Busy Days for Local 16
L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — In late April, our local’s retirees were given a private viewing of the Henry Miller Museum. This exquisitely restored structure, formerly close to demolition, now stands as the historical heart of the IBEW and is a must-visit for all members. Many thanks to Brother Steve Muehling of Local 1 in St. Louis for giving a very informative tour of the museum.
This spring, Local 16 held elections for officers to serve in various positions. Thank you to all who were willing to make this commitment to see that the Brotherhood is well-served.
Sister Sara Schapker has been instrumental in establishing a gear exchange of lightly used items that can be of service to people who are just starting out and for those who are hard-pressed to purchase everything new. For more information on what is available, please contact the hall at (812) 867-9670 or [email protected].
On May 30, Local 16 sponsored the fifth annual Professional Bull Riders Rodeo. Proceeds from this exciting event were used to offset the cost of new shoes for more than 40,000 area school children.
Donald P. Beavin, P.S.
Graduations and Goodbyes
L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City! This summer, nearly 70 apprentices completed their training and joined the ranks of our journeyman wiremen and VDV installer technicians. Their graduation marks the beginning of the next chapter in their careers and reflects years of hard work, sacrifice and commitment to the trade. We congratulate this class and wish them success as they carry forward the standards and traditions of Local 24.
This graduation also marked the retirement of Training Director Neil Wilford after 41 years in the industry. Neil was indentured into the apprenticeship in 1986 and topped out in 1991. During slow times, he worked as a boilermaker and spent time on the road before returning to help shape the next generation of electricians. He began teaching part time in 1996 and became a full-time instructor in 2003, training coordinator in 2009 and training director in 2015.
Neil often reminded apprentices and members alike, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Local 24 thanks him for his years of leadership, mentorship and dedication to the IBEW, and we wish him a long and healthy retirement.
Live Better/Work Union.
Mike McHale, B.M.
Historic New 401(k) Benefit for Motion Picture Agreement Members
L.U. 40 (em,i&mps), HOLLYWOOD, CA — In May, our local held a barbecue and educational meeting about its 401(k) plan. This meeting was held to educate members about the new 401(k) benefit now available under the motion picture agreement.
It was a great opportunity to bring members together, share a meal and talk in plain language about how this benefit can help strengthen retirement security. For years, motion picture members have asked for access to a 401(k) plan to help supplement their pension. We were able to secure the plan during last year’s contract negotiations, and that is something we should all be proud of.
The 401(k) gives members another way to save for retirement by making voluntary contributions from their paychecks. Members can decide how much they want to contribute and use the plan as another tool to build long-term financial security.
Winning benefits matters, but making sure members understand how to use them matters just as much. Local 40 will continue to educate members on the benefits we have fought for so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Thank you to everyone who came out, asked questions and helped make the barbecue a success. We hope to see more members at the next meeting later this year.
Juan Rodriguez, A.B.M./Pres.
Built by Members, Carried With Pride
L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — Our local’s members lit up the Seattle Pride Parade on June 28, marching with our Pride With a Spark committee, an EWMC subcommittee focused on LGBTQ+ member engagement. Members turned out in force, handing out 7,200 Otter Pops to the crowd along Fourth Avenue.
The float was built by our members, including a pride flag fabricated entirely out of conduit and a hand-built miniature Space Needle. It’s the kind of work that shows what this trade can do and what this union stands for: skilled hands and a place for every worker.
Thanks to everyone who came out, marched and represented Local 46. We’ll be back even bigger next year.
Seamus Anglin, P.S.
Summer Fun With Local 68
L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — Hello, brothers and sisters. I hope everyone has been having a great summer and has been able to enjoy the outdoors. I know Local 68’s brothers and sisters have.
During Memorial Day weekend, Electrical Workers Minority Caucus and Veterans Committee members gathered at Fort Logan Cemetery to assist with placing American flags to honor our veterans.
On June 6, the members gathered at the hall for the first annual car and bike show. We hope to see more of these in the future.
