MEET RYAN McROBERTS NEW BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE IBEW LOCAL 16

MEET RYAN McROBERTS NEW BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE IBEW LOCAL 16

JANUARY 6, 2023

Ryan McRoberts, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 16) joined the union at just 20 years old.

McRoberts realized the importance of a union after working jobs that did not have one. He and other co-workers had pushed for a union.

Mcroberts said He wanted the protection and benefits unions to help provide.

He joined IEWB Local 16 in 2001 and graduated from the electrician’s program in 2006.

“Brotherhood is in our name. I always say we are the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the brotherhood is the most important part of what we are,” said McRoberts. “I get to see the benefits of that brotherhood every day.”

McRoberts worked in the field as an electrician for 17 years. He has always felt that attending union meetings and being involved was important.

“IBEW Local 16 has provided a great opportunity for me and my family,” said McRoberts. “The very least that I can do to pay it back was to support what the Local needed.”

His drive to be involved led to his current position. Before becoming Business Manager, McRoberts served as an officer, treasurer, executive board member, organizer and business agent. Mcroberts said he never imagined how much work goes into helping electricians with contracts, benefits, and much more.

“There’s always phone calls, texts, and emails,” said McRoberts. “It’s not an 8-5 job. It is all hours, all days. You never know what you are going to be getting into each day.”

The work is rewarded by knowing he is helping the members of his brotherhood. Mcroberts said it is rewarding to protect their work, find new customers for them and create a good environment for them to be a part of.

McRoberts, see’s recruitment as another rewarding area of the work he does. He noted that the differences unions make change people’s lives by providing support and protection.

“It is really kind of sad when you see what some people are working for out there, doing the same work as our members,” said McRoberts.

McRoberts is married and a father to three kids. He also coaches baseball. He always works around his busy schedule to make time for his family. McRoberts said things as simple as taking his daughter to school allow him a few more minutes of quality time.

“Short of my wife and kids, the IBEW Local 16 is the best decision I have ever made,” said Mcroberts.