Construction electricians in southern Minnesota have been represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) since 1919. On April 1, 1979, Local 343 won its own charter to represent construction electricians in an area encompassing 26 counties across the southern quarter of Minnesota from the Mississippi River to the South Dakota border.

To provide the most qualified and highly trained craftspeople, Local 343 and its contractors provide a joint apprenticeship training program as well as continual upgrade training. IBEW Local 343 strives to ensure good wages and benefits, worker safety and security, and opportunities to advance, IBEW Local 343 keeps southern Minnesota wired for success.