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Prevailing Wage in Illinois
Communication Apprentice Adjustment Effective July 1, 2026
The following concerns any Prevailing Wage work done in Illinois under the Communications Agreement as of July 1, 2026:
Effective July 1st, 2026, employers will now be required to pay the same fringe benefit contributions for apprentices as is required for journey-level workers only when performing work on a project covered by the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. ECA is currently working with the Electrical Insurance Trustees (“EIT”) to accommodate this change in the law. A new, prevailing wage-specific report will be available to employers for July hours and benefits reports. Through this new report, employers will be able to pay the regular apprentice wages with journey-level fringe benefits in lieu of paying the benefits on the check, with the exception of NEBF. While this new report will use the JW rate as the basis for calculations, employers need only pay the appropriate apprentice wage scale for your apprentices plus the excess NEBF contribution, as illustrated below. EIT’s reporting system can only calculate the correct journey-level fringe benefits by populating the JW rate of $53.64, but this is not the wage that employers are required to actually pay.
For NEBF, employers will be required to pay an additional amount of money on the apprentices wages in order to make up the difference between what a JW is owed for the NEBF contribution versus what an apprentice would ordinarily be owed. To calculate the additional amount needed for the wage, you simply divide the difference between the JW NEBF contribution and the normal apprentice NEBF contribution by 1.03.
For the Vacation contribution, apprentices must receive the same $1.50 per hour contribution as JWs when performing work on a project covered by the Prevailing Wage Act.
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Prevailing Wage in Illinois
"A" Apprentice Adjustment Effective July 1, 2026
The following concerns any work done in Illinois under Prevailing Wage as of July 1, 2026:
Effective July 1st, 2026, employers will now be required to pay the same fringe benefit contributions for apprentices as is required for journey-level workers only when performing work on a project covered by the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. ECA is currently working with the Electrical Insurance Trustees (“EIT”) to accommodate this change in the law. A new, prevailing wage-specific report will be available to employers for July hours and benefits reports. Through this new report, employers will be able to pay the regular apprentice wages with journey-level fringe benefits in lieu of paying the benefits on the check, with the exception of NEBF. While this new report will show the JW rate as the basis for calculations, employers need only pay the appropriate apprentice wage scale for your apprentices plus the excess NEBF contribution, as illustrated below. EIT’s reporting system can only calculate the correct journey-level fringe benefits by populating the JW rate of $63.15, but this is not the wage that employers are required to actually pay. Employers should continue paying the regular apprentice wage.
For NEBF, employers will be required to pay an additional amount of money on the apprentices wages in order to make up the difference between what a JW is owed for the NEBF contribution versus what an apprentice would ordinarily be owed. To calculate the additional amount needed for the wage, you simply divide the difference between the JW NEBF contribution and the normal apprentice NEBF contribution by 1.03.
For example – a JW working 1 hour at the straight time rate of pay is entitled to $1.89 towards NEBF ($63.15 x 3%), vs. a 40% apprentice working one hour at the straight time rate of pay who is owed $0.76 ($25.26 x 3%). The difference between the two is $1.13. If you divide $1.13 by 1.03, you need only pay an additional $1.10/hour on the apprentices wage in order to match the JW’s $1.89 contribution. This formula accounts for the 3% of gross wages contribution that applies to the new, higher wage resulting from the change in law.
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This formula works for shift, overtime, and double time premiums as well. For example – the NEBF contribution for a JW working 1 hour of double time is $3.78, whereas a 40% apprentice working the same would normally receive $1.51. For an employer to pay the $3.78 NEBF contribution that is now required under the law, you need only pay an additional $2.20 on the check (additional $2.20 on the check plus $1.58 NEBF contribution = $3.78).
EIT and ECA will be hosting informational webinars once the report is available to assist employers with this change in the reporting process. We will share the dates and times for the webinars as soon as they are available. Please contact the office should you have any questions.
Additional background information:
Earlier this year, IMSCA had initiated and continued to advocate for the passage of (HB 4751 - Hoffman), in order to address the issues stemming from the passage of HB 2488 at the close of the 2025 Spring Session. The action did not prevail.
