IBEW First District Ranks First in Total Membership Growth Across North America

Only two short years ago, IBEW First District had the lowest membership growth among all 11 IBEW Districts across North America. Times have changed.

IBEW First District Delegates at the 2024 IBEW Membership Development Conference in Chicago, IL

The 2024 IBEW Membership Development Conference in Chicago marked a monumental moment for IBEW First District. With the support of IBEW Local Union leaders and their respective teams, we are proud to announce that IBEW First District ranked FIRST among 11 IBEW Districts across North America in overall A+BA membership growth in the last. Since August of last year, First District has added over 2,900 net new IBEW members.

“This is a testament to the incredible team of IBEW representatives we have across Canada. From our local union leaders – Business managers, presidents, and local union executive boards – to our dedicated organizers, educators, and support staff, This was a collective effort to turn this ship around. We did it together.”

Watch IBEW International Vice President Russ Shewchuk accept the award on behalf of IBEW First District, Canada:

Bringing Home the Hardware

IBEW First District Recognition

IBEW First District received the following recognitions:

Excellence in Organizing Award: For achieving the highest District total growth, August 29, 2024

IBEW Membership Development Outstanding Achievement: For meeting or exceeding the 2024 4% “A” Membership Growth (6.92%)

IBEW Membership Development Outstanding Achievement: For meeting or exceeding the 2024 1% “BA” Membership Growth (1.89%)

2024 Excellence in Organizing Award: Highest District Total Growth / Prix d’excellence de l’organisation syndicale 2024 : Croissance du District le plus élevé

Certificate, IBEW Membership Development Outstanding Achievement for exceeding the 4% “A” membership growth (6.92% growth) / Certificat, augmentation de l’adhésion de la FIOE — réalisation exceptionnelle pour avoir dépassé le taux de 4 % de l’adhésion des membres « A » (croissance de 6,92 %)

Certificate, IBEW Membership Development Outstanding Achievement for exceeding the 1% “BA” membership growth (1.89% growth) / Certificat, augmentation de l’adhésion de la FIOE — réalisation exceptionnelle pour avoir dépassé le taux de 1 % de l’adhésion des membres « BA » (croissance de 1,89 %)

Russ Shewchuk (right) accepts the award on behalf of IBEW First District from IBEW International Office Director of Inside Construction Organizing, Adrian Sauceda (left) / Russ Shewchuk (à droite) accepte le prix au nom du Premier District de la FIOE du directeur au bureau international de l’organisation syndicale de la construction de la FIOE, Adrian Sauceda (à gauche)

IBEW First District Local Union Recognition

IBEW Local 353, Toronto: #1 in the top 20 Local Unions for membership growth (total numbers) over the last year

IBEW Local 586, Ottawa: #6 in the top 20 Local Unions for membership growth (total numbers) over the last year

IBEW Local 213, Vancouver: #11 in the top 20 Local Unions for membership growth (total numbers) over the last year

IBEW Local 230, Victoria: #19 in the top 20 Local Unions for membership growth (total numbers) over the last year

IBEW Local 353, Toronto: #3 in the top 20 Local Unions for total membership growth over the last five years

IBEW Local 213, Vancouver: #17 in the top 20 Local Unions for total membership growth over the last five years

First District Individual Recognition:

Rank and File Organizer of the Year

Congratulations to IBEW Local 213 member Justin Santos who was awarded top Rank-and-File Organizer of the Year at the 2024 IBEW Membership Development Conference.

This award recognizes rank-and-file members who embody the spirit of organizing in their daily lives. Justin’s organizing contributions throughout the year earned him not only the First District nomination but also the top spot among all 11 District nominees across North America. Congratulations, Justin!

Justin Santos of IBEW Local 213 (left) stands with IBEW First District IVP, Russ Shewchuk (centre) and IBEW International Secretary-Treasurer, Paul Nobel (right).

Business Manager of the Year – First District Nominee

Congratulations to IBEW Local 213 Business Manager and Financial Secretary, Jim Lofty, nominated as Business Manager of the Year by IBEW First District.

This nomination recognizes outstanding local union leadership of a Business Manager within the IBEW First District. Congratulations, Jim.

Organizer of the Year – First District Nominee

Congratulations to IBEW Local 353 Membership Development Representative, Andrew White, nominated Organizer of the Year by IBEW First District.

This nomination recognizes the outstanding organizing efforts and team leadership of an Organizer within the IBEW First District. Congratulations, Andrew

Andrew White, Membership Development Representative at IBEW Local 353 (left), shakes hands with IBEW First District International Vice President Russ Shewchuk.

First District Local Union Recognition

Congratulations to our First District “Top Locals of the Year”

“A” Membership Growth (Total Numbers)

IBEW Local 353, Toronto
IBEW Local 213, Vancouver
IBEW Local 586, Ottawa

“A” Membership Growth (Percentage)

IBEW Local 586, Ottawa
IBEW Local 230, Victoria
IBEW Local 402, Thunder Bay and IBEW Local 1928, Halifax

“BA” Membership Growth (Total Numbers)

IBEW Local 2067, Regina
IBEW Local 1928, Halifax
IBEW Local 37, Fredericton

“BA” Membership Growth (Percentage)

IBEW Local 2002, Winnipeg
IBEW Local 339, Thunder Bay
IBEW Local 2049, Edmonton

Overall (“A” + “BA”) Membership Growth (Total Numbers)

IBEW Local 353, Toronto
IBEW Local 586, Ottawa
IBEW Local 230, Victoria

Overall (“A” + “BA”) Membership Growth (Percentage)

IBEW Local 586, Ottawa
IBEW Local 773, Windsor
IBEW Local 230, Victoria and IBEW Local 402, Thunder Bay

Thank you to all IBEW delegates who attended the 2024 IBEW Membership Development Conference in Chicago. We are proud of our accomplishments, but our work is not done. We look forward to building on this momentum into 2025 and beyond!