Safety concerns in the then chaotic electrical industry prompted fifteen "inside wiremen" to organize in early 1902. Binghamton IBEW Local 325, then designated 325-B, received its charter on November 4, 1902. It aimed to ensure its members safety through a vigorous apprenticeship-training program. With their hourly wages hovering around 50 cents per hour, the electricians also expected collective action to deliver pay increases. The Locals early years presented new challenges. Lacking a headquarters and fearing reprisal from employers, Local 325 quietly held its early meetings in the homes of members. During the next quarter century Local 325's membership grew steadily in spite of brief strikes, usually ignited by uncompromising employers.
During the early 1920's, Broome County Building Contractors joined a vehement nationwide "open shop" campaign. Local #325's members, already enjoying the fruits of their struggles, higher wages and shorter hours to name two, of course opposed such a condition of employment. The local Building and Construction Trades Council and Central Labor Union voiced continual support for the union tradesmen. Throughout the decade, these two umbrella organizations pressed city administrators to hire only union labor for its construction projects. In 1926, union electricians earned about one dollar per hour, and worked a forty-four hour week. The Charter of the Central Labor Union was granted in 1897 upon the request of the following Unions: Cigar makers, Plumbers and Steamfitters, Journeymen Barbers, Journeymen Tailors, and Bricklayers and Masons. In 1946-the Central Labor Union was comprised of the following Unions: Printing Pressmen, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, Stereotypes and Electrotypes, Painters and Decorators, Carpenters and Joiners, Musicians, Plumbers and Steamfitters, Hod Carriers and Building Laborers, Typographical, Electrical Workers, Theatrical Stage Employees, Motion Picture Operators, Theater Workers, United Garment Workers, Blacksmiths and Drop Forgers, Operating Engineers, Hotel and Restaurant Employees, Bartenders, Letter Carriers, Brewery Workers, Ozalid Machinist, Sheet Metal Workers, Moulders, Firefighters Association, Bookbinders and Bindery Workers, Bus Operators, Baker and Confectionery Workers, Barbers and Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers.
In 1943, Fred Grupp was elected as the first business manager of Local #325. Before then, most building trade unions each contributed to the salary of a general business manager. Two years later, Local #325 affiliated with the Central Labor Union. Soon after, like several area unions, Local 325 moved its office into a building on Water Street owned by the Central Labor Union. In 1957 Local #325 received a new Charter signifying the merger of the AFL and CIO. In 1961, the Joint Trust Fund was established to provide Healthcare to our Members and their Families. In 1963, Local 325 inaugurated pension and long term disability plans. In 1990 the Annuity Fund was established for an additional income in Retirement. Until 1968, our apprentices were instructed at North High School. In 1972 it purchased a building at 24 Emma Street, Binghamton, NY, and moved the training center and the offices to this location. In 2015 Local #325 moved to its new building at 142 Corporate Drive, Binghamton, New York, which has an expanded updated apprentice training facility.