IMSCA's legal counsel had prepared and submitted to the Illinois Department of Labor a letter seeking the Department's guidance regarding the implementation of H.B. 2488 (P.A. 104-0017), which amended the definition of "prevailing rate of wages" within the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (“IPWA”), effective July 1, 2026 (as delayed by H.B. 1437/P.A. 104-0434). Click the link for A copy of the letter.
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IMSCA Prevailing Wage Update
As you know, effective July 1, 2026, contractors performing prevailing wage work in Illinois must comply with the apprentice fringe benefit requirements under HB 2488. IDOL's position is that while union apprentices may still be paid reduced apprentice wage rates, they must receive the same fringe benefit package as the applicable journeyman classification on prevailing wage projects. IMSCA has put together a FAQ about the matter (click link below). Any questions on IMSCA's FAQ, please contact Daniel Fynn at: dflynn@neilflynnlaw.com.
CLICK HERE FOR IMSCA'S FAQ
| | Join a partnership with a track record of success /
Providing a Retirement Plan | | Western Regions NECA 401(k) Plan | | |
The Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA now has information to share from the Western Region, NECA, regarding how an organization can provide a quality retirement plan. Please review the following excerpt from a background document and if interested, please click the link at the end of the article for a detailed proposal.
Please click here for the background information.
For many organizations, providing a quality retirement plan may seem out of reach. But with the Western Regions NECA 401(k) Plan and Empower, you can deliver a cost-effective, practical retirement solution created specifically for your organization. Access the experience of a leading retirement plan that can help you navigate an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment while offering resources that can help your employees get the results they deserve.
Attract and retain employees with a highly competitive retirement savings program. Save time on plan administration. Access a comprehensive universe of investment options. Rooted in workplace retirement, Empower helps more than 19 million people on their journey to financial independence. Empower’s people, technology, and approach provide individuals with a clear and simple understanding of where their finances are today and where they’re headed.
For a detailed proposal Click Here.
Contact Amber Restine (arestine@focusinvestment.com), Jacque Lam (jlam@focusinvestment.com), or call (760) 230-1880 with any questions.
| | Registration is open for the NECA Convention & Trade Show!
Mandalay Bay - Las Vegas - October 4 - 7, 2026 | | |
Celebrate 125 Years of NECA!
The NECA Convention & Trade Show is coming to Las Vegas!
Visit www.necaconvention.org for more details and to register.
Convention Stipend
The ECA Executive Committee approved the stipend of the Registration Fee for up to two representatives and their guests from each ECA member firm that registers for the Convention. The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the Convention.
Registration
Registration is open; please visit www.necaconvention.org to register for the NECA Convention/Accommodations. Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is located at 3950 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV.
The regular "in-person" NECA Convention registration fee is $2,300 per NECA member, and $1,460 for the member’s spouse / guest. However, those who register early (cut-off dated August 12) will receive the “early bird” price of $1,925 for members and $1,240 for the member’s spouse / guest.
The Chicago Chapter Hotel is the Four Seasons Mandalay Bay.
Chicago Chapter Events
For those Chapter members that attend the NECA Convention, the Chicago and Cook County Chapter functions are listed below.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
“Welcome to Las Vegas” Event
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Reception (cocktails and heavy hors de oeuvres)
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay
Upper Deck-Pool area
Monday, October 5, 2026
Chapter Reception / Dinner
7:00 pm start: Reception / Dinner
House of Blues Mandalay Bay
Vinyl Room Lower Lounge and Terrace
Wednesday October 7, 2026
Pre-Closing Event Reception
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Reception (cocktails and heavy hors de oeuvres)
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay
Fountain Terrace
After you have registered, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
| | Back by Demand: EMI's Second Session of 2026 | | |
Executive Management Institute (EMI) is an intensive, three-and-a-half-day experience designed to enhance the leadership skills of current and up-and-coming executives and managers.
Due to its popularity, this is the second EMI program offered this year, following a successful session held earlier in the year.
