CHIP
WORKERs
UNITED

I WANT TO TALK TO AN ORGANIZER
I WANT A UNION NOW

members strong

100000 +

years of advocating
for workers

0

A UNION FOR

BETTER WAGES

OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE

HEALTHCARE & Retirement

JOB SECURITY

A voice at work

written contract

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When Workers Stand Together, We Win

Chips Workers United exists to ensure that workers in the semiconductor industry have a real voice on the job. For too long, corporations in this sector have dictated the terms—lobbying politicians to advance corporate interests, using public tax dollars to boost profits, and doing so while eroding wages, benefits, and working conditions for the people who actually make the industry run.

Through unionizing, workers can collectively reclaim their voice and address the issues that matter most in the workplace. Organizing is about more than just wages and benefits—it’s about having a say in training and skill development, workplace safety, and long-term job security.

Together, we can build an industry that values workers as much as profits.

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Talk to an Organizer about improving your workplace

Ray Lister
[email protected]
503-826-6253

Ray is a 20-year IBEW member and activist. Being an electrician by trade, he worked at Intel during construction. He has spent the last decade as a Union organizer and worked with chip and data workers across Oregon.

Tony Ruiz
[email protected]
971-204-9376

Tony’s career as a telecommunication worker evolved as he became further involved in his IBEW Local Union. Over the years he has helped workers organize and improve their workplace in a multitude of industries in Oregon, Washington, and Nationwide.

Who IS IBEW? TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Did you know that the IBEW is comprised of workers from a wide array of industries and back grounds? Our Union is unique in that it is a mix of so many industries and workers. Comprising of thousands of workers across the U.S. and Canada that stand together to better their work life. Our diversity brings us the strength and resources to help workers in this multitude of industries.
By becoming a part of the IBEW family, you’re not just a worker; you’re a respected professional with unwavering support behind you. We offer more than just work; we offer a community dedicated to your success. With our vast network, extensive training programs, and dedicated representatives, the IBEW provides the pathway to fulfilling careers, fair treatment, and unwavering job security. Join us, and let’s power your brighter future together!

A Workforce Represented By The IBEW Means Having A Voice In Your Healthcare Your Safety Your Hours Your Wages .

watch our members on the job

my IBEW story
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Being a part of the IBEW has benefited not just me and my family here — my wife and three children, Kaidance, Liam, and Emery — but also my family still in Brazil, my mom and brother. The opportunity to have a great career, with a future to look forward to along with a dignified wage and outstanding benefits, has allowed me to provide comfort and security for all of my loved ones. In the IBEW, anybody who wants a better quality of life and a bright future has an opportunity to attain it — it depends only on you.

Jeimeson Saudino

Construction Organizer/Inside Journeyman Wireman - Wichita, Kan., Local 271

“I began in the trade at Lockheed Shipbuilding while attending the University of Washington, quickly working my way from ship scaler to journeyman electrician through the IBEW. For nearly 50 years, I’ve balanced work in the shipyards with a career in economic development, always keeping my IBEW membership. The union gave me the opportunity to support my family, gain skills, and build lifelong friendships. Even now, at almost 75, I’m still proud to be working in the shipyards, grateful for the knowledge, community, and stability the IBEW has provided throughout my life.”

Tamer Kirac

journeyman marine electrician, Seattle Local 46

“After eight years as a hairstylist, I realized during the pandemic that it wasn’t my true calling. With encouragement from my husband, a union member, I discovered the IBEW’s VDV apprenticeship. I didn’t get in on my first try, but after gaining experience at a solar farm, I was accepted in July 2024. Since then, I’ve found real satisfaction in my work, learning new skills every day, earning recognition, and finally having a schedule that gives me balance. Being part of the IBEW has given me stability, confidence, and a future I’m proud of.”

Zoe McCormack

VDV installer/technician apprentice Rockford, Ill., Local 364

“After realizing college wasn’t for me and spending years in food service, I wanted a career where I could use both my mind and hands. I applied to the IBEW apprenticeship, and though I didn’t get in at first, I gained experience and was accepted. Now in my second year as a sound apprentice, I’ve found stability, great training, and a supportive brotherhood. The IBEW has given me financial security, health benefits for my family, and the chance to own a home in San Diego — opportunities I never thought possible.”

