May 2023

May Issue

Winning the Battle Against Right-to-Work 'We're Not Stopping With Michigan'

When Michigan repealed its so-called right-to-work law in March, it wasn't just a huge victory for working families in that state. It was a shot across the bow.

Prime Minister Pledges Anti-Scab Legislation During Local 213 Visit

Justin Trudeau used a fitting backdrop to pledge support for one of Canadian labor's highest priorities.

Your Work, in Focus - 2022 Photo Contest Winners

For a quarter-century, The Electrical Worker has asked you to send in pictures that showing how we are all bound together, and then vote on your favorites.

Appreciation - Fred Ross Jr.: One of Labor's Great Organizers, One of Our Own

Fred Ross Jr. from Vacaville, Calif., Local 1245 was one of the most celebrated organizers of his generation.

After Coming to U.S., Local 26 Member Lives Her Dreams Through IBEW

IBEW membership is a powerful tool for improving one's life. Claudia Achury's story is proof.

‘Exciting’ Agreement Brings Fiber Jobs to IBEW Lineworkers at Alabama Power

IBEW utility lineworkers in Alabama will soon be running fiber-optic cabling for broadband internet, thanks to a recent agreement with Alabama Power. The pact stands to have far-reaching job-growth and training implications for IBEW utility workers across the U.S.

‘Huge’ Win for Code of Excellence: On-Clock Training at Raytheon Plant

More than 2,400 Raytheon Technologies missile and defense workers are getting on-the-clock training on the IBEW’s Code of Excellence program, thanks to a years-long effort by the leaders of Waltham, Mass., Local 1505 and representatives from the Second District office.

 

April 2023

April Issue

A BEAUTIFUL TEAM:’ N.Y. Members Battle the Elements to Build Boom That Protects Region’s Power

Every year in late November or early December, media outlets in and around Buffalo, N.Y., report on the installation of a huge ice boom at the head of the Niagara River. For good reason, too. Without the arch and the IBEW members who install it, the entire region could be in harm's way.

Mentorships Build Solidarity and a Stronger IBEW

Years ago, New York Local 3 member Lowely Cheung had a problem. She had to do some wiring and was under a strict deadline. She needed a 10-foot ladder and was told they didn't have any that day, so she should just use the shorter ladder, which she would have to stand on top of, risking her safety.

Biden Praises IBEW in Economic Address at Local 26

When fourth-year apprentice B. Travis Brown got the call from Washington, D.C., Local 26 to introduce the president of the United States for a major speech at the hall, he almost didn't pick up. He's glad he did.

March 2023

March Issue

Outsmart and Outlast How a Local Turned a Years-Long Fight into a Victory for All Canadian Workers

The law in Canada couldn't be any clearer: Workers have the right to form unions, and companies must negotiate with them when they do.

Michigan Repeals Right-to-Work, Restores Prevailing Wage in Historic Win for Working Families

Michigan became the first state to repeal a right-to-work law in nearly 60 years when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill on March 24 that was passed by the state’s House and Senate earlier in the month.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Offers Ray of Hope for State’s Working Families

The Wisconsin Supreme Court election is one of the most important political races in the United States this year, promising to have a big impact on union members and working families.

IBEW Joins Landmark Labor Deal to Help Build and Run High Speed Rail From L.A. to Vegas

The IBEW has joined a coalition of labor unions to sign an agreement to build and run what is billed as the first truly high-speed passenger rail line in the U.S.

IBEW Sister Shines as Ambassador for Pre-Apprenticeships at State of the Union

A budding electrician had the hottest ticket in D.C. as President Joe Biden delivered a sweeping State of the Union speech that reported on record-breaking job growth and other unparalleled progress for American workers.

IBEW Benefit Funds Get New Leader Focused on Growth

The IBEW’s benefit funds had a change in leadership March 1, but members can be forgiven if they missed it.

Boston Local Organizes Convention Center Workers

Workers at Boston's convention centers have been dealing with subpar pay and poor working conditions for years. So when they got the chance recently to join Local 103, a group long known for its experience and for going to the mat for its members, they were all in.

In Ontario, Electrified Ferry Offers Glimpse of Future Marine Work

The conversion of an airport ferry from biodiesel to electric power could help carry more marine-based work to the members of St. Catharines, Ontario, Local 303 and beyond.

Utility Group Presents Stephenson with Prestigious Honor

Former International President Lonnie R. Stephenson's career received a fitting epilogue when the Edison Electric Institute awarded him its rarely issued Thomas A. Edison Legacy Award.

