History & Structure

History & Structure Celebrating 125 Years of IBEW Excellence his is the story of the International Brotherhood of TElectrical Workers—one of hard work, skill, and courage. Our organization’s goal has remained steady since our beginning: to promote excellence in the electrical industry and improve our members’ lives. We hope that this story makes you proud of your union heritage and inspires you with the spirit of solidarity as we build the IBEW of the future. Th e IBEW Conventions that have shaped our union for more than a century serve as the framework for our history. Th e fi rst part of History & Structure off ers a chrono- logical record of important IBEW historical events and insight into our organization’s struggles and successes. Th e second part lays out how the IBEW is organized and explains our structure, from how we make our laws to how the IBEW’s local unions, districts, and International Offi ce work together to carry out the important work of the Brotherhood. Much can be learned from the history of our Brotherhood, and lessons from our past continue to shape our actions today. We will never forget all the work done by our pre- decessors to build and grow this organization. Th eir fi ght for a standard of living proportionate to their skills and integrity continues to this day.

International President, IBEW History & Structure Celebrating 125 Years of IBEW Excellence Contents

Part I: History of the IBEW Early Years: 1844–1896 3 Victory and Progress: 1897–1913 11 Growth, Depression, and Recovery: 1915–1940 15 World War II and the Modern Era: 1940–1998 21 IBEW in the 21st Century: 2000–2016 33

IBEW Conventions and Leaders 36 IBEW Per Capita Payments 37 IBEW Timeline 38

Part II: Structure of the IBEW Organization 45 Jurisdiction 49 Industries of the Brotherhood 51 Services of the International Offi ce 57

Part I History of the IBEW

1 Early Years 2 Victory and Progress 3 Growth, Depression, and Recovery 4 World War II and the Modern Era 5 IBEW in the 21st Century

1Early Years: 1844–1896

Th e International Brotherhood of Electrical Th e general public became increasingly aware Workers (IBEW) is the most established and of the possibilities of electricity when the extensive electrical union in the world, exist- telephone was introduced in 1876 and with ing as long as the commercial use of electric- Th omas Edison’s invention of the fi rst suc- ity. From the beginning, workers realized the cessful incandescent lamp in 1879. Electricity importance—and danger—of electricity. As the began to transform American life. In 1882, industry grew, electricians began organizing the fi rst U.S. central power station was built themselves and setting the stage for increased in New York City. Known as the Pearl Street safety measures, fair pay, and a better standard Generating Station, it was capable of lighting of living. 85 buildings. As public demand for electricity increased, the number of electrical workers continued to 1844–1880 grow. Where once only a few intrepid linemen THE DAWN OF ELECTRICITY handled electricity, many now appeared on the scene, along with wiremen, seeking their Th e telegraph was the fi rst electrical accom- life’s work. Th is rapid expansion of the electric plishment of commercial importance, and it power and light industry kept demand for Workers laying transformed the practical application of elec- labor high. However, employers kept wages tubes for electric tricity, which most people of the time believed low by hiring an untrained workforce. Without wires in the streets to be an interesting but dangerous experiment. of New York City; proper training, the industry was overrun illustration from For the fi rst time, messages could be trans- by individuals with inadequate skills and Harper’s Weekly, mitted to people over great distances. In 1844, insuffi cient knowledge to practice the trade 1882 the fi rst telegraph wires were strung between with proper regard for safety—making an Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland, carrying the famous message of Samuel Morse, “What hath God wrought?”

An Industry Is Born In 1848, the fi rst telegraph station was built in Chicago, Illinois. By 1861, a web of telegraph lines spanned the United States; and in 1866, the fi rst permanent telegraph cable was successfully laid across the Atlantic Ocean. Hiring linemen to string the new network of wires was a necessity, and young men across the land fl ocked eagerly to be a part of this new and exciting profession.

3 1890 THE BEGINNINGS OF BROTHERHOOD

In 1890, the St. Louis Exposition, an annual agricultural and technical fair, featured electrical wonders of the era. Wiremen and linemen from all over the United States fl ocked to St. Louis, Missouri, the fourth largest city in the United States at the time, to wire the buildings and erect the exhibits.

Th e exposition workers got together at the end Henry Miller, of each long workday and talked about the toil founding father and conditions for those in the electrical indus- of the IBEW try. Th e story was the same everywhere: Th e work was hard, the hours were long, and the already dangerous job more risky. Th e surge pay was spare. It was common for a lineman toward unionism was born out of the industry’s to risk his life on the high lines in all kinds of deplorable safety conditions and workers’ weather for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Two demand for higher standards and pay. dollars and fi ft y cents a day was considered an excellent wage for wiremen, and many electri- Early Signs of Unity cal workers were forced to accept work for just Beginning in 1870, many small electrical $8 a week. However, skilled laborers in other unions were organized, only to disappear trades earned more. By comparison, plumbers shortly thereaft er. By 1880, enough telegraph in large cities averaged a daily wage of $3.37 linemen had organized themselves to form and bricklayers and masons earned an average a local assembly, which affi liated with the of $3.88 per day. Knights of Labor, an important labor organi- Another concern was that there was no train- zation of the day that was established in 1869. ing, and safety standards were nonexistent. In A few more local assemblies were organized, some areas, the mortality rate for linemen was and a district council was formed. In 1883, this council called a strike against the Western one out of every two hired, and the national Union telegraph company, demanding 8-hour mortality rate for electrical workers was twice workdays, an increase in pay, and equal pay the national average for all other industries. for women. Th e strike failed aft er 1 month and broke up the fi rst known attempt to organize A Union Forms electrical workers. A union was the logical answer for the many problems facing these workers; so the small Despite the defeat, the desire for workers to group of electricians meeting in St. Louis unite remained strong. In 1884, a group of sought help from the American Federation linemen formed an organization called the of Labor (AFL) to unionize. An organizer United Order of Linemen. Th e group was named Charles Kassel was assigned to help headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and was them, and in 1890 the group was chartered as able to organize a considerable number of line- the Electrical Wiremen and Lineman’s Union, men in the Midwest and western United States. No. 5221, or the AFL Federal Labor Union However, it was not until a few years later that 5221. A St. Louis lineman, Henry Miller, was our Brotherhood would be formed. elected president.

4 Early Years: 1844–1896 It was apparent to Miller and the other work- 5. M. Dorsey, Milwaukee ers at the exposition that their small union 6. T.J. Finnell, Chicago was merely a starting point. Only a national 7. E. Hartung, Indianapolis organization of electrical workers with ju- 8. F. Heizleman, Toledo risdiction covering the entire industry could 9. Joseph Berlowitz, Philadelphia win better treatment from the large corporate 10. H. Fisher, Evansville telephone, telegraph, electric power, electrical contracting, and electrical equipment Th e IBEW now recognizes these delegates as manufacturing companies. our founding fathers. Th ey met in a small room above Stolley’s Dance Hall in a poor section Early Leaders Set the Pace of the city. It was a humble beginning—only a Henry Miller was a man of remarkable courage tiny fraction of the trade seemed interested in and energy. J.T. Kelly, the fi rst secretary of our building a national union, and no representa- Brotherhood, said of Miller, “No man could tives of southern or western workers attended have done more for our union in its fi rst years the meeting. Th e handwritten report of that than he did.” Miller packed his tools and an convention records Henry Miller’s thoughts: extra shirt in an old carpetbag and rode the rails to many U.S. cities to work the trade. Th e At such a diminutive showing, there nat- receiving committee for Miller’s arrival in a city urally existed a feeling of almost despair. was oft en a “railroad bull”—a policeman who Th ose who attended the Convention will Stolley’s Dance chased him and tried to put him in jail for his well remember the time we had hiding Hall, site of the unauthorized mode of travel. IBEW’s First from the reporters and trying to make it Convention Nonetheless, Miller persevered. Everywhere appear that we had a great delegation. he went, he organized the electrical workers he met into local unions. Largely because of Miller’s work, a great deal was accomplished in that fi rst year of the union. Local unions chartered by the AFL and other electrical unions were organized all over the United States, including Chicago; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Evansville and Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; New Orleans, Louisiana; Cincinnati and Toledo, Ohio; Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Duluth, Minnesota; and New York City.

1891 THE FIRST CONVENTION

Th e First Convention was called in St. Louis on November 21, 1891. Ten delegates attended, representing 286 members: 1. Henry Miller, St. Louis 2. J.T. Kelly, St. Louis 3. W. Hedden, St. Louis 4. C.J. Sutter, Duluth

History & Structure 5 Although the delegates were disappointed by the Th e fi rst constitution continues to serve as the turnout, they projected a strong front and their basis for the governance of our Brotherhood. bluff succeeded: Newspapers reported that near- Its preamble outlined the goals that motivat- ed our union’s founders. Th ese far-reaching ly 100 men took part in the proceedings. and altruistic intentions are referred to as the Th e adopted name for the organization Objects of the International Brotherhood of was the National Brotherhood of Electrical Electrical Workers, and they have been re- tained, except for slight changes in language, by Workers (NBEW). Th e delegates to that First every convention of the IBEW. Convention worked night and day for 7 days draft ing the NBEW’s fi rst constitution, laws, Th e NBEW Constitution vested considerable ritual, and emblem. Th e image of a fi st grasping executive power in the offi cers, but such power was rarely exercised in the early years of the lightning bolts is still used as the IBEW logo. Brotherhood. Th e offi cers were not paid regular salaries and earned their living working at their trade. Traveling organizers only received reimbursement for expenses if the union could aff ord it. Despite their personal sacrifi ces, the The Objects of the International offi cers were unable to devote suffi cient time to Brotherhood of Electrical union business to ensure that all local unions Workers complied with the provisions of the constitution. As a result, large numbers of unskilled and incompetent workers were among the Brotherhood’s early membership. ○ To organize all workers in the entire electrical industry in the United States In order to raise standards in the trade, the and Canada, including all those in public draft ers of the NBEW Constitution estab- utilities and electrical manufacturing, into lished an apprenticeship system that required local unions; a minimum of 3 years of training under the ○ To promote reasonable methods of work; supervision of a journeyman before an appli- cant could become eligible for membership. ○ To cultivate feelings of friendship among those of our industry; Th e apprenticeship also limited the ratio of the number of apprentices to the number of ○ To settle all disputes between employers journeymen. Later, the term apprenticeship was and employees by arbitration (if possible); extended, and an apprentice was required to ○ To assist each other in sickness or distress; pass an examination before being admitted to membership in a local union. ○ To secure employment; ○ To reduce the hours of daily labor; During this time, the delegates also made plans for a death benefi t and established a per capita ○ To secure adequate pay for our work; tax of $0.10 per month to fi nance the orga- ○ To seek a higher and higher standard of nization. Also signifi cantly, they formed an living; Executive Board, which would go on to become ○ To seek security for the individual; the International Executive Council (IEC). Th e Convention elected Henry Miller as the fi rst ○ And, by legal and proper means, to Grand President and J.T. Kelly as the Grand elevate the moral, intellectual, and social Secretary-Treasurer. conditions of our members, their families, and dependents, in the interest of a higher A motion to affi liate with the AFL passed at the standard of citizenship. First Convention. Th e AFL granted a charter

6 Early Years: 1844–1896 on December 7, 1891, which gave the NBEW sweeping jurisdiction over electrical workers in every branch of the trade and industry.

1892–1896 BUILDING SOLIDARITY

Th e new national union struggled financially. It had to be fi nanced with a $100 loan from the hand, they established a $50 funeral benefi t St. Louis local union. Th e leadership depended payment for members as well as a $25 funeral Th e masthead on their own resources to gain new members benefi t for members’ wives. Th ey also agreed of one of the fi rst editions of and keep the Brotherhood solvent. However, to pay the Grand Secretary-Treasurer $900 per Th e Electrical year, making him the fi rst paid staff member. the lack of money and bitter resistance by Worker employers to organizing were counterbalanced Also at the 1892 Convention, the fi rst women by the vigor and determination of its mem- became members of the union. Four years later, bers. Charles P. Ford, a longtime International when only one organizer was on the NBEW Secretary of the IBEW, commented: payroll, a second, Mrs. Mary Honzik of St. Th is was the time and manner in which Louis, was hired. Th is development gave our the Brotherhood was born. Th ere was little Brotherhood the distinction of being the fi rst to encourage this small group of dedicated union to have a female organizer on its staff . and determined men. Th e opposition to From the earliest days, our Brotherhood unions at that time was active and bitter. recognized the importance of communication Th e obstacles seemed unsurmountable. within the union. Th e Second Convention also Hearts less courageous would have given authorized the publication of a journal. Th e up in despair. fi rst edition of the journal, titled Th e Electrical In the fi rst year of the Brotherhood’s existence, Worker, was issued on January 15, 1893. Th e Grand President Miller is said to have visited name and format have changed over the years, every major city in the eastern United States on but this offi cial publication has been published his own dime, from New Orleans, Louisiana, continuously ever since. Currently published to Boston, Massachusetts, adding 35 local as a newspaper, Th e Electrical Worker mast- unions to the Brotherhood. Grand Secretary- head you see today is an adaptation of that of Treasurer Kelly handled the operations from St. the fi rst edition. In an early convention report, Louis. Th eir only rewards at the time were the Grand Secretary-Treasurer Kelly, appealing satisfaction of expanding the organization and for fi nancial support for the journal, noted the knowledge that they were working to wipe that, “We could not have managed to keep our out the injustices of the electrical industry and Brotherhood intact through these early years if create a better life for all who sought a living it were not for our magazine.” from it. The Third Convention The Second Convention By 1893, the Brotherhood had more than 61 When the Second Convention met in Chicago local unions and 10,000 members. However, in 1892, the Brotherhood had 43 member the union gained and lost members and local unions chartered; nearly 2,000 members; and unions frequently, in part because the elec- $646.10 in the treasury. Th e eff orts of our trical industry was hostile toward organized founders fi nally began to pay off . With the idea labor. Employers frequently discharged active that benefi ts and brotherhood went hand in union members to warn other workers of the