On July 17, eight members represented Local 68 at the fifth annual Klays4Kids, which benefits the Children’s Hospital. And on the following day, we held an apprentice appreciation barbecue to congratulate all the apprentices on making it through another year of schooling.
The fun continues: On Aug. 15, we will have our annual picnic at the Elks Club. Hope to see everyone there! And Aug. 29, the Wireman’s Brotherhood Fund will host its annual golf tournament. Events continue into the next month, with the WBF hosting its annual clay shoot Sept. 19.
As for other milestones, Local 68 retirees had their final monthly potluck lunch in May. Retirees received pin awards for 50 to 75 years of service, and there was a combined total of 820 years of service among those who received their pins. Local 68 retirees will gather again on the last Thursday of September.
We look forward to the potluck lunches starting back up in September. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and have a safe Labor Day weekend!
Debbie Tikka, Pres.
180-Degree Turnaround
L.U. 80 (i&o), NORFOLK, VA — Since June 2022, Training Director Meghan Hurt has been transforming the once-struggling Tidewater Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee into a model of excellence. Leveraging her 13-year background in public education, Meghan has modernized the program to meet growing electrical industry demands.
Key milestones include the relocation in September 2025 to a renovated 10,000-square-foot facility, which provides vital hands-on lab space. Additionally, a new 3,000-square-foot JATC facility in La Crosse, Va., now offers training for regional data center projects.
Under Meghan’s leadership, the JATC expanded its instructional team, secured major educational grants and built recruitment pipelines with local trade schools. The program also prioritizes veterans by partnering with initiatives like the Veterans Electrical Entry Program.
Through strategic collaboration with IBEW locals, contractors and vendors, Tidewater JATC has successfully built a powerhouse training center ready to fuel the next generation of the electrical workforce.
Shawn D. Bruce, A.B.M.
Congratulations to Brother Fiore and Our Officers
L.U. 102 (em,govt,i,mt,o,ws&ptc), PATERSON, NJ — On May 5, a meeting was held to nominate officers for Local 102 and delegates to the International Convention. The full slate of incumbent officers was unopposed.
We offer special congratulations to David Fiore, who, after 40 years as a member and 25 years as our local’s treasurer, enjoyed the honor of being nominated for the position of business manager. Dave is proud to continue the family tradition of service to Local 102, as Dave’s father, Joe, was the president of the local from 1987 to 2002.
Brother Fiore assumed the role vacated with the retirement of Brother Patrick DelleCava in December 2025. Pat’s retirement closed the book on a nearly century-long run of leadership in the building trades for the DelleCava family.
A special note of gratitude goes out to the members of the DelleCava family, who called Local 102 home. Patrick, Patsy and Bob, the impact you had on Local 102 will always be remembered. We thank you and wish you well!
On behalf of all the officers and delegates, our most sincere gratitude goes out to the membership of Local 102. We appreciate and value your continued support.
Bernard Corrigan, Pres.
Local 104 Norton Grand Opening
L.U. 104 (lctt,o,u&ptc), BOSTON, MA — We are proud to announce the grand opening of the Local 104 Training Center in Norton, Mass., held June 13.
It was a great day, filled with family, friends, barbecue and pride as we celebrated this state-of-the-art training facility. This center provides an exemplary level of classroom and hands-on training, supported by expert instruction. It will serve not only our apprentices but also Local 104 members through continuing education and ongoing skills development.
The ceremony began with remarks from Business Manager Brian Murphy, who thanked everyone in attendance and reflected on how far we have come, from a utility pole in the middle of a farm field to this outstanding new facility.
Brother Murphy was joined by Local 104 President James Foster and Assistant Business Manager Hugh Boyd for the ribbon cutting.
It was especially inspiring to speak with our retirees and hear their reflections on how far Local 104 has come from its humble beginnings 126 years ago.
Stay safe, brothers and sisters, and thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible.
