FAQs
Got questions? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re a current member, a prospective electrician, a contractor, or simply curious about what the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 271 is all about, this FAQ is your quick guide to understanding how we operate, what we stand for, and how we serve our community of electrical workers here in Wichita and across South Central Kansas.
Have a question that’s not on this list? Reach out to us anytime — we’re here to help.
IBEW Local 271 is the Wichita, Kansas chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, representing more than 900 electrical workers. Members include construction, maintenance, and teledata electricians working across the region.
IBEW members have collective bargaining power that secures higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. Union electricians earn an average of 28% more in total compensation than non-union workers.
IBEW Local 271 offers opportunities for journeyman electricians, apprentices, construction wiremen, and construction electricians. These pathways allow members to advance their skills and earnings at every stage of their career.
No prior experience is required to apply for the apprenticeship program. Those with previous electrical experience may qualify for alternate programs.
The apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction over a four-year period. Apprentices earn wages and benefits while learning the skills needed to become licensed journeyman electricians.
Yes, apprentices are paid for all on-the-job training hours and receive wage increases as they advance through the program. Benefits are also provided during the apprenticeship.
Members receive competitive wages, employer-paid health insurance, and multiple retirement and pension plans. These benefits provide long-term financial security for members and their families.
Union dues include a small percentage of working dues and a monthly fee that supports union operations and member benefits. In return, members receive significantly higher wages, benefits, training, and representation.
IBEW Local 271 electricians historically experience steady employment through signatory contractors in the Wichita area. If local work slows, members have the opportunity to travel and work nationwide while keeping their benefits.
Interested individuals can apply online through the IBEW Local 271 website or visit the union hall for assistance. Applications are reviewed regularly, and qualified candidates are contacted for the next steps.
While the right to strike is a fundamental tool for securing fair wages, benefits, and working conditions, IBEW’s structure is designed to secure those gains at the bargaining table or through arbitration whenever possible.
Yes. Most of our contractors have drug-free workplace policies.
No. Your employability is based on your employer’s assessment of your knowledge, skill and attitude. It is not based on how long you have been an IBEW member or how long you have been employed by a particular contractor.
The short answer is no. The IBEW does not exist to protect unsatisfactory employees or shield them from the consequences of poor performance. However, this is a common misconception about labor unions. The union’s actual role is to ensure due process and protect members from arbitrary, unfair, or discriminatory treatment. In short, the IBEW protects the contract and the rights of the worker.
Yes. Year after year, the Wichita Business Journal lists IBEW contractors as the most successful electrical contractors in the area. Let’s face it. If our contractors weren’t successful, Wichita’s IBEW couldn’t have survived since 1914. But here we are, bigger and stronger than ever.
Historically, Wichita’s IBEW electricians have had steady employment. Unfortunately, if the economy ever gets slow, everyone is affected— union and non-union alike. One big advantage IBEW electricians have is that if work ever does bottom out locally, an IBEW member can work anywhere in the country and still earn great wages and benefits.
Definitely. In fact, the IBEW will do everything in its power to help any non-union contractor who comes on board to become a very successful IBEW contractor.
Your employment is based on your knowledge, skill and attitude. Therefore, in order to remain competitive, you may want to take classes that cover either your weak areas or new technologies. In addition, Journeymen electricians in the state of Kansas are now required to participate in 12 hours of continuing education every two years if they wish to renew their electrical license. IBEW continuing education classes make it easy and affordable to accomplish these goals.
Not at all. Most members view union dues as a high-yield investment rather than an out-of-pocket expense. Your dues secure a bump in hourly wages, premium employer-paid healthcare, and robust retirement contributions that far exceed the initial cost.
Dues are broken down into two manageable parts: a flat monthly fee for the International office to maintain your membership and pension, and a working assessment that stays with Local 271 to fund representation and day-to-day operations.
More than 50% of our membership used to work non-union, so you aren’t going to be alone. Electrical work is electrical work and electricians are electricians. The big difference? By standing together as a group, we gain the ability to negotiate better wages and benefits and receive better training opportunities.
Yes, of course. Our single greatest strength is in numbers, so the more the merrier.
