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The IBEW Local 145 jurisdiction in Iowa includes Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine, and Scott counties and in Illinois includes all of Rock Island and parts of Carroll, Henry, Mercer, and Whiteside counties. If you're planning on building within our jurisdiction, click here for a list of our NECA and signatory contractors.

 

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March 31, 1913 - IBEW Local 485 was chartered in Rock Island.

March 21, 1917 - IBEW Local 635 was chartered in Davenport.

 

A bitter rivalry developed between the two locals. Seldom were workers sent into their neighboring local to work.

 

Due to this rivalry and financial problems experienced by both locals, Mr. Hans Johnson was sent by the IBEW International Office to assist in developing a solution.

 

On April 27, 1925, Local 485 and Local 635 were amalgamated into the present day IBEW Local 145. There were 18 charter members and on May 1, 1925, A.E. Winterbottom was elected the first president of the local. The consolidation of the two unions proved so strong that today IBEW Local 145 boasts a membership of 1,110.

 

In the early years, apprentices worked as truck drivers delivering materials and learning the terminology of the trade. If they survived, they were awarded a paid apprenticeship. There was no formal schooling or training, and apprenticeship lasted four years.

 

Today, the IBEW Local 145 invests $400,000 annually in training our apprentices and journeymen.

 

In the 1920's, Journeymen earned $40.00 per week and apprentices made $6.00 per week. Tools were crude and work conditions were dangerous and backbreaking.

 

The greatest strength Local 145 possessed was the dedication of its members and officers, working to improve the conditions under which electricians worked and the benefits they received for their efforts.

 

Today, Local 145 members enjoy health and retirement benefits, safer conditions on the job, shorter work weeks, guarantees of work at any age, and protection for their families.

 

The Local 145 will continue to seek a higher standard of living, to reduce the hours of daily labor, to secure adequate pay for our work, to strive to organize all workers in the industry, and to improve the intellectual and social conditions of our members and their families.

 

 

The Winterbottom name has become synonymous with the IBEW Local 145. The Winterbottom family has had a local 145 member in its midst for three generations, and the fourth, eleven-year-old Bobby Winterbottom, seems eager to follow in their footsteps.

 

A.E. Winterbottom was elected the first president of the local on May 1, 1925, and his brother, R.J. Winterbottom, was elected secretary on July 12, 1927.

 

R.J. also held the presidential office, as did his son and current member, John. John Jr. is also a Local 145 member.

 

Safety and first-aid training have paid off for Local 145 members. Seven Individuals have saved the lives of their coworkers in work site accidents. Their Heroism has been immortalized on a plaque which reads:

 

IBEW LIfe Saving Award is awarded with appreciation and pride to:

Ron Jordan 9/3/69

Ralph Henningsen 3/9/73

Opie Brown 7/26/78

John Johnson 7/26/78

Ronald Jeffries 6/17/80

Gary Hughes 6/17/80

Cassandra Brown 12/2/88

 

The greatest service to mankind is the saving of a human life. The above named members of this local union, with presence of mind, prompt action and genuine concern for a fellow man did perform this service on the date specified. All members of the IBEW join in expressing sincere gratitude.