The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has been around as long as the commercial use of electricity itself. It’s the oldest and largest electrical union in the world, with a story that begins in the United States around 1890 when dangerous work, low wages, and long hours were the norm in the electrical industry. In many places, one out of every two electrical workers hired was killed on the job – the need to unionize was very strong.
It was November 28th, 1891 when ten men, representing 286 electrical workers, formed the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. They had one objective: to make life better for themselves, their families, and those around them. Eight years later, the national union became international when the first Canadian IBEW local was established in Ottawa on December 20th, 1899. Today the IBEW represents more than 750,000 active members and retirees throughout North America. Members work in various sectors including utility, construction, maintenance, manufacturing, communications, railroads, shipyards, mining, government, and many more.
IBEW 2034 was founded in 1958 and currently represents approximatly 2300 members employes at Manitoba Hydro, Town of Gillam, and Town of Snow Lake.
