Hartford's apartment construction market remains elevated despite a sharp pullback from a record high set in 2024, when the region saw an unprecedented surge in new unit completions. CoStar reports that while completions dropped more than 40 percent year over year in 2025, overall construction activity in the market continues at historically high levels. Subscription required.
Connecticut's congressional delegation secured a federal requirement for a Project Labor Agreement on the $345 million Hartford courthouse project, guaranteeing union construction jobs on the new U.S. District Courthouse on Allyn Street.
Connecticut lawmakers are considering legislation to legalize small portable plug-in solar panels that connect directly to standard household outlets, making solar accessible to renters and others who cannot install rooftop systems. A public hearing is scheduled for March 5, and if passed the law could take effect by October, putting Connecticut in line with more than 20 other states exploring similar measures.
Profile of Corey Goldberg, apprentice wireman from Bakersfield Local 428, sharing his journey into the electrical trade and IBEW membership
IBEW International President Kenneth Cooper writes in The Electrical Worker about the union's role in meeting surging electricity demand across the country, from data centers to clean energy buildout. Cooper argues that the boom in power infrastructure represents a generational opportunity for IBEW members and calls on locals to position themselves at the forefront of the expanding electrical grid.
The Electrical Worker examines Illinois' landmark energy reform legislation, which includes some of the strongest pro-worker provisions in the country for the energy industry. The law, backed by the IBEW and the state's building trades, ensures that the transition to clean energy in Illinois creates and protects union jobs, setting a model other states are beginning to follow.
IBEW International Secretary Treasurer Paul Noble writes in The Electrical Worker about the ongoing fight against right-to-work laws and the union's strategy for protecting worker organizing rights state by state. Noble draws on his experience helping secure the Workers' Rights Amendment in Illinois to make the case for why every state should give workers the full freedom to organize and bargain collectively.
The March 2026 issue of The Electrical Worker reveals the winners of the annual IBEW Photo Contest, which drew hundreds of entries from members across the United States and Canada. The contest, with a first place prize of $1,000, showcases the work, activism, and fellowship of IBEW members through photography submitted from locals across North America.
IBEW Local 1049 demonstrates community engagement through volunteer programs and emergency response on Long Island
Rock Island Local 145 uses VR headset simulation at career expos to give students hands-on electrical jobsite experience without safety risks, yielding real apprenticeship applications from expo attendees