IBEW Sounds Alarm on 'Big Ugly Bill'

The IBEW is sounding the alarm on President Trump’s recently signed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” warning that it poses a serious threat to working families across the country. In a letter to local unions, International President Kenneth W. Cooper called the legislation “irresponsible,” citing tax cuts for the wealthy, health care rollbacks, and the elimination of clean energy job incentives that have fueled significant IBEW job growth in recent years. Despite the bill’s name, Cooper made clear: “This new law will directly impact IBEW members and their families.”

Among the most damaging provisions is the elimination of long-term tax incentives for solar, wind, and hydrogen projects unless they are under construction by July 2026 or in operation by the end of 2027. These credits had fueled billions of dollars in investment and created thousands of IBEW jobs in construction and manufacturing.

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“Not only will the law cancel many of the wind, solar, and hydrogen projects putting so many members to work,” International President Cooper said, “it will also increase every American’s electricity bill.”

At the same time as hundreds of billions in wages will be lost, the cost of electricity will skyrocket. The average family’s energy bill is expected to rise by $110 in 2026, and by as much as $400 per year within five years.

Healthcare is also on the chopping block. Over 16 million Americans are expected to lose Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare coverage as a result of the legislation. The IBEW warns this will overwhelm the healthcare system and drive-up costs even for those with strong union health plans.

“The tremendous pressure the health care system will face… is likely to undercut even the best health care plans,” the union’s fact sheet cautioned, adding that over 300 hospitals nationwide could be forced to close.

One provision touted by proponents of the bill—the so-called “overtime tax break”—is far more limited than advertised. As outlined in reports from AP News, Paycor, and Thomson Reuters, the deduction applies only to the federal income tax on the premium portion of overtime (not base wages), excludes OT earned under union contracts or state law, phases out for individuals earning more than $150,000 AGI, and expires in 2028.

“Even a popular policy contained in the law, ‘no tax on overtime,’ is so limited in scope it will provide minimal tax relief to most IBEW members,” International President Cooper wrote.

The law continues to bar union members from deducting dues or equipment costs—while restoring full tax write-offs for private jet purchases.

“The law also restores special deductions for owners of private jets,” International President Cooper said, “costing taxpayers $38 billion every year so the ultra-wealthy can pocket more millions.”

While the legislation is now law, the IBEW urges members to stay informed, speak up, and make sure their voices are heard.

“While it is vital that IBEW members understand the repercussions of this law,” International President Cooper emphasized, “it is equally critical that elected officials understand the consequences of disregarding IBEW’s vigorous opposition to it.”