History & Structure 7 dangers of unionism. With obligations to meet, In 1894, Grand Secretary-Treasurer Kelly re- but with inconsistent funds coming in, the ported a loss for the year of $468.50, which was NBEW became fi nancially unstable. Despite covered by personal loans from members and the hardship, it was of utmost importance local unions. Considering the many obligations to take care of members and their families. that needed to be met, Kelly wrote, According to the specifi c, longhand accounts It was under such circumstances, when the of Grand Secretary-Treasurer Kelly’s ledger, all very life of the organization depended on obligations of those fi rst years were met. Many it, that I mortgaged my household eff ects electrical workers died in those early days, and and building association stock to meet the widow of every member in good standing the checks and get out the Journal with received a death benefi t. proceedings of the Convention . . . Th e country at this time was plunging into a se- It became clear at the Th ird Convention that vere economic depression. Despite these fi nan- there was a divide in the membership of the cial troubles, those at the Convention resolved union: Wiremen and linemen were organized to keep the Brotherhood alive. Th e Th ird into separate local unions in cities where the Convention voted to recommend an increase membership was large enough. As a result, in per capita tax to $0.15, which the members there were frequent arguments over which subsequently approved. Members also voted by branch had the right to enroll members of other referendum that year to hold conventions every branches of the trade that were not numerous 2 years, instead of annually, to save money. enough to organize local unions of their own. Th e depression did not help to bolster the Although unsafe working conditions and position of organized labor. Hostile employ- substandard wages continued, the safety record ers and anti-labor prejudice became almost for electrical workers did begin to improve as a insurmountable. Beatings and blacklistings result of the apprenticeship system established were commonplace. Members concealed their by the NBEW Constitution. “tickets” (or union cards) in their shoes as they traveled from place to place seeking employ- 1895 Convention ment. One account recalls the experience of a As diffi cult conditions took their toll, the member traveling by boxcar to Cripple Creek, Brotherhood was at a low ebb. When the 1895 Attendees of Colorado, to fi nd work. He was dragged from Convention opened in Washington, DC, only IBEW’s Th ird the car and searched; when an NBEW card was 12 delegates answered the roll call. Th e treasury Convention, found in his pocket, he was chained to a tree, showed a defi cit of $1,016. Th e union had lost 1893 whipped, and shipped out of town on the next 600 members and 29 local unions. However, freight train. Grand Secretary Kelly kept the union afl oat with his strength and encouragement, along with a few other members who refused to abandon their dream of a strong national union and a better life for all electrical workers. Th e delegates to the 1895 Convention corrected some past mistakes and established a sounder fi nancial policy for the Brotherhood. Th e funeral benefi t covering a member’s spouse, which proved too heavy a burden for the treasury, was abolished. Th e minimum initiation fee was increased to $5, and the per capita tax was raised to $0.25 per month per member. In

8 Early Years: 1844–1896 Henry Miller’s death notice, Evening Star, July 11, 1896

addition, because of a steady increase in work and wide range of administrative and fi nancial Miller suff ered an electrical shock and fell from duties, the offi ce of Grand Secretary-Treasurer a power pole, striking his head. Newspaper was separated into two positions. Delegates to accounts stated that he remained conscious, the 1895 Convention voted to elect offi cers to was carried to his rooming house and treated the newly created positions of Grand Secretary by a doctor, and died about 8 hours aft er the and Grand Treasurer. accident. At the time of his death, Miller had very little money, and his burial was paid for 1896 by the Potomac Electric Power Company. THE END OF AN ERA According to the many friends he made while organizing workers and working as a lineman, On July 10, 1896, the man who began our Brother Miller oft en went without food and Brotherhood, Henry Miller, died from an deprived himself of needed clothing so his accident while working for the Potomac earnings could benefi t the NBEW. He is buried Electric Power Company. As the head lineman in Glenwood Cemetery in Washington, DC, of a crew repairing storm damage, Brother Section F, Range B, Site 179.

History & Structure 9

Victory and Progress: 21897–1913

Th e 1897 Convention, held in Detroit, When the 1901 Convention met, the Grand Michigan, proved that the courage of those Secretary reported that unauthorized strikes who persevered despite great odds had not were so numerous that year—as many as 40 been in vain. By that time, work had become at one time—that he was unable to keep an more plentiful, membership had increased to accurate record. International leadership was 1,700 members, and the Brotherhood treasury reluctant to suspend local unions for disregard- showed a surplus. Th e emerging manufacturing ing obligations when their dues and support and telephone industries brought new types were so critically needed. However, the lack of of workers into the Brotherhood, including discipline discredited the organization in the telephone operators, crane operators, and eyes of employers. semiskilled factory workers. Th e demographics Members at the 1903 Convention voted for of the union began to change as women joined a full-time salary for the Grand President so the IBEW in larger numbers; and in 1897, that he could dedicate his time solely to the Local Union 80—the fi rst all-women’s local interests of the union. Th ey also elected Frank union—was chartered in Cleveland, Ohio. J. McNulty as Grand President. Putting the Looking to the north, the offi cers of the NBEW Grand President on salary transformed the sent an organizer to Canada, and a success- Brotherhood from a tenuous association into a ful campaign to organize began across the coordinated and eff ective organization. border. With its infl uence extended interna- During its formative years, the IBEW was tionally, the name of the union was changed based in the city in which its president lived, from the National Brotherhood of Electrical and headquarters changed frequently. During Workers to the International Brotherhood of McNulty’s Grand Presidency, the IBEW’s base Electrical Workers at the 1899 Convention. of operations was fi xed in Springfi eld, Illinois. On December 20, 1899, Local Union 93 of Ottawa, Ontario, became the fi rst IBEW local McNulty was determined to enforce the pro- union in Canada. visions of the IBEW Constitution, particularly those that dealt with relations between the union and employers. All cases of infraction 1901–1905 were promptly punished. In a short time, the THE IBEW TAKES SHAPE organization gained prestige as employers were assured that contracts made with local unions By the turn of the century, expansion of the would be respected and enforced. electrical industry meant more than an increase in supply and demand. It resulted in Enforcement of the IBEW Constitution also concentrating economic and social power in favorably aff ected the Brotherhood’s growth. the hands of large corporations, who did not Illegal and unsuccessful strikes had discour- share their profi ts with workers. aged many members and forced them to

History & Structure 11 seek employment wherever they could fi nd 1906–1912 Attendees of it. Aft er an unsuccessful strike, many local DISSENTING FORCES the special unions found themselves almost entirely Reid-Murphy Convention, 1911 disorganized and left the Brotherhood. Under In 1906, events took place that set the stage McNulty’s leadership, many diffi culties that for a major division within the Brotherhood. would have formerly resulted in strikes were Several members of Philadelphia’s local union peacefully settled, and membership turnover launched a strike against Bell Telephone greatly decreased. because of declining work conditions and workplace abuse. James Reid, Vice President of Th e 1903 Convention brought another trans- the Th ird District, coordinated the strike and formative change: the creation of regional dis- petitioned McNulty for additional funds. tricts within the Brotherhood. Th e precedent for this action had been set in 1902, when local When the funds sent by the International unions on the West Coast formed the Western Offi ce were depleted, and the Bell Telephone Conference and used its resulting power to strike spread to the Midwest, thousands of launch a successful strike against the Pacifi c dollars in benefi ts had been spent. McNulty States Telephone and Telegraph Company. asked Reid to consider raising strike benefi ts IBEW’s International Offi ce took notice and among the Th ird District’s employed members; created districts to strengthen organizing and but Reid refused and countered by asking the bargaining eff orts. Grand President to assess the entire membership, which was also rejected. Reid then By 1905, the total dues-paying membership suggested that McNulty issue an appeal to the had increased to 24,000, with 12,247 new AFL for assistance. When asked, the AFL in- members having been initiated during the pre- stead elected to meet with Bell Telephone and ceding 2 years. Th e Brotherhood was not only force a settlement, a decision that the Grand recruiting members—it was retaining them. President approved.

12 Victory and Progress: 1897–1913 In 1907, Reid called for a general strike, but the change of the titles of “Grand President” and McNulty refused to bring it to a vote on the “Grand Secretary” to “International President” Executive Board, citing insuffi cient funds. Reid and “International Secretary,” refl ecting the saw these decisions to be a battle line drawn Brotherhood’s reach beyond the borders of the between outside workers and wiremen (such United States. as Reid and the Bell Telephone strikers) and linemen (such as Grand President McNulty). Although the AFL recognized just one In 1908, the IBEW was in relatively good con- faction, the Reid- dition—with paid offi cers, a treasury balance, Murphy group In 1912, the Reid-Murphy and strong organization. However, the inter- remained strong. split ended when a court nal struggle playing out between McNulty In 1911, two con- and Reid resulted in the secession of a large ventions were held, decision declared the percentage of the Brotherhood. Th e confl ict one for each fac- was additionally stimulated by members dis- tion. Photos in the special Reid-Murphy appointed by failed runs for offi ce, a former IBEW archives Convention illegal and its Grand Treasurer who was removed from offi ce show that the Reid- in 1907 because of irregularities found in his Murphy Convention actions void. work, and a faction of employers who wanted was larger than the to destroy the fast-growing union. Known as McNulty-Collins the Reid-Murphy split, named for Reid and Convention. James Murphy, the two offi cers elected by the It is estimated that the Reid-Murphy group seceding faction, this struggle divided the controlled three-fourths of the organized elec- Brotherhood for 6 years. However, the true offi - trical workers in the United States and Canada cers of the Brotherhood during this time were for a time. In March 1912, the Reid-Murphy Frank J. McNulty and Peter W. Collins. split ended when a court decision declared the Many local union representatives attended special Reid-Murphy Convention illegal and its a special convention called by the dissent- actions void; union funds were restored to the ing faction in 1908. Th ey refused to recog- AFL-recognized group. nize Grand President McNulty and Grand Secretary Collins, instead electing J.J. Reid as 1912–1913 President and J.W. Murphy as Secretary. Th e UNION SPIRIT SURVIVES Reid-Murphy group secured an injunction to prevent the disbursement of the IBEW’s funds. Th e 1913 Convention held in Boston was the Th e McNulty group secured another injunc- fi rst convention aft er the Reid-Murphy split tion to forestall seizure of the International and included nearly all of the local unions that Offi ce and its operations. AFL President had seceded. In his report to the Convention, Samuel Gompers unsuccessfully attempted to McNulty, now a 10-year veteran as head of the reconcile the groups and subsequently rec- IBEW, tried to bind the wounds of secession ognized the McNulty-Collins faction as the and inspire the members to carry on in a true legitimate Brotherhood. spirit of unionism. Th e offi cial 1909 Convention, held in Chicago, Once more in possession of its funds and Illinois, was dominated by business brought with AFL backing, the IBEW gradually won about by the Reid-Murphy secession. Th e AFL back its full membership. Th ose who left the sent a delegate to pledge support for Grand Brotherhood with Reid and Murphy returned President McNulty and Grand Secretary with credit for whatever standing they would Collins. Additionally, the 1909 Convention saw have enjoyed had they never seceded, as well

History & Structure 13 as 12 months’ credit in the payment of death Brotherhood as early as 1892, this large group Attendees of the benefi ts. Th ose who joined the secessionists but of female electrical workers ushered in a new McNulty-Collins were never in the IBEW received the same. era. No longer would female members be con- Convention, 1911 sidered second class. Th e 1913 Convention, attended by delegates representing 18,500 members, again attempted By 1913, Local 1A led the industry, establishing to put the Brotherhood on a fi rmer fi nancial a collective bargaining agreement and win- standing by voting to recommend an increase ning an 8-hour work day and paid vacations. in per capita tax from $0.30 to $0.40. Th at Impressed by this success, male and female action, as well as all convention actions except telephone workers throughout New England the election of offi cers, had to be submitted began to organize, marking a new chapter in to the membership for approval. Although IBEW’s history. the per capita tax and other constitutional amendments passed at the 1913 Convention, it was becoming increasingly diffi cult to eff ect organizational changes with the requirement of membership approval in place.

Th e Brotherhood’s turmoil did not stop North America’s demand for electricity from expanding, especially as telephones became more in demand. A sizable workforce grew within the telephone industry. Telephone operators—most of them women—became a growing presence in the IBEW at this time. When female operators from Boston joined the Brotherhood in 1912 as Local 1A, the local union became the third largest in the IBEW with 2,500 members. Although women were admitted to the

14 Victory and Progress: 1897–1913 Growth, Depression, and 3Recovery: 1915 –1940

While our Brotherhood continued to restore of Electrical Workers and Operators in 1915. its unity, membership exploded from 23,500 In addition, an amendment passed in 1918 in 1913 to 148,072 in 1919. Many factors established a separate Telephone Operators’ contributed to this growth, but the most Department. Th is department had its own lead- signifi cant by far was World War I and the ership, its own journal, and its own fi nancing. resulting demand for electricity to support the war eff ort. Our Brotherhood could provide To avoid the requirement of burdensome ref- mechanics trained to handle electricity and erendum votes for decisions, a constitutional could quickly train more. Ranks swelled as the amendment adopted in 1918 declared all con- call went out for IBEW members to perform vention actions fi nal, except when the conven- the vital role of building the United States’ fi rst tion voted to refer a matter to the membership “Arsenal of Democracy.” for consideration. Th is change is credited with allowing a more eff ective and effi cient operation of the Brotherhood, curtailing contentious 1915–1918 political maneuvers and fractious circular A NEW ERA OF CHANGE discourse. Th us, the amendment enabled the offi cers to focus their attention on the jobs that Th e IBEW’s 1915 Convention was held in St. they were elected to perform. Paul, Minnesota, and the 1917 Convention took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Th e delegates’ decisions on actions at both 1919–1920 conventions were defeated when submitted to a THE COUNCIL ON INDUSTRIAL referendum vote. RELATIONS

Although the IBEW had been trying to orga- Shortly aft er the end of World War I, the open- nize railway electrical workers for years, only shop movement—also called the “American 25 percent of railway workers were IBEW Plan” in the United States—took hold. Th e members before World War I. When the fed- open-shop movement branded unions as un- eral government took over railroads in 1917, a American, adversarial, and ineffi cient. As a policy of collective bargaining with employees result, the IBEW and fellow union members was adopted, and 90 percent of this workforce in the AFL were targeted by anti-union became IBEW members. propaganda and union-busting tactics. At this point in IBEW history, uninterrupted During this period, employers attempted to telephone service became a national priority, destroy the labor movement through legal and and telephone operators were the most dy- not-so-legal means. Th ey campaigned nation- namic sector of the union. Th e sizable num- wide against unions, resulting in the passing ber of IBEW operators led the Brotherhood of restrictive laws and court injunctions and to rename its monthly magazine the Journal the use of strikebreakers and spy agencies to

History & Structure 15 diffi culties in labor–management relations. A contractor proposed that members of the club meet with a committee from the IBEW to draft a “national labor agreement” that would benefi t both groups. A joint committee, including representatives from the IBEW and the Conference Club, met in March 1919 to consider this proposal. Th e joint committee decided that a labor agreement between them was not essential, but that an environment where they could conduct open discussions and resolve their diff erences was necessary. Th e Conference Club persuaded weaken solidarity. Frequent bombings and the National Association of Electrical Local Union beatings terrorized union members and would- Contractors and Dealers (NAECD; later 134 members renamed the National Electrical Contractors in Chicago, be members. Association [NECA]) to become the signatory circa 1920 With the war over, unemployment rose and employer organization, an action affi rmed by IBEW’s membership fell to 56,349 by 1925—a NAECD’s July 1919 Convention. Th e IBEW’s loss of 91,723 members in 6 years. 1919 Convention likewise approved the Declaration of Principles that created the CIR. At the 1919 Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, the IBEW established an Th e CIR, organized in 1920, had the same International Strike Fund, which was fi nanced requirements that exist today, including equal by collecting $0.14 per month from each representation by employer and union, disputes member and the appropriation of half of all submitted voluntarily, and a unanimous vote initiation fees. Also at this convention, the on all decisions. Th e council was a milestone membership decided to protect the funds of in IBEW history: Like a “supreme court” of IBEW local unions by uniformly bonding the electrical construction industry, the CIR fi nancial offi cers of all local unions through has settled thousands of disputes without the International Offi ce. Th is change went into striking. Th e CIR is credited with providing eff ect in January 1920. critical stability in the construction branch of our Brotherhood, a development that other Th e 1919 Convention is additionally remem- labor-management groups seek to emulate to bered as the membership body that took an this day. historic step forward in its labor–management relations by setting the stage for the creation of the Council on Industrial Relations (CIR). 1920 Charles Ford, IBEW’s International Secretary FINDING A PERMANENT HOME at the time, was chiefl y responsible for devising the plan with electrical contractors that eventu- In March 1920, IBEW headquarters perma- ally became the CIR. nently relocated to Washington, DC, where numerous international unions were estab- Th e idea for the CIR was conceived as early lishing offi ces near the seat of government. as 1916, when a small group of electrical Th e International Offi ce of our Brotherhood contractors called the Conference Club met was established in a new building erected by regularly to discuss matters pertaining to the International Association of Machinists. the electrical contracting industry, including Th e new headquarters used offi ce equipment