The program provides state-of-the-art management concepts and analytical tools that build on existing knowledge of the industry to increase the value and effectiveness of contracting firms. Through exercises, case studies, and group discussions, EMI addresses the common decisions, challenges, and changes that all businesses in our competitive industry must face.
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.
| | NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship | | |
NECA and ELECTRI International invite you to invest in your company’s future by sponsoring an employee in the NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship, a one-year, U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program designed specifically for electrical contractors. This national apprenticeship program prepares aspiring project managers with the technical expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen needed to successfully manage complex electrical construction projects while they continue working full time.
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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New Publications in the NECA Store
NECA has collected, analyzed and interpreted hundreds of data points, so our members can use these crucial reports to develop strategies, optimize processes, and improve decision-making, leading to better outcomes and a competitive advantage in the market.
CLICK HERE for the latest additions to thestore.
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Industry Alliance Network (IAN) Education Hub
Introducing the Industry Alliance Network (IAN) Education Hub, a central resource connecting members with top-tier training, professional development and certification programs from our Premier Partners and Ambassadors.
Why it matters: The Hub offers a unified platform for members to access high-quality educational content.
- Through NECA's partnerships with leading manufacturers and service providers, members gain access to specialized courses, technical training, and emerging technology insights
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NECA Business Development Information
NECA is updating its Business Development contact list for 2025! This list will be notified about Business Development resources, events and exclusive sessions. Please complete this short form and let NECA know the Business Development contact person(s) for your company.
Complete Business Development Contact List Form >>
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NECA: 125 Years, Spotlighting Acts of Service
As NECA prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary, they are looking to honor the remarkable service projects by NECA members.
From organizing drives to volunteering at shelters to beautification projects, these acts exemplify the spirit of giving back. The ECA encourages members to share their story of service, regardless of the year of completion.
Complete the form linked below to submit your content for a chance to be featured before a NECA 2026 Las Vegas General Session.
CLICK HERE FOR SUBMISSION FORM.
NECA Gives Back - Tunnels to Towers 2026
In conjunction with NECA's 125th Anniversary, NECA is promoting the "Tunnels to Towers" Charity organization throughout the year. Please click the link below regarding the "Tunnels to Towers" effort.
CLICK HERE FOR TUNNEL TO TOWERS CONTRIBUTION INFORMATION.
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DOCUMENT CRUNCH
ECA Has Renewed for 2026
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The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) has renewed the Document Crunch service for the membership for 2026. Please review the information below and register for this unique service!
Document Crunch’s mission is to empower construction teams to confidently make informed decisions that reduce risk and deliver better project outcomes. Their AI Risk Reduction Platform is built specifically for construction and gives teams the power to review documents in seconds, guide decisions with best practices, and assist with on-the-job questions and tasks. Document Crunch and NECA/ELECTRI have partnered to offer an exclusive solution that enables those better project outcomes for your business.
Faster Reviews
CrunchAI greatly reduces contract review times, typically done in just a few minutes!
Unmatched Insight
Deep and thorough AI-driven analysis of your contract gives a holistic view, benchmarked against 12 common areas of risk for electrical contractors.
Top 12 Contract Issues for Trade Contractors:
1. Pay if Paid
2. Right to Stop Work
3. Consequential Damages
4. Liquidated Damages
5. Liability Caps
6. Indemnity
7. Delays
8. Subsurface Conditions
9. Hazardous Materials
10. Design Responsibility
11. Payment Terms
12. Material Price Escalation
Understand Major Issues
Generative AI summaries provide easy consumption and understanding. Quickly learn if the contract language meets NECA best practices.
Suggested Redlines
For issues that fall short of best practice, CrunchAI creates and suggests language alternatives to bring the contract up to standard.
ECA members, who sign up for the service have exclusive access to an ELECTRI-specific solution of Document Crunch that will assess your contracts and quickly identify these top 12 critical risk provisions within your contracts. As part of the ELECTRI Document Crunch partnership, the platform’s enhanced benchmarking service is available to you to understand your levels of risk related to your peers.
Document Crunch
Click Here for Demo Video
Sign Up for Access
Click Here for recent Update.