Stay tuned for the next unveiling: our 30,000-square-foot OSHE facility in Epping, N.H., coming in September!
Hugh Boyd, A.B.M.
New Royals Stadium
L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa,t&ptc), KANSAS CITY, MO — Brothers and sisters, a new era of baseball — and construction — is coming to Kansas City.
The Kansas City Royals have announced a transformational partnership with Hallmark, bringing a new stadium and entertainment district to the Crown Center area. This is more than just a ballpark. It’s a $3 billion public-private investment that has the potential to reshape a core part of our city and drive economic activity for decades.
The stadium is projected at approximately $1.9 billion, with the remaining investment focused on a mixed-use entertainment district surrounding it. The development will span roughly 85 acres, making it one of the largest and most significant projects Kansas City has ever seen.
Current plans aim for completion around the 2030 season. That timeline is ambitious and much remains to be finalized, but it underscores the urgency and scale of the effort.
For us, the most important takeaway is what this means for our membership. Because this project includes public financing, it will require prevailing wage standards. In addition, there is strong potential for a community benefits agreement between the city and the Royals, a critical tool to ensure that workers and the community share in the benefits of this investment.
None of the work is guaranteed, and every major project brings competition. But projects of this scale, backed by public investment and community expectations, create the conditions where union labor can compete and win.
Wade Kiefer, Bus. Rep.
Local 134 Members Compete in Hockey With the Stars
L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — Our local and many other trade unions in Chicagoland gathered in May to support a very worthy cause, providing resources for students affected by dyslexia. The Sopel Foundation, founded by former Chicago Blackhawk and Stanley Cup champ Brent Sopel, provides financial and educational support, early detection, and intervention for people with dyslexia.
On May 16, Local 134 and the organized labor community showed up in an incredible way to support the Sopel Foundation. The unions competed in a hockey tournament inside a packed Orland Park ice arena where eight labor union teams faced off.
Hundreds of fans and players united for dyslexia awareness and in pursuit of the coveted Sopel Belt. The tournament started with the legendary Jim Cornelison singing the National Anthem. Local 134’s team battled tenaciously in the first two games, beating the Pipefitters and the Carpenters. Unfortunately, they fell short in the semifinals with a tough loss to the Sprinkler Fitters’ team. Family and friends enjoyed a great night out with food trucks, a bounce house, door prizes, raffles and a shoot-the-puck game for a chance at a $50,000 grand prize.
Local 134 is proud to partner with the Sopel Foundation, and we hope everyone joins us next year in our quest for the Sopel Belt. If you would like more information about supporting the Sopel Foundation, please visit sopelfoundation.org.
Kevin Clarke, Bus. Rep.
Thanks to Sunshine Rotary Club, and Welcome, Apprentices
L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — Our local and signatory contractors believe in building strong community relationships. Jeff Harger, Local 150 member and owner of Harger Lightning Protection Systems, and Scott Hezner of the Hezner Corp. are members of the Sunshine Rotary Club in Libertyville, Ill. The Sunshine Rotary Club presented Local 150’s first-year apprentices with backpack tool bags, the sixth year of the club’s tool bag donations. Local 150 would like to thank the Sunshine Rotary Club for their continued support of our apprentices!
We would like to recognize and congratulate our first-year apprenticeship class of 2026. Our inside apprentices are Samuel Bowles, Jacob Brock, Tyler Cantrell, Geovany Cenobio, Adam DePasquale, Adam Divis, Jake Evans, Megan Faber, Jaxon Gembara, Alexander Gutierrez, Jason Head, Giovani Hernandez, Aaron Husson, Zayne Lother, Nicholas Macella, Brock Maki, Spencer Montanez, Logan Olsen, Bane Pelishek, Jacob Pena, Sebastion Phillips, Nicholas Pichietti, Jean Pierre, Marcus Pletcher, Kayla Reid, Dominic Rivas, Ricardo Rodriguez, Ryan Ruiz, Dylan Sheppard, Mason Steigleiter and Murphy Wilson. Local 150 VDV apprentices are Jacob Clemmons, Nicholas Laas, Keaton Northcott, Yasin Safdary and Nicholas Urban.
