Support Organized Labor
L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st,ws&ptc), ST. LOUIS, MO — Greetings, brothers and sisters. My neck is still recovering from the whiplash turn the federal government has taken. I pray the union members that told me there was no difference between President Biden and President Trump are now seeing how stark a difference there is. My personal experience in the first Trump administration was the elimination of the deductions and tax credits I could use when I traveled for work. I lost an estimated $3,000 because Trump wanted to reward his corporate buddies at the expense of me, the working man.
Our focus locally is on the ongoing contract negotiations for the inside agreement. If the recent past is any indicator, hang on. It’s going to be tough.
Our RENEW chapter had a great turnout for the spring trivia night. All monies raised went to our local relief committee.
Elections have consequences, for better or worse. Be engaged and active in supporting candidates that support organized labor. Your job and your family’s livelihood depend on it.
Mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the living. Be safe.
Kyle Hunter, P.S.
Invenergy Nelson Natural Gas Plant
L.U. 15 (u), DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Our local has successfully organized the employees at Invenergy’s Nelson Energy Center, a natural gas power generation and hydrogen production facility in Rock Falls, Ill. After months of efforts, including discussions about the benefits of joining Local 15 and obtaining a 70% majority of authorization cards, a petition was filed for an election with the NLRB. Key figures in this process included Local 15 President Chris Riser, Vice President Ben Busser, Business Representative John Richards, Chief Steward Scott Ragan and Sixth District Regional Organizing Coordinator Lynn Arwood.
A Local 15 negotiating committee has been formed and has begun contract negotiations following polls from the employees to determine their contract preferences and request necessary information from the company. The leadership of Local 15, including President Riser and Vice President Busser, are enthusiastic about this achievement and look forward to supporting more middle-class working families through increased union membership.
Brad Gritt, Bus. Rep.
Local 17 Training Center Update
L.U. 17 (catv,em,lctt,o&u), DETROIT, MI — Undeveloped land was purchased in 2019 to establish our local’s training center, and the grand opening was held in 2021.
Our $2.5 million investment over the past five years allows us to fulfill our vision of creating a world-class training facility for our current members and future generations of IBEW workers.
Current training classes include:
- LCTT apprentices (more than 100 apprentices every Saturday)
- LCTT boot camp
- ALBAT Apprentices (lineman, substation, traffic) held weekly
- Crane operation and simulator
- ISA certification
- CDL
- URD cable splicing
- Journeyman upgrade
- Welding and fabrication
- Pipe bending
Future programs launching soon include classes for:
- Transmission (100-foot tower)
- CATV/teledata
- Renewable energy
- EV charging stations (three installed for training)
- IBEW outside electrical heavy equipment operations
The facilities are also used for proposal meetings, unit meetings and other union events.
James Shaw, B.M.
Local 43 Syracuse Crunch Hockey Night
L.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY — Our local’s members and their families had a fantastic time at the Syracuse Crunch hockey night at the Onondaga County War Memorial arena. Business Manager Alan Marzullo had the honor of dropping the puck to open the game. It was an evening filled with fun and great memories for all.
Thank you, brothers and sisters!
Jeff Cassano, P.S.
California Fire Restoration
L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Southern California residents are going through one of the biggest disasters ever seen in the region. The outpouring of support for the restoration of the power grid has come from across the country, and it’s amazing to see the Brotherhood come together to do what we do best: to put the power back on! Being able to bring society some comfort is rewarding, as is the knowledge that the men and women of the IBEW can do amazing things.
Here are Local 47’s bargaining and event updates:
- Southern California Edison — Real-time operators voted on a new stand-alone agreement, and the agreement passed overwhelmingly. Negotiations continue for the call center unit. Regarding the discharge of Manuel Guerrero, as of the second day of arbitration (Feb. 5), the case was under submission to Arbitrator Ken Perea. Regarding the discharges of Dylan Rogers, Craig Baker and Eric Najera, as of the second day of arbitration (Feb. 19), the case was under submission to Arbitrator Sarah Adler.
