Which organization negotiates collective bargaining agreements with contractors?

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the organization that negotiates collective bargaining agreements with contractors. This is a critical function of labor unions, as they represent the collective interests of their members—who are typically workers in the electrical industry. Through these negotiations, the IBEW strives to secure better wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security for its members.

The IBEW collaborates closely with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) in many instances, as NECA represents the employers' side. Understanding this relationship is essential, but the IBEW holds the role of advocating for the electrical workers specifically during negotiations.

The other entities mentioned, such as rank-and-file union members, act as the grassroots base of the union but do not engage in the formal negotiation processes. The Department of Labor oversees labor laws and regulations, ensuring compliance, but it does not negotiate collective bargaining agreements directly. Thus, the role of negotiating these contracts is distinctly that of the IBEW.