Is IBEW still a strong union?

Yes, the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) is still a strong union. It has about 750,000 members.

The men themselves are well trained, highly skilled craftsmen with a solid work ethic and pride in their tradition..

But- it has a serious problem with the International officers.

The men who actually do the electrical work and pay their salaries are unable to vote for a President of their choosing. It is called One Man One Vote and the International is afraid that it will upset their Apple cart. They have had their snouts in the trough so long that they forgot what it is like to be out of work (the construction division is quite seasonal and dependent on a healthy economy)

It seems they not addressing the real concerns of the dues paying members .