16 Growth, Depression, and Recovery: 1915–1940 moved from Springfi eld, Illinois, and many Council voted to give the Electrical members of the Springfi eld staff voluntarily Workers representation on the council by relocated to Washington. electing me a member thereof. Since then, the IBEW has held a position on 1921–1923 what is now known as the AFL-CIO THE ELECTRICAL WORKERS’ Executive Council. BENEFIT ASSOCIATION 1927 From its inception, the IBEW was bound by ADOPTION OF THE PENSION PLAN the principle that brotherhood and benefi ts are inseparable. Around 1921, the offi cers of AND END OF THE STRIKE FUND the IBEW realized that a signifi cant number Th e Brotherhood’s 1927 Convention was held of electrical workers were being electrocuted in Detroit, Michigan. Th is historic Convention or injured by hazards associated with the authorized the creation of a pension fund and industry. Delegates to the 1921 Convention the elimination of the International Strike voted to form the Electrical Workers’ Benefi t Fund. On January 1, 1928, the IBEW intro- Association (EWBA). Th e EWBA became Th e fi rst IBEW duced the Pension Benefi t Fund (PBF). Th e eff ective on January 1, 1922, and ensured International PBF is a defi ned benefi t plan funded by dues, Offi ce in suffi cient resources, funded by membership which resulted in the establishment of two Washington, dues, to provide a dignifi ed burial when an types of IBEW membership: basic membership DC, located IBEW member passed away. at 1200 15th (or “BA”) and expanded membership (or “A”) Street NW Th e First General Convention of the EWBA that included participation in the EWBA and took place at the 1923 Convention in Montreal, Quebec, the fi rst IBEW Convention held outside the United States. Th e 1923 Convention not only provided additional benefi ts to improve the lives of members, but also strength- ened feelings of brotherhood and cooperation between American and Canadian members of the IBEW.

1925 REPRESENTATION ON THE AFL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Th e 1925 Convention of the IBEW was held in Seattle, Washington. President James Noonan stated in his report:

Aft er the death of [AFL] President Samuel Gompers, the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor elected Vice President William Green to fi ll the vacancy. Th is left a vacancy on the Executive Council. I was not a little surprised to learn that the Executive

History & Structure 17 the PBF. Th e amount paid into the pension roamed the streets begging for jobs and, later, fund by our members in its inaugural year for just enough food to stay alive. More than was $0.37 per month, and a pension of $40 50 percent of IBEW’s membership was idle per month was provided to all “A” members, throughout North America. following the guidelines set forth in the IBEW International President H.H. Broach presided Constitution (Article XI). Th e IBEW has never over the Brotherhood during this turbulent era. defaulted in the payment of pension benefi ts Local unions tried to maintain their dwindling since the PBF was established. memberships, and the International Offi ce and local unions tightened their belts considerably. 1929 Consequently, IBEW conventions scheduled THE GREAT DEPRESSION BEGINS between 1929 and 1941 were postponed by referendum vote. Although it was forced to In January 1929, the International Offi ce reduce expenses wherever possible, the IBEW continued to pay promised pension benefi ts moved into the IBEW’s own building at 1200 and continued IBEW’s monthly publication. 15th Street, NW, in Washington, DC. Th e 1929 Convention adopted a retirement plan It is hard to imagine how our organiza- for Brotherhood offi cers and representatives. tion survived those dark days. Membership However, the Great Depression of the 1930s dropped further, from 64,000 to 50,000. Th e would create serious fi nancial diffi culties for International Offi ce was forced to take stern the United States and Canada. Both coun- economic measures: Offi cers’ and represen- tries experienced a period of unprecedented tatives’ salaries were cut by 50 percent; some economic stress. Wage cuts pyramided upon offi cials were furloughed, with no salary or each other, banks failed, businesses collapsed, expenses paid; and some staff members were and unemployment soared. Men and women laid off .

An IBEW Updating the IBEW Constitution lineman works At the beginning of the 1930s, many offi cers in Chicago, and members felt that the IBEW Constitution circa 1930 and local union bylaws needed to be rewritten to clarify and strengthen certain sections and ensure respect for authority. During its March 1930 meeting, the IEC approved submitting a proposed amendment to the membership for a referendum vote. Th e amendment empowered the International President to appoint a special Constitution Committee of 11 members (with no two from the same local union) to meet with him and the International Secretary at the International Offi ce “for the purpose of alter- ing, amending or revising the Constitution and the rules therein as may be necessary to con- form with the needs of this organization.”

Th is referendum was adopted by a vote of 39,581 to 5,405. As part of this referendum, the membership authorized implementing the Constitution Committee’s recommendations

18 Growth, Depression, and Recovery: 1915–1940 immediately upon notifi cation by the unfair workplace treatment. Th e Wagner Act International Secretary. Just aft er the referen- enabled the IBEW to organize utility compa- dum vote, the committee was appointed and nies and manufacturing plants in a way never began deliberations, which resulted in an ab- before possible and led to a rapid increase breviated and more precise IBEW Constitution. in membership. Th e current constitution is much the same as it was following the changes made in 1930. Other legislation benefi cial to U.S. workers began in the late 1920s and continued through- New Deal and Positive Legislation out the 1930s, including the Railway Labor Act, When Franklin D. Roosevelt became President Social Security Act, United States Housing Act, of the United States in 1933, he immediately and Norris-LaGuardia Act. Th e Brotherhood proposed legislation as part of his “New Deal” played a prominent role in these legislative to launch the country on the road to recovery. triumphs, presenting data supporting its case Promising relief, recovery, and reform, New to government boards established to formulate law and other regulations. Deal legislation included a series of economic Organizing the TVA In 1933, the IBEW made it a goal to organize the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and was During Roosevelt’s New largely successful in doing so. Using its diverse Deal era, the IBEW played a skills and knowledge, the Brotherhood made practical suggestions to the TVA to make this prominent role in legislation huge project successful. Th e IBEW appointed a 20-year veteran member to oversee labor benefi cial to workers. relations for this enormous undertaking, who helped to set up labor-management councils to expedite organization and collective bargain- Fontana Dam, ing. When a collective bargaining agreement the largest dam measures designed to alleviate the worst eff ects was signed with the TVA, a new type of indus- of the Tennessee of the Depression, reinvigorate the economy, Valley Authority trial relations was achieved, including some of and restore the confi dence of the American system the best work provisions in the United States. people in their banks and other institutions.

Organized labor was especially aff ected by a series of laws concerning workers’ rights enacted by Congress during the early New Deal. For example, the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933 established the Public Works Administration, provided for collective bargaining, and included wage and hour standards.

Th e National Labor Relations Act of 1935— also known as the Wagner Act aft er its author and friend of labor Senator Robert Wagner— ensured government protection to union organizers and organized workers. Th e act also established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to enforce orders against employers for

History & Structure 19 1935–1939 CREATION OF “B” MEMBERSHIP

Just as it seemed that unionism was becoming more accepted in the United States, a con- troversy emerged. Growing numbers of less skilled, lower-wage workers wanted to organize themselves and reap the benefi ts of collective bargaining. Th e IBEW needed to fi nd a way to incorporate groups of workers with diff erent levels of skill, earnings, and experience within the union without risking the pension and insurance plans of its members. To address this issue, in March 1935, the IEC submitted constitutional amendments that would allow workers to join the union as “B” members, a class typically used for female workers who could not aff ord the regular dues and did not participate in pension and insurance benefi ts. Before 1935, there was only one type of IBEW membership, later known as “A” membership. In 1935, a “B” membership was created by referendum vote. Now, unorganized workers in utilities and manufacturing plants could join at a lower admission fee ($1.50) and pay a lower per capita ($0.50). Th ese members did not participate in death and pension benefi ts, since they did not pay for them, and in return, they were not allowed equal voting rights with the other members at conventions and on referendums.

20 Growth, Depression, and Recovery: 1915–1940 World War II and the 4Modern Era: 1940–1998

In September 1939, Nazi Germany attacked installed 95 percent of electrical work needed Poland, and World War II began. Following the for the war eff ort under union-shop condi- attack, various countries, including Canada, tions. Th eir technical skills helped engineers to declared war on Germany. Canadian electrical speed up the production of military hardware, workers were among the fi rst to experience ammunition, and vehicles for use overseas. Th e war-time demand for work, including ship- Brotherhood remains proud that its members building, aircraft manufacturing, and other were able to measure up to the expectations of defense-related construction. our countries.

In 1940, President Roosevelt began preparing the United States for war. Organized labor once Organized labor again played a critical role in U.S. defense pro- played a critical role in defense grams. IBEW’s International President Tracy programs during resigned his position to serve as assistant secre- World War II tary of labor in charge of military and war-related construction, a role to which President Roosevelt appointed him.

Travel was curtailed during World War II, and IBEW conventions were postponed again until 1946. However, the years between 1941 and 1946 were active ones for the Brotherhood. Th e demand for electrical work and electrical workers dominated all phases of the war eff ort.

Th e IBEW established a system to staff defense jobs within just 72 hours of receiving the government’s request. Local union offi cers and members accelerated the training programs for new members. More than 35,000 IBEW members served in the armed forces, and those not serving in the military paid the dues of IBEW members on active duty through a military assessment, including their pension and death benefi ts.

When special projects required skilled electrical workers, IBEW members staff ed the jobs and performed admirably. IBEW members

History & Structure 21 1941–1946 that electrical workers were unique because FIFTY YEARS STRONG of the mechanical, technical, and professional knowledge needed on the job, the IBEW helped In 1941, the golden jubilee year of the founding develop standards to support the training needs of the Brotherhood, delegates returned to St. and goals of its members. Th ese standards Louis, Missouri, the city of IBEW’s birth, for resulted from a cooperative eff ort of the IBEW, the fi rst convention since the Great Depression the NECA, and the Federal Committee affl icted the nation. Fift y years aft er the found- on Apprenticeship. ing of the union—as International Secretary G.M. Bugniazet stated in his convention report, In addition to IBEW’s strides made in organiz- “having gone through a turbulent and hectic ing utilities and manufacturing plants, con- period, one of the longest and most severe siderable progress was made in railroad orga- depressions of our time, accompanied by rapid nizing, as well as in the electric sign and radio change”—the 1941 Convention represented 869 broadcasting industries. local unions in good standing and a membership nearly 200,000 strong. Electronics and Television One signifi cant IBEW development evolving Reports to the 1941 Convention pointed out from the war years was the Brotherhood’s the dramatic progress achieved in the 12 years emphasis on training for the rapidly develop- since the IBEW’s last convention. In 1929, the ing fi eld of electronics. In November 1944, in average wage for inside electrical workers in collaboration with the Engineering College the United States was $1.15 per hour. In 1941, of Marquette University in Milwaukee, the the average was $1.38, and a new high of $2.20 IBEW established a national electronics school. had been reached in some areas. In addition, by Hundreds of IBEW members received inten- 1941, almost the entire membership of 200,000 sive training in electronics at the school until enjoyed a 5-day work week. June 1945, returning to their local unions as IBEW became the bargaining agent instructors for other members and preparing In September 1941, an important event thousands of additional members to meet the for technical took place: Th e National Apprenticeship employees of CBS challenges of the new electronics age. During Standards for the Electrical Construction in 1939 these years, the capabilities of traditional elec- Industry were established. Understanding trical generators, power transmission, motors, electric lighting and heating, and home appliances transformed the ways that Americans lived their daily lives. Also, a new type of electrical engineering—electronics—emerged. Th is industry became a major part of the U.S. economy, with applications in communications, entertainment, science, medicine, and the military.

Around this time, the IBEW became the bargaining agent for technical employees of the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). IBEW’s relationship with CBS continued to fl ourish in the next few years.

Also at this time, it became clear that the television would eventually become as popular as radio: “Television is just another example

22 World War II and the Modern Era: 1940–1998 NEBF Benefits of the expanding electrical science,” IBEW pointed out in its journal, and the union As of May 5, 1947, the monthly pension amount was $50. “adjusted its sights to the target of fi tting its In 1966, it was changed from a flat dollar amount to one members to move into all new electrical fi elds.” based on the member’s number of service credits. The In response to the rise of this new medium, following table lists the increases from 1966 through 2016. an agreement negotiated in 1944 developed a television training program for IBEW members Monthly Amount for employed by CBS. Date Each Service Credit 1946 Convention In the time since the start of World War II, January 1, 1966 $2 the standard of living for many IBEW mem- January 1, 1968 $3 bers had changed signifi cantly. As a result of July 1, 1977 $6 wartime demand, economic strife in the U.S. January 1, 1981 $8 and Canada had been replaced by full-time January 1, 1983 $10 employment, and amazing industrial advances January 1, 1985 $11 put electrical workers at the forefront of tech- March 1, 1986 $13 nology. At the end of the war, the Brotherhood January 1, 1987 $14 stood proud, with membership growing from January 1, 1989 $15 50,000 in 1933 to 347,000 in the mid-1940s. When the convention call was made for the January 1, 1990 $16 1946 Convention in San Francisco, California, January 1, 1991 $18 IBEW membership surpassed 360,000, with January 1, 1992 $19 1,800 delegates representing them. January 1, 1993 $20 January 1, 1994 $21 Th e 1946 Convention is remembered as December 1, 1995 $23 being somewhat stormy, with heated elec- January 1, 1997 $24 tion campaigns. D.W. Tracy, who served the Brotherhood as International President from January 1, 1998 $26 1933 to 1940, defeated the incumbent, Ed J. January 1, 1999 $28 Brown, for the top IBEW position. Numerous January 1, 2000 $30 changes also occurred in vice-presidential and January 1, 2001 $31 IEC posts. July 1, 2001–2016 $32 Th is convention authorized the $0.20 assessment as a permanent part of members’ dues for the PBF. In addition, $0.03 of the amount for the IBEW General Fund—the fund providing (NEBF). Contractors from NECA agreed to put all the expenses of the day-to-day operations 1 percent of their payroll into this special fund. of the IBEW—was earmarked for the PBF, for Th e subsequent NECA and IBEW conven- a total of $0.60 monthly. Th e monthly PBF tions ratifi ed the agreement; the U.S. Treasury benefi t increased from $40 to $50 a month, Department granted approval in March 1947; eff ective January 1, 1947. With this increase, and the fund became eff ective on May 5, 1947. the international offi cers realized that it would Today, the NEBF is one of the largest Taft - be necessary to involve employers in provid- Hartley pension plans in the United States. ing retirement benefi ts for IBEW construction members. As a result, on October 1, 1946, Th e 1946 Convention also created a third type NECA and the IBEW signed an agreement es- of membership, known as “BA,” making for tablishing the National Electrical Benefi t Fund three types of IBEW membership: “A,” “B,” and

History & Structure 23 for the labor movement and severely hamper- ing IBEW’s eff orts to organize new members. Th e Taft -Hartley Act, also called the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947, severely curtailed the power of labor unions, giving individual states the authority to outlaw union and agency shops for employees in their jurisdictions.

