Spotlight on Erik Kane: IBEW Organizer

Q: Erik, how did you first get involved with IBEW?

A: I was working as a temp in the parking department at the University of Michigan when a subcontractor changing light bulbs handed me the info for the apprenticeship school. He happened to be a family friend, and my grandfather pushed me to call. I nearly missed my chance — I applied on the very last day they were accepting applications in 1994. Out of 55 people, only five of us made it in.

Q: Did you go to college before joining?

A: I dabbled, took a few classes, but never really stuck with it. The apprenticeship was different — it connected the classroom directly to the jobsite. That’s when I found my focus.

Q: How long did you work in the field before becoming an organizer?

A: About 28 years.

Q: What kinds of work did you do as an electrician?

A: A little bit of everything — residential, commercial, and heavy industrial. I’ve worked on coal, nuclear, wind, solar — you name it. If it produces energy, I’ve probably worked on it.

Q: What’s a “day in the life” like as an organizer?

A: Lots of driving and jobsite visits, talking to nonunion workers, cold-calling, job fairs, blitzes. There’s always more to do, and you’ve got to force yourself to stop at some point.

Q: How do workers usually react when you show up on nonunion sites?

A: Most are receptive, though not always openly. They’ll take a card, slip it in their pocket. Sure, I’ve had people threaten me with trespassing or worse, but that’s rare. Once you get comfortable, you can usually read the room pretty quickly.

Q: What are you most proud of in your career?

A: Sticking it out. I started in residential, realized it wasn’t for me, and started over in the commercial apprenticeship. It was tough going from journeyman back to apprentice, but finishing, getting licensed, and making my grandparents proud — that meant everything.

Q: Biggest challenge facing the industry today?

A: The constant anti-union rhetoric. People hear myths and misconceptions about unions that just aren’t true. And while some workers stay nonunion, they still benefit from the standards we fight for: good wages, job safety, healthcare, and retirement.

Q: What advice would you give someone thinking about the trade?

A: Don’t wait. There’s more opportunity now than ever. I’ve never heard someone regret joining the union, but I’ve heard plenty say they wish they had started sooner.

Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?

A: These days, it’s about family time. Watching baseball in the summer, football in the fall. After decades in the trade, I’ve earned some quiet evenings.

Q: What makes IBEW 252 special?

A: The brotherhood and sisterhood. With about 1,000 members, it feels like a small town. When someone new joins, they’re welcomed right in, with food on the table and a seat waiting. It’s family. Even at our summer picnic, it’s bingo and kids running around, not rowdy construction guys. That atmosphere is what makes us different.