History of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

The IBEW was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 28, 1891, by ten men who were determined to obtain a better way of life for electrical workers everywhere. These ten Delegates to the Brotherhood's first National convention, set the goals which, with a few minor revisions, remain the objectives of the I.B.E.W. today.

In 1892, the first women members were welcomed to the Union. They were Telephone Operators who became an integral part of the I.B.E.W. Today, women make up more than 35% of our membership. The I.B.E.W. is proud to serve and represent over 750,000 members across North America who are employed in many different workplaces including:

• Construction & Maintenance
• Broadcasting & Recording
• Government
• Health Care
• Manufacturing
• Professional, Technical & Clerical
• Telecommunications
• Utilities (Hydro, Water, Gas)

Their jobs are numerous and varied, but they share common needs and goals with each other, and with all working men and women.

We truly believe that in unionism, there is strength and protection. And so today, I.B.E.W. members are united, working together on the premise that what helps one, helps all.