1947 FORMING THE NJATC

In 1947, the National Joint Apprenticeship “BA.” “BA” members would enjoy rights equal and Training Committee (NJATC), now the An IBEW to “A” members—paying the same per capita Electrical Training Alliance, was established journeyman and apprentice, to support the IBEW’s operations, with equal by the IBEW and NECA. Th e IBEW expanded circa 1940 voting rights. “B” members continued to pay its apprenticeship program to increase the $0.50 with limited voting rights. Th e diff erence number of trained electrical workers for the between “A” and “BA” members rested then, as construction industry. Today, the Electrical it does now, solely on the death and pension Training Alliance has developed into the benefi ts for which “A” members pay additional largest apprenticeship and training program dues as provided under the IBEW Constitution. of its kind, having trained more than 350,000 (“B” membership was eliminated on January apprentices to become journeymen through 1, 1953, as a result of a referendum vote. All local affi liate programs. members were required at that time to transfer to either “A” or “BA” membership.) Also, to accommodate the growing membership, the 1948–1954 Eleventh and Twelft h vice presidential districts FORGING AHEAD were formed in 1947, following an amendment In September 1948, the IBEW Convention was passed at the Convention. Annual progress held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Considerable meetings for all vice presidential districts were attention at this convention was focused on the instituted that same year and continue today. Taft -Hartley Act and other anti-labor legislation in several states. 1946 Th e 1950 Convention took place in Miami, ANTI-LABOR LEGISLATION Florida. Again, anti-labor legislation and its eff ects dominated the discussions. Following During the New Deal and through World this convention, an expensive one for the War II, the strength of the American labor union, a referendum vote of IBEW member- movement was indisputable. However, a battle ship established conventions every 4 years against organized labor began with the passage instead of every 2, as the IBEW Constitution of the fi rst right-to-work laws in the United had previously directed. States aft er the resolution of World War II. In 1944, Arkansas and Florida adopted con- On April 15, 1954, International President stitutional amendments prohibiting union Tracy resigned, becoming International shops, followed closely by Arizona, Nebraska, President Emeritus. Secretary Milne was and South Dakota in 1946. Th en, in 1947, the appointed by the IEC to take his place. Taft -Hartley Act was passed, creating problems International President Milne appointed a

24 World War II and the Modern Era: 1940–1998 longtime member of the Brotherhood, Joseph Th e years 1955 and 1956 brought considerable D. Keenan, to serve as International Secretary. gains in the telephone fi eld, with sizable groups Th ese two offi cers were at the helm for IBEW’s of independent telephone unions electing to 1954 Convention in Chicago, Illinois. join the IBEW. Th is was also a time of gains for railroad workers, culminating with the declaration by the U.S. Supreme Court on May 21, 1954–1956 1956, that the union-shop amendment to the A TIME OF INNOVATION Railway Labor Act of 1926 was constitutional. Following the Supreme Court decision, union- During the past decade, the Brotherhood had shop agreements were negotiated with all but made substantial membership gains and orga- three major railway carriers in the United States. nized 75 percent of the nation’s utility workers. Th e 1954 Convention had more attendees than A number of innovations were initiated in the International Offi ce by International Presidents any in the Brotherhood’s history. In fact, it was Milne and Freeman, including training classes the largest labor union convention ever held for international representatives and establish- in the world up to that time. A total of 3,130 ing industry branch departments. delegates attended, representing a membership of 625,000. As a result of the convention’s con- Th ese years also brought innovations to IBEW’s siderable attendance, a referendum vote took apprenticeship program. A full apprenticeship place that reduced the number of delegates to training program for outside electrical appren- all subsequent conventions. Otherwise, the tices became available in January 1957. Th e steady increase in the number of IBEW mem- number of apprentices in the construction fi eld bers soon would have made it impossible to increased by 46 percent since 1952. locate cities with adequate accommodations to handle future conventions. 1957–1959 Reports of the offi cers to the 1954 Convention PENSION RIGHTS AND still emphasized the harmful eff ects of the LANDRUM GRIFFIN Taft -Hartley Act and the right-to-work laws it prompted in 16 states. Despite these dam- Major changes were made to pension rights in aging laws, then as now, the Brotherhood the 1950s. In 1957, the NLRB ruled that lim- remained strong. Reports and discussions at iting NEBF pension benefi ts to IBEW mem- the Convention profi led progress achieved in bers only was illegal. Until then, nonmembers membership growth and improved collective working for contributing contractors were not bargaining agreements. At this point in time, eligible for NEBF pension benefi ts and received many IBEW members were fully employed and no coverage. had better working conditions than they had To correct this situation, the provisions of ever imagined. Th e membership and leadership the NEBF plan were revised to permit all were committed to organizing the electrical employees working for participating employers industry, and they worked to ensure that the to be covered by the NEBF. Th e NEBF provides Brotherhood was strong enough to protect eligible employees with a monthly pension its members’ economic interests and fl exible based on a specifi c amount per month for each enough to meet their changing needs. completed year of credited service. On July 20, 1955, International President Milne Th e period following the 1958 Convention in died. Five days later, the IEC appointed Vice Cleveland, Ohio, was not easy for any segment President Gordon M. Freeman of the Fourth of the labor movement. During this time, the District to the post of president. IBEW experienced the most extreme wave of

History & Structure 25 anti-unionism since the open-shop movement technological advances. Th en, a complete aft er World War I. industrial electronics course geared to inside, outside, railroad, maintenance, and utility Already beset by the eff ects of the Taft -Hartley members was developed. Act of 1947 and right-to-work laws in 18 states, with laws equally damaging to labor in eff ect Nuclear energy had started to take off as an in Canada, IBEW’s eff orts in organizing and industry. Twenty-seven atomic power proj- collective bargaining were much more diffi - ects, including 15 nuclear power plants, were cult. During the middle and late 1950s, the under construction; one plant was already built labor movement was under intense congres- and operated by IBEW members. In addition, sional scrutiny. In 1959, U.S. President Dwight work on nuclear-powered submarines, atomic Eisenhower signed into law the new Labor- freighters, and missiles opened up additional Management Reporting and Disclosure Act opportunities for IBEW members. Th e IBEW (LMRDA), also known as the Landrum-Griffi n worked with representatives from major Act, which amended the Taft -Hartley Act. electrical utilities and the U.S. Atomic Energy Th e law imposed extensive reporting require- Commission to develop a course and train ments for unions. As a result of the LMRDA, instructors in the nuclear fi eld on the uses and the IBEW was forced to spend considerable hazards of atomic energy. membership funds to comply with the law and defend the IBEW Constitution against 1962 Convention actions—many of them frivolous and without When the 1962 Convention in took place in merit—that aim to destroy or impair Montreal, Quebec, 2,300 delegates representing the organization. more than 770,000 members were in attendance. Th e convention focused on promoting 1960s good conditions for workers and the need for NEW HORIZONS better safety conditions throughout the United States and Canada. With electronic devices and In 1959, a full-time director of skill-improve- nuclear energy now central to both countries’ ment training was added to the International economies, the electrical trade took on a new Offi ce staff to keep members current with level of responsibility. Delegates to this convention also voted to raise the per capita tax 60 Atomic power cents, from $0.90 to $1.50. opened up additional work IBEW’s Diamond Jubilee opportunities Th e IBEW Diamond Jubilee Convention was for IBEW held in 1966 in St. Louis, Missouri, where members in the mid-20th the Brotherhood was born 75 years earlier. century Delegates voted to create Strike Assistance and Legal Defense funds. “A” member delegates voted to strengthen the IBEW pension program by increasing payments to the PBF and improving benefi ts, including the addition of provisions for disability and vested pension benefi ts and a death benefi t. Th is death benefi t provision ($1,000 for normal death and $2,000 for accidental death) supplemented the death benefi t already provided by the EWBA. Th e IBEW also began its Founders’ Scholarship

26 World War II and the Modern Era: 1940–1998 Program, honoring the dedicated wiremen industry. Th is initiative has allowed countless IBEW’s 1954 and linemen who organized the Brotherhood. IBEW construction electricians to maintain Convention Th e goal of the scholarship is to contribute to their health coverage in their home funds and was the largest the personal development of IBEW members keep their full pension benefi ts when traveling labor union and to steward the electrical industry that its outside of their home local unions for work. convention founders envisioned. ever held at the time International President Freeman told the 75th 1970s Anniversary Convention, POWER AND PROSPERITY Our union stands tall today . . . Th e dream Since the IBEW Convention of 1966, 101 new our founders had of bringing dignity and local unions had been chartered; membership security to electrical workers is a staunch had risen from 850,000 to 950,000; more than reality . . . We can take pride in how far we 45,000 members were receiving pensions; and have come, but there is no time to rest on wages were increasing steadily. In the 1970s, our laurels. the IBEW reached its highest membership numbers. However, the labor movement be- New Leadership gan to feel the long-term eff ects of structural Following International President Freeman’s changes in the world economy that would retirement in 1968, IEC member Charles H. eventually undermine the long post–World Pillard was appointed by the IEC to succeed War II era of prosperity and North American him. Early on, International President Pillard economic dominance. realized the growing importance of residential construction and went on to establish a 1970 Convention residential organizing program to help local Th e theme of the 1970 Convention in Seattle, unions reclaim work. His leadership was a driv- Washington, was “Exploring New Horizons ing force in the organization of the construc- in Electricity,” refl ecting the strides the IBEW tion industry, and he provided a sound basis had made over the past decade. Th e delegates for improvements in pension benefi ts by ne- gotiating an increase in the employer (NECA) to the 1970 Convention added an Optional contribution to the NEBF from 1 percent to 3 Spouse’s Benefi t (OSB) and an early retirement percent of payroll. provision to the PBF. Th e OSB allowed an “A” member to elect to receive a reduced pension In addition, International President Pillard was benefi t so that, upon the member’s death, one- instrumental in implementing a national sys- half of the reduced pension will be paid to the tem for portability of pension and health ben- member’s surviving spouse for as long as the efi ts for traveling members in the construction spouse lives. Early retirement provided that

History & Structure 27 members with 20 years of continuous good and a growing gap between the rich and poor. standing as “A” members could now retire as Unions were being unfairly attacked for eco- early as age 62. nomic trends that allowed the rich to get richer and the poor to become poorer. In response, In October 1972, IBEW membership reached the Brotherhood vowed to join the rest of an all-time high of one million. Another mile- organized labor in seeking a solution to these stone occurred on December 1, 1973, when the problems and taking political action to fi ght for new IBEW International Offi ce was dedicated economic justice. at 1125 Fift eenth Street NW, in Washington, DC. Th e previous headquarters at 1200 Work of the International Secretaries Fift eenth Street NW had been enlarged in 1935 In 1976, International Secretary Joseph D. and renovated in 1955, but it could no longer Keenan retired from the Brotherhood. Th is accommodate the operations of the growing great humanitarian faithfully served not only union. Constructed entirely by union labor, the the IBEW, but the entire trade union move- new 12-story building off ered room for growth. ment. He received numerous honors for his dedication and devotion to the United States 1974 Convention and was highly respected for his services in Th e 1974 Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, civic and political arenas. Early in his career, was the largest convention of the Brotherhood Brother Keenan realized that organized labor to date. Th e convention celebrated the one- needed to become active in the education and million-member milestone and focused on registration of voters who could then elect pub- the Brotherhood surviving many trials and lic offi cials who supported working people. tribulations from anti-union sentiments and legislation over the years. However, the reality Ralph A. Leigon was appointed to replace IBEW of infl ation, a rising cost of living, high interest Brother Keenan as International Secretary International Secretary- rates, and the unfair tax burden on low- and in 1976. Leigon reorganized the offi ce of the Treasurer middle-class wage earners was clear during International Secretary, introduced the lat- Joseph Keenan the convention. Disturbing trends that contin- est in modern offi ce techniques and soft ware meets with ue to this day were also discussed, including design, and initiated the conversion to com- U.S. President exporting jobs overseas so that multinational puterized systems in all departments of the Lyndon corporations could increase their profi ts by International Offi ce. Johnson paying workers less, high unemployment, Jack F. Moore succeeded Ralph Leigon as International Secretary. Under Brother Moore’s leadership, the pension funds of the Brotherhood grew signifi cantly and benefi ts were improved. He also oversaw phenom- enal growth of the IBEW’s Political Action Committee, which helped to strengthen the voice of working people by supporting candidates who were friendly to labor.

1978 Convention Since the previous convention, the United States and Canada experienced an economic recession that resulted in a reduction in membership from 1976 through 1977. However, members at the 1978 Convention in Atlantic City again took pride in the IBEW having more than one million members.

28 World War II and the Modern Era: 1940–1998 Delegates to the 1978 Convention addressed a number of pressing economic issues. Th ey supported a resolution calling on the United States to reform the tax code in order to help stabilize the economy and promote balanced growth and full employment. Likewise, they supported resolutions that called upon the Carter Administration to bolster the national economy through various eff orts including: job creation programs, changes to tax laws and other incentives to dissuade U.S.-based multinational corporations from moving jobs overseas, eff orts to curb infl ation, and policies to improve the U.S. trade defi cit. Th e delegates encouraged the government to create full Organization. Th is initial incident set the stage employment by investing in public works jobs, IBEW urban development, and mass transportation. for an anti-union political philosophy that con- International Th e passage of two resolutions dealing with in- tinues to the present day. President ternational trade and foreign imports demon- Pillard with Conservative thinkers also gained power strated member concerns about the U.S. trade International in Canada and achieved signifi cant inroads President defi cit and competing in a global marketplace. in damaging the labor movement. In both Emeritus Recognizing the importance of gender equality, countries, wages stagnated and union Freeman the delegates also passed a resolution supporting membership declined. the ratifi cation of the Equal Rights Amendment. Finally, delegates at this Convention passed Corporate executives’ salaries soared to ob- a resolution calling for the IBEW to support scene heights while workers experienced con- eff orts to change legislation in Ontario, Canada, tinual rollbacks in wages and a loss of health- that called for mandatory 2-year collective bar- care benefi ts. Unemployment grew as IBEW’s gaining agreements rather than allowing local domestic industries seemed unable to compete unions to negotiate wages and working condi- with their foreign counterparts. Th e manufac- tions without third-party intervention. turing of entire classes of electronic products moved off shore while still bearing the well-recognized names of American corporations. Th is 1980s deindustrialization, plus technological change, STRENGTH AMIDST ADVERSITY caused the loss of tens of thousands of jobs for the Brotherhood’s manufacturing members. In Th e 1980s brought a conservative trend in the 1982, the court-ordered divestiture of AT&T United States led by right-wing anti-unionists, led to a decline in telephone-industry member- whose primary purpose was to increase the profi ts and wealth of the already wealthy. Th e ship, including devastating losses in manufac- election of Ronald Reagan as U.S. president turing plants operated by that company. was a political watershed moment for conser- vatives. Although once a union member and 1982 Convention president of the Screen Actors Guild, President Nonunion electrical contractors also gained a Reagan took a very diff erent stance toward stronger foothold in the 1980s, eroding mem- unions when he fi red every air traffi c control- bership in the IBEW construction branch. ler who participated in a strike called by their International President Charles Pillard under- union, the Professional Air Traffi c Controllers scored labor’s position in the early 1980s:

History & Structure 29 remained relatively stable, dropping only slightly from the one-million-member mark. Organizing continued to be a top priority for the Brotherhood. In addition to organizing campaigns, construction and energy production industries helped the IBEW to hold its infl uence during the Reagan era. International President Pillard retired in 1986 and was named International President Emeritus. John J. Barry, International Vice President of the Th ird District, was appointed to succeed him.