- City of Riverside — Wastewater negotiations continue.
- City of Riverside — Supervisory and Utility negotiations continue.
- City of Colton — Electric negotiations continue.
- Upcoming events — The Local 47 Steward and Safety Conference is May 10, and the family picnic is scheduled for Sept. 27.
Congratulations from Local 47 to the retiree Lawrence Lopez Sr.
We’re sad to report the deaths of Jonathon Eccles, David Quintero and Brian Watkins. Our condolences and prayers are with their loved ones.
Work safe and buy union!
Mitch Smith, P.S.
PSA: Support Your Local
L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,ptc,rtb,t,u&uow), SPRINGFIELD, IL — With this country’s political climate, today and every day, please support your local union.
Karlene Knisley, Bus. Rep.
Local 71 Marks 71 Years of Service
L.U. 71 (lctt,o&rtb), COLUMBUS, OH — Our local celebrated its 71st anniversary Feb. 8 with a heartfelt event honoring decades of service in the electrical, telecommunications and broadcasting industries. Several hundred members and retirees gathered to reflect on the union’s achievements, its role in building and maintaining the trades we represent, and its ongoing commitment to those skilled trades.
Held at the Columbus Hyatt Regency, the celebration brought together generations of union members, among them many retirees who dedicated their entire careers to advancing the local’s work. Also in attendance were apprentices, representing the future of the local and eager to learn from the stories and wisdom shared by journeymen in their fields.
Todd Kessler, Local 71 business manager, spoke to the members: “For 71 years, we’ve been powering our communities and ensuring workers in our industries have the best training, safety and support they need to succeed. Today, we honor everyone who made this possible. I’m blessed and humbled to lead Local 71 at this special moment in our history.” Former Business Manager Wally Sickles also addressed the attendees with a profound speech.
Since being chartered on Feb. 1, 1954, Local 71 has played an integral role in powering much of Ohio, supporting industries that keep the community connected and thriving. Its members have contributed to key projects, from major infrastructure builds to maintaining critical communication and broadcasting systems.
As the celebration and dancing came to a close, attendees toasted 71 years of success and the bright future ahead.
Here’s to another 71 years of excellence and dedication from Local 71.
James Roessner, R.S.
Holidays at Local 99
L.U. 99 (govt&i), PROVIDENCE, RI — Our local had a cheerful and busy holiday season, starting with the setup of the annual holiday lights display. Thankfully, with the help of volunteers, Local 99 was able to successfully complete the display in time for members of the local and the community to enjoy.
Local 99’s RENEW Committee started an annual holiday meeting raffle. Attendees were rewarded for their involvement in union activities and meetings by receiving free raffle tickets, entering for a chance to win one of 11 donated prizes including a Milwaukee heated jacket, a packout organizer and new Local 99 sweatshirts.
December concluded with the annual holiday union gathering. Every year Local 99 provides delicious catered food for all attending members. After the meeting concluded, we awarded service pins to all eligible members. This is the second year Local 99 has invited members who are contractors to join in this annual event.
Sidney Jablonski, P.S.
125 Years for Local 113
L.U. 113 (ees,em,i,mo,o&ptc), COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Greetings, brothers and sisters.
At the time of this writing, the local has been busy preparing for the celebration of our upcoming 125th anniversary in March. Local 113’s charter was signed March 31, 1900, with our celebration March 29.
The local’s RENEW Committee has been hard at work putting together a float for this year’s Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Work has been slow in the area, with hopes of more coming in the near future. Best wishes, brothers and sisters!
Justin McMahon, R.S.
Continuing Education
L.U. 103 (cs,i&ptc), BOSTON, MA — This month, our local proudly celebrated the graduation of Business Agent James Fleming from the Harvard Trade Union Program. This elite program is designed to educate labor leaders on economics, leadership and collective bargaining strategies.
Established in 1942, the HTUP is an intensive six-week executive training course through Harvard’s Labor and Worklife Program. Brother Fleming’s achievement highlights his dedication to strengthening worker advocacy and leadership.