Shawn Barton

installer/technician apprentice San Diego Local 569

“After more than 20 years as a dealership mechanic with no retirement and constant job insecurity, I knew I needed a change. Joining Southern California Edison — and the IBEW — gave me stability, a voice on the job, and the chance to build a real future. Today, I have retirement security, vacation time to enjoy with my wife, and opportunities I never thought I’d have. The IBEW has given me more than just protection — it’s given me new chapters in life.”

John Doe

Garage foreman Diamond Bar, Calif., Local 47

“After 10 years as a federal wildland firefighter, I was exhausted from long hours, low pay, and constant financial stress. Joining PG&E and the IBEW in 2020 changed everything. I now earn a fair wage, have union benefits, and can support my family without relying on endless overtime. Best of all, I have time to be home with my wife and kids, take real vacations, and enjoy life. The IBEW gave me stability, community, and the balance I’d been missing.”.

Daniel Lassotta

safety infrastructure protection team technician

“At 21, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer, and my nonunion employer refused to adjust my schedule for treatments. I left and worked odd jobs until I found the IBEW at Raytheon. With union representation, I paid off my medical debt, got quality health care, and gained peace of mind. Today, I’m thriving in a higher-paying job, proud to serve as a steward, and grateful for the solidarity and support of Local 1505.”

Courtney Estacio

Waltham, Mass., Local 1505

“The IBEW truly saved my life. After incarceration, I struggled to find work that could support my family — my own son was hired before I could get a job. With the help of Denver Works and Local 111, I found not just a job but a career. The IBEW gave me pride, stability, and the chance to be a role model for my sons. Today, I’m active in union committees, financially secure, and part of a brotherhood that changed my life and future for the better.”

Michael Rollerson

heavy equipment operator Denver Local 111

begin my ibew journey

For Families

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Unions help workers earn better wages through collective bargaining. That extra income allows families to afford safer housing, healthier food, reliable transportation, and opportunities like college savings or vacations — all of which contribute to a better quality of life at home.

Better Work-Life Balance

Union contracts often include protections for fair scheduling, paid time off, and guaranteed breaks. This gives working parents more time to be present in their families’ lives — whether it’s attending a child’s school play, helping with homework, or just sharing dinner together.

Affordable, Reliable Healthcare

Union-negotiated benefits frequently include comprehensive health coverage for the entire family. That means fewer out-of-pocket medical costs, access to preventive care, and peace of mind knowing children and spouses are protected if health issues arise.

Job Security and Protection from Unfair Treatment

Unions ensure that workers can’t be fired without just cause and have a grievance process if they’re treated unfairly. This job stability helps families plan for the future and shields them from sudden job loss or retaliation, creating a more secure home environment.

Support for Education and Training

The IBEW is committed to providing resources that help families build long-term opportunities, allowing both workers and their children to grow and succeed through education.

Advocacy for Family-Friendly Laws

Unions don’t just negotiate with employers — they also advocate for policies that benefit all working families, like paid family leave, affordable childcare, and public education funding. Their political voice helps shape a society that better supports parents and kids alike.

Higher Wages Mean Greater Financial Stability

Unions foster solidarity and support, not only in the workplace but also in the wider community. From food drives and scholarship funds to helping members in times of crisis, unions create a culture of care that families can rely on in good times and bad.

For Communities

Economic Growth:
Strengthened worker-employer relationships foster a stable and productive workforce. Increased employment opportunities and job security contribute to a more resilient local economy.

Local Prosperity:
Healthy employer-employee partnerships lead to higher wages and improved living standards.
Increased disposable income within the community stimulates local businesses and services.

Social Cohesion:
Positive workplace relationships spill over into the community, promoting a sense of belonging and unity.
Shared values and mutual support create a socially connected and harmonious environment.

Skill Development:
Strong worker-employer collaboration encourages skill development and continuous learning.
A skilled workforce attracts new businesses and industries, further diversifying the local job market.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Supportive employer-employee dynamics encourage innovation and creativity. This atmosphere can lead to the emergence of local entrepreneurs and startups, contributing to community development.

