Ibew history

When the Second Convention met in Chicago in 1892, the Brotherhood had 43 locals chartered; nearly 2,000 members; and $646.10 in the treasury.

The country was plunging into a severe economic depression at the time of the Third Convention, held in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1893.

When the Fourth Convention opened in Washington, D.C., in 1895, only 12 delegates answered the roll call; the treasury showed a deficit of $1,016.

The Fifth Convention, held in Detroit in 1897, proved that the courage of people who persevere despite great odds had not been in vain.

In 1899 Thomas Wheeler became Grand President of the new International, while Harry W. Sherman continued as Secretary.

A large number of local union representatives attended a special convention called by the dissenting forces in 1908.

At the 1913 Convention President McNulty presided with a new partner.

One of the amendments passed in 1918 established a separate Telephone Operators Department.

The Conference Club persuaded the National Association of Electrical Contractors and Dealers (later renamed National Electrical Contractors Association [NECA]) to become the signatory employer organization, an action affirmed by NAECD's July 1919 convention.

1922---Electrical Workers' Benefit Association founded.

On October 10, 1925, a small group of eighteen electrical workers was granted a charter from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and formed IBEW Local Union 363.

1929---IBEW moved into its own building at 1200 - 15th Street, N.W.

At its March 1930 meeting, the IEC approved submitting a proposed amendment to the membership for a referendum vote.

Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933 and immediately proposed New Deal legislation to launch the United States on the road to recovery.

IBEW Local Union 903 was chartered on January 15, 1935.

In September 1941 an important event took place: The National Apprenticeship Standards for the Electrical Construction Industry were established.

In November 1944 the IBEW, in conjunction with the Engineering College of Marquette University in Milwaukee, established a National Electronics School.

The NECA and IBEW conventions ratified the agreement; the United States Treasury Department granted approval in March 1947; and the fund became effective on May 5, 1947.

Our 24th Convention took place in Miami, Florida, in 1950.

1951---Broadcasting and Recording Department established.

In October 1952 the IBEW and NECA appointed a full-time director of apprenticeship and training.

On April 15, 1954, President Tracy resigned; and Secretary Milne was appointed by the IEC to take his place.

Less than a year later, on July 20, 1955, International President Milne died.

In 1957 the National Labor Relations Board ruled that limiting NEBF pension benefits to IBEW members only was illegal.

The four years following our 1958 Convention in Cleveland were not easy ones for any segment of the labor movement.

Delegates to our 27th Convention in Montreal, Quebec, in 1962 voted to raise our per capita tax from 90 cents to $1.50.

1966---Founders' Scholarship Program instituted to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the IBEW.

A complete industrial electronics course was developed; and by 1970 more than 100,000 journeymen were taking or had taken skill improvement courses.

1972---IBEW membership reached one million in October; Telephone Department operations relocated to International Office.

1982---IBEW affiliated with the Canadian Federation of Labour.

He served with distinction as director of Labor's League for Political Education, which evolved into the Committee on Political Education (COPE). Secretary Emeritus Keenan died on July 22, 1984.

After serving with distinction, Brother Leigon retired, effective October 1, 1985, and was named International Secretary Emeritus.

Delegates to the 33rd Convention in Toronto, Ontario, in 1986 elected J.J. Barry as International President and Jack F. Moore as International Secretary by acclamation.

1990---IBEW Tenth District (Railroads) welcomed into membership the members of the Canadian Signal and Communications Union.

1994---New database established for agreement approval/analysis.

1997---IBEW reaffiliates with the Canadian Labour Congress.