A lot is changing in Washington this month, but I couldn't be more hopeful about the IBEW's future as we enter the new year because unions are stronger and more popular than they have been in decades.

Strike activity increased 280% in 2023, and workers showed no sign of letting up in 2024. Emboldened by a tight labor market, nurses, machinists, hotel employees and longshoremen hit the streets to win wage and benefit increases.

And nonunion workers want what we have. Gallup found that 70% of Americans approve of labor unions, and more and more of them are trying to join up. Petitions for union elections jumped by 27% in the last year, more than doubling the number of petitions the National Labor Relations Board received just three years ago.

And leading the way in this remarkable growth are the men and women of the IBEW. Every year for the last decade, we have seen positive growth, breaking new membership records. As we closed out 2024, in nearly every corner of North America, the IBEW is larger than the previous year. In fact, in this fiscal year, we posted the best four-month growth in membership in the last 20 years. This is a testament to our collective efforts and commitment.

We've seen a rapid increase in construction "A" members. And unlike in the past, geography has been no obstacle. In fact, some of our strongest growth is coming in areas where traditionally we have been the weakest: the "right-to-work" South and Southwest.

We have also been organizing more and more manufacturing, telecommunications and broadcasting workers. We see opportunities to build the IBEW in these branches that we have not seen in decades.

Multiple presidential administrations have come and gone since we started this comeback. Some have been friendlier than others.

But while allies in higher office can make things a lot easier — and unfriendly administrations can make things a lot harder — one thing I have discovered over the years is that the IBEW's future is in our hands alone.

The resolve and commitment you have all shown have put us on a path to a bigger and stronger IBEW.

And our continued growth and success depends on all of you.

Above all, it means continuing to make organizing our top priority. The demand for trained electrical workers will likely remain high for years to come, and we need to ensure that the IBEW is providing the workforce our economy relies on.

It also means always upholding our values as IBEW members, especially our commitment to excellence. Our value derives from our dedication to safety, productivity and giving our all every day, and it's everyone's responsibility to uphold that reputation.

Despite the real challenges we face in the year to come, momentum is on the IBEW's and the labor movement's side. Together, we will continue to build a movement for workers' rights and security and for an economy that benefits all of us, not just the wealthy and corporations.

Thank you for your commitment to our great union.

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