Powering Philadelphia Since 1900
IBEW Local 98 was officially chartered on January 5, 1900. From that humble beginning, IBEW Local 98 has grown to more than 5,000 members and is widely regarded as one of the most financially successful IBEW Locals in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Our jurisdiction encompasses the City of Philadelphia and the majority of the four surrounding suburban counties – Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware and Chester. A significant component of our recent growth was the 2015 amalgamation with the former IBEW Local 380, which encompassed large swaths of Montgomery County and other suburban Philadelphia counties.
We owe our success to the dedication of these founding fathers of our union and to the thousands upon thousands of hard working Local 98 members past and present who believed in the value of union apprenticeships, skilled craftsmanship and union solidarity.
The history of Local 98 is made up of the stories of legions of journeymen who labored each day to build our city and our union. The members of Local 98 have for more than a century worked collectively on job sites, in our union hall, and in the legislative chambers of the city, counties, state and federal governments to demand a role in determining their destiny.
IBEW Local 98’s well-educated and superbly skilled electricians and technicians are constantly learning and evolving in order to connect the customers and communities we serve to the future.
Every member of this union has contributed to our success. We have worked together effectively to build this region and strengthen our union. By remaining diligent and united, we will continue to grow and prosper.
IBEW Local 98 will continue to be a positive force in our industry, in the labor movement, and in our communities for the next 100-plus years.
Our Mission
The mission of IBEW Local 98 is to provide our NECA contractor partners and end-users with the safest, best-trained and most experienced union workforce in the entire electrical industry. Likewise, the IBEW technicians in our Sound & Communication division are the very best in the entire telecommunications field. Our success is rooted in our commitment to education, not only through our award-winning, college-accredited Apprentice Training Academy, but also through continuing education opportunities for our Journeymen Electricians. The constantly evolving technologies in the energy sector demand that IBEW Local 98’s members stay educated and prepared to meet every new challenge. In addition, IBEW Local 98 is committed to our membership and to the communities in which we live, work and play. 98 Cares is more than just a slogan, it’s the principle that drives everything we do.
BRINGING Philadelphia Into the future
Through the efforts of the membership and officers of IBEW Local 98, Philadelphia will be ready for wherever technology takes us. Our members are highly trained in the latest technologies with a regemented focus on safety and a high quality of work.
Working with Focus
Local 98 members work in the electrical, telecommunications and broadcast industries in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. High-Definition broadcasts and wireless Internet are two examples of the emerging technologies that Local 98 is responsible for.
Connected with Community
Local 98 gets involved in the communities of its members through its members. From park clean-ups to church sponsored outreach programs, IBEW Local 98 always makes time to help.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I am honored to be leading the membership of IBEW Local 98 into an exciting, successful future, one in which you and your families can enjoy a good life and a rewarding career.
IBEW Local 98 is powered by the membership, always has been and always will be. I was raised in a Union household and learned at the earliest age the value and power of being part of a Union.
Local 98 finds itself at a time of renewal and rededication to the principles that have guided us for more than 100 years – honor; integrity; accountability; solidarity; fair wages and benefits; safe working conditions; charity; the training and education of the next generation of Local 98 Electricians and Technicians; and the constant pursuit of excellence in every facet of our operations.
We will honor these guiding principles by aggressively pursuing work opportunities in all jurisdictions. We will recruit and expertly train future generations of union electricians and technicians through ATEI 98, while focusing on greater inclusivity. We will selectively support politicians who support Local 98 in deed, not just in word. We will hold government agencies accountable for enforcing the rules and regulations that ensure a safe and level playing field in the construction industry. We will continue to fight for fair wages and standards and safe job sites for our members, while working to organize non-union electricians and flip non-union jobs. Finally, we will honor our tradition of caring by supporting charities that make a difference in the communities in which we live, work and play.
IBEW Local 98 was once one of the most respected Locals in all of the IBEW. We will be again through our hard work, dedication to our craft and solidarity with one another. I pledge my loyalty to you and my commitment to restoring our good name and rightful position as one of the most respected and successful IBEW Locals in North America. Together, we can accomplish anything.
Mark Lynch
Business Manager, IBEW Local 98
Leadership
Officers President
James Foy
Vice-President
Dominick Basciano
Recording Secretary
Gabrielle Edwards
Treasurer
Mike Gummel
Business Manager/ Financial Secretary
Mark Lynch, Jr.
Executive Board:
James Snyder, Robert Gormley, Fran McDade, Dan Wolfe, and Michael Magee
Examining Board:
Mark Kane, Anthony Merlino, and Mike Maratea
Sergeant of Arms:
Scott Johnson
Doorman:
Rodney Walker
Why Union?
Most frequent questions and answers
Employees bargain with strength for wages, benefits and rights when they join together. That’s why it’s important to unionize.
Under the employment at will doctrine, the cornerstone of American employment law, in general terms, unless you belong to a protected group, your employer has the right to discipline or terminate, with impunity, you for any reason — even a bad one — or for no reason at all. That’s why it is sometimes called the fire at will doctrine.
However, with a collective bargaining agreement, you have rights. Management must have just cause for any disciplinary action taken against a union employee. You bargain over wages, health benefits, working conditions and a retirement plan for your future. But, you bargain collectively with the strength that comes from a collective voice.
ITS ALWAYS wise to take full advantage of YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.
WITH A UNION, the employer must bargain and pay the wages negotiated.
WITH A UNION, your rights on the job are spelled out and must be respected.
WITH A UNION, you can stop abuses on the job. The union can prevent unjust and unfair treatment by giving you representation on the job and the right to file grievances if you are treated unfairly.
WITH A UNION, you can negotiate for better holiday pay, vacations, health and welfare benefits, and job conditions.
WITH A UNION, you have greater security on your job. Company management cannot fire you without good reason and they must respect your length of service if there are layoffs.
You elect your own local union officers. You run your own local union affairs.
You have your own negotiating committee. You make the decisions on your own union contract.
You have your own shop stewards.
You decide important policies and actions of your own union by majority vote.
IBEW 98 Apprentice Training
Our Mission
Our mission is to lead the electrical industry by providing the best possible training to secure employment today and for the future
Our History
With over 114 years of experience, an IBEW 98 apprenticeship is the clear choice in Philadelphia to be trained for the future.
Our Training
From apprentices to journeymen, we are the best trained electricians and technicians. We never stop learning
IBEW 98 Nomination and Election Notice
Contact
1701 SPRING GARDEN STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19130
Phone : + 215-563-5592
Fax : 215-561-2168