IBEW Local 103 and NECA commit to diverse, trained workforce with contract

Boston, MA The 9,000 electrical workers and 85 contractors of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Greater Boston have ratified a five-year labor management contract, cementing their commitment to creating good, union jobs, providing the highest quality electrical services, and investing in a diverse and highly-skilled electrical workforce of the future.

“We’re building opportunity as we are building our communities,” said Kristen Gowin, executive director, NECA Greater Boston. “This contract will keep us moving forward for many years to come as we invest in creating a diverse, union electrical workforce. It represents our progressive and forward-thinking partnership, and increases the competitiveness of NECA contractors.”

The newly ratified contract represents a landmark achievement in labor-management partnership, focusing on the competitiveness of NECA contractors and ensuring a best-in-class, highly-skilled IBEW workforce.

Contract highlights include:

Flexibility at work: Four day ten-hour workweek will help contractors and employees adjust for market, job conditions and increased productivity.

Measurable results on equity: Contractors employing Construction Wiremen, in a prefabrication shop or on job sites, will aim to achieve at least 51% percent people of color, women, or Boston residents in their Construction Wiremen Program.

A new job classification in the growing field of network integration: The new Network Technician classification will provide opportunities for NECA Contractors and IBEW members to excel in this growing sector. IBEW & NECA are committed to programming the systems we install for our customers.

“This contract reflects our strong partnership with NECA and our shared commitment to our IBEW workforce. This agreement recognizes the critical importance of providing value for our customers and great career pathways for workers across the region,” said Lou Antonellis, business manager, Local 103 IBEW.

In just the last few years, IBEW Local 103 and NECA have created job opportunities for nearly 2,500 workers looking for a career in the union electrical trades. As the state prepares to achieve its ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, Local 103 and NECA are set to add another 5,000 members over the next five years to help meet this goal.