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.
- $21K+
- 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 $21,546 less per year in total compensation than IBEW journeymen doing the same work — B-card workers lose $34,362.
Inadequate Pension
After 35 years, a Carpenters member retires on $3,850/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. Working spouses must take their own employer's coverage — making the Carpenters plan secondary and often costing money out of pocket.
You Pay for Tools
Carpenters members pay for their own power tools out of their paychecks. Under the IBEW contract, members supply hand tools only — power tools are purchased by the contractor.
IBEW vs. Carpenters — Side by Side
Every category. Every advantage. This is why electrical workers are making the switch.
Journeyman Hourly Wage
IBEW ✓
$49.29/hr on check · $83.63/hr total
Carpenters
A-card: $48.06/hr · $71.66 total B-card: $41.59/hr · $64.54 total
Annual Earnings (1,800 hrs)
IBEW ✓
$150,534 total package
Carpenters
A-card: $128,988 B-card: $116,172
Annual Advantage
IBEW ✓
+$21,546 – $34,362 more
Carpenters
—
Pension (35-yr member)
IBEW ✓
~$16,853/mo — 3 systems, inheritable
Carpenters
$3,850/mo (35 yrs) — no COLA, nothing to heirs
Healthcare
IBEW ✓
Family 90/10 · retiree coverage after 17.5 yrs
Carpenters
80/20 · working spouse must use own employer plan (Carpenters secondary) · caps at 143 hrs/mo
Power Tools
IBEW ✓
Contractor-supplied (negotiated) · members supply hand tools only
Carpenters
Member pays out of paycheck
Apprenticeship
IBEW ✓
JATC 5-year electrical program
Carpenters
General carpentry, limited electrical
Prevailing Wage
IBEW ✓
Actively enforced
Carpenters
Documented failure (Vande East audit)
Past-Service Credit
IBEW ✓
Up to 5 credits when contractor signs with IBEW
Carpenters
N/A
Working Assessment (Dues)
IBEW ✓
3% of gross wages
Carpenters
4% of gross wages — you pay more for less
| Category | IBEW | Carpenters |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Hourly Wage | $49.29/hr on check · $83.63/hr total | A-card: $48.06/hr · $71.66 total B-card: $41.59/hr · $64.54 total |
| Annual Earnings (1,800 hrs) | $150,534 total package | A-card: $128,988 B-card: $116,172 |
| Annual Advantage | +$21,546 – $34,362 more | — |
| Pension (35-yr member) | ~$16,853/mo — 3 systems, inheritable | $3,850/mo (35 yrs) — no COLA, nothing to heirs |
| Healthcare | Family 90/10 · retiree coverage after 17.5 yrs | 80/20 · working spouse must use own employer plan (Carpenters secondary) · caps at 143 hrs/mo |
| Power Tools | Contractor-supplied (negotiated) · members supply hand tools only | Member pays out of paycheck |
| Apprenticeship | JATC 5-year electrical program | General carpentry, limited electrical |
| Prevailing Wage | Actively enforced | Documented failure (Vande East audit) |
| Past-Service Credit | Up to 5 credits when contractor signs with IBEW | N/A |
| Working Assessment (Dues) | 3% of gross wages | 4% of gross wages — you pay more for less |
Rates per IBEW Local 1 and AEC of St. Louis wage schedules, effective August 1, 2025. Annual figures based on 1,800 hours.
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.