Congratulations, Jimmy! Great job!
Louis Antonellis, B.M./F.S.
The Future Starts Now With Another First-Year Class
L.U. 131 (i,rtb,rts,se&spa), KALAMAZOO, MI — The work outlook remains steady in Kalamazoo. Palisades nuclear plant is progressing toward startup, with plans for completion by December. Allocation for the contract raise will be May 5.
Local 131 plans to sponsor a tools and trades expo in September. We have invited several contractors, vendors, building trades, high schools and tech centers to participate. Thank you, Jon Current, for all your hard work on this project.
Welcome to the new first-year class that started in January: Max Aguillon, Samantha Beach, Morgan Bumpous, Maria Carson, Deshaun Darden, Gary Horton, Dylan Johnson, Gabriel Johnson, Kaleb Johnson, Nicholas Keene, Hayden Key, Robert Lewis, Zachary Morris, Gabriel Powell, Janice Sienicki, Bryce Stewart, Christopher Stewart and Sebastian York. The IBEW will always be here for you.
Our local’s website, ibew131.com, has a new tab dedicated to retirees. There is a lot of good information just for you!
The Local 131 picnic is scheduled for July 26, and I hope to see you there!
Morris A. Applebey, B.M./F.S.
Local 141 JW Graduation Dinner
L.U. 141 (ees,i,o&u), WHEELING, WV — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Work remains slow in our local, with 47 members on Book 1. The third and fourth quarters of 2025 and into 2026 look promising, as a couple of sizable commercial projects are projected to start in downtown Wheeling.
In January, the Wheeling JATC held a graduation dinner for Local 141’s newest journeyman wiremen at the Wheeling Island Hotel Casino & Racetrack. Congratulations to Drew Barbour, Chase Bonnette, Brandon Gordon, Mason Lindner, Dakota Loughery, Scott Mehlman, Nathan Myers and Bradley Schaber. May these brothers enjoy a long and fulfilling career in the IBEW!
As of this writing, Local 141 is sending a delegation of officers to the state capitol in Charleston to attend the West Virginia AFL-CIO Legislative Conference. The delegates’ goal, along with many labor unions throughout the state, is to speak to elected officials on matters important to labor during the legislative session and persuade them to vote against bills that are harmful to working families.
Local 141 is deeply saddened to announce the passing of retired brothers Scott “Scooter” Palmer and James “Jimmy Dollar” Lawther, as well as the unexpected passing of active member Charles Michael “Vargs” Vargo. Collectively, these gentlemen are responsible for many funny stories and great memories of Local 141. They will be greatly missed.
Kurt “Bug” Reed, P.S.
Spring at Local 245
L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH — Well, it’s finally spring, and here at our local we’re ready for some warmer weather. We gathered at the Huntington Center on Feb. 22, where more than 600 of our members and their families came to cheer on our Toledo Walleye hockey team for an overtime win. This is a yearly tradition that brings our membership from all of our branches together as one unit. We can’t wait to see everyone at next year’s event!
As of this writing, negotiations are ongoing with Vistra Corp. and the city of Rossford. Upcoming negotiations include Local 245’s newly organized group, the Clyde Light and Power members. Our outside construction work is steady, and many new calls are coming in.
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind all of our members to be their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. Thank you for working safely!
Brian Gendaszek, P.S.
New Industry in Collinsville
L.U. 309 (i,lctt,mo,mt,o,rts,spa&u), COLLINSVILLE, IL — At the beginning of the year, our local received good news about a new industry coming to our area. With the help of the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois incentive program, two biorefinery companies will build sustainable aviation fuel facilities in Sauget, Ill. Avina Clean Hydrogen and Crysalis Biosciences have plans to construct SAF manufacturing plants worth $820 million and $240 million, respectively. SAF is made from nonpetroleum feedstocks, of which Illinois is a top producer, and it can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%.
