Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of IBEW Local #47:

I’d like to welcome everyone to IBEW #47’s new and improved website. Whether you’re an IBEW #47 member, IBEW affiliate member, IBEW retiree, a fellow AFL-CIO affiliate member, or just a visitor that would like to see who we are, we’re glad you took the time to stop by. Union membership provides for on-the-job safety, collective bargaining, and mutual assistance in many aspects of our lives.

By belonging to the IBEW you are part of a great Brotherhood and Fellowship that has affiliations all across the USA, Canada, and the Pacific Islands. I have been a proud member of the IBEW continuously for the past 43 plus years (not as long as some but then I’m not as old as most of them either). Our industry has undergone many changes in that time with many more to follow. We are still here and strong.

Our brave troops continue to protect our freedom around the world. Many IBEW members and their relatives are involved in this effort and we support our troops. As an honorably discharged Veteran of the USMC, my heart is with those troops and all our servicewomen and men around the globe.

We must help to protect our families, our country, and our way of life. We show our unity through the elective process at our unions, and the local, state, and federal levels. We will prevail if we vote in great numbers in all of these venues. We will support those politicians who are pro-workers' rights and strive for the betterment of the working class of this country.

The majority of our citizens are workers with working families. The minority are rich and well to do. Remember, many of our relatives and forefathers paid and continue to pay the ultimate price, fighting for our country, to ensure our way of life here in the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." Always exercise your right to vote in every election! You are entitled to Local Union elections, those at the local and state government level, and federal elections for congress and the Presidency of the United States, regardless of whether you are Democrat, Republican, or Independent.

I am a 43+year member of the IBEW and a Journeyman Lineman by trade.  My oldest son is an IBEW Journeyman Wireman, the youngest is a Journeyman Lineman, my youngest daughter is a clerical IBEW member, and my son-in-law is an Apprentice Lineman.  My father and uncle were Journeyman Linemen and my grandfathers were members of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department and Chicago Fire Department, and members of their respective unions.  My great-grandfather (Mom’s side) was a member of the Bricklayers Union, so we are a proud union family for five generations. TRADE-UNIONISM is exactly what being united is all about, so we must remain united to stay strong.

Live well, live safe, work union, and VOTE!!! Remember, you can't vote if you're not registered.

Patrick Lavin
Business Manager
Financial Secretary