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The IBEW is calling on all Maryland members to mobilize against Senate Bill 675 and House Bill 997. These bills directly threaten IBEW wages, IBEW jurisdiction, and IBEW jobs.

SB 675 and HB 997 would remove investor-owned utility wages from Maryland’s prevailing wage calculation for underground gas and electric distribution work, lowering the wage benchmark that many IBEW members depend on.

If SB 675 and HB 997 pass:

• IBEW prevailing wage rates for underground gas and electric work will drop
• Contractors will bid work at lower labor costs
• IBEW outside utility market share will shrink
• Downward pressure will hit IBEW wage and benefit packages
• Utility employers gain leverage to outsource at lower standards

IBEW already faces strong competition in Maryland’s outside utility market. Cutting the wage floor empowers that competition and weakens union standards.

Strong prevailing wage laws protect fair compensation, apprenticeship programs, and safe high-quality infrastructure. Weakening them only benefits low-road contractors, not IBEW families.

The hearing on SB 675 and HB 997 is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th. Lawmakers need to hear from working people now.

📝 Take action today. Contact your Maryland state legislators and urge them to vote NO on SB 675 and HB 997. Together, we can protect prevailing wages and defend IBEW standards.