Michigan Senate Votes to Repeal ‘Right to Work,’ Reinstate PLAs

The Michigan Senate took a big step toward restoring workers’ rights in the state on March 14, when it voted to repeal the state’s right-to-work law and restore project labor agreements on public projects.

Training Program for Foremen Helps Fill Education Gap

The job of a foreman may come with a bigger paycheck, but a key downside to the job has been that it hasn’t historically come with an instruction manual.

New Manufacturing Charter in Iowa Aims to Make Member Service Easier

In September, the IBEW welcomed Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Local 1974 as one of the union’s newest chartered locals, representing hundreds of workers making mission-critical military and GPS products equipment.

Alabama Power Members Build House With Habitat for Humanity

IBEW members who work for Alabama Power joined a team of more than 100 volunteers to build a Habitat for Humanity home, a project that was completed in just 10 days.

New England Members Upgrade Nuclear Station

It's been decades since the Seabrook Nuclear Generating Station went online, providing clean baseload energy to customers in New England. And thanks to the work of IBEW members who navigated a long, complex project, the plant now has decades more to go.

February 2023

February Issue 

PGA Tour Entertainment Employees Choose IBEW, Long History of Excellence

The IBEW has had a strong relationship with its national broadcasting partners for decades. So, when PGA Tour Entertainment employees went looking for a union, they had a good idea where to turn.

Voting Now Open for IBEW Photo Contest

It’s that time of year. The nine finalists have been selected for the IBEW’s annual photo contest and, as usual, members have provided us with stunning images.

For the 31st Time, IBEW Technicians Responsible for Big Game’s Sites, Sounds

If it is Super Bowl Sunday, there’s a good chance IBEW members are playing a large role in the day. That will be the case again this year’s game, when the Philadelphia Eagles play the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 12.

January 2023

January Issue 

Detroit Tree Trimming Program Brings in New Workers, Garners International Attention

Detroit Local 17’s tree trimming program is one of only two Labor Department-certified apprenticeships in the country, and what makes it even more special is the relationship the local has with the Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson, Mich.

With IBEW Leading the Way, San Diego Voters Remove Ban on PLAs

San Diego voters on Nov. 8 approved Measure D, which overturned a ban on project labor agreements in the city.

Wins in Michigan Could Mean Farewell to State's Right-to-Work Law

The political adage "Elections have consequences" is going to be put on display in Michigan in ways that could benefit IBEW members and all working families, including a potential repeal of the state's so-called right-to-work law.

'Honored and Thrilled': IBEW Sisters Shine in Presidential Spotlight

The twinkle in President Joe Biden's eye and delight on his face said it all: Once again, an IBEW member had knocked his socks off.

Boston Local Swears In Its Most Diverse Apprentice Class Yet

When Boston Local 103 Business Manager Lou Antonellis swore in this year’s class of apprentices, he welcomed the most diverse class in the union’s history. And it wasn’t by accident.

Nebraska Local Helps Manufacturing Plant Get $70 Million Investment

Lincoln, Neb., Local 2366 members have been working at Schneider Electric for the past 50 years, but the coronavirus pandemic created an opportunity for the manufacturing plant’s workers to show just how essential they really are. And it helped spur a $70 million investment by the company.

Pennsylvania Locals Get Apprenticeship Funding

Two IBEW locals in Pennsylvania were awarded state funding exceeding $1 million for their apprenticeship programs.

IBEW Members Restore Power After Hurricane Fiona

IBEW members worked around the clock to restore power to Atlantic Canada after Hurricane Fiona battered the region in late September.

In Annual Showcase of Skills, IBEW Electricians Again Bring Home ‘Ideal’ Awards

IBEW apprentice and journeyman wiremen once again took several top honors at the annual Ideal National Championship, held Nov. 4-5 in Tampa, Fla.

Senate Confirms IBEW’s Klein to TVA Board

The U.S. Senate on Dec. 21 confirmed retired Tenth District International Vice President Robert Klein as one of six new directors on the governing board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, bringing a labor voice to the electrical utility serving nearly 10 million customers across a wide swath of the South.

$100 Billion Semiconductor Plant Is 'Erie Canal Moment' for IBEW, New York Economy

For two years, Syracuse, N.Y., Local 43 Business Manager Alan Marzullo was part of a small group working with state and civic leaders to convince Micron Technology to build a new semiconductor facility in their community..