BECOME A SIGNATORY CONTRACTOR
We strive to help our members and contractors by providing the most productive, cost-eective, quality-minded workforce available in the region.
Gain Access to Harrisburg’s Elite Electricians
Our members have experience and certifications to work in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors. With over 600 members, IBEW signatory contractors in the Greater Harrisburg Area have access to a skilled workforce to complete projects of all scopes and complexities.
the benefits of becoming a signatory contractor
There are many benefits to becoming a signatory contractor with Local 143.
manpower on demand
Save time and money on labor costs by being able to increase or decrease your crew when you need it. IBEW Local 143 members are available when you need them, for as long as you need them. When your project is finished, their employment concludes or you can move them to another job. Recruitment, including advertising or conducting interviews, is not necessary.
Growth
Partnering with IBEW Local 143 can position your business for growth. Not only can you scale up or down, depending on the job, but becoming a signatory contract can open up new work opportunities.
Through your affiliation with the IBEW, your company will also benefit from an affiliation with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), which represents over 70,000 firms. This affiliation will not only help you network but also open the door to take educational programs to put you at the forefront of the electrical contracting industry.
Training
As a union member, you will have a say in The Harrisburg Electricians Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee spends over $167,000 annually training our members (your employees) in safety and journeyman upgrade classes. They receive industry-leading training to keep them up-to-date on the latest industry knowledge and technology, which makes them the most eicient electricians in the region.
Our contractors save between $500 and $2,000 per year per each IBEW member they hire in training expenses.
Productivity
Higher productivity equates to higher profits.
IBEW Local 143 members are the best-trained, most highly skilled and most productive electricians in the Harrisburg area. This means they complete their work the first time with quality craftsmanship. Projects are finished on time and on budget.
Lower Safety-related Costs
Local 143 members routinely take industry-leading OSHA training as part of our journeymen upgrade training. This training keeps them safe on the job and helps keep other construction workers safe.
A safe workforce means no work stoppages for injuries or worse. This also helps reduce Workers’ Compensation costs.
Additionally, there is less absenteeism when comparing an IBEW crew to a non-union crew.
Supervision
How long does it take your company to develop a good foreman or superintendent and how much money does it cost?
One of the most common reasons electrical contractors partner with Local 143 is their desire to grow. Our Local provides qualified supervision, upon request.
How much could you increase your bottom line by adding experienced foremen?
Cost savings
In addition to the savings described above, here are additional ways that our signatory contractors realize savings:
No costs to administer benefits; we are a one-stop solution
Save on Prevailing Wage projects with no load paid on the fringe benefits
Hiring apprentices helps save costs, as our apprentices receive lower rates compared to journeymen, while they receive on-the-job training
Lower turnover; for our members, this is their career
frequently asked questions
What will it cost my company to join?
Once I hire a member, how long must I employ them?
What if I hire someone who does not work out?
Does the IBEW tell me how to run my business?
No. The IBEW is not in the contracting business — you are. We provide manpower. We will do what we can to help in other areas, but only if you ask.
What are the benefits of becoming signatory?
- Qualified labor pool
- Increased productivity
- Access to training
- Benefit administration
- Apprenticeship
- Flexible crew size
- High worker morale
- Dispute resolution process
- Safety
- Growth potential
- Predictable labor costs
- No hiring/recruitment costs
- Consistent labor force
- Skilled supervision
- Lower Workers’ Compensation rates
- Prevailing Wage savings
What happens if I get a project in another area?
Can I fire a worker for a cause?
Yes, it’s your company. You will always make the decision on who works for your company.
Will I lose control of my company?
No. We work for you. Since you will spend less time on employee issues, you will have greater control and spend more time developing and running your business.
Become a signatory contractor with IBEW Local 143
Fill out this form and one of our representatives will reach out to you and discuss how you can begin the process of becoming a signatory contractor.