Local 553 Recognized for Rare Dual Achievement in Membership Growth

At the 2025 IBEW 10th District Progress Meeting in Myrtle Beach, Local 553 was honored with multiple awards for outstanding growth and organizing success. We achieved a rare distinction by ranking in the top five for both percentage growth and total membership increase, a milestone few locals reach. Local 553 placed third in the district for percentage growth at 36.14 percent and also third in total members added with 343 new members. We are currently leading the 10th District in membership growth for 2025 across the United States and Canada. These accomplishments reflect the strength, unity, and dedication of our members.

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3/02/22 - VP Kamala Harris visits IBEW 553 JATC Traning Center in Raleigh Durham along with Labor Marty Walsh, Governor Roy Cooper, Congressman David Price, and the Mayor of Durham Elaine M. O'Neal. 

Watch the video HERE.  

Quote from 553's Training Director, Rebecca Axford 

Throughout administrations, Presidents and Vice Presidents have toured JATC facilities across the country, as the benefit of union apprenticeship and IBEW membership has always been an important part of American opportunity.  What we never expected was to be selected as a facility for our current administration to visit – what an honor for our local and district! Our apprentices and instructors were able to show the superior quality of our JATC training, but they also shared their experiences as apprentices and IBEW members, and the benefits of being a union member.  We owe a great deal of thanks to our partner Durham Technical Community College, who supports our program with a beautiful new facility and lab space, along with access to the rising workforce in our area. District 10 is on the map as changing and growing with the needs of the industry and our communities; we are grateful to be a part of the exciting changes and revitalization in our district.

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2/5/22-Thank you very much volunteers for your participation in the recent efforts in creating more exposure for Local 553. As you know, when the decision is made by the Business Manager and The State Organizing Coordinator to have a blitz and job fair, the District sends volunteers, and it's a reciprocating system. 553 will also send its Organizers to other Locals when the need be. It was a great experience to have other IBEW Locals supporting 553.

This is a very special time for the Host Local's Organizers and the new Organizers to learn from the Veterans. This truly is an advantage we have as a Union. I greatly appreciate the Contractors' attendance also. We will succeed and gain more market share.