1986 Convention Now we must gear ourselves to make the An IBEW same fi ght that so many of our gallant pi- With International President Barry at the helm, member onsite delegates to the 1986 Convention assembled at NASA’s oneer members were compelled to make so oft en during the fi rst 40 years of our proud in Toronto, Ontario. Delegates addressed the Goddard Space continued challenges of anti-union legislation Flight Center history, years in which our country was domineered by those who placed greed and and the attack on working families. profi ts above the welfare of people. Th e IBEW called on Congress and the U.S. Th e IBEW tackled the problems of the day at president to enact new amendments to the Fair the 1982 Convention. To address the devastat- Labor Standards Act that would adjust ero- ing housing policy of the Reagan administra- sion of the minimum wage and index its value tion, the IBEW vowed to intensify its eff orts against future losses in purchasing power. Th e to increase program authorizations for neces- Davis-Bacon Act, a federal law that requires the sary housing construction, reduce mortgage payment of local prevailing wages to labor- interest rates, and enact a bill to protect un- ers on public works projects, was discussed employed workers against home foreclosures. at length at the 1986 Convention. Th e IBEW Furthermore, the IEC urged that the IBEW stated its uniform opposition to repealing or claim all electrical construction work done in service to National Aeronautics and Space weakening the Davis-Bacon Act, including Administration (NASA) space equipment, both exemptions from its laws for construction in the private sector and for governmental programs and eff orts to restrict its classifi ca- research, and sought an agreement with tions, eliminate enforcement procedures, and NASA on the training and deployment of reduce enforcement personnel. Furthermore, electrical workers. delegates to the convention called for continued research and development of measures to With these committee recommendations ad- promote energy effi ciency and natural resource opted, the delegates turned attention to the cre- conservation, regulatory reform of nuclear ation and implementation of a massive national power, and the continued development of alter- advertising campaign to support the buying of native energy resources and environmentally American-made products. Additionally, the IBEW continued its focus on strengthening sound practices. the labor movement’s campaign against Among the many pressing issues at the 1986 anti-union legislation. Convention, the IBEW continued in its endur- Th rough the turmoil of the early 1980s, the ing objective to encourage and support trade IBEW kept its fi nancial footing. Membership in unionism free of government control, urging the IBEW, although hurt by the government’s U.S. and Canadian governments to commit to generally negative stance on labor issues, basic human and trade union rights around the

30 World War II and the Modern Era: 1940–1998 world. In response to an anti-labor off ensive the PBF plans functioned separately until this aimed at destroying years of progress made by convention, when they were combined into one unions, delegates resolved to organize workers fund, resulting in a signifi cant improvement and create a construction organizing division. to death and pension benefi ts. At that time, all With nearly 870,000 workers in 1986, the EWBA benefi ciary designations became null IBEW focused on retaining and growing its and void, and all death benefi ts have since been membership base. paid by the PBF.

Rebuilding IBEW Organizing 1996 Convention Brother Barry dedicated much of his At the 1996 Convention in Philadelphia, presidency to IBEW’s organizing programs, Pennsylvania, the theme “Taking Our Dreams especially in construction. He helped launch Into the 21st Century” ushered the IBEW the COMET (Construction Organizing into the new millenium. Th e International Membership Education Training) program President and International Secretary were that focuses on the importance of all members elected by electronic voting for the fi rst time, participating in the organizing eff ort. Th rough which was also used to determine the vote this and other initiatives, local unions and on some of the proposed amendments to the individual members became more directly IBEW Constitution. Th e delegates adopted a IBEW involved in growing the Brotherhood. Barry constitutional change requiring that contested International also expanded the education programs of elections be conducted by secret ballot for the President J.J. the IBEW and instituted a series of labor– offi ces of International President, International Barry and management cooperation eff orts that helped Secretary, and Chairman of the IEC. Delegate International improve relations with key employers and action also directed the International President Secretary- Treasurer Ed promote job security for members. to appoint a committee to study the IBEW’s Hill march Constitution and structure and recommend with members changes to ensure the Brotherhood’s vitality. 1990s CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

Before the opening of the 1991 Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, a Centennial Exposition was opened to commemorate IBEW’s fi rst 100 years, celebrate the union’s progress, and envi- sion its next 100 years of service. In addition to educating visitors about the IBEW, the electrical industry, and the trade union movement, the exposition showcased the numerous ways in which the Brotherhood touches the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the United States and Canada. Delegates to the convention amended the IBEW Constitution to provide for a convention every 5 years. Changing the frequency of conventions reduced costs and enabled more local unions to send delegates to attend. Th is convention also passed an amendment requiring the use of electronic voting. Th e EWBA and

History & Structure 31 Th e Select Committee on the Future of the Brotherhood recommended changes to update the IBEW Constitution. Th e changes were approved by local unions through referendum early in 1998 and became eff ective May 1, 1998. Th e updates included instruction on conducting petitions for referendums, rules for local unions and local union offi cers, and the combination of the offi ce of International Treasurer with that of International Secretary. A Railroad Department was established within the International Offi ce to carry out the eff orts of the Tenth Vice Presidential District. Consequently, the Twelft h International Vice Presidential District was renumbered to become the Tenth International Vice Presidential District.

Taking on a New Century In 1997, then Th ird District International Vice President Edwin D. Hill was appointed International Secretary by International President Barry. One year later, Hill assumed the newly created position of International Secretary-Treasurer. Brothers Barry and Hill continued to lead the IBEW in the fi ght for the rights of the dedicated and skilled workers who helped to electrify North America for over more than a century.

32 World War II and the Modern Era: 1940–1998 IBEW in the 21st Century: 52000–2016

With the dawning of a new millenium, IBEW Th e Chairman of the IEC was elected in leadership looked to the future through the the fi rst secret ballot electronic vote by an lens of the past. Using the Objects of the IBEW amendment passed at the previous convention. as their guide, they took on the goals of or- Th e delegates focused on securing the future of ganizing, securing social justice, and electing the IBEW by protecting collective bargaining labor-friendly political candidates with new and making organizing a primary goal of the energy and a sense of optimism. Brotherhood. With a membership of nearly 775,000, the IBEW set its sights on seeking 2001 justice and defending the rights of free people in the workplace and the world. A CHANGED WORLD

In 2001, Brother Barry retired and appointed International President Hill to lead the Brotherhood. Th at September, IBEW offi cers, In Memoriam staff , and delegates assembled in San Francisco, California, for the 2001 Convention. Our fallen members were doing what hundreds of thousands of our sisters and brothers do every day—going to work to do On the second morning of the meeting, the a job. They were simply trying to fulfill the goal to which we all September 11th attacks on the United States aspire: earning a good living to help realize their dreams sent shockwaves around the world. Th e for the future. celebration of union pride and spirit brought by the convention was tempered by tragedy and Their lives and spirit will not be forgotten. horror. We all shared in the grief, but two of the Brotherhood’s local unions were especially Thomas Ashton, Local 3 Charles Lucania, Local 3 aff ected. Among the dead and missing were James Cartier, Local 3 Lester Marino, Local 3 16 members from Local 3 and four from Local 1212, both in New York City. Robert Caufield, Local 3 Jose Martinez, Local 3 Gerard Coppola, Local 1212 Robert Pattison, Local 1212 One resolution passed at this convention Joseph DiPilato, Local 3 Joseph Romagnolo, Local 3 increased the death benefi t payment to $6,250 and provided for an accidental death benefi t of Salvatore Fiumefreddo, Local 3 Isaias Rivera, Local 1212 $12,500. Th e death benefi t changes were made Harvey Hermer, Local 3 Jeffrey Shaw, Local 3 eff ective retroactively to September 10, 2001, in Steven Jacobson, Local 1212 Steven Strauss, Local 3 order to provide assistance to the benefi ciaries of our members who lost their lives in the Ralph Licciardi, Local 3 Glenn Travers Sr., Local 3 terrorist attacks. Michael Lowe, Local 3 Kenneth White, Local 3

History & Structure 33 2003–2015 2006 Convention ORGANIZING AND THE IBEW In 2006, Jon F. Walters succeeded Brother CODE OF EXCELLENCE O’Connor, guiding the FMCP in its early years and overseeing the continued expansion of On November 1, 2003, International President technological upgrades to the operations of all Hill restructured all organizing eff orts, creating of IBEW’s funds. the Membership Development Department. Another key initiative introduced during Hill’s Th e 2006 Convention took place in Cleveland, tenure was the Code of Excellence, a joint Ohio, with a focus on reversing the member- commitment between employers and the IBEW ship losses that the union experienced since to work together to ensure on-the-job safety, 2001. Th e delegates voted to institute increases increase productivity, and provide the highest in the per capita tax paid by local unions, to quality for customers. be implemented in three phases: January 1 of 2007, 2009, and 2011. Th is $3 increase in per On January 21, 2005, the IBEW moved into capita was for an ambitious program to devote new headquarters at 900 Seventh Street NW additional resources to stimulate growth in in Washington, DC. Th e new building’s state- every major industry in which the IBEW of-the-art equipment and spaces updated has a presence. the union’s administrative capabilities and exemplify the highly trained and skilled Delegates also approved an increase to the PBF, membership of the largest electrical union in providing a $4.50 credit per year of service. All An IBEW the world. members retiring on or aft er January 1, 2007, construction receive these improved payments. Another Since the 2001 Convention, the IBEW bene- wireman change that occurred at the 2006 Convention fi t funds experienced record growth. Brother proudly was that any member of the IBEW was allowed displays O’Connor, the International Secretary- to elect “A” membership by agreeing to pay the his Code of Treasurer during this time, helped lay the Excellence appropriate per capita dues and payments to groundwork for a national IBEW/NECA certifi cation the IBEW PBF. Family Medical Care Plan (FMCP).

2011 Convention A renewed commitment to organizing helped the IBEW get through the worst of the 2008 global recession and regain market share once the economy began its upswing in the 2010s.

Delegates to the 2011 International Convention in Vancouver adopted increases in the per capita tax to fund an expanded and more aggressive organizing approach. In addition, the convention delegates approved changes to the PBF, including raising the monthly PBF contribution rates to $15 eff ective January 1, 2013; and $16 eff ective January 1, 2015. Th ese increases were intended to help the PBF continue its mission of providing pension and death benefi ts to IBEW members and their benefi ciaries.

34 IBEW in the 21st Century: 2000–2016 Changing Leadership In 2015, International President Hill stepped down aft er a nearly 60-year career in the union. Sixth District Vice President Lonnie R. Stephenson was named as his successor. In his new role, Stephenson continued Hill’s policy priorities: organizing, promoting the Code of Excellence, and building community outreach.

2016 ORGANIZING FOR THE FUTURE

Today, the IBEW remains strong with approx- of grassroots activism and member education. imately 725,000 members. In the construction Labor has beaten back several major chal- IBEW International industry, IBEW membership has reached an lenges to workers’ rights, including so-called all-time high. Th e IBEW continues to serve President “paycheck protection” legislation—ostensibly Lonnie as a fi ne example to all unorganized workers developed to prevent unions from funding Stephenson of the benefi t of collective action as it grows politically oriented activities that some mem- and thrives. bers may agree with—that could silence unions in their eff orts to obtain legislation and regulations favorable to working people. Labor Th e IBEW stands where it was instrumental in the election of Bill Clinton as President in 1992 and 1996 and of Barack does today because strong men Obama in 2008 and 2012; and it has made the and women protected and diff erence in numerous campaigns for progres- sive leaders in races at the federal, state, provin- preserved the union. cial, and local levels. Organized labor has fended off attacks on the collective bargaining rights of public work- United through more than 800 local unions ers—which would undermine the rights of established throughout the United States and all workers—in Ohio and elsewhere, but has Canada, the IBEW has additional members suff ered setbacks in Wisconsin and other states. in Puerto Rico, Panama, Guam, and Saipan. Since 2000, Oklahoma, Indiana, Michigan, Th e Brotherhood remains one of the largest and Wisconsin have added to the number of electrical unions in the world, and its mem- right-to-work states. And the labor movement bers’ wages, working conditions, and benefi ts has been unable thus far to win changes to continue to provide a solid living and a mid- strengthen labor law and make the system dle-class existence for hundreds of thousands fairer to workers who are trying to organize of families. and negotiate fi rst contracts. Th is challenge requires every member to stand strong  and contribute energy to upholding the Each era writes its own history. Where IBEW’s Brotherhood’s mission. vibrant and strong heritage goes from here depends on the sisters and brothers of today. IBEW and the labor movement remain a political force, primarily through a resurgence

