What was the purpose of the Electrical Workers Benefit Association (EWBA) established in 1922?

The Electrical Workers Benefit Association (EWBA), established in 1922, was primarily focused on providing death benefits to its members. This organization was created to address the needs of electrical workers and their families, ensuring financial support in the event of a worker's death. By offering death benefits, the EWBA provided a safety net for the families of deceased workers, helping to alleviate the financial burden during difficult times.

While the other options—retirement benefits, disability benefits, and health insurance—are critical components of employee benefits that have evolved over time, they were not the primary focus of the EWBA at its inception. The specific emphasis on death benefits reflects the organization's intent to support families facing the loss of a breadwinner, which was a significant concern for workers in hazardous occupations, such as electrical work. This foundational aspect of the EWBA played a crucial role in establishing a more comprehensive benefits system for workers in the years that followed.