About Us: Who We Are

Who We Are and What We Stand For...

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is one of the most progressive unions in existence today representing some 750,000 members. Involved in the leading edge of technology, The IBEW represents more than 100,000 employees in the telecommunications industry with over 400 collective bargaining agreements. Our members work in all phases of the industry- local and long distance telephone companies, cable television, wireless and communications systems.

IBEW members are employed by leading telecommunications companies across Canada and the U.S.

The next time you relax at home in front of the television, stop for a moment and remember the workers who made America's favorite pastime possible. IBEW Communication Workers work behind the scenes to insure that your television is there for you. In a field of continuing changes in technologies, IBEW members stay on top. Cable Television uses thousands of IBEW members in the installation, maintenance and operations of television delivery systems.

If you talked to one of your friends today over the phone, chances are IBEW members were involved in seeing that it was possible. The greatest communication system in the world is no accident. IBEW members have been there from the beginning; erecting poles, stringing lines, and bringing the world into your home. From Ma Bell to the hand held cordless phones, IBEW members have been there doing quality work. Telephone linemen, cable splicers, station installers, plant engineers, draftsmen and all the other IBEW members made it possible for you to place calls to your friends.

The IBEW represents many employees in the broadcasting industry. With over 300 collective bargaining agreements, our members are engaged in every aspect of the industry - television and radio stations, network operations, public broadcast stations, recording companies, closed circuit television and production companies.

Yes, the IBEW is proud. We are proud of our record of achievements, both individually and collectively. But we can't stop until all workers are given a chance to bargain collectively for better wages and better working conditions without the fear of losing their jobs or the security that they worked so hard for. If you would like to "be union" or to help unionize the place where you work, contact the IBEW. We can show you how and we can help you. The only qualifications you have to have is to be interested in making your world a better place to live and having a voice in your own future and then be willing to do something about it.

The preamble to our IBEW Constitution says it all. 

OUR PURPOSE

• To organize all workers in the entire electrical industry in the United States and Canada, including all those in public utilities and electrical manufacturing, into local unions,
• To promote reasonable methods of work,
• To cultivate feelings of friendship among those of our industry,
• To settle all disputes between employers and employees by arbitration (if possible),
• To assist each other in sickness or distress,
• To secure employment,
• To reduce the hours of daily labor,
• To secure adequate pay for our work,
• To seek a higher and higher standard of living,
• To seek security for the individual,
• And by legal and proper means to elevate the moral, intellectual and social conditions of our members, their families and dependents, in the interest of a higher standard of citizenship.

So, What is a Union?

It is an organization of workers joined together for a common purpose, for mutual aid and protection, to engage in concerted activity and collective bargaining, to elevate their conditions of life and labor; an organization by which ordinary people do extraordinary things.

• Thousands of workers across the U.S. and Canada belong to the IBEW. Together, we strive to improve ourselves knowing that together we are strong. We think we are better off for being in one of the most respected unions in existence today, the IBEW.
• For more information, call the IBEW Local 45 Office at 323.851.5515. You will find someone there more than happy to speak with you.