IBEW Local 488 Features

When it comes to Electrical Work, cutting corners can cost you!

Are you an electrical worker looking for a fair labor rate, health & welfare benefits, a pension plan to protect your future, safe working conditions, specialized training and representation in employment disputes? Consider this: Electrical Contractors often belong to associations that were formed by employers to promote and benefit their interests such as: Associated Builders and... more ...

Industry and IBEW News

Climate Crisis Has Now Shrunk US Salaries by 12%. Worse Is To Come

https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/climate-change-income

New research shows climate change has already reduced US incomes by 12% since 2000, far higher than previous estimates, as persistent temperature shifts affect supply chains and regional economies nationwide.

CANCELED: The White House's $236 Billion Assault on Blue-Collar Jobs (EW)

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/canceled-the-white-houses-236-billion-assault-on-blue-collar-jobs/?ref=ew

Trump administration policies have led to cancellation of at least 300 energy and transportation construction projects worth $236 billion, representing 255,000 lost construction jobs as tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act are gutted.

After Housing Approval, Suburb Reverses Course

https://www.newhavenindependent.org/2026/01/06/after-housing-approval-suburb-reverses-course/

Woodbridge zoning commissioners voted 6-0 to amend town zoning rules prohibiting future projects similar to a 96-unit mixed-income apartment complex they approved just one month earlier. The reversal came after over 150 residents gathered to oppose the December 2025 approval of the four-story development at 804 Fountain Street on the Woodbridge-New Haven border, which would include only 12 affordable units.

Newcomers, Incumbents Bring IBEW Voices to Local and State Offices (EW)

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/ibew-voices-to-local-and-state-offices/?ref=ew

IBEW members achieved significant electoral victories in November 2025, winning positions from town councils to state assemblies. Features profiles of three member-winners: Stephen Nowicki (Cheektowaga, NY town council), Naomi Hewitt (Fairbanks school board), and Ritch Kurtenbach (Black Hawk County, Iowa supervisor), demonstrating how union members bring worker perspectives directly into government.

Groundbreaking Labor Leader Retires From IEC, Local 3 (EW)

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/erikson-retires-from-iec/?ref=ew

International Executive Council Chairman Chris Erikson retires after a 50-year IBEW career, including nearly 20 years leading New York Local 3's 30,000+ members. Grandson of legendary Local 3 Business Manager Harry Van Arsdale Jr., Erikson championed diversity, mentored young leaders nationwide, and helped maintain union wages at $141/hour while serving as IEC chairman for a decade.