History & Structure 35 IBEWConventions & Leaders

CONVENTIONS PRESIDENTS 1st St. Louis, MO (Nov. 1891) (1891–1893) Henry Miller 2nd Chicago, IL (Nov. 1892) (1893–1894) Queren Jansen 3rd Cleveland, OH (Nov. 1893) (1894–1897) H.W. Sherman 4th Washington, DC (Nov. 1895) (1897–1899) J.H. Maloney 5th Detroit, MI (Nov. 1897) (1899–1901) Th omas Wheeler 6th Pittsburgh, PA (Oct. 1899) (1901–1903) W.A. Jackson 7th St. Louis, MO (Oct. 1901) (1903–1919) F.J. McNulty 8th Salt Lake City, UT (Sept. 1903) (1919–1929) J.P. Noonan 9th Louisville, KY (Sept. 1905) (1929–1933) H.H. Broach 10th Chicago, IL (Sept.–Oct. 1909) (1933–1940) D.W. Tracy 11th Rochester, NY (Sept. 1911) (1940–1947) Ed J. Brown 12th Boston, MA (Sept. 1913) (1947–1954) D.W. Tracy 13th St. Paul, MN (Sept.–Oct. 1915) (1954–1955) J. Scott Milne 14th Atlantic City, NJ (Sept. 1917) (1955–1968) Gordon M. Freeman 15th New Orleans, LA (Sept. 1919) (1968–1986) Charles H. Pillard 16th St. Louis, MO (Sept.–Oct. 1921) (1986–2001) J.J. Barry 17th Montreal, QB, Canada (Aug. 1923) (2001–2015) Edwin D. Hill 18th Seattle, WA (Aug. 1925) (2015–) Lonnie R. Stephenson 19th Detroit, MI (Aug. 1927) 20th Miami, FL (Sept. 1929) SECRETARIES 21st St. Louis, MO (Oct. 1941) (1895–1897) J.T. Kelly 22nd San Francisco, CA (Sept. 1946) (1897–1905) H.W. Sherman 23rd Atlantic City, NJ (Sept. 1948) (1905–1912) P.W. Collins 24th Miami, FL (Oct. 1950) (1912–1925) Charles P. Ford 25th Chicago, IL (Aug.–Sept. 1954) (1925–1947) G.M. Bugniazet 26th Cleveland, OH (Sept.–Oct. 1958) (1947–1954) J. Scott Milne 27th Montreal, QB, Canada (Sept. 1962) (1954–1976) Joseph D. Keenan 28th St. Louis, MO (Sept. 1966) (1976–1985) Ralph A. Leigon 29th Seattle, WA (Sept.–Oct. 1970) (1985–1997) Jack F. Moore 30th Kansas City, MO (Sept. 1974) (1997–1998) Edwin D. Hill 31st Atlantic City, NJ (Oct. 1978) 32nd Los Angeles, CA (Sept. 1982) SECRETARY-TREASURERS 33rd Toronto, ON, Canada (Sept. 1986) (1891–1895) J.T. Kelly 34th St. Louis, MO (Oct. 1991) (1998–2001) Edwin D. Hill 35th Philadelphia, PA (Sept. 1996) (2001–2005) Jeremiah J. O’Connor 36th San Francisco, CA (Sept. 2001) (2005–2008) Jon F. Walters 37th Cleveland, OH (Sept. 2006) (2008–2011) Lindell K. Lee 38th Vancouver, BC, Canada (Sept. 2011) (2011–) Salvatore (Sam) J. Chilia 39th St. Louis, MO (Sept. 2016)

36 IBEW Conventions & Leaders IBEWPer Capita Payments

Date Amount Membership Type 1891 $0.10 1893 $0.15 1895 $0.25 1903 $0.30 1913 $0.40 $0.25 LU, Class A $0.25 LU, Class B 1919 $0.60 $0.25 LU, Class A $0.25 LU, Class B 1919 $0.75 $0.25 LU, Class A $0.25 LU, Class B 1921 $1.00 $0.50 LU, Class B 1927 $0.73 $0.50 LU, Class B 1935 $0.73 A $0.50 B January 1, 1947 $0.70 A and BA $0.50 B B Membership Eliminated in 1953 January 1, 1958 $0.80 A and BA July 1, 1958 $0.90 A and BA January 1, 1963 $1.50 A and BA January 1, 1971 $2.00 A and BA January 1, 1979 $3.00 A and BA January 1, 1980 $3.50 A and BA January 1, 1981 $4.00 A and BA January 1, 1983 $5.00 A and BA January 1, 1987 $6.00 A and BA January 1, 1992 $7.00 A and BA January 1, 1994 $8.00 A and BA January 1, 2001 $9.00 A and BA January 1, 2004 $10.00 A and BA January 1, 2007 $11.00 A and BA January 1, 2009 $12.00 A and BA January 1, 2011 $13.00 A and BA January 1, 2012 $15.00 A and BA January 1, 2014 $17.00 A and BA History & Structure 37 IBEWTimeline 1891 NBEW founded (Nov. 28) and affi liated with the American Federation of Labor (Dec. 7). Apprenticeship system established by the NBEW Constitution. 1892 First female members admitted into NBEW. First paid staff position established. 1893 First journal, Th e Electrical Worker, published (Jan. 15). Convention delegates voted to hold conventions every 2 years. 1895 Telephone operators joined NBEW. 1896 First female organizer appointed. 1897 First female delegate sent to the NBEW Convention. 1899 NBEW became an international union when jurisdiction extended to include Canada; name changed to IBEW. 1908 IBEW split into two factions: Reid-Murphy and McNulty- Collins. IBEW affi liated with the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada. 1912 U.S. Supreme Court decision upheld McNulty-Collins as offi cers of the legitimate IBEW. 1913 Delegates returned to a united Convention. (Reid-Murphy faction reabsorbed into the legitimate Brotherhood by agreement in 1914.)

38 IBEWIBEWW TimelineTimeline 1918 Constitutional amendment IBEW Convention celebrates its rendered actions of conventions 50th anniversary. fi nal. 1946 Number of vice presidential IBEW membership triples during districts increased from 10 to 12. World War I. National Employees’ Benefi t Fund 1919 Telephone Operators Department (NEBF) agreement signed by established. IBEW and NECA. 1920 Council on Industrial Relations “BA” membership created. founded. 1947 National Joint Apprenticeship and IBEW headquarters moved from Training Committee (NJATC) Springfi eld, IL, to Washington, formed. DC. Government Employees 1921 International Convention voted Department established. to form the Electrical Workers’ Benefi t Association (EWBA), Progress meetings for vice providing life insurance to IBEW presidential districts instituted. members. National Electrical Benefi t Fund 1924 Research Department established. (NEBF) went into eff ect. 1927 Pension plan (Pension Benefi t 1950 International Convention Fund) established. changed to every 4 years instead of every 2 years. (Affi rmative 1929 IBEW headquarters built at 1200 decision reached in 1952.) 15th Street NW, Washington, DC. 1951 Broadcasting and Recording 1935 Second type of membership created by referendum vote (“B” Department established. membership). 1953 “B” membership eliminated; all 1939 IBEW became bargaining agent members required to transfer to for technical employees of the either “A” or “BA” membership. Columbia Broadcasting System. 1954 IBEW held the largest labor union 1941 National Apprenticeship convention to date. Standards for the Electrical 1955 Construction and Maintenance, Construction Industry were Manufacturing, Telephone, and established, a collaborative eff ort Utility departments established; of IBEW, the National Electrical previously existed as divisions Contractors Association (NECA), within the IBEW. and the Federal Committee on Apprenticeship.

History & Structure 39 1959 Skill Improvement and Safety 1988 Education Program established departments established. (became Education Department in 1991). 1963 U.S. Supreme Court ruling supported authority of IBEW 1989 Canada IBEW-COPE established. Constitution. 1990 Canadian Signal and 1966 Founders’ Scholarship Program Communications Union joined instituted to celebrate the 75th the IBEW. anniversary of the IBEW. Th e First District began 1971 International Offi ce moved publication of its newsletter, to 1125 Fift eenth Street NW, Canadian Comment. Washington, DC. 1991 Centennial Exposition and 100th Special Services and Organizing Anniversary Convention held in departments established. St. Louis, MO. Delegates voted to hold convention every 5 years. 1972 IBEW membership reached 1 million. 1994 New database established for agreement approval/analysis. Telephone Department operations relocated to International Offi ce. Public Relations Department established. 1977 IBEW and NECA agreed to 1995 First IBEW-wide opinion poll improve NEBF benefi ts and of rank-and-fi le members increase employer contribution conducted. from 1% to 3%. 1996 Electronic voting used for fi rst 1981 Electrical Industry Health and time at an IBEW convention. Welfare Reciprocal Agreement established; achieved 100% Committee authorized to participation in 1985. study IBEW’s Constitution and structure. 1982 IBEW affi liated with the Canadian Federation of Labour. 1997 IBEW reaffi liated with the Canadian Labour Congress. 1984 Electrical Industry Pension Reciprocal Agreement 1998 Offi ces of the International established; achieved 100% Secretary and International participation in 1989. Treasurer combined. 1986 IBEW International President J.J. Railroad Department established. Barry developed Construction Former Twelft h Vice Presidential Organizing Membership District renumbered as Tenth Development Training (COMET). Vice Presidential District. 1987 Pension Investment and 2003 Organizing eff orts restructured and Employee Benefi ts Department combined into the Membership established. Development Department.

40 IBEW Timeline 2005 International Offi ce moved to new building at 900 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC. 2006 IBEW established the Family Medical Care Plan. IBEW, along with six other building trades, launched the Mechanical Allied Craft s. IBEWHourPower.com website launched. 2007 Code of Excellence launched. 2008 National 401(k) plan introduced. IBEW founded the National Labor Management & Public Aff airs Committee. Construction membership reached all-time high. 2009 IBEW issued “smart” cards to all active dues paying members. IBEW Journal published its last issue. 2010 Construction coordinators appointed for each vice presidential district. Utility Code of Excellence unveiled. 2012 IBEW completed installation of a studio production facility at the International Offi ce. 2014 IBEWmade.com website launched. NJATC renamed the Electrical Training Alliance. 2016 IBEW celebrated 125 years of Brotherhood.

HistoryHistory & StructureStructurre 41

Part II Structure of the IBEW

6 Organization 7 Jurisdiction 8 Industries of the Brotherhood 9 Services of the International Ofﬁ ce

6Organization

Th e IBEW prides itself on the autonomy of necessary corrective action regarding offi cers, its local unions, which are organized into local unions, and members to protect or ad- eleven districts with an International Offi ce vance the interests of the IBEW. in Washington, DC. Th e International Offi ce carries out the day-to-day operations of the Under the direction of the International Brotherhood, including protecting members’ President, the elected international vice presi- health and safety through education and the dents supervise the aff airs of and provide ser- development of standards; administering vices to the local unions in their respective dis- pension and other payments; ensuring that tricts (see the map on p. 45). Th e international our members get the best and most up-to-date vice presidents and their staff members assist training available; representing the working local unions with membership development class through political action; and supporting (including organizing), collective bargaining, organizing programs at the local, regional, and and contract administration. Th e international international levels. vice presidents also act on appeals from local union Trial Board decisions and on charges Th e IBEW International Convention, which fi led by members against local union offi cers meets every 5 years, is the highest governing and representatives. body of the IBEW. All international offi cers are elected at convention, and the basic policies of Th e IEC consists of nine members and meets the IBEW are determined there through votes four times per year to carry out its duties as on proposed resolutions and constitutional described in the IBEW Constitution, includ- amendments. Th e convention is also the fi nal ing acting on appeals; reviewing applications authority on appeals. for pension, disability, or retirement benefi ts; Each affi liated local union in good standing for at least 6 months prior to each convention is entitled to elect delegates to attend it. Th e Local unions and their number of delegates is fi xed by Article II, Sec. 8, of the IBEW Constitution. members are the heart of the IBEW. Th e executive offi cers of the IBEW—the International President and International Secretary-Treasurer —are charged with super- vising the aff airs of the IBEW in accordance auditing the books and accounts of the inter- with their duties as outlined in the IBEW national offi cers; and reviewing all proposed Constitution. Th e chief administrative offi cer is constitutional amendments submitted for the International President, who is responsible referendum vote. Th e IEC has a chairman, who for seeing that all other offi cers perform their is elected at large, and eight members elected duties. Th e International President may take to represent their respective IEC districts (see

History & Structure 45 the map on p. 46), which are diff erent from the international vice presidential districts. Local unions are chartered by the International Secretary-Treasurer under authorization by the International President and operate in pre- scribed territorial and trade jurisdictions. Th ey are responsible for organizing in their respective jurisdictions, aiding in collective bargaining, and managing employer–employee relations. Local unions also enact their own bylaws and rules. Bylaws, amendments, rules, and agreements must be approved by the International President and cannot confl ict with the IBEW Constitution. Local unions elect their own offi - cers in accordance with constitutional and bylaw procedures. In addition, local unions affi liate with state, provincial, central, or trades councils as decided by the International President. Th e IBEW is affi liated with the AFL-CIO, the umbrella affi liation for U.S. unions that includes North America’s Building Trades Unions and the Metal Trades, Maritime Trades, Transportation Trades, and Union Label and Service Trades departments. Th e IBEW is also affi liated with the Canadian Labour Congress, which is the largest labor organization in Canada. Beyond North America, the IBEW co- operates with other international labor organizations to build solidarity and advance workers’ rights around the world.

46 Organization IBEW International Vice Presidential Districts

Alaska

Yukon Territory

Northwest Territories Nunavut

Newfoundland and Labrador British Columbia

Alberta

Manitoba Quebec Saskatchewan

Prince Edward Island 1 Ontario

Washington New Brunswick Maine Montana Nova Scotia North Dakota Minnesota 2 Oregon New Vermont South Dakota York New Hampshire Idaho 6 Massachusetts Wyoming Wisconsin Michigan 3 Rhode Island 11 Connecticut 9 8 Pennsylvania Iowa Ohio New Jersey Nevada Nebraska Hawaii Utah Delaware Illinois Indiana 4 Northern Mariana Colorado Maryland West Islands Virginia California Kansas Missouri Virginia District of Columbia Guam Kentucky North Carolina Tennessee Arizona Oklahoma Arkansas New Mexico South 10 Carolina 7 5

Alabama Georgia Texas Mississippi

Louisiana Florida

Puerto Rico Republic of Panama

History & Structure 47 IBEW International Executive Council Districts

Alaska

Yukon Territory

Northwest Territories Nunavut

Newfoundland and British Columbia Labrador

Alberta

Manitoba Quebec Saskatchewan

Prince Edward Island 8 Ontario

Washington New Brunswick Maine Montana Nova Scotia North Dakota Minnesota 2 Oregon Idaho New Vermont South Dakota York New Hampshire Massachusetts Wyoming Wisconsin 7 Michigan 1 Rhode Island 5 Connecticut Pennsylvania Nevada Iowa Ohio New Jersey Nebraska Illinois Hawaii Utah Delaware Indiana 3 Maryland Northern Mariana Colorado West Islands Virginia Virginia California Kansas Missouri District of Columbia Guam Kentucky North Carolina Tennessee Arizona Oklahoma New Mexico Arkansas South 4 Carolina

6 Alabama Georgia

Mississippi Texas Louisiana Florida

Puerto Rico Republic of Panama

48 Organization 7Jurisdiction

Determining jurisdiction includes consider- Th e trade classifi cations listed in the IBEW ation of the physical boundaries (territorial Constitution and the IBEW Local Union jurisdiction) as well as types of work (trade Directory (Form 75) serve as guidelines. Local jurisdiction) for local unions. Th e IBEW union bylaws defi ne territorial jurisdiction Constitution (Article XIII, Sec. 2) empowers either geographically or by employer, as the the International President to determine both case may be. Jurisdiction in cable television, the territorial and trade jurisdiction of a electrical manufacturing, radio-television local union. broadcasting, telephone, and utility is granted based on approved current labor agreements Jurisdiction policy applied only to territorial on fi le in the International Offi ce. jurisdiction at fi rst, but it was later extended to include trade jurisdiction. Th e policy In the case of a jurisdictional dispute between requires that international vice presidents local unions, the International President deter- recommend the trade and territorial jurisdic- mines which local union will do certain work. tions of local unions within their districts to In addition, the International President may the International President. Th e International take charge of and direct certain jobs or proj- President then approves or disapproves each ects when circumstances warrant this action. recommendation according to the circumstances of each situation.

