Local 213 was formed more than one hundred years ago to represent electrical tradesmen. It was the first Westcoast local of the IBEW in Canada. Our local union soon began to represent workers at Lower Mainland telephone companies, as well as at the BC Electric Company, which was then in its infancy.

Local 213 electrical workers lay cable - Vancouver, 1914

Today, Local 213 is one of six IBEW locals in British Columbia. We represent workers in the construction, communications,  municipal, manufacturing, utility, alarm, sound and communications, publishing, service, food, education, entertainment, and marine industries. Our members are office workers, apprentices and tradespersons, technologists, technicians, and  labourers.

Local 213's proud history is a history of leadership. We have frequently come to the aid of other unions as they fought for survival. Our local union is a prominent member of the BC Federation of Labour and the British Columbia and Yukon Territory Building Trades Council. We have always been at the forefront of the battles for reduced work weeks, better wages and benefits, safer working conditions, union solidarity, and union recognition.