4 Good Reasons to Join a Labour Union

February 15, 2022

You’re working in the communications and low voltage sector. You’re experienced with a few years under your belt. You’re busy. But you’re wondering, how can I make more money per hour? How can I save more for retirement? How can I secure employment long into the future?

We know that the low voltage market is changing. Power over ethernet is here and power over data line (PoDL) is gaining ground. Smart buildings are emerging. We expect that 120v lighting will eventually be a thing of the past. Low voltage will soon be the norm.

All of this change means that the demand for your skills will increase exponentially in the next few years. Now is the time to invest in getting ready for the boom. That’s how you’ll increase your hourly rate and secure your employment.

One of the ways to give yourself an edge in the future is by joining a union such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). We’re sure you’ve heard many varying opinions about labour unions. But what is often overlooked are the tremendous advantages that unions offer their members.

Here are four good reasons to join a labour union such as the IBEW

1. Increase your salary

The price of literlly everything has gone up over the past couple years – housing, groceries, gas, and the list goes on. You need to be earning a livable wage, which means your wages also need to increase.

pace with the cost of living. Our members’ net pay goes further because the wage package includes health benefits, retirement savings and life insurance.

At the IBEW, our raises keep pace with the cost of living. Our members’ net pay goes further because the wage package includes health benefits, retirement savings and life insurance.

Check out the current wage package for your area here and see how it compares.

2. Get more training

Your knowledge and skills need to keep pace with technology, especially in such a fast-growing market like low voltage. You don’t want to lose out on employment because you don’t have the required skills or training under your belt.

Being part of IBEW means you get access to the best of the best training facilities and instructors. We’re 100% committed to the highest standards of training communications technicians to become certified Network Cabling Specialists 631A (Ontario’s official trade designation).

3. Advance your career

Connections are everything when it comes to securing jobs. You need to be trained, certified and “know your stuff” but who you affiliate yourself with is also so important to advancing your career as a communications technician.

When you’re part of a union, you’re part of a network of other tradespeople, trainers, union staff and union contractors. Having these connections opens up many new ways to advance your career – whether it’s through training, certification, job openings or general career advice and support.

4. Get flexible health benefits

Your health and wellness need to come first. If you’re not well, you can’t work. And when you can’t work, your income suffers.

The health benefits that trade unions offer are there to make sure that you have access to the health coverage you need to keep you healthy and working – and the financial support you need when you can’t work.

With the IBEW, prescription, vision and dental coverage is available for you and for your family and plus chiropractic, registered massage therapy, physiotherapy, and more. Our benefit plans also include life insurance and long-term disability.

Increase your wages, gain skills, advance your career and take care of your health and your family’s health – these are only four of the many good reasons to join a labour union. Join IBEW and experience the benefits of being part of a union for yourself.

Contact IBEW by phone or email today.

Still not convinced that joining a union is right for you? Talk to a member of the IBEW team – we’d be happy to address your questions and concerns.

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