Community Involvement:
Engaged employers and workers are more likely to participate in community initiatives. Volunteerism, community projects, and corporate social responsibility activities strengthen the overall fabric of the community. A strong worker and employer relationship, therefore, has a ripple effect that goes beyond the workplace, positively impacting the community at large.

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For Workers

Fair and Competitive Compensation:
The union can negotiate fair wages and benefits for individual employees, ensuring that they receive competitive compensation within the industry.
This fosters job satisfaction and loyalty, contributing to a stable and motivated workforce.

Improved Working Conditions:
The union can advocate for improved working conditions, including safety measures and health benefits.  Better working conditions not only enhance the individual employee’s well-being but also contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment.

Job Security:
Through negotiations and collective bargaining, the union can work to secure job protection measures.
Increased job security provides peace of mind for individual employees and promotes a stable workforce for the company.

Professional Development Opportunities:
Collaborative efforts between the company and the union can lead to the establishment of training and development programs. These programs benefit individual employees by enhancing their skills and employability while supporting the company’s need for a skilled workforce.

Employee Representation:
The union serves as a representative for individual employees, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. This empowerment contributes to a positive workplace culture and helps the company address employee concerns proactively.

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better wages

Union representation helps workers earn wages that better reflect both the value of their work and the cost of living where they live. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, union workers earn nearly 20 percent more on average than nonunion workers. In high-cost regions like Portland, fair wages are essential to keeping skilled semiconductor workers in the industry. A union contract gives workers a collective voice to address wages, benefits, and pay structures so compensation keeps pace with industry standards and local economic realities..

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opportunity to thrive

We take pride in supporting one of the most highly trained workforces in the semiconductor industry and are committed to ensuring workers have meaningful opportunities to grow professionally. Drawing on the IBEW’s proven track record and decades of experience advocating for workers, this effort emphasizes access to opportunity through comprehensive training in advanced manufacturing, cleanroom environments, safety, and evolving technologies. These skills help workers adapt in a rapidly changing industry and build strong, long-term careers with expanded opportunities across the semiconductor sector. With a voice at work and a seat at the table, process changes and industry evolution do not have to mean layoffs. Through collaboration, workers and companies can thrive.

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Great Healthcare

In the fast-paced semiconductor industry, where long hours and high-tech work can take a toll, many workers make sacrifices to secure vital benefits—but without a contract, those benefits are not guaranteed. By standing together through Chips Workers United and the IBEW, semiconductor workers ensure their benefits are protected in writing for the long term, providing peace of mind today and into the future. Beyond healthcare and retirement, union contracts safeguard a wide range of fringe benefits—from paid leave to safety protections—that might otherwise exist only as promises and could be stripped away without a written agreement.

Furthermore: Union workers enjoy stronger retirement security than their nonunion counterparts, with nearly 100% receiving retirement benefits through their jobs, and comprehensive, affordable healthcare negotiated by the IBEW, so workers can get the care they need without worrying about the cost.

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job security

An IBEW contract helps provide stability and fairness at work. Union representation gives workers a voice in addressing issues like subcontracting, the introduction of new technologies, and changes to staffing that can lead to layoffs if left unaddressed. It also establishes clear, transparent standards that protect against arbitrary employer actions and supports balanced workloads and schedules. Through collaboration, workers and employers can manage change in a way that strengthens both the workforce and the industry.

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a voice at work

When workers come together through Chips Workers United, they gain a collective voice at work and meaningful representation on the job. Union representation gives workers a say in wages, benefits, and work rules, and provides important workplace protections, including the right to representation during investigatory meetings and the ability to raise concerns collectively without fear of retaliation. Without a union, decisions about pay, scheduling, and workplace rules are made unilaterally. Collective bargaining ensures workers have a seat at the table and a role in shaping fair, transparent workplace standards

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written contract

In the semiconductor industry, a written contract is the difference between promises and protections. Verbal commitments and company policies can change overnight, but a union contract puts wages, healthcare, retirement, and workplace protections in writing—where they are enforceable. Without a contract, benefits can be reduced, restructured, or taken away at management’s discretion. Through Chips Workers United and the IBEW, workers stand together to negotiate binding agreements that lock in hard-earned benefits, establish clear rules, and provide a real voice on the job. A written contract means stability, accountability, and peace of mind—today and for the future.

