Independent Electrical Contractors Responds to the State of the Union 

Arlington, VA, February 8, 2023 - IEC is extremely disappointed with last night’s State of the Union address, both in tone and substance. Instead of hearing the message sent by the American people that change is needed, President Biden failed to respond accordingly and instead, continued to promote one-sided policies that favor union special interest at the expense of the merit shop. 

“Rather than voice support for policies that both Democrats and Republicans can find common ground to move the country forward, the president chose to call on Congress to pass legislation like the PRO Act, which would significantly tilt the playing field in favor of organized labor and severely limit the ability of IEC’s small merit shop electrical contractors to grow and prosper,” said Thayer Long, Executive Director, IEC. 

“By specifically stating that only union electricians be tasked with growing the country’s network of EV chargers, the president is sending a clear message to IEC’s highly skilled electrical workforce that you don’t belong,” Long said. “Regardless, IEC will continue to work with Congress and the administration to implement policies that will spur economic activity and recruit more people to its workforce the industry so desperately needs.” 

For more information about IEC’s government affairs initiatives, please visit ieci.org/advocacy

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About Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) 

Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is the premier national trade association for merit shop electrical contractors. IEC serves our membership by providing workforce development solutions to electrical contractors and electricians, including apprentice recruitment, career-long training, employee retention strategies and insights on new tools and technologies to maximize productivity. Delivering programs that support the entire career arc of an electrician, IEC delivers the core training, certification, advocacy, codes and safety standards, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities to ensure IEC members are equipped with a qualified workforce and positioned for long-term success. 

There are over 50 independent chapters within the Independent Electrical Contractors Association. Each chapter works with local electrical and low-voltage contractors to assist in the development of their businesses by networking with contractors just like you. We also provide a four-year apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor with nearly 14,000 apprentices throughout the nation. Our IEC National office offers opportunities for networking across the nation with forum groups and national meetings designed to help your business grow. 

PRESS CONTACT 

Lauren Smith| Publicist | lsmith@ieci.org