The 2025 Negotiations between the New York Electrical Contractors Association and Local Union No. 3, IBEW resulted in a new three-year contract spanning from April 9, 2025, to April 12, 2028. Some items agreed to include: $1 million recommitment to the industry marketing campaign funded by the Joint Industry Board (JIB), and an increase in the clothing and tool replacement allowance from $350 to $400 for losses due to fire or theft. The contract also provides for expanded training of AJs through the JIB and EESISP programs at no cost and allows members to take two additional wage replacement days without additional expense to the employer. Supplemental unemployment benefits were increased from $800 to $1,000 and disability supplemental benefits rose from $550 to $650. Employers must now offer workers the option to contribute to the NYS 529 Savings Plan through payroll deduction. Additionally, the superintendent requirement now applies to shops with 35 electricians instead of 30, and JIB will regularly monitor prevailing wage compliance.
The Market Expansion Rate remains active for interior commercial fit-out jobs facing nonunion competition, and the Market Recovery Electrician position is maintained at a $50/hour rate with a total hourly cost of $91.18. These electricians remain eligible for A-rated jobs and are exempt from furlough requirements. Updates to industry safety standards include the provision of enhanced personal protective equipment, such as high-visibility fire retardant vests, arc flash protective gear, and suspension trauma safety straps for work above 40 feet.
Medical benefits were also enhanced. MD Live was added for telehealth primary care services, the hearing aid benefit was increased to $2,500 every three years, and copays rose to $65 for primary care and $80 for specialist visits for those who have not completed a physical exam. Medical coverage has been extended to a total of 52 weeks, with the Local 3 AJ COBRA fund and PHBP covering the extended period.
Pension benefits were improved by raising the pension credit to $100 for all credits valued at $85 or less for 2019 through 2021. The cap of 42 pension credits remains, and active members working 1,000 hours in a year will earn additional credits. The Workshare Plan saw increased flexibility, including more lenient furlough obligations, extended grace periods, and stricter replacement requirements for employers not meeting furlough criteria. General forepersons received a 50% reduction in furlough requirements, and all members received an additional week of vacation.
EESISP procedures were updated to include a rotating panel of arbitrators and the use of independent medical examiners approved by Magnacomp.
The economic package features wage increases starting from $132.74 on April 10, 2025, and rising to $141.21 by January 6, 2028, reflecting a 10.24% total increase over the contract term.
Division-specific updates include the elimination of six-month raises for apprentices, expansion of MIJ eligibility, and increased medical, dental, and annuity benefits across various worker classifications. The M Division introduced a structured pay scale for MH and MJ levels and permitted unemployed REs to work as M workers at top pay rates.
The RE-RW Division saw similar benefit increases and pay adjustments. In the Tele Data Division, more workers became eligible for the Market Expansion Rate, and hiring flexibility on PLA projects increased.
The ADM Division updated vacation eligibility timelines and hiring procedures, while the EXP Division raised childcare reimbursements to $20,000, allowed flexible working hours, and enhanced CDL offerings. Overall, the contract represents a balanced update to wages, benefits, and work policies across all divisions, with a total cost increase of 8.58% over three years for many groups.
NYECA to Offer Collective Bargaining Agreements Course
Join Andrew Mundo and Edward Byrne on Thursday, May 1 for a refresher course on Collective Bargaining Agreements, taking place from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. via Zoom.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement – Update Course will provide an overview of key points of the Agreement and Working Rules between New York Electrical Contractors Association and Local Union No. 3, IBEW. The objective will be to alert members to new provisions within the 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement and provide a refresher as to existing provisions that often raise concern among members or are most likely to help or hurt members in the operation of their business (e.g., the management rights clause, the written warning requirements, and the rule requiring contractors to provide notice to the Union before implementing changes to company policies).
Registration: https://www.nyeca.org/collective-bargaining-agreement-cba-thursday-may-1-2025/