Welcome to the IBEW and Local 150! May you have a safe, long and rewarding career.
Sisters and brothers, look out for one another and be safe out there!
Aaron M. Rendon, P.S./R.S.
Local 164 Launches First Annual 3D Bow Shoot
L.U. 164 (c,em,i,o&t), JERSEY CITY, NJ — Our local hosted its first annual 3D bow shoot May 30 at a local county-owned archery range, the start of an expected new tradition for the membership. The inaugural event drew a strong turnout, highlighting member interest in events that bring together sportsmen and sportswomen of Local 164.
The course featured a 28-target 3D archery range designed to test accuracy and skill in realistic shooting scenarios, along with a stationary practice range for participants to warm up. Archers of all experience levels took part, creating an inclusive and supportive environment throughout the day.
In the spirit of giving back, Local 164 donated three new 3D targets to the range. The facility is maintained largely by volunteers, and contributions like these help ensure that it remains a valuable resource for the community.
While the shoot provided friendly competition, the day was defined by camaraderie and fellowship. Members shared laughs, exchanged tips and enjoyed time together away from the jobsite, strengthening the bonds central to the local’s success.
The event was headed by Brother Victor Docherty and made possible by Local 164 volunteers who organized the shoot and prepared lunch for attendees. Their efforts helped ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
On behalf of Local 164, Business Manager Dan Gumble and President Tom Sullivan, thanks to all members who participated and volunteered. Based on the strong first-year showing, the 3D bow shoot is expected to become an annual event.
Warren M. Becker, P.S.
VELCO Goes Union, Joins the IBEW
L.U. 300 (govt,i,u,mo&lctt), MONTPELIER, VT — Members of the Telecommunication Department at Vermont Electric Power Co. have chosen to organize with the IBEW. Their actions are a credit to their agency and desire to be heard at their place of employment.
The members cast their ballots to organize in May and are on their way to negotiate their first agreement with the company. I hope more employees seize the opportunity to be heard and use their voices to help VELCO become the employer these workers strive for it to be. Congratulations to the founding members at VELCO.
Congratulations are also due to the employees at the town of Morristown for their perseverance. Following a two-year period of negotiations and mediation, the members of the general government and EMS departments have established their first collective bargaining agreement with the town and became new members of Local 300. Kudos to the negotiating team for their commitment to the process and to the members who supported the negotiating team’s tireless efforts.
“Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair.” I borrowed this quote from George Washington and used it during a negotiating session with an employer whom I (and my committee) felt was being a little unethical in their practices. The words call on individuals to set a benchmark of virtue and value, and they serve as a humble reminder that we must remain open to unforeseen change and assist with the creation of a more ethical way of life. We need it more now than ever.
Best of wishes during this amazing year of change and sunshine. Cheers.
Jeffrey Wimette, B.M./F.S.
Local 306 Celebrates 100 Years
L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OH — Our local proudly recognizes the successful ratification of a new inside agreement, which officially went into effect June 1. This contract represents a strong commitment to our membership, delivering meaningful wage increases that will directly support the hardworking men and women of our local. These gains will strengthen the financial stability of our members and provide lasting benefits to their families and the communities we serve.
We also extend our sincere congratulations to this year’s apprentices, who have completed their training and achieved the status of journeyman wireman. Their dedication, discipline and hard work ensure a bright and skilled future for our trade.
This year marked a historic milestone as Local 306 celebrated its 100th anniversary April 17. We would like to thank all members, retirees, families and guests who joined us June 13 to commemorate this remarkable achievement. A special thank you goes to our sponsors, whose generous support made the evening a tremendous success.
Scott Jackovitch, A.B.M.
