expense
of the customer and your reputation. There are still those who will exploit
the young and inexperienced for monetary gain.
As long as there
is a need for a safer, cleaner, fair and well paying workplace for the
tradesman, the IBEW will have its place in our community.
If you need advice,
have questions or want to know how you can build a better workplace for
you and your fellow tradesmen, call us, we are here to help. |