Boston Local 103 JATC instructor Thomas Spellman shares his 35-year journey in the IBEW, from childhood dreams inspired by union electrician uncles, through a workplace injury at a non-union shop, telecommunications apprenticeship, work on Boston's Big Dig and at Logan Airport on 9/11, to becoming a full-time instructor training the next generation of electrical workers.
Baltimore IBEW Local 24 fights to save offshore wind projects after Trump administration cuts $700 million in funding and issues stop-work orders. The article examines how these policies threaten thousands of union jobs at Maryland's Sparrows Point Steel offshore wind hub, eliminate clean energy supply that would power hundreds of thousands of homes, and contribute to rising electricity costs nationwide.
Electrical contractors and local union members donated $15,000 to support a community food bank, demonstrating the industry's commitment to community service and helping families in need during the holiday season.
IBEW Local 98 members provided Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of Philadelphia families, participated in Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, and honored fallen veterans through Wreaths Across America.
Santa brings holiday cheer to IBEW Local 309 members and families.
IBEW Local 1245 retirees demonstrate the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
IBEW Local 103 held its annual holiday toy drive, distributing 20,000 donated toys and warm winter clothes to Greater Boston families in need through partnership with Mayor Michelle Wu's office.
IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection contractor Guarantee Electrical won three AGC Keystone Awards including Specialty Contractor of the Year for excellence on projects including the USDA Food Safety Lab and Siteman Cancer Center, while PayneCrest Electric earned honors for transforming office space into Clayco's St. Louis headquarters at the November construction awards gala.
International President Kenneth W. Cooper emphasizes that RENEW and NextGen members are leading the IBEW now, not just preparing for future leadership, as the union added 24,000 members in the past year and needs young workers to help meet growing demand for skilled electricians across all sectors.
Feature story from the RENEW/NextGen conference in Portland highlights how these programs for members 35 and under are crucial for union growth, with 215 committees now active across North America focusing on organizing, leadership development, and building stronger local unions through community engagement and political activism.