Evidence-Based Comparison
The IBEW Difference
Electrical workers under Carpenters jurisdiction face real, documented shortfalls in wages, retirement, and representation. Here's the full picture.
Full Comparison: IBEW vs. Carpenters
| 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.
Wages
IBEW Local 1 Scale
- Journeyman
- $79.27 / hr · $142,686 / yr
- Foreman
- $86.06 / hr
- General Foreman
- $92.87 / hr
Based on 1,800 hours/year. Power tools provided by employer at no cost.
Carpenters Scale
- A-Card Journeyman
- ~$67.79 / hr · $122,022 / yr
- B-Card Journeyman
- ~$61.34 / hr · $110,412 / yr
- Annual gap vs. IBEW
- $20,664 – $32,274 less
Rates alleged to fall below Missouri State prevailing wage requirements (documented audit, Vande East project).
Retirement & Pension
IBEW — Three Pension Systems
- ✓ Primary (DC-type): ~$1.52M account balance projected at 35 years
- ✓ NEBF (DB-type secondary): National Electrical Benefit Fund
- ✓ PBF: Pension Benefit Fund
- ✓ Combined monthly (age 59, 35 yrs): ~$16,853 / month
- ✓ Account balance passes to heirs
- ✓ Up to 5 past-service years credited upon joining
Carpenters — One DB Plan
- ✗ Monthly (30 years): ~$3,300 / month
- ✗ No cost-of-living adjustment
- ✗ Defined-benefit plan — nothing passes to heirs or beneficiaries
- ✗ No secondary or tertiary pension layers
Healthcare Benefits
IBEW Healthcare
- ✓ Family coverage for worker, spouse, and dependents
- ✓ 90/10 cost-sharing ratio
- ✓ Retiree coverage — after 17.5 years, pay 50% of premium at age 62
- ✓ No coverage gaps during slow work periods
Carpenters Healthcare
- ✗ 80/20 cost-sharing
- ✗ Spouse must enroll through their own employer's plan
- ✗ Employer contributions capped at 143 hours/month (avg. work is 173 hrs)
- ✗ Coverage lapses during slow periods when hours fall below threshold
- ✗ Limited retiree healthcare coverage
Union Representation
Built for Electricians
IBEW is the only union specifically chartered for electrical workers. The Carpenters is a carpentry union that also handles electrical work — your trade is an afterthought.
Prevailing Wage Enforcement
The IBEW actively enforces prevailing wage compliance. A documented audit of the Vande East project found massive underpayments under Carpenters jurisdiction — with no response from Carpenters leadership.
Superior Training
The IBEW JATC offers a 5-year electrical apprenticeship that is widely recognized as the best in the trade. Carpenters training is generalized and provides limited electrical-specific education.
Even Carpenters Leadership Has Made the Switch
Former officers of Carpenters Local 57 have joined the IBEW. Their reasons speak volumes.
Kevin Anderson
Former Financial Secretary → IBEW/Archkey General Foreman
Mike Meinhardt
Former VP → IBEW/JF Electric General Foreman
Kevin Radake
Former Treasurer → IBEW/Dynamic Electric Project Manager
Andrew Schaeffer
Former Trustee → Solutions AEC Owner
You've Seen the Numbers. Now Make the Move.
Join the union that fights for electricians — not carpenters.