If any questions, please contact Miah Veselinovic, Document Crunch at: mveselinovic@documentcrunch.com.
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13,000 Homes Still Need Electricity. You Can Help
ELECTRI is partnering Electrical Workers Without Borders North America (EWWBNA) to provide tools and support for the volunteer work being done to power Navajo Nation. There are 13,000 homes in Navajo Nation without electricity or running water. EWWBNA is sending 115 volunteer IBEW electricians from August to December 2026 to work in Navajo Nation and provide power to those in need.
The tools and materials are needed by August 10. If you are able to help, we encourage you to respond as soon as possible so the volunteers have everything they need before departing for the Navajo Nation.
Below are four tool lists needed for the volunteers to perform this work. If you are willing to volunteer to send tools and materials for this project, please contact Jim O’Leary, Executive Director of EWWBNA at joleary@ewwbna.org or 202-577-1815.
In addition to the tools needed for this project, the cost of travel and lodging for the volunteers is approximately $1,000 per volunteer. If you’d like to sponsor a volunteer or donate towards their $115,000 goal to cover the expenses of the 115 volunteers, you can donate online here: https://ewwbna.org/donate/
We appreciate the generosity of the ELECTRI Council and hope you will consider helping with this very important cause. For any questions about the program or how to donate, please contact Jim O’Leary, Executive Director of EWWBNA at joleary@ewwbna.org or 202-577-1815.
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Be Among the First to Explore ELECTRI's Newest Research
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): A Roadmap for Electrical Contractors examines one of the fastest-emerging opportunities in the electrical construction industry. This new research explores the evolving SMR market, identifies where electrical contractors fit into the project lifecycle, and outlines practical steps companies can take today to prepare for future projects.
Click below to access the full research report, executive summary, interactive roadmap, dashboard, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Learn More about our SMR Research
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There will be no virtual webinars in July as we prepare for ELECTRI's Summer Council Meeting. We encourage you to take this opportunity to catch up on any June sessions you may have missed using the recordings below. We'll be back in August with more opportunities to learn and connect.
June Webinars:
Ongoing Series & Registration:
Calendar holds for Council Room Sessions are sent through our Council email list. If you would like to receive calendar holds for these focused webinar sessions, please sign up using the links below.
ELECTRI’s Business Coaching program is available to all NECA Contractors.
If you have questions, please reach out to Jessica.Cardenas@electri.org.
Learn About Business Coaching Here
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ELECTRI Research Request: Please Share with Your Contractors
ELECTRI needs contractor participation to make this ELECTRI research project successful, and they ask for your help. ELECTRI is developing a Financial Maturity Toolbox designed to help electrical contractors better track performance through dashboards for Project Managers and Executives. To make these dashboards truly valuable, we need real-world contractor input on which KPIs matter most.
Researcher Hala Nassereddine has created an Excel tool with two tabs: one for Project Manager KPIs (MGPS) and one for Executive KPIs (STABLE). Contractors are asked to provide feedback on the criticality, frequency of use, and accessibility of each KPI.
Please complete both tabs in this Excel file and return it directly to Hala Nassereddine at hala.m.nassereddine@gmail.com at your earliest convenience. ELECTRI cannot do this work without contractor participation, and they appreciate your help in getting this into the right hands.
Thank you for supporting ELECTRI research.
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Get Involved: Join a Task Force
We invite you to help shape the direction of these projects. Volunteer to serve on a research task force: Sign up here!
Lend Your Expertise: Participate in Surveys
ELECTRI needs contractor input to ensure our research is grounded in meaningful, real-world data. Take the surveys
Share Your Tools
PCA Researcher Deniz Besiktepe is developing resources to support onboarding and project planning. If you have sample onboarding guides or project checklists, please send them to denizb@purdue.edu.
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Share Your Insights on Jobsite Safety For a New Study
NECA is partnering with CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training and Dodge Construction Network on a new study focused on jobsite safety, and your input is essential. This survey will help track trends in safety practices across the U.S. construction industry. Please click the link below. Thank you for your participation!
CLICK HERE FOR NECA SAFETY SURVEY.
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