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How to get a union lineman job

One of the most prominent union organizations relevant to transmission and distribution linemen is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers or IBEW. IBEW maintains strong relationships with many employers of electrical construction and energy companies. The first step to get a union job is to understand what is your local union. There are hundreds of local unions across the country. In order to join a local union you need to 'sign the books'. This process includes clarifying if you are a new to the union, new traveler, or returning traveler. If you are a member of another IBEW, please bring with you your ID and current dues ticket from your local. As a member of a local union you can then work on union jobs. Many union jobs are listed on Lineman Central.

How do lineman unions work

When you interview for a lineman job it is the employers chance to learn about your background and your chance to learn about the employer. If you are part of a union, some of the learning and negotiating has already been done through collective bargaining. Collective bargaining is the process in which workers can negotiate specific pay, benefits, safety and health conditions and policies that management must adhere to and maintain. For example, in 2021 and 2022 local union negotiated COVID safety protocol for line workers jobs.

union lineman jobs

How much do union linemen make

According to our 2022 Lineman Survey the average union lineman made $64,890. Union wages are often higher than non union wages for linemen in many part of the country. In some areas of the country like the southeast, non union line workers make $5 to $10 dollars more per hour than union workers. However, when considering line work pay, an individual should also account for the retirement and healthcare benefits that may come with a local union job.

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