These are trying times for members of the IBEW's construction branch. Record unemployment, declining membership and an increasingly aggressive nonunion sector are slowly eroding IBEW's share of the market we once dominated. Lost work, declining wages and shrinking treasuries threaten the future of the Brotherhood.

In response to these challenges, the IBEW launched a new recovery program that is a blueprint for locals to help recapture the market niches that have been lost and to develop long-term strategies to go after the work our members are not currently doing. At its core is a new workplace model that reflects the reality of the 21st century construction industry—a model which is already translating into more jobs, more members and more work for the local unions that have implemented it.

Controversy accompanies any major change in most organizations. The IBEW's recovery program, which includes the use of construction wiremen and construction electricians (CEs/CWs) inside the electrical trade, is no different.

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The Electrical Worker looks at the issues from two perspectives. We report on how one California local has combined the new classifications into their existing structure to generate more jobs and more work.

We also discussed the recovery program and the new classifications with International President Edwin D. Hill. In the question-and-answer format interview, he answers some questions that members have been asking.

Read more: California Local Builds Consensus on
New Classifications

Read more: President Hill Discusses Recovery Agreements