railroad

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

A voice at work

JOB SECURITY

BETTER WAGES

OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE

RETIREMENT SECURITY

GREAT HEALTHCARE

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INTERESTED IN AN IBEW RAILROAD CAREER?

The IBEW represents more than 12,500 railroad electricians, communication workers, and signalmen in the United States and Canada. Their work includes the inspection, testing, and repair of:

  • Electric and Diesel Locomotives
  • Passenger Rail Cars
  • Commuter Rail Cars
  • Buildings and Bridges
  • Communication and Signal Systems

By securing collective bargaining agreements nationwide for our members, we help ensure good wages, benefits, and working conditions. But even more importantly, we ensure our members dignity and respect on the job, an element that is missing in so many non-union workplaces.

Today’s job market is changing. Transportation trends, shipping trends and technology are reshaping the industry at a rapid pace. The IBEW’s goal is to support workers during these uncertain times and ensure that our members have a say in decisions that affect them and remain on the cutting edge of these changes.

Our Railroad Department, with its qualified staff with expertise in the rail industry, works full-time to assist local unions with contract negotiations, grievance and arbitration proceedings, and many other areas affecting the everyday work lives of our members. The IBEW has negotiated the best possible wages, working conditions, and benefits for our members — and we will never stop fighting for the top agreements in the industry.

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A collage of two images and a logo: Top: A group of construction workers wearing safety gear and red hard hats. Bottom left: A woman in a Rosie the Riveter pose, wearing a blue shirt with an IBEW patch. Right: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) logo.

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TRANSMISSION & LINEWORK

cooperatives, utilities & generation

CLEAN ENERGY

RAILROAD

GOVERNMENT & MUNICIPALITIES

TELECOM & BROADCASTING

MANUFACTURING

CONSTRUCTION

the facts about unions

Knowledge is Key

Whether you are an experienced veteran or brand new to unions, educating yourself on your rights is key. There are many myths that exist about how a union functions and rights of its members. The interactive chart shares accurate information that will help you in your decision making process.

Know Your Rights
The Dirty Dozen
Union Facts
Important Links

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

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Contact Us

  • 900 Seventh Street, N.W.
    Washington, DC 20001
  • (202) 833-7000
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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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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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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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