Frequently Asked Questions

An authorization card is a legal document that authorizes the IBEW to represent you and contact you about joining. Signing one is the first step in connecting with an organizer. It does not automatically enroll you in any agreement — it simply opens the door to a confidential conversation.

No. The IBEW does not notify employers when workers reach out. All communications are handled directly and confidentially. Federal law (the NLRA) also prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for union activity.

Federal law strictly prohibits employers from discharging, threatening, or otherwise retaliating against employees for exercising their right to organize. If you believe you have experienced retaliation, contact the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) at nlrb.gov or call 1-844-762-6572.

An IBEW organizer will contact you confidentially — by phone, email, or in person, depending on your preference. They will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and explain the process for joining with no obligation on your part.

The IBEW is the only union chartered specifically for electrical workers. Carpenters membership means your trade is secondary to carpentry work. In practice, this results in significantly lower wages (up to $33K/year less), a far weaker pension, inferior healthcare, and less targeted representation. See our full comparison on the IBEW Difference page.

There are initiation fees and monthly dues, which vary by local. These are almost always offset within weeks by the wage increase IBEW members receive. Your organizer will walk you through the specific costs for your local.

Yes. The IBEW currently offers up to 5 years of past-service credit toward your pension upon joining — recognizing the work you have already done in the trade.

Yes. Contacting the IBEW and learning about your options is your right regardless of your current union affiliation. An organizer can explain the specific path forward for your situation.

The National Labor Relations Board is the federal agency that enforces the National Labor Relations Act. It protects workers' rights to organize, form, join, or assist labor unions. If you experience retaliation, you can file an unfair labor practice charge at nlrb.gov.

The IBEW has 881 local unions across the US and Canada. Our organizers are active in Missouri and across the country. Contact us and we will connect you with the right local.

You can. When submitting any form on this site, you may use an alias and choose your preferred contact method. You can also submit a story anonymously. Your privacy is our priority.

Prevailing wage laws require that workers on public projects be paid the locally established wage rate for their trade. A documented audit of the Vande East project found significant underpayments for electrical workers under Carpenters jurisdiction — with no action from Carpenters leadership. IBEW actively enforces prevailing wage compliance on behalf of its members.