Business Manager of IBEW Local 676, Dale Cope, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent organization successes his Local has had in the Pensacola area. Local 676 is currently home to over 300 active members, with more joining daily.
Cope discussed his Local’s recent success organizing including a recent campaign that added nearly 40 new members. With another opportunity for organizing in the coming weeks, Cope is excited about the upcoming growth opportunities. Included in the recent growth was a group of non-union engineers who Cope had been chasing for years.
Cope also discussed the recent growth in apprentices. Cope now sees 20 new apprentices joining each year while graduating an average of 15. The IBEW’s robust training and apprenticeship programs, is why the IBEW has an edge in the market and is capable of keeping up with new industry trends, Cope said.
Cope also shared the five-year outlook for his Local. As solar and EV work begins to approach the area, he is trying to figure out the best way to stay competitive with non-union contractors willing to take lower pay for the same jobs. Cope believes his relationships with companies in the area will be the key. If Local 676 can continue to provide highly skilled professionals who are being trained in emerging technologies, he believes the efforts will pay off.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.