Summer of Discontent
L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st,ws&ptc), ST. LOUIS, MO — Greetings, sisters and brothers. The time is now to get involved to save our republic and this union. It took the Nazis two months to eliminate the constitutional democracy in Germany in 1933. Thanks to the Founding Fathers and a strong judicial branch, the efforts of this administration to undermine the Constitution and democratic norms have been stopped or slowed down. All of that is temporary unless you get involved.
I teach OSHA 10/30 to our new apprentices. Since this administration took over, getting to documents and forms has become more challenging. The rule-change proposals coming down through the bureaucracy are aimed at weakening enforcement and turning OSHA regulations into a suggestion versus a required minimum.
I beseech you to become very vocal in opposing the willing incumbents who are rubber-stamping or standing by, not using their authority inherent in the legislative branch to bring this administration to heel.
Reckless illegal tariff policies, turning ICE into a personal force above the police, seizing immigrants and U.S. citizens with no reason more than they are not Caucasian to be sorted out later, going to war and bombing whomever the president wants with impunity.
When will it stop? Only when you get involved and stop it. Congress is OK with finding or borrowing more money to fund the illegal war on Iran. The same Congress also says there is no money for universal health care, no funds for a Department of Education, no funds for a level playing field for workers.
The country and this union needs you now, more than ever.
Kyle Hunter, P.S.
2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parades
L.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY — Our local’s members and their families showed their union pride and enjoyed the 2026 Syracuse and Utica St. Patrick’s Day parades. We had an amazing day of solidarity.
We would like to thank everyone for coming out and celebrating this annual event!
Jeff Cassano, P.S.
Market Share Increase for Local 51
L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,ptc,rtb,t,u&uow), SPRINGFIELD, IL — The National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee is a joint initiative between NECA and the IBEW designed to improve labor relations, increase competitiveness and promote union electrical work. In the NLMCC’s most recent report, Local 51’s market share for the outside electrical construction industry, both in employment and wages, increased to 96%. Thanks to all our members with their help in organizing nonunion workers.
To get work-picture updates within our jurisdiction, please visit our website (ibew51.org), where you can also pay your dues or re-sign the books.
The power of our union rests in your hands. Being in a union means showing solidarity, fighting for better wages, taking collective action, volunteering in our communities and showing up for union events. We work together, stand together and fight together.
We have monthly unit meetings to plan, discuss, debate and make decisions as a group. The unit meeting’s setup ensures that all members have an opportunity to hear and be heard. It ensures that everyone has a voice, a vote and a seat at the table. Members get updates on contract negotiations, grievances and union events. Plus, it’s just a fun evening spent with your union brothers and sisters.
We hope to see you at the next unit meeting!
Karlene Knisley, Bus. Rep.
Local 71 Surges With Major Projects and Member Upgrades
L.U. 71 (lctt,o&rtb), COLUMBUS, OH — Our local continues to build momentum with several exciting developments for our members. Work is ongoing with our new events hall and training center, a major investment in the future of our local and a facility that will better serve our growing membership for years.
In May, we rolled out our new Safety Wallet, giving members digital access to their training, certifications and credentials. Instead of keeping track of paper copies or wondering what may be expiring, everything can be accessed from your phone. The Safety Wallet has been adopted by the IBEW and NECA, and Local 71 has already begun uploading documents such as Fourth District safety rules, wages and important contacts. Members who prefer a paper ticket can still request one.
In addition, Local 71 members working for Verizon participated in joint IBEW/CWA safety rodeos at reporting centers across the state, reinforcing best practices and strengthening our commitment to keeping every member safe on the job.
Communication is also getting an upgrade. Our new Local 71 website, developed by BMA Media, launched in May. This updated platform makes it easier for members to stay informed, access resources, bid on jobs, sign the books, and stay connected with everything happening at the hall and across the state. Be sure to log in and explore ibew71.org.
Most importantly, work at Local 71 continues to grow, and the outlook for 2026 and beyond remains very strong, with no signs of slowing down. Numerous multiyear 765-kV and 345-kV transmission projects have begun, and data centers, battery, solar and power stations are underway or on the horizon, keeping the overall work forecast robust.
James Roessner, R.S.