Trade jurisdiction is based on the IBEW Constitution (Article XXVI) and is set forth in a local union’s bylaws (Article I, Sec. 1).

Determining Jurisdiction

1. The local union notifies its international vice president. 2. The international vice president investigates the situation and makes a recommendation to the International President. 3. The International President awards or denies jurisdiction according to its impact on the overall welfare of the IBEW.

History & Structure 49

Industries of the 8Brotherhood

Th e following describes the industries and operators, and truck drivers assist linemen jobs of the many workers of the IBEW. Th ese with their assignments. descriptions are not intended to replace the material in the IBEW Constitution. Th ey serve Other IBEW workers in the utility industry as summaries and include the articles and sec- include radio dispatchers, meter installers, tions of the IBEW Constitution for reference. testers, repairmen, and clerical workers. Cable splicers, welders, and machine operators also play valuable roles in the important work of OUTSIDE AND UTILITY WORKERS producing electrical energy.

Th e skills of outside construction and utility IBEW linemen workers are as many and as varied as their and utility worksites. Th ey may work in power plants or as workers keep linemen, groundmen, repairmen, or machine the power operators, to name a few examples. running during extreme Utility workers in power plants control and weather regulate the energy that heats and lights homes, runs factories, and drives giant machinery. Watch engineers, boiler operators, turbine operators, switchboard control operators, and load dispatchers are responsible for generating and distributing power by proper load con- nection to the lines that serve our homes and communities. Utility workers also construct, operate, and maintain the facilities of water utilities and transit systems. Th e IBEW Constitution (Article XXVI, Sec. 4) establishes the jurisdiction of outside and utility workers.

Linemen and Other Workers Linemen install and maintain the lines that supply electricity to consumers. Th ey set poles, string lines, and install transformers wherever electricity is needed. Th ey handle trouble calls and keep the lines energized even in the worst weather. Groundmen, equipment

48 History & Structure 51 The Gas Industry Th ese workers must be highly skilled: Th eir No discussion of outside construction and 5 years of apprentice training qualifi es them utility workers is complete without mention- to read blueprints; to work safely with high ing the thousands of IBEW workers in the gas voltages; and to install, repair, and service the industry. IBEW men and women are employed heaviest and most complicated of electrical and to oversee the transmission, distribution, and electronic equipment and controls. Th ey also maintenance of gas utilities and to provide perform low-voltage, instrumentation, sound clerical support for this work. and public address, and alarm and signal work. Many are licensed electrical inspectors as well.

INSIDE ELECTRICAL WORKERS Wiremen work with renewable energy sources including wind turbines, solar photovoltaic, Inside wiremen are responsible for con- geothermal, biomass, wave, fuel cells, microtur- structing, installing, erecting, repairing, or bines, and energy storage. Th ey install, main- maintaining all materials, equipment, and tain, and repair the systems necessary to meet appliances required to generate, supply, or our nations’ ever-growing energy demands. furnish electricity. Wiremen at nuclear power plants support out- Th roughout the United States and Canada, ages and ongoing construction that is vital to wiremen install electrical and electronic our nations’ power supply. Inside wiremen also perform preventive maintenance, testing, and IBEW systems in residential, commercial, and construction industrial structures. Electricians are among commissioning within existing facilities and for members are the fi rst craft smen on the job, installing new construction projects. an integral part temporary power, and frequently the last to of the building Other aspects of inside electrical work include leave the job, testing and troubleshooting to of our cities maintaining and repairing electrical signs and ensure that all equipment is working properly. fabricating switchboards and panel boards. Th e IBEW Constitution (Article XXVI, Sec. 5) establishes the jurisdiction of inside electrical workers.

COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS

Th e IBEW has represented workers in radio, television, and recording since the early days of experimentation and development in these fi elds. IBEW members work behind the scenes in the broadcasting industry to assemble, install, repair, and maintain all equipment, apparatus, and appliances required to transmit data, voice, sound, video, and other emerging technologies (including fi ber-optic and high- speed data cables). High degrees of skill are required to install, operate, and maintain the complex equipment. In addition, continually changing technology demands the personal ingenuity, initiative, and continual skill improvement of communications workers. Similarly, the recording industry depends upon

52 Industries of the Brotherhood the special technical skills of our members to produce digital audio and video. IBEW members were active in the development of high-defi nition television (HDTV) and recorded the fi rst speech on HDTV by a U.S. president and the fi rst HDTV “Movie of the Week,” produced for CBS. Th is medium demanded new specialized skills, and the International Offi ce was instrumental in persuading the U.S. government to set the standard for HDTV. Th e IBEW now sets its sights on expanding new technologies, including 3D and 4K. As these technologies emerge, IBEW members will continue to be at the forefront to develop and make this technology available to the mainstream public. Th e IBEW Constitution (Article XXVI, Sec. 6) establishes the jurisdiction of communications workers. for decades for IBEW linemen, installers, op- Maintenance and Repair erators, service representatives, and more— are IBEW members Th e broadcasting industry requires intricate broadcast our being replaced with fi ber optic cables, digital favorite sport equipment, which must be carefully installed switches, and automated attendants. Today’s events and diligently maintained. From broadcasting’s telephone and cable companies are focused high towers with elaborate antenna systems, on new products and wireless technology to microwave transmitters and receivers, and off er voice, video, and data products. Tens of satellites to cable subscribers’ homes and thousands of IBEW members are employed businesses, IBEW members are involved in at telecommunications companies such as the installation, maintenance, and operation AT&T, CenturyLink, Comcast, Frontier of almost all of the communications systems that our countries rely on. All phases of this Communications, and Verizon. industry —from fabrication and construction to product maintenance and public safety services— depend on special radio, satellite, and TV links. IBEW personnel are employed in maintenance and repair work essential to modern, effi cient telecommunications.

Telecommunications Th e telecommunications industry has experienced many changes since Alexander Graham Bell was granted the fi rst telephone patent in 1876. We have seen the telephone evolve from an awkward electrical–mechanical instrument IBEW members maintain our to the sleek digital devices we use today. Th e lines of old copper facilities, manual switchboards, and communication customer service centers —that provided work

History & Structure 53 Th e 1990s brought interest in high-speed rail to the United States. Th ese sleek passenger trains, traveling at speeds up to 135 miles per hour, operate in the Northeast Corridor between Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC. Rail ridership has been increasing year aft er year, with more people looking to use rail as their mode of transportation to and from work. Freight traffi c is also on the rise, indicating a promising future for additional IBEW railroad jobs. As a result of the success of high-speed trains, the 21st century has seen additional RAILROAD ELECTRICAL WORKERS IBEW railroad investment in them across the United States. workers keep Canada does not have high-speed rail, but stud- transportation Railroad work has always held a fascination for ies on its benefi ts for the country are ongoing. systems Americans and Canadians, perhaps because running railroads played an important part in building Railroads in the United States and Canada are now using advanced train control systems to our nations. IBEW members have played a track trains, help keep them on schedule, and vital role on our nations’ freight, passenger, and enhance their safety. Th ese systems use satel- commuter railroads since the industry’s begin- lite technology and transponders installed on ning. Railroad electricians perform many du- train engines to track the movement of trains, ties with various carriers to inspect, test, main- depending heavily on reliable voice and data tain, repair, and rebuild highly sophisticated communications, such as microwave and voice railroad electrical equipment. Th is equipment radio. Th e introduction of new technology includes locomotives, passenger cars, signal means that the railroad industry will require an systems, communication systems, and positive increasingly skilled workforce to maintain and train control systems. IBEW members are also repair the sophisticated equipment. responsible for maintaining railroad right of Th e IBEW Constitution (Article XXVI, Sec. 7) ways, stations, rail shops, rail yards, and other establishes the jurisdiction of railroad buildings used by the railroads. electrical workers.

IBEW manufacturing members work on products that add convenience and comfort to our lives

54 Industries of the Brotherhood ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING doing repair, renovation, and shipbuilding and WORKERS breaking. In the federal, state, and municipal areas, electrical workers sustain transmission Th e manufacturing branch of the IBEW rep- lines; provide maintenance to federal buildings resents thousands of women and men involved and equipment; take part in communications in the research, development, and assembly work; support navigational locks and dams; of products and equipment for worldwide and maintain hydro- and steam-driven electric distribution. IBEW manufacturing members, power generating plants. employed by companies of all sizes, produce a wide array of products and electrical and elec- In the United States, IBEW members are tronic components for industries such as aero- employed in many federal agencies, bureaus, space, automotive, communications, consumer and departments, including: all branches electronics, health care, and national defense. of the armed services, the General Services Equipment required for the generation, control, Administration, the Bureau of Reclamation, the and distribution of electricity is also produced National Park Service, and the Department of by IBEW manufacturing members. Veterans Aff airs. IBEW members maintain the electrical and electronic machinery that prints Because lifestyles in the United States and U.S. stamps, currency, laws, and other gov- Canada are directly bound to an abundant use ernment documents. Th eir worksites include of electricity and electrical products that are the Tennessee Valley Authority, Bonneville an essential part of everyday life, manufactur- Power Administration, Western Area ing workers are an important segment of the Power Administration, Southwestern Power IBEW. Many of the comforts and conveniences Administration, Sandia National Laboratories, we are accustomed to in our homes, at our and Brookhaven National Laboratory. IBEW workplaces, and during our recreational time government are the direct result of the labor force that the IBEW members also work at federal, state, and employees IBEW represents. Th e highly diversifi ed list of municipal jobsites such as the New York and work in shipyards, products manufactured by IBEW members in- New Jersey harbor authorities and the Chicago cludes broadcasting and entertainment equip- naval plants, Transit Authority. Th ey work as emergency and federal ment, electric motors, generators, household responders, police, dispatchers, attorneys, para- buildings appliances, light fi xtures, medical equipment, legals, architects, and engineers. switchgear, and telecommunications equipment. Th e IBEW Constitution (Article XXVI, Sec. 8) establishes the jurisdiction of electrical manufacturing workers.

GOVERNMENT WORKERS

Some IBEW members work for the United States and Canadian governments. In naval and coast guard shipyards, naval ordnance plants and various defense capacities, electricians, linemen, gyro and electronics technicians, electric-crane repairmen, and other workers are essential to the defense of our nations and the safety of our people. IBEW members that work aboard ships are employed in private and federal shipyards

History & Structure 55 In Canada, IBEW members work in shipyards Other members work behind the scenes in as part of the Metal Trade Councils and per- unique ways, servicing jukeboxes, running form skilled electronics work for the Treasury electrically operated “tote” devices of parimu- Board of Canada. IBEW technicians are em- tuel systems at racetracks, and providing com- ployed in operational, scientifi c, research, and plex lighting arrangements for entertainment development work for government ministries venues. Th e IBEW also has members working such as the Canadian Coast Guard; with radar and on nuclear projects, X-rays, and other medical equipment. National Defence; Foreign Aff airs, Trade and Development Canada; and Transport Canada. Offi ce workers are another key segment of the IBEW, particularly those in our utility, tele- Th e IBEW Constitution (Article XXVI, Sec. communications, and manufacturing fi elds. 9) provides that government workers may be Maintenance workers, who keep electrical organized under any of the general branches of installations and equipment running, also form the IBEW. a vital part of the IBEW. Technological advances , including the increas- OTHER TRADE CLASSIFICATIONS ing use of automation and technology in manufacturing, construction, and communications, Th ousands of IBEW members work in the are reshaping the future of electrical work . U.S. space program on cutting-edge projects However, change has also occurred in the such as telescopes that explore early life and structure of the electrical industry, and tradi- distant objects in our universe and devices tional electrical classifi cations and jurisdictions that monitor weather, environmental, and are becoming more interdependent among the sea-level conditions. various branches.

An IBEW member working at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

56 Industries of the Brotherhood Services of the 9International Ofﬁ ce

Th e International Offi ce of the IBEW provides jurisdictional disputes with other unions, and important services for its members and in- national and international agreements. Staff dustries. Headquartered in Washington, DC, also help local union offi cers and members to this center of operations is divided into two stay informed about new developments and types of departments: 1) industry/branch other matters of interest in their industries. departments and 2) support departments. Department directors and staff members of the Utility International Offi ce work closely with other Th e Utility Department of the International unions, industry groups, and government Offi ce provides advice and assistance to agencies and offi cials. local unions and system councils with utility jurisdiction in the United States and Canada. Among the department’s responsibilities INDUSTRY/BRANCH DEPARTMENTS are addressing electric, gas, water, nuclear, and transit issues (whether investor-owned, Industry/branch departments within the publicly owned, or cooperative); approving International Offi ce represent six specifi c areas information and giving advice concerning of the electrical industry: the provisions of utility agreements; and 1. Utility confronting problems arising from the 2. Construction and Maintenance 3. Broadcasting and Telecommunications IBEW utility 4. Railroad members 5. Manufacturing working on an 6. Government Employees outside line

Th ese departments conduct annual conferences for offi cers of IBEW local unions with jurisdiction in their particular branch of the industry, issuing reports and statements that support the IBEW’s goals. Directors and members of these departments are experienced in their industries and can, at the request of the respective international vice president, assist local unions with jurisdiction in that branch. Th ey also coordi- nate activities among local unions and system councils within their branches. Department staff off er help with organizing eff orts, negotiations, grievance and arbitration,

History & Structure 57 industrial use of nuclear energy in reactors, work for companies including CableLync, isotopes, and other sources of ionizing NorthwesTel, MTS Allstream, and Rogers radiation. Th e department collaborates with Cable Atlantic. other labor groups and with government agencies to develop adequate safeguards for Railroad radioactive materials. Utility Department Th e Railroad Department handles national staff members serve on numerous committees negotiations with freight railroad companies dealing with the installation, operation, and and assists the railroad system councils and maintenance of utility facilities, including local unions with their independent bar- matters of worker safety. gaining. Department representatives attend regular meetings with the Railroad Safety Construction and Maintenance Advisory Committee and its working groups Th e Construction and Maintenance on rail safety issues with the Federal Railroad Department assists IBEW local unions in Administration. Th e department tracks and increasing market share, creating partnerships, responds to legislative and political developments, as federal legislation aff ects almost resolving confl icts, protecting craft jurisdic- every aspect of the railroad industry from tional lines, safeguarding prevailing wages, funding to safety legislation. and overseeing national agreements. Other responsibilites include handling jurisdictional Manufacturing disputes, approving project labor agreements, Th e Manufacturing Department oversees and working closely with IBEW Hour Power collective bargaining agreements in the man- and ElectricTV.net. Th e department also works ufacturing sector. It maintains oversight with complementary organizations such as and administration for the IBEW Union Helmets to Hardhats and renewable energy Label, maintains the IBEWmade.com web- associations, attends trade shows and exhibi- site, and encourages IBEW local unions to tions, and ensures employer compliance with adopt the Manufacturing Code of Excellence. the Davis-Bacon Act and other prevailing wage Additionally, the department works in collab- laws. oration with the Membership Development Department to organize new members and Broadcasting and gather information to assess potential man- Telecommunications ufacturing targets so that fi eld organizers are Th e Broadcasting and Telecommunications better prepared for campaigns. Department monitors the federal regulations and legislation that may impact the broadcast- Government Employees ing and telecommunications industries and Th e Government Employees Department IBEW membership. Th e department pursues serves IBEW local unions that represent mem- internal and external organizing opportunities bers employed by federal, state, provincial, and at broadcast crewing companies, sports arenas, municipal local governments in the United telecommunications fi rms, and other venues. States and Canada; those working under the Staff address member issues, assist local unions U.S. Department of Labor’s McNamara-O’Hara with collective bargaining, and maintain work- Service Contract Act; and those employed in ing relationships with companies that employ the shipbuilding and marine industries. Th e IBEW members. department serves as a liaison to many federal government agencies, private employers, and In the United States, IBEW broadcasting and departments of the AFL-CIO. Additionally, the telecommunications members work under department monitors important legislation, agreements with CBS, AT&T, and Comcast, advocating for laws that preserve, retain, and among others. In Canada, IBEW members improve jobs and benefi ts for IBEW members.

