The IBEW is a ___ union.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is classified as a labor union. Labor unions are organizations that represent the interests of workers in negotiations with employers regarding wages, working conditions, benefits, and other employment-related matters. The IBEW specifically advocates for electrical workers and provides them with resources and support to improve their working conditions.

In this context, the IBEW’s primary function is to collectively bargain on behalf of its members, making it an integral part of the labor movement that seeks to secure fair treatment and rights for workers in the electrical industry. This distinction is crucial, as it emphasizes the role of such unions in empowering workers and ensuring they have a voice in workplace issues.

The other options, while they may describe different organization types, do not accurately reflect the purpose and structure of the IBEW. Trade unions typically refer to those representing specific trades, whereas professional unions tend to focus on those in specialized fields, and civic organizations usually engage in community service or advocacy without a specific employment focus.