Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-03

RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 159

EconomyLabor

Context

On 2026-06-03, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 159" in the Senate.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 159

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2521] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 159 Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW, Local 159 in Madison, WI, on their 125th anniversary. I am pleased to honor this organization and to commemorate this historic milestone. Chartered in 1900, IBEW Local 159 began with only 25 members. These members all recognized that their union was crucial to improving the pay and working conditions for electrical workers in their community. At the time, many were experiencing 7-day work weeks with 12-hour workdays and pay as low as $8 a week. Additionally, the work was difficult and dangerous with a fatality rate of 50 percent, twice the national average death rate for all other industries. Today, IBEW Local 159 includes active members and retirees who work across many different fields, including construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, utilities, manufacturing, railroads, government, and coffee shops. Union members bargain collectively with employers for fair wages, benefits, rights, and legal protections. IBEW Local 159 members are also deeply involved in greater Madison community. Some of the projects members have volunteered for include Holiday Fantasy in Lights, Habitat for Humanity, Vilas Park Zoo Annual Fundraising programs, Ronald McDonald House, Halloween Tunnel of Terror, and Fishing Has No Boundaries. As IBEW Local 159 celebrates its 125th anniversary, they hope to continue the successes of four previous generations by protecting their craft and geographic jurisdiction, continuing to organize contractors, and developing their apprenticeship and training programs. This will allow them to build solidarity among their members and protect quality work into the future. As we honor this significant milestone for IBEW Local 159, I am grateful for their continued support of skilled trade workers, and I look forward to their continued success and impact in the years to come. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 159 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2521] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 159 Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW, Local 159 in Madison, WI, on their 125th anniversary. I am pleased to honor this organization and to commemorate this historic milestone. Chartered in 1900, IBEW Local 159 began with only 25 members. These members all recognized that their union was crucial to improving the pay and working conditions for electrical workers in their community. At the time, many were experiencing 7-day work weeks with 12-hour workdays and pay as low as $8 a week. Additionally, the work was difficult and dangerous with a fatality rate of 50 percent, twice the national average death rate for all other industries. Today, IBEW Local 159 includes active members and retirees who work across many different fields, including construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, utilities, manufacturing, railroads, government, and coffee shops. Union members bargain collectively with employers for fair wages, benefits, rights, and legal protections. IBEW Local 159 members are also deeply involved in greater Madison community. Some of the projects members have volunteered for include Holiday Fantasy in Lights, Habitat for Humanity, Vilas Park Zoo Annual Fundraising programs, Ronald McDonald House, Halloween Tunnel of Terror, and Fishing Has No Boundaries. As IBEW Local 159 celebrates its 125th anniversary, they hope to continue the successes of four previous generations by protecting their craft and geographic jurisdiction, continuing to organize contractors, and developing their apprenticeship and training programs. This will allow them to build solidarity among their members and protect quality work into the future. As we honor this significant milestone for IBEW Local 159, I am grateful for their continued support of skilled trade workers, and I look forward to their continued success and impact in the years to come. ____________________