Local 103 Elections: A Time for Membership, Leadership and Friendship
L.U. 103 (cs,i&ptc), BOSTON, MA — May 2 was election day at our local. Thousands of members came out to vote, reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and solidarity that keep our union strong.
IBEW elections are about more than just choosing leaders. They are an opportunity for members to come together, have their voices heard and help shape the future of our union by supporting leadership that continues to guide Local 103 forward.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere felt more like a championship tailgate than an election. An all-day parking lot party rivaled most NFL gamedays, with barbecues, music, laughter and plenty of brotherhood keeping members connected from morning until night.
When the votes were counted, Local 103’s leadership team was overwhelmingly reelected, earning the trust and confidence of the membership to continue leading our union on this prosperous path forward.
At the end of the day, the true strength of this union is not found in one title or one person. It is found in thousands of hard-working members standing together, united in purpose and proud to carry the legacy of Local 103 into the future.
James Fleming, P.S.
Local 125 Hosts 23rd Annual Casino Night and Canned Food Drive
L.U. 125 (lctt,o,t,u&ptc), PORTLAND, OR — On March 14, the hall buzzed with excitement for the 23rd annual Casino Night and Canned Food Drive, uniting members, families and friends for another memorable evening of fun and generosity. The event featured lively gaming tables, great prizes and plenty of laughter, all in the spirit of giving back to the community.
Thanks to the outstanding participation of everyone involved, 818 pounds of food were collected for the SnowCap Food Drive, supporting families in need. Additionally, $5,693 was raised for the Brotherhood Fund, continuing Local 125’s tradition of assisting fellow members and strengthening community bonds.
Casino Night remains a reflection of the values of Local 125 — camaraderie, compassion and commitment to service. The event’s success was made possible through the dedication of sponsors, volunteers, staff and attendees who embody the union’s generous spirit.
For those who missed this year’s celebration, next year promises another evening of great fun for a great cause. Each year, this special event brings people together not only to enjoy themselves but to make a real difference in the lives of others.
Travis Eri, B.M.
Local 141’s Positive Work Outlook
L.U. 141 (ees,i,o&u), WHEELING, WV — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Work is picking up in our local, with 29 on Book 1.
Local 141 expects to be quite busy in the coming months, with several projects pending, including a cancer center for WVU Medicine, an aquatic center for John Marshall High School and a cooling tower replacement at AEP Mitchell. Local 141 also, as of this writing, has been putting members and travelers to work at the TCL project just north of New Martinsville, W.Va.
Our local will be holding its election of officers this summer, with all offices on the ballot. Best of luck to all who run for an elected office within the local union!
The Local 141 Social Committee is making plans for its annual summer picnic, as well as the local’s 125-year celebration, which will occur in fall 2027.
Our local is deeply saddened to report the passing of members James K. Hossman and William “Bill” Magers. They will be greatly missed.
Kurt “Bug” Reed, P.S.
Local 223 Members Win Local Elections
L.U. 223 (em,govt&i), BROCKTON, MA — We are always encouraging our members to get involved in local politics. Congratulations to Brother Joe Bednarik, who was elected selectman in the town of Somerset, Mass., and Brother Bill Raposa, elected to the planning board in the same town last year. It will be helpful to have IBEW members voting on future development in our area.
Jeff Plaisted, Bus. Rep.
Local 245 Powers Through Storms and Gears Up for Summer Events
L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH — Our local hopes everyone is enjoying a great summer and spending quality time with family and friends.
Local 245 looks forward to our ninth annual Mud Hens baseball game at Fifth Third Field on Aug. 8. It’s a great opportunity to come together with brothers and sisters for a night at the ballpark, and we can’t wait to see you there.
As of this writing, our Local 245 members are hard at work responding to numerous wind and storm events across northwest Ohio. We want to thank our members for the long hours they’ve put in over the past three months to restore power to customers. We also want to extend our appreciation to loved ones at home who keep everyday life moving while our members are out in the field.
On April 22, we celebrated Administrative Professionals Day and want to give a special shout-out to Amanda Parker and Lisa Tracy. Thank you both — your hard work does not go unnoticed.