Our RENEW Committee is hitting its stride in 2025. Their first-ever trivia night was a blast, and a new event, mouse races, is on the schedule for Sept. 20. A special thank you goes out to apprentice wireman Lauren Streff and all the volunteers for providing new opportunities for the members to get to know each other.
In other news, Local 309 is continuing to host blood drives for the American Red Cross every other month. Call the hall (618-345-5112) to schedule a time to donate. And for all families, a night at the Grizzlies event is scheduled for July 18.
Carlos S. Perez, A.B.M.
Giving Back and Paying Forward
L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — In February, we joined other Minnesota locals at the state capitol for the annual IBEW Day on the Hill. Brother John Swanson, political coordinator, worked with other statewide IBEW representatives to schedule face-to-face meetings with our state senators and representatives. These visits allowed us to personally present defined IBEW issues to the legislators who represent us. This year, 320 Minnesotan IBEW members from various trade classifications signed up. Our local had its best attendance yet, with 76 members participating. Apprentices, JWs and retirees filled the ranks.
Also in February, Sister Taylor Lamphear and Brother Milo Weckworth traveled to the Local 701 union hall in Warrenville, Ill., to receive election judge training conducted by the International Office. Their knowledge and leadership skills will be put to use in our election of officers in June. The duties of officers can be found in the IBEW Constitution, Article XVII, page 56. Whether at a state capitol or a local union hall, those who hold office have a responsibility to serve those they represent.
Local 343 membership approved the creation of an apprenticeship scholarship eight years ago, and a maximum of ten $500 scholarships are awarded annually to qualifying apprentices. Since 2017, 45 scholarships totaling $22,500 have been presented. Four apprentices have taken full advantage of this opportunity and received four scholarships each year between 2017 and 2020. It’s free money!
Local 343 is forming a RENEW Committee. RENEW is an IBEW-wide program open to all members ages 35 and younger. It offers members the chance to become more involved in the local’s activities, learn about the benefits of the IBEW, increase pride in union membership and develop leadership skills.
Congratulations to the first members of the RENEW Committee: Sisters Mandy Tullis-Martin and Damien Moore and Brothers Colton Nesler and Ray Wicks.
We remember our brothers who passed in 2024: KB Askland, Howard Barnes, James Bell, Eugene DeBus, Anthony Dickey, Allen Everman, Robert Hagemann, Gerald McRae, Douglas Neff, David Olson and Richard Sargent.
Save American jobs, buy Made in USA.
Thomas Small, P.S..
Local 351 Clothing Drive
L.U. 351 (c,cs,i,it,lctt,mt,o,se,spa&t), FOLSOM, NJ — Our local’s Women’s Committee and Veterans Committee did a great job conducting a clothing drive that finished amazingly strong. After five weeks of hard work, a grand total of 3,423 pounds of clothes; 300 pairs of shoes; eight 40-gallon bags of linens; two 40-gallon bags of scarves and gloves; and four 40-gallon bags of backpacks, bags, and other accessories were collected. Everything that was collected was distributed to needy families throughout Local 351’s jurisdiction.
Thank you to both committees and all the volunteers of Local 351 for their hard work and dedication.
Dan Cosner, B.M.
Local 357’s Strong Start to 2025
L.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NV — Our union’s involvement in community activities was highlighted earlier this year by several significant events. In January, the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus joined the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in downtown Las Vegas, where our vibrant float honored this great man and his remarkable achievements. The Brotherhood and Welfare Fund Committee organized our annual Bowling for Brotherhood event in March. This enjoyable day raised funds for S.A.F.E. House. Notably, Matthew Baeza won for the second consecutive year!
We also took part in the College of Southern Nevada Construction Career Day. During this event, IBEW leaders discussed the advantages of apprenticeships. We provided several engaging, hands-on activities and showcased the various aspects of our trade.
Local 357 organized two local strikes, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to upholding local standards and fair wages. Our members’ strong participation in these early morning pickets showed their dedication, loyalty and solidarity.
