For Immediate Release: March 11, 2020

Contact: Mark Brueggenjohann  202-728-6014

IBEW Statement on U.S. Department of Labor’s Final Rule Regarding Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs

IBEW President Lonnie R. Stephenson issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Labor’s final rule regarding Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs:

“The Labor Department’s final ruling regarding IRAPs is an important victory for skilled apprenticeship programs like the IBEW’s.

“North America’s Building Trades Unions’ apprenticeship programs are the most successful model of skilled job training in the nation, and this ruling recognizes the unique role they play in the economy, preserving high standards for the entire construction industry.

“It took the efforts of hundreds of thousands of construction workers and union members, including 65,000 IBEW members, who submitted public comments to the Labor Department telling this administration to back off efforts to weaken skilled apprenticeships and empower second-rate training programs that water down quality and safety. 

“I thank everyone who took the time to make their feelings known and I look forward to working with lawmakers and industry leaders as we turn out the best trained electrical workers in the nation.” 

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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.