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Rights To Organize

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Worker Rights

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Forming A Union

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For You

Mutual Success and Stability:
Shared Prosperity: A positive and collaborative relationship fosters an environment where the success of the manufacturing company is intertwined with the well-being of its employees. When the company succeeds, it can share the benefits with its workforce through fair compensation, performance bonuses, and other incentives. This creates a sense of shared prosperity, aligning the interests of the employees and the company.

Long-Term Partnership: A stable and cooperative relationship between the company and the union sets the foundation for a long-term partnership. This stability allows both parties to plan for the future with confidence, knowing that they can rely on each other for support and collaboration. Long-term partnerships contribute to the overall sustainability and success of the business.

Adaptability and Resilience: In the face of economic challenges or industry changes, a mutually supportive relationship between the company and the union allows for collective problem-solving and adaptation. Joint efforts in navigating uncertainties can lead to more resilient strategies and solutions that benefit both individual employees and the company as a whole.

Employee Engagement and Commitment: When employees feel that their interests are considered and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the company’s success. A positive work environment resulting from the collaborative efforts of the company and the union promotes a strong sense of loyalty and dedication among employees, contributing to the overall stability of the workforce.

Open Communication Channels: Mutual success relies on transparent and open communication channels between the company and the union. Regular dialogue allows for the identification of common goals, the resolution of issues, and the continuous improvement of working conditions. Transparent communication builds trust and strengthens the foundation for a relationship based on mutual success and stability.

Competitive Advantage: A manufacturing company that can demonstrate a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship with its workforce through the union gains a competitive advantage in the market. This positive reputation can attract top talent, enhance customer trust, and appeal to investors who value responsible and collaborative labor practices.

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For Manufacturing

Improved Communication:
Open and transparent communication between the company and union fosters trust and understanding. Timely sharing of information reduces misunderstandings, leading to smoother operations and better collaboration.

Enhanced Productivity:
A harmonious relationship encourages a cooperative approach to problem-solving and process improvement. Union workers, when engaged positively, are more likely to contribute to efficiency and productivity gains within the manufacturing processes.

Workforce Stability:
A positive relationship with the union helps in maintaining a stable and motivated workforce. Reduced labor turnover and increased job satisfaction contribute to consistent production levels and lower recruitment costs.

Conflict Resolution:
Effective labor-management collaboration facilitates quicker resolution of disputes and conflicts. Addressing concerns promptly helps maintain a positive work environment, preventing disruptions to production schedules.

Employee Well-being:
A harmonious relationship promotes the well-being of union workers through fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
This, in turn, enhances employee morale, engagement, and commitment to the company’s success.

Competitive Advantage:
A positive relationship with the union can be a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Demonstrating a commitment to fair labor practices and collaboration with the workforce can enhance the company’s reputation and appeal to customers and investors. A harmonious relationship with union labor, therefore, not only contributes to a positive workplace culture but also brings tangible benefits to the manufacturing company in terms of productivity, stability, and competitiveness.

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Great Healthcare

Union workers enjoy comprehensive and affordable family healthcare. The IBEW negotiates strong health benefits, so workers can access the care they need  without worrying about the costs.

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Retirement Security

Union workers enjoy stronger retirement security than their nonunion counterparts. In fact, nearly 100% of union members have retirement benefits through their job.

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opportunity to thrive

The IBEW takes pride in being the best-trained  workforce around, and we are committed to ensuring that all our members have the chance to grow professionally. The IBEW offers the most comprehensive training in the entire electrical industry, which means more career opportunities for you.

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better wages

Union members make more money. On average, union workers make nearly 20% more than nonunion workers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s because a union contract gives workers the power to make sure they are paid their fair share.

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a voice at work

When workers come together as one, they gain a voice at work, with a say in wages, benefits, and  work rules. Without a union, everything from your paycheck to scheduling is at the whim of  management. But collective bargaining gives you power.

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