For our families, the Local 357 Scholarship Committee is offering five scholarships of $5,000 each to help kickstart the higher-education journeys of high school seniors graduating in 2025. Additionally, our members now enjoy a new benefit that includes a free trust and will service to assist them in estate planning and give them peace of mind.
Julie-Ann Peeples, P.S.
Local 481 Holds Gala for Members
L.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — In March, we held our annual gala for our local members and significant others. The gala is a night to get away from the daily grind of the workplace and enjoy some solidarity. A night for the membership to come together to enjoy a nice meal, see some old friends, meet some new friends, enjoy a cold beverage or two, and dance the night away. It is also an opportunity to introduce newly sworn-in apprentices to retired members who want to share their experiences. With nearly 800 members and guests this year, the Local 481 gala was one of our largest ever.
Thank you to all the members who came out and enjoyed the night with your fellow brothers and sisters! If you were unable to attend the event, I strongly encourage you to try to make the next one. You won’t regret it. Remember, the union is only as strong as the membership, so stay engaged!
Blake Andrews, Bus. Rep.
Local 483 Accomplishments and Goals for 2025
L.U. 483 (catv,lctt,o&u), TACOMA, WA — Our local is proud to partner with the NW Line JATC and Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, Wash., to open a third vocational outside line training academy. This partnership will enable VOLTA to be accessible to veterans’ benefits as well as expanded financial assistance for students. The need for qualified applicants for our powerline construction apprenticeship program has never been greater, and this partnership will go a long way toward fulfilling that need.
Local 483 is also conducting our 11th annual peanut butter drive. Over 83,000 jars were donated to area food banks in the past 10 years! This year, we are aiming for that magic number of 100,000 jars. If you want to help us meet this monumental goal, please contact us at the hall or go to our website at ibew483.org and make a donation.
Byron Allen, B.M./F.S.
Project Phoenix in Full Swing
L.U. 557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW, MI — Hello, brothers and sisters. As you may have heard, we have a major job in Saginaw. Thanks to the CHIPS and Science Act, we are able to make major strides in semiconductor manufacturing, and our members are on the forefront of this megaproject! It has been an honor meeting members from other locals who are coming to support the IBEW and having chats with newly organized members about how the IBEW has changed lives.
I would also like to take a moment to emphasize the importance of making new members feel welcome and showing them the true meaning of brotherhood and solidarity. It can be nerve-wracking to make the jump, and it is our responsibility to show them why they made the right choice and to retain our values as union members.
At this moment, there are 362 IBEW members referred to Project Phoenix.
Donovan C. Bender, P.S.
Local 601 Secures New Contract
L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL — Collective bargaining is a cornerstone of union power. After some contentious negotiations, Local 601 has a new contract that started March 1 and ends Feb. 28, 2028. We would like to thank all those on the bargaining team for representing us at the negotiation table.
Local 601 has been in full swing for work, with a good outlook on the horizon. We had been slow for a while, so it’s a good feeling knowing that our books are clearer than they have been in the past.
Local 601 also sponsored a round of trivia questions for Local 309’s RENEW trivia night. We wish them great success and collaboration in the future.
As of this submission, we have 27 on Book 1 and 34 on Book 2. To sign the out-of-work lists, you must sign in person or via fax or email from your home local.
Luther Baker, P.S.
Local 617 Health and Wellness
L.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SAN MATEO, CA — Our local urges all members and their families to live happily and healthfully. Local 617 has partnered with the administrators of our wellness programs, BaySport Inc. and Optum Behavioral Health, working with their trained professionals to provide members with the best support relating to mental, emotional and physical health.
Our membership has access to valuable services including health screens and testing, health coaching, weight-loss guidance, free flu shots, nutritional counseling, health club discounts, exercise classes, discounted gym memberships, smoking cessation programs, substance abuse counseling and mental health supportive care.
2025 will be busy with healthy lifestyle challenges and activities like the hydration and pigskin challenges, planksgiving, boot camps, and the March Madness tournament. Members formed basketball teams to compete with one another on weekends leading up to a championship game, all in the spirit of exercise and sportsmanship.
