We are a Union representing over 1400 Signal and Communications employees throughout Canada. Our members work on railroad signal systems to improve safety and efficiency of their operation.
Although jet travel has supplanted railroads as the passenger mode of choice, and the highway system is the principal venue for product transportation, railroads are still alive and well in North America. In Canada, approximately 71% of all freight is shipped by rail. IBEW members play a major role in keeping this vital mode of transportation rolling.
Railroad Signal and Communication members inspect, test, assemble, install, dismantle, rebuild, overhaul, adjust, wire, and calibrate all electrical and electronic equipment and components throughout the country that serve for the protection of the population at large. One of the significant tasks is making certain that all railroad crossings in Canada function properly.
IBEW railroad communications technicians perform all types of work generally recognized as communications work per their agreements with various carriers. They work with microwave, radio, fiber optics, telephone and other communications devices, apparatus, and equipment in the course of operating, maintaining and repairing these systems in shops, yards, buildings, locomotives and all areas necessary for proper communication in Canada. The IBEW also represents several other classes of railroad workers as certified and per agreements with particular carriers.