Dreams of Dignity Workers of Vision

In 1891, 10 delegates representing eight cities and 300 electrical workers met in St. Louis. Led by a Texas-born lineman named Henry Miller, their goal was to organize and improve working conditions in the rapidly growing but extremely dangerous electrical industry.From that meeting came the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which has helped millions of workers in the United States and Canada rise up and join the middle class while also raising the quality of work in the...
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In 1891, 10 delegates representing eight cities and 300 electrical workers met in St. Louis. Led by a Texas-born lineman named Henry Miller, their goal was to organize and improve working conditions in the rapidly growing but extremely dangerous electrical industry.From that meeting came the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which has helped millions of workers in the United States and Canada rise up and join the middle class while also raising the quality of work in the electrical industry.In the follow-up to her history of the IBEW released in 1991, noted labor historian Grace Palladino adds three chapters covering the last 25 years. She reflects on a time of enormous challenges, such as globalization, which has roiled labor markets and sent jobs overseas. Internally, women and other underrepresented groups won more influence on union policy. The economic crisis of 2008 was devastating for wiremen and construction workers. But successfully meeting challenges has been an IBEW trademark throughout its 125-year history. An economic depression in the 1890s nearly destroyed the union before it got off the ground. So did the leadership split between Frank McNulty and James Reid from 1908-13. Internal divisions and right-to-work legislation caused deep rifts after World War II. But thanks to an engaged membership and inspirational leadership, the IBEW remains one of the world's leading trade unions. Palladino combines hours of research and interviews to bring this sometimes colorful history to life.