IBEW Code of Excellence

Designed to ensure the highest standards of excellence

The IBEW Code of Excellence (COE) is a program designed to bring out the highest standards of excellence in our members. Through the COE, IBEW leaders and members commit to demonstrating our core values, known as SPARQ, in everything they do.

These core values are:

Safety

Professionalism

Accountability

Relationships

Quality

The COE is not only about an IBEW job built right the first time, on schedule and under budget. It is also about pride in IBEW membership and craftsmanship to leave a lasting impression of quality workmanship with the customer, prompting them to use an IBEW workforce on future projects.

The Code of Excellence is also a means to build and project positive attitudes about who we are and the work we do — both on and off the job. It is designed to bring out the best in our construction members and demonstrate to our customers that IBEW members are the best in their field.

For IBEW members, the Code of Excellence program means you will:

  • Come to work on time, fit for duty, and ready to work.
  • Obey recognized customer and employer work rules.
  • Demonstrate zero tolerance for alcohol and substance abuse.
  • Exercise proper safety, health, and sanitation practices.
  • Own up to “8 for 8” and be on the job unless otherwise allowed or authorized to leave.
  • Follow safe, reasonable, and legitimate management directives.
  • Encourage respect for the customer’s rights and property, as well as for others on the job.
  • Exercise the skills and abilities of the trade.
  • Care for the tools and equipment provided by the employer.
  • Eliminate waste and other forms of property destruction, including graffiti.
  • Limit lunch and break times to allocated periods; adhere to established start and quit times.
  • Leave inappropriate behavior to those of lesser knowledge.
  • Employ the proper tool for the job and maintain personal tool responsibilities.
  • Do Not solicit funds or sell merchandise without the Business Manager’s approval.
  • Curtail idle time or pursuit of personal business during work hours, including cell phone use.
  • Expel job disruption and refuse to engage in slowdowns or activities designed to extend the job or create overtime or any other conduct that would cast the IBEW in a bad light.

As with Stewards, IBEW members employed in management/supervision positions must be knowledgeable of the Code of Excellence program principles, its relationship to IBEW organizing and their overall membership responsibilities to the Brotherhood.

Yet, more importantly, members in these roles need to know that effectively managing their jobs will be a corresponding obligation to the Code of Excellence. IBEW rank and file members who honor the COE will rightfully have similar expectations of their Brothers and Sisters in management/supervision in the areas of:

  • Adhering to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Communicating and cooperating with the Job Steward.
  • Employee encouragement, but if necessary, fair and consistent discipline.
  • Meeting jobsite safety, health and sanitation needs or requirements.
  • Ample job layout directions to minimize downtime and maximize employee productivity.
  • Availability and timely delivery of necessary materials.
  • Proper number and type of tools and equipment to ensure job progress.
  • Maintenance and upkeep of tools and equipment.
  • Storage and protection of employer and employee tools and equipment.
  • Employing an adequate number of employees to perform efficiently or, conversely, limiting the number of employees to the work at hand.