IBEW: An Industry Leader
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents more than 220,000 utility workers in local unions across North America. By securing contracts (or collective bargaining agreements) for our members, we help ensure good wages and fairness on the job for professionals engaged in every aspect of the industry: electricity generation, transmission, and distribution; natural gas and propane production, storage, transmission, and distribution; and water and waste water treatment.
Why IBEW?
The IBEW stands for quality workmanship and dedication. The professionals of the IBEW take pride in their work and are committed to setting new standards of excellence. Our more than 725,000 skilled members work in nearly every part of the economy: utility, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroad, and government. Formed in 1891 we have earned our reputation as one of the oldest, largest and most professional labor organizations in the world.
Our foundation is solid. The IBEW has worked to build an empowered workforce and partnered with employers to face the challenges of an evolving economy and developing technologies. Our priority is safety. Safety is a founding pillar of the IBEW. We vigorously advocate for effective and safe work standards and work closely with businesses, regulatory agencies, and labor organizations to reduce accidents both on and off the job.
IBEW members can be confident that as their industry continues to evolve, the Brotherhood will be there to help them face the challenges of the future.
Our trained, experienced staff of field representatives are skilled negotiators who know the utility industry. We devote full-time effort to aiding local unions and members with contracts and grievances.
We represent the majority of employees at:
- 83% Organized utilities in the United States and Canada.
- 70% Organized investor-owned utilities
- 96% Organized rural electric cooperative utilities
- 76% Organized municipal utilities
- 100% Organized federal government utilities