58 Services of the International Offi ce SUPPORT DEPARTMENTS and Planning for Organizing, Organizer Boot Camp, Member-to-Member Training, and Th e support departments handle many of the Member-to-Future Member Training. day-to-day functions of the IBEW and help to fulfi ll the long-term goals of the Brotherhood. Th e department is committed to providing the The staff of these departments maintain pen- highest quality education possible; to that end, it sion and payment records, provide research continually revises and adds courses according to support collective bargaining and organiz- to feedback from training attendees. Th e depart- ing, manage the union’s investments, oversee ment’s staff teach all of the courses throughout the local union supply store, create educa- the United States and Canada with assistance tional and training programs, and inform the from district international representatives. public and IBEW members through media and publications. Research Th e IBEW Research Department, one of the Education fi rst such departments instituted by a labor Th e Education Department serves as a resource union, was established in 1924. Th e interna- for IBEW members and staff and promotes the tional offi cers wanted a more systematic and core priorities of the IBEW through education orderly presentation of wage cases, and they and training. Department staff members have felt that more help in this regard would be expertise in developing and presenting train- provided by a department solely devoted to this ing programs to meet the specifi c needs of our purpose. Th e Research Department in its early members, local union leaders, international days collected and interpreted wage and hour representatives, and staff . reports and forwarded this information to local unions engaged in negotiations. To keep pace Courses including New Business Manager with ever-changing conditions, this depart- Training, Construction Organizing, ment’s responsibilities have multiplied consid- Membership Education Training, Train-the- erably in the ensuing years. Trainer (for classes to be taught directly by the local union), Code of Excellence Steward Department staff members have expertise in Training, Local Union Leadership Training, corporate aff airs, shareholder activism, fi nan- IBEW and Member Orientation are developed by the cial and industry analysis, job evaluation and members department. Additionally, to better support testing, wage incentives, labor economics, receive training from Education membership development, the department employee benefi ts, database design, publishing, Department off ers the following courses: First Contract research, writing, and editing. Th e department staff Negotiations Training, Leadership Education compiles information to assist international

History & Structure 59 offi cers and staff members as well as local and motivational tool for the membership unions and district offi ces. When requested, and conveys the scope of IBEW activities to staff prepare reports for use in negotiations, members and the public. Th e newspaper also organizing, conferences, and government serves as a platform to publish items required hearings. Th e department also administers the by the IBEW Constitution or by statute, IBEW Founders’ Scholarship program and pro- including the minutes of the IEC meetings, vides scholarship information to members. referendum results, IBEW audits, National Electrical Benefi t Fund trustee reports, and Media notices to members and fee payers of their rights. Th e Media Department is charged with the mission of communicating the IBEW’s message Th e IBEW’s online presence off ers resources for and purpose to members and the public. Th e members including access to the Local Union department runs an integrated communica- Directory (Form 75), jurisdictional maps, and tions network that combines print resources links to district websites and IBEW social me- with the IBEW’s website, original videos, and dia. Th e IBEW Media Center provides original social media. content highlighting issues in the electrical industry, political developments, and coverage Th e IBEW has produced an offi cial publication relevant to the labor movement as a whole. since 1893. Th e IBEW founders believed that Visitors can also view award-winning videos communication was an important factor in produced in house and featuring binding the membership together; therefore, IBEW members. they included the requirement for a publication in the IBEW Constitution (Article IV, Sec. 3). Th e department also maintains the IBEW’s Th e video online presence via Facebook, Twitter, production Th e Brotherhood’s monthly magazine, the YouTube, Flickr, Vimeo, Pinterest, and blogs facility at IBEW Journal, was an important means such as DailyKos. the IBEW of communication in the early days of the International union. In 2007, the IBEW added a monthly Civic and Community Engagement Offi ce contains newspaper, Th e Electrical Worker. Th e IBEW a studio, In 1971, the Department of Special Services Journal ceased publication in 2009, but Th e control room, was established in the International Offi ce and and audio Electrical Worker continues on a monthly basis. charged with designing programs and devel- booth Th e Electrical Worker serves as an educational oping a center of information for both retired members and those planning retirement. Th e department was renamed Human Services in 1991 and expanded its focus to include diver- sity, community services, and groups such as the disabled, youth, and minority and women workers.

Today, the Civic and Community Engagement Department maintains liaison with many likeminded civil rights and workers’ rights groups, including the AFL-CIO Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Department; A. Philip Randolph Institute; Labor Council for Latin American Advancement; the Asian Pacifi c American Labor Alliance; Coalition of Black Trade Unionists; Pride at Work; and Coalition of Labor Union Women. Th is department also

60 Services of the International Offi ce maintains the relationship between the IBEW and Union Privilege, through which members can receive a variety of health, economic, and legal benefi ts.

Political/Legislative Affairs Everyday across the United States and Canada, elected offi cials and regulatory and judicial bodies make decisions that aff ect IBEW members. Th e Political/Legislative Aff airs Department monitors these decisions and works to have an impact on the outcome. Th e department is involved in the political process by educating and mobilizing IBEW membership, and it serves as the hub for all IBEW political contributions. Th e department also processes local union bylaws and charters and determines jurisdiction IBEW Th rough individual voluntary and local union and membership classifi cations in accordance members contributions, the IBEW Political Action with the IBEW Constitution. In addition, staff participate in a Committee (PAC) supports candidates, com- rally at the U.S. process appeals of decisions regarding viola- mittees, and educational programs that pro- Capitol tions of the IBEW Constitution rendered by the mote the goals and mission of the Brotherhood. international vice presidents. Th e department fi les federal, state, and local campaign fi nance reports to ensure that the Membership Development PAC remains in compliance with all election Th e Membership Development Department laws. Th e mobilization and education por- oversees organizing activities in all IBEW tion of the department is called the IBEW branch/industry departments and coordinates Grassroots Program. campaigns among the IBEW branches and dis- CIR/Bylaws and Appeals tricts and on the international level. Staff also develop strategies and training methods for Th e CIR is a unique labor–management judi- successful organizing campaigns. Th e depart- cial body that allows labor and management ment is divided into two sections: 1) construc- in the electrical contracting industry to settle tion organizing and 2) professional and indus- major diff erences peacefully. At quarterly meet- trial organizing. ings, six representatives of NECA and six members of the IBEW hear both sides of a dispute Construction organizing campaigns include and render a unanimous decision. companies employing outside linemen, line clearance and tree trimming workers, and Th e CIR is an arbitration board; and because electricians working on the construction and decisions are unanimous by rule of the council, maintenance of buildings and other structures. and a third party is never involved in delib- Professional and industrial organizing cam- erations, the CIR can eff ect fair decisions and paigns involve workers in broadcasting, man- seek out errors to correct. For nearly a centu- ufacturing, railroad, telecommunications, ry, employers and employees in the electrical and utility industries, as well as government contracting industry have voluntarily settled employees. their diff erences via the CIR— a record that has earned IBEW and NECA the “strikeless Th e department works closely with other industry” title. groups, including IBEW branch/industry

59History & Structure 61 departments, North America’s Building Trades informational mailings. Th e department re- Unions, and other unions to provide support to searches, reviews, and corrects data for mem- successfully organize workers and sign compa- bers, including per capita reports, obligation nies to IBEW agreements. forms, benefi ciary forms (including old EWBA records), and correspondence. When necessary, Information Technology the department contacts local unions directly for Th e Information Technology (IT) Department information to help maintain accurate records. oversees all computer-related activities of the IBEW. Staff members design, program, im- Th e department director also serves as the plement, and maintain all in-house computer reciprocal administrator for the Electric systems; they also install, integrate, and imple- Industry Pension Reciprocal Agreement and ment the computer, phone, and video systems the Electrical Industry Health and Welfare for the International Offi ce and districts. Reciprocal Agreement. Th is position is responsible for administering and addressing Th e department staff prepare and review all inquiries related to these agreements, as well hardware and soft ware purchase requests; as maintaining current data on all participat- administer various databases; design and ing funds. Th ese agreements, created by the administer the wide-area network and the CIR IBEW in cooperation with NECA, enable the website; and investigate the feasibility of new transfer of members’ pension and health and technologies for IBEW use. Th e department welfare contributions back to their home funds, assists district offi ces with computer-related regardless of where they may be working. activities, including purchasing and installing hardware and soft ware, training, and develop- Per Capita ment of custom applications. Additionally, the Th e Per Capita Department is responsible for department is responsible for administering reviewing all per capita reports submitted by and hosting IBEW websites and provides a help IBEW local unions and verifying membership desk for all international representatives and transactions and payments. Th e department international vice presidents. provides local unions with membership sum- Th e department coordinates all comput- maries that list the number of new admissions; er-related activities for IBEW International membership type changes, including trans- Conventions and annual conferences, register- fers to and from Honorary Withdrawal and ing delegates and calculating voting strength, Traveling Card activity; Offi cial Receipts for lo- recording election results, and producing cal unions’ per capita payments; and Statements delegate mailings and expense checks. of Balances. Staff send monthly status reports to each international vice president. Pension and Reciprocity Another responsibility of the department is Th e IBEW Pension and Reciprocity administering the IBEW Agency Fee Payers Department reports and provides assistance to (AFP) Objection Plan, which provides a proce- the international offi cers regarding pension and dure for nonmembers to obtain a reduction in death claim payments, construction industry their monthly fee payments pursuant to federal reciprocity, and membership records. law. Employees working under contractual Th e department also provides assistance with union security provisions in the United States and research into membership records for the may choose not to become full union mem- purpose of determining eligibility for pension bers and not support union activities that are and death benefi ts. Th e International Offi ce unrelated to collective bargaining. Th e AFP staff use these requests for various activities, Objection Plan is designed to assist IBEW local including organizing, political action, and unions in fulfi lling legal obligations to notify

62 Services of the International Offi ce employees of their rights and to provide them and assists local unions in setting up programs with a procedure for exercising these rights. and resolving any safety or health problems. Th e department works closely with other Finally, the department maintains detailed re- unions, safety and health organizations, and cords on Trial Board assessments, including the government agencies to reduce accidents both assessed member’s name, the assessment, the on and off the job. Within the Brotherhood, the amount of the fi ne, and all payments. department works with all trade jurisdictions to help develop safety standards and programs. Accounting Its primary focus is occupational safety— Th e Accounting Department creates and although home, community, and personal maintains detailed records of all income and safety and health issues frequently require expenses and is responsible for producing departmental attention. Staff also participate fi nancial and management reports that in national consensus standard committees on monitor the fi nancial position of the IBEW. Th e issues involving worker safety. department’s primary objective is to continue developing and improving the capability of its Personnel accounting system to produce the most up-to- Th e Personnel Department’s primary responsi- date fi nancial information possible. bility is to provide assistance to the staff of the International President and the International Support Services Secretary-Treasurer in making the best pos- Th e Support Services Department is responsible use of the International Offi ce’s human sible for purchasing supplies, inventory con- resources. Th e department administers em- trol, mail services, imaging, central fi ling, and ployee health and welfare benefi ts, processes records management. Th e department also retirements, and handles various personnel approves orders for IBEW Union Made, Union matters. Th e department can assist when a liai- Assembled, and Construction labels. Serial son is needed between the employees and their An IBEW numbers of these labels are recorded for future medical carriers. member reference as well as historical purposes. presents Th e department’s responsibilities include ad- a safety Th e department expedites the delivery of sup- demonstration ministering employee health and welfare ben- for school plies and merchandise to local unions, district efi ts and maintaining health care information; children offi ces, members, and international organizers processing medical, dental, vision, prescription, and sells items through the local union supply store.

Th e IBEW logo artwork is issued by the department to local unions for their use in compliance with established rules and regulations, and the department enforces logo trade- mark infringements. Finally, the department distributes IBEW Service Awards for members with continuous good standing for 50 years and more.

Safety and Health Th e Safety and Health Department promotes safe work practice codes for diff erent industries and works actively for their adoption. It promotes eff ective safety and health legislation,

History & Structure 63 and legal benefi ts; ensuring compliance with compiled and used to generate reports that various laws; and consulting with other depart- support negotiations and organizing ments to analyze and prepare job descriptions across industries. and the specifi cations for jobs within a particular department. Th e department also handles Business Development employee grievances, manages building access Th is department’s primary responsibilities and security issues to ensure the safety of the include overseeing and coordinating business International Offi ce, and coordinates various development eff orts on multiple levels through- community-relations events. out the Brotherhood. Th ese eff orts focus on direct contact with customers, owners, devel- Investments opers, and contractors with the ultimate goal of Th e Investments Department reports to and increasing IBEW market share. assists the International Secretary-Treasurer Th e department has successfully obtained with investing pension funds and administer- written commitments from large customers ing plans overseen by the IBEW. Th ese plans to exclusively engage IBEW signatories on include the IBEW PBF; International Offi cers, their planned projects in exchange for assis- Representatives and Assistants Plan; Offi ce tance with their permitting and regulatory Employee Plan; IBEW General Fund; IBEW processes. Th is strategy and subsequent activ- Employees 401(k) Plan; and the National ities have included IBEW member and offi cer Electrical 401(k) Plan. submissions of project support letters to state Primary responsibilities of the department and federal regulatory agencies, attendance include monitoring and evaluating the perfor- and supporting testimonies at various public mance of investment managers; maintaining hearings, supporting letters to the editors of cash fl ow for benefi t payments; accounting of various print media outlets, production and real-estate investments; and overseeing IBEW- media buys for project-supporting TV com- owned property, which involves working with mercials, and lobbying eff orts at many levels the custodial bank to review analytical eval- with multiple agencies. uations of IBEW accounts and determining reporting requirements.

Agreement Approval Th e Agreement Approval Department was re-established in 2015 with its eff orts focused on processing agreements in an accurate and timely manner and providing excellent service to local unions, district offi ces, and other departments with their needs concerning collective bargaining agreements. Th e responsibility of this department is to enforce adherence to IBEW procedures regarding the content of labor agreements between local unions and employers. Adhering to these procedures will minimize confl icts and the turnaround time during the agreement- approval process. Th e department lends support to all branches of the IBEW, and the information extracted from each agreement is

64 Services of the International Offi ce International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ® 900 Seventh Street NW Washington, DC 20001

Form No. 169 July 2016