Local 340 Inside Wireman Negotiations
L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — Our local finished its inside wireman negotiations and presented the proposed terms to our members at a special ratification meeting in May. We had record attendance and a great discussion on the topics presented. I would like to commend our negotiating committee (Zackery Collins, Michael Falconer, Michael Franklin, Matt Nootenboom, John Roden and Mark Steelman) for their time and attention assisting with negotiating terms and conditions and helping advance Local 340 membership for the next four years.
At the start of our negotiations, Local 340 sent out approximately 1,200 surveys and received more than 200 back. All surveys were read and taken into consideration when our negotiations team reached the bargaining table. While there was a mix of items requested to negotiate, there was common concern to address healthcare and future pension increases.
Thank you again to our team and members for their participation in these negotiations. Your input was greatly appreciated.
Robert Ward, B.M./F.S.
Red Hot Summer
L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD, IL — Our local’s Safetyfest was held June 13 and went over quite well, with members and their families enjoying the day and its various activities.
Participant favorites were the K-9 unit demonstration, as well as viewing the emergency REACT helicopter up close.
The Local 364 summer picnic was held July 18. Every year, this event gets better and better, with several hundred members and their families in attendance this year. From the tug-of-war to the egg toss, a great time was had by all who attended.
Work in Local 364 remains strong as Project Yukon leads the charge with more than 200 wiremen onsite. This project will continue well into 2027 and has kept work steady throughout 2026.
Our Local 364 golf outing will be held Aug. 22, and we look forward to another great event.
Brad Williams, P.S.
Local 570 Wins Seventh District Progress Meeting Award
L.U. 570 (i,mo,spa&u), TUCSON, AZ — Members from our local attended the Seventh District Progress Meeting in El Paso, Texas. Local 570 was honored to be awarded and recognized by the Electrical Training Alliance for the most journeymen trained. The following members were in attendance and can be seen in the accompanying photo: Lead Organizer Javier Soto, Women’s Committee Chair Jennipher Williams, Business Manager/Financial Secretary Joshua De Spain, Assistant Business Manager Dick Solomon, executive board member John Sheets, President Scott Toot, examining board member and instructor Aaron Gonzalez, and Arizona State Organizing Coordinator Jimmy Ciardulli. (Not pictured: Tucson JATC Training Director Karen King.).
Allegra De Spain, P.S.
Local 654’s Apprentice Graduation
L.U. 654 (i), CHESTER, PA — Our local would like to extend its congratulations to the graduating fifth-year class of 2026. After five years of hard work and dedication in the classroom and on the job, the journey is complete.
We celebrated the occasion at the Springhaven Club with a night of dinner, drinks, family and friends. The graduates are shown in the accompanying photo.
Local 654 wishes this class the best of luck and a successful, healthy career in the IBEW!
Christopher J. Schieler, P.S.
Speaking With One Voice
L.U. 666 (i,mt,o&ptc), RICHMOND, VA — By the time this article prints, we will be close to the Labor Day picnic and other exciting events in the fall. We will also be drawing close to the start of negotiations for the inside agreement. As we all know, construction is booming nationwide, and the contracts are improving across the industry.
Here at Local 666, with our record hours worked last year, our levels of membership and organizing, work coming into our market, and wages of nearby locals, we have as good a case for our value as any workforce in the country. We will come to the table prepared to fight for our members and bring home a great contract.
We need you to be prepared to help and speak to the contractors with one voice to demand a good contract!
Charles Skelly, B.M.
Local 702’s Annual Clay Shoot
L.U. 702 (as,c,catv,cs,em,es,et,govt,i,it,lctt,mo,mt,o,p,pet,ptc,rtb,rts,se,spa,st,t,u,uow&ws), WEST FRANKFORT, IL — Greetings, brothers and sisters. On April 25, our local held its annual sporting clay shoot at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, Ill.
We had a great turnout, with 150 participants. The weather was beautiful, and it was a good day to enjoy the outdoors with our brothers and sisters and their families. We want to say thank you to all our sponsors and all those who came out to shoot.
Jamie Hatfield, A.B.M.
