IBEW 494- Our Members
Our members are electricians, or inside wiremen, in the construction industry. The union also represents low-voltage technicians as well as some workers in manufacturing and other fields related to electrical work.
What’s a day in the life of an electrical worker like? Well, the truth is it can vary. Every day is different. That’s one of the best things about being an electrical worker. You’re often working a different job site with a brand new set of challenges. It’s a very flexible job with flexible hours. Sometimes you even get to set them. It really depends on when the work needs done.
Most mornings you talk and figure out what needs done that day. You inventory the material on the job and begin the work.
And the time just flies by…
Once the real work begins, the mornings and the afternoons tend to fly by pretty fast. You get in the zone, pulling wires to a switch box, troubleshooting a faulty connection, unpacking a brand new set of lights straight from the box and stringing them up. It’s work with lots of variety so it never gets old.
Our union supports policies that protect Taxpayers, Workers, and policies that puts Wisconsin First. Especially investment in reliable infrastructure like roads, bridges, drinking water, sewer, and energy, that are vital components to both everyday life.
There are “4 Prevalent Myths" that our union and members face often:
MYTH #1: Electricians affiliated with the IBEW Will strike
The philosophy of the IBEW's contractors is that striking is detrimental to our construction partners. Therefore, IBEW Local Union 494 has a no strike clause in their collective bargaining agreements.
MYTH #2: Union Electricians are more expensive
Fixing problems behind walls can quickly become much more expensive than initial installation costs. The use of affiliated electricians will ensure that you are using highly skilled, thoroughly trained electricians. This will ensure that your electrical work is completed on time, at budget and will be done right the first time, saving you precious time and money.
MYTH #3: Union Electricians are not efficient
More non-affiliated companies close each year than electrical companies affiliated with a labor organization. Many of the most successful businesses in the area are affiliated with the IBEW. Companies affiliated with labor organizations have been an integral part of our society since the early 1800's and are still flourishing today due to their efficient workers and business practices.
MYTH #4: Union Electricians only care about themselves
Many of the rights and benefits we enjoy as United States Citizens were initially fought for and won by organized and affiliated workers: Rights such as the 40 hour work week, overtime pay, and fair treatment of individuals based on race, religion, and gender. About a million workers have been killed on-the-job since the 1920's in the United States alone. Affiliated and organized workers have aided in the elimination of unfair practices in the workplace such as child labor and the institution of standardized safety precautions. In addition, our members are involved in the community through charity volunteering, social events, career opportunities, community outreach, food pantry donations, sponsorship of area schools, and habitat for humanity to just name a few.
Check back on Friday for more on the Future of IBEW 494.