Episode 17: IBEW 611 Organizer Rob Wilson (3rd Gen Wireman)

What does a union organizer actually do?In this episode, I sit down with Rob Wilson, an organizer with IBEW Local 611 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to talk about the real work behind organizing electricians, building relationships in the trades, and addressing some of the biggest misconceptions people have about unions.Rob is a third-generation wireman with more than 20 years in the electrical industry, and he shares what organizing really looks like on the ground. From talking with non-union electricians to building trust in communities across the Southwest, this conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities facing the electrical trades today.We also talk about how the industry has changed over the past two decades. When Rob started his apprenticeship in 2005, many electricians from Local 611 had to travel across the country for steady work. Today, the explosion of data center construction and infrastructure projects has dramatically changed the landscape, creating more consistent opportunities for electricians closer to home.Rob also explains how organizing works across a large and diverse jurisdiction, including parts of Arizona and the Navajo Nation, and why local representation and community involvement are critical to bringing more workers into the trade.Most importantly, we break down some of the biggest myths surrounding unions — from misconceptions about costs and dues to confusion about licensing requirements and federal work eligibility.If you work in the trades, are considering joining a union, or just want to understand how organizing works behind the scenes, this conversation gives a real look at the people doing the work.#IBEW #Electricians #UnionTrades #SkilledTrades #Construction