Electrical Workers Deserve Better
Your Skills Are Worth More Than The Carpenters Think
The Carpenters Union has been using electrical workers' skills to drive down wages and benefits for years. It's time to join the union built by electricians, for electricians.
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Confidential. No employer notification. Ever.
- $33K+
- More Per Year vs. Carpenters
- 850,000
- IBEW Members Nationwide
- 135+
- Signatory Contractors
- 1891
- Founded — Over 130 Years
The Problem
The Carpenters Union Is Not Your Union
Electrical workers who end up under Carpenters jurisdiction are being short-changed on wages, pensions, healthcare, and representation — every single day.
Wages Driven Down
Carpenters A-card electricians earn up to $33,000 less per year than IBEW journeymen doing the same work — despite identical skills.
Inadequate Pension
After 30 years, a Carpenters member retires on ~$3,300/month with no cost-of-living adjustment and nothing passed to their family. IBEW members retire with over $16,000/month.
Weaker Healthcare
The Carpenters cap employer health contributions below average work hours, putting coverage at risk during slow periods. Spouses are excluded from the plan.
You Pay for Tools
Carpenters members have power tool costs deducted directly from paychecks — tools that employers are legally obligated to supply.
IBEW vs. Carpenters — Side by Side
Every category. Every advantage. This is why electrical workers are making the switch.
| Category | IBEW | Carpenters |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Hourly Wage | $79.27 / hr | $67.79 (A-card) / $61.34 (B-card) |
| Annual Earnings (1,800 hrs) | $142,686 | $122,022 – $110,412 |
| Annual Advantage | + $20,664 – $32,274 more | — |
| Pension (35-yr member) | ~$16,853 / mo (3 pension systems, inheritable) | ~$3,300 / mo (no COLA, nothing to heirs) |
| Healthcare Coverage | Family 90/10 — retiree coverage after 17.5 yrs | 80/20 — spouse excluded, caps at 143 hrs/mo |
| Power Tools | Supplied by employer at no cost | Deducted from worker paychecks |
| Apprenticeship Training | JATC 5-year electrical-specific program | General carpentry curriculum, limited electrical focus |
| Prevailing Wage Enforcement | Actively enforced, documented compliance | Documented failure (Vande East audit) |
| Past-Service Credit | Up to 5 years credited on joining | N/A |
Wage rates reflect IBEW Local 1 (St. Louis) journeyman scale. Figures based on publicly available documents and the documented campaign sources reviewed by communications staff.
Workers Who Made the Switch
Real electrical workers. Real results.
“I never broke six figures until I joined the IBEW. Same skills, same hard work — completely different future.”
“When I sat down and actually compared the pension numbers, I couldn't believe what we were leaving on the table. The IBEW wasn't just a better deal — it was the only deal that made sense.”
How to Join — 3 Simple Steps
The process is straightforward, confidential, and completely on your terms.
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Contact Us
Fill out our secure form or call your local organizer. Your employer is never notified.
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Meet an Organizer
An IBEW organizer will reach out confidentially to walk you through your options, rights, and next steps.
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Join the IBEW
Sign your authorization card and take your career — and your future — back.
Your Privacy Is Protected
We understand the risks workers face when speaking out. Everything you share with us is strictly confidential. Your employer will never be notified. You may remain completely anonymous. You can opt out or request your data be deleted at any time.
Ready to Take Your Career Back?
Electrical workers across the country are choosing the IBEW — the only union built specifically for the electrical trade. Better pay. Better retirement. Better representation. The decision is yours.