Creating opportunity through inclusive outreach, recruitment, and resourcing
At IBEW Local 103 and our NECA Greater Boston, we understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the construction industry strengthen both our job sites and our communities. We strive to diversify our membership more each year while also creating a culture of inclusivity and respect for everyone.
We maintain a strict, zero-tolerance policy for workplace discrimination, harassment, and bullying and we are proud of the initiatives we pursue every day to create a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.
Targeted Recruitment to Diverse Applicants
IBEW Local 103 and NECA Greater Boston are recruiting a record number of women and people of color into our renowned Greater Boston JATC union electrical apprenticeship programs each year. Through targeted outreach to potential applicants and neighborhood outreach we’re expanding our reach. As a result, the 2023 incoming apprentice class alone consists of 50 percent women and people of color.
Opportunity Campaign
A standout example of our inclusive approach to recruitment is our 2017 Opportunity Campaign. Together with NECA and Millennium Partners, we invested in a comprehensive multimedia campaign to reach more women and people of color than ever before. As a result, we saw a 95% increase in City of Boston resident applicants (687 total), the majority of whom were people of color.
The 103 Advantage = Guaranteed Equity on the Job
IBEW Local 103 and NECA Greater Boston contractually guarantee equal, industry-leading pay, and benefits for equal work to every single member. That means actively pursuing and upholding equitable working conditions, respect, and dignity for all.
Standing Together Against Bullying and Harassment
To create safe and respectful workplaces, IBEW Local 103 is building an anti-bullying and harassment culture and is fostering dialogue. Posters displayed around our Boston JATC apprentice school and hardhat stickers distributed on job sites encourage members who witness bullying or harassment to report the incident anonymously to our union hall for intervention.
Women’s Committee
The Women’s Committee at Local 103 is dedicated to empowering our union sisters and advocating for the inclusion of women at all levels of our industry. Local 103 tradeswomen and allies meet each month to network, to share experiences, and to identify and pursue opportunities for improved equity in our organization and our industry at large.
Electrical Workers Minority Caucus
The IBEW Local 103 Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) encourages minorities to become activists within their own communities and leaders within our union. The caucus identifies areas of improvement and determines a course of action to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within IBEW Local 103 and the construction industry.
Empower DEI
Through our Empower DEI Program, we’re helping women and people of color advance their careers as business owners. Led by a diverse board of experts, contractors, and advisors, the program is the first of its kind aimed at increasing the number of minority-owned (MBE) and woman-owned (WBE) signatory electrical contractors across Greater Boston. Empower DEI provides MBE and WBE contractors access to the training, mentorship, connections, and business opportunities they need to thrive in the electrical construction industry.