We believe unions can improve health and wellbeing for all workers and their families, both in the workplace and at home, and we are committed to supporting our membership in all their healthy lifestyle endeavors.
Scott Wein, B.M./F.S.
New Chili Champ
L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL — The end of winter and early spring in Tampa were busy for our local. The repairs of the damage to our hall from hurricanes Helene and Milton are almost complete. Business Manager Randall King would like to thank International Vice President Glenn Brannen for thinking of us when Thorogood Boot Co. donated 300 pairs of boots for members affected by the storms. Having good, union-made boots enabled our brothers and sisters who suffered storm-related losses to be able to go back to work and support their families.
On Feb. 7-8, several lucky brothers and sisters were hosted by Antron Brown, the NHRA Top Fuel champion, at the Bradenton Motor Speedway. The Local 915 bug held a place of honor on Antron’s race car as part of a new sponsorship.
On Feb. 15, we held our annual work party to clean up the grounds surrounding the union hall. The 2nd annual Local 915 chili cook-off was held Feb. 22. This year, Brother Jonathan Fielder took top prize, toppling the reigning champ, Brother Brian Nathan.
On March 15, Local 915 hosted our anniversary celebration commemorating 125 years of representing electrical workers in Tampa.
Brian Nathan, A.B.M.
Local 1347 Standing Up for Our Rights
L.U. 1347 (ees,em,u&ptc), CINCINNATI, OH — The leaders we elect directly shape labor rights, workforce protections and job security. When our rights are under threat, it’s time to stand up and take action.
Brother Don Scott Smith is leading the charge in this fight, standing against harmful policies like “right-to-work” laws, a tactic designed to weaken unions and diminish the value of workers. One of the most effective ways to make our voices heard is by taking to the streets in a peaceful rally, showing solidarity for the labor movement.
Stand up. Speak out. Defend labor rights. Get involved and fight for the future of our workforce.
Andrew Kirk, B.M./F.S.
Local 1547 Apprentices Give Back
L.U. 1547 (c,em,i,o,t,u,lctt&ptc), ANCHORAGE, AK — Fairbanks local apprentices, staff and family members are dedicated to giving back to the community through hands-on volunteer work. The Fairbanks Food Bank was recently chosen as a service project because it aligns with the local’s shared commitment to supporting those in need.
While community service has always been a part of the IBEW’s culture, Business Representative Naomi Hewitt is working to establish a monthly service initiative to make our efforts more consistent. She organized the food bank project, announcing it at the general meeting, where members eagerly signed up to participate.
The goal is to actively support the community in diverse ways. A few months ago, apprentices volunteered at the Breadline’s Stone Soup Cafe and plan to assist the Girl Scouts with electrical challenges at their office.
Melinda Taylor, Comm. Dir.
In Memoriam: James Edgar Rooks
L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — Hello, brothers and sisters. I hope everyone is well. Our work situation in Augusta has been very steady. Savannah River Site and our in-town shops have been busy, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The data center is steadily hiring, so all who want to be part of that project should get their chance soon. Plant Vogtle has been successfully completing normal outages and has been keeping our members busy.
We are, for the most part, returning to some sense of normalcy since Hurricane Helene had its way with our area. However, our lake property is still not quite ready for the membership to enjoy. Hopefully we will soon have it back to where it should be. Thank you all for your patience.
On a somber note, we lost a Local 1579 legend as Brother James Edgar Rooks passed away Feb. 8. Edgar had more than 60 years of service to the IBEW, and his last 20 were spent as assistant business manager. He spent his career faithfully serving the IBEW and the members of Local 1579. He was instrumental in achieving the initial project labor agreement for Plant Vogtle units 1 and 2. People still talk about the 4-10 and 3-12 shifts that were negotiated in that PLA.
When other trades tried to cave during negotiations, Edgar remained steadfast and determined to get our members a fair and profitable agreement that eventually came to fruition. Edgar was not only my mentor but also my friend and my brother. Edgar, you will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Mike Greene, Pres.