Bryan Municipal Utilities, the Bryan Wastewater Treatment Plant and Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative have all ratified new three-year contracts that include many improvements. Our outside construction work remains very busy, with numerous ongoing projects.
We hope everyone continues to work safely and uphold the IBEW Code of Excellence.
Brian Gendaszek, P.S.
A Semiquincentennial Event
L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — Happy 250th birthday, America! In 1776, the signing of the Declaration of Independence set the course for “these United Colonies … to be Free and Independent States.” Sixty-eight years later came the invention of the telegraph (1844), followed by the telephone (1876) and the incandescent lamp (1879). Large cities were becoming electrified.
On Nov. 28, 1891, lineman Henry Miller founded the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. In 1894, St. Paul, Minn., Local 23 submitted a death benefit claim. The year 1919 is noteworthy for our region as the date Minnesota was first represented by an electrical union. Local 343 was chartered on April 1, 1979. This is our past.
The future of the IBEW may exceed our imaginations. Big tech CEOs claim that within 10 years, building data centers in space will be the norm. One proposal is to build a self-sustaining city on the moon. The Artemis II astronauts are paid an annual salary of about $152,000. Whether they can claim mileage is unknown.
A Local 343 journeyman wireman’s wages and benefits are approximately $151,000. Ten years from now, your next long call may be for anti-gravity electric, report to the moon with a paid-up dues receipt and no state license required.
Buying Made In USA matters.
Thomas Small, P.S.
Local 351 Honors Retirees
L.U. 351 (c,cs,i,it,lctt,mt,o,se,spa&t), FOLSOM, NJ — Our local’s April general meeting was a memorable evening dedicated to honoring the careers and contributions of our retired members. Fifty members who retired in 2025 were presented with retirement watches by Business Manager Daniel P. Cosner in recognition of their years of dedicated service.
In addition, members celebrating milestone anniversaries of 50 to 65 years were honored with commemorative pins, marking an extraordinary commitment to the IBEW. Following the meeting, food and refreshments were served so those in attendance could continue to celebrate those members who helped pave the way for what we have today.
The membership, officers and staff of Local 351 extend our sincere gratitude to these members for their decades of hard work and dedication and wish them all the very best in their well-earned retirement.
Ryck Signor, P.S.
Local 479 Is Getting Even Busier
L.U. 479 (i&u), BEAUMONT, TX — Our local saw the Orange County Advanced Power Station in the startup phase in April. A new Veterans Affairs clinic is being built in Beaumont and will open in 2027, and an Amazon fulfillment center is in its beginning phase. We have a continued presence at petrochemical plants here, including Exxon Mobil and Motiva Enterprises.
Also, it’s apparent that another Entergy power plant, a wind farm and a data center will be coming to Jefferson County. Please keep us in mind, traveling brothers and sisters.
Additionally, our local is designated by the ICEA to refer and train instrumentation techs for the entire state of Texas. We have seen a real increase in these calls.
Business Manager Justin Cooper and organizer Evan Pennison have been busy on the organizing front, attending organizing events at Amarillo Local 602, Dallas-Fort Worth Local 20 and El Paso Local 583.
Our JATC apprentices placed second in the Seventh District apprentice contest this year. We are very proud of them!
Our EWMC group is very active volunteering and just won the People’s Choice Award in the jambalaya cookoff at the SETX Craft BBQ Festival.
Please stay safe and keep cool this summer! Happy 250 years, USA!
Mark Jacobson, P.S.
Local 601 Sister Teaches in Pre-Apprenticeship Program
L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL — Our members are the foundational strength of our local, and we help pave pathways for future members. For this month, our trailblazer is Sister Cara Siegel. Cara became a member of Local 601 in 2020 and completed her apprenticeship in 2025. Now, she looks for opportunities to help others find their way into the building trades.
In partnership with the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council and HIRE360, the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program helps those who are interested in learning about labor unions to take their first steps to potentially become apprentices.
Despite having a full-time job as a union electrician, Cara has been hired as an instructor to help others learn about how to join Local 601. Recently out of the apprenticeship, she knows firsthand what it takes to make it through the program and shares that knowledge with her prospective students.
During the pre-apprenticeship, students learn from union members from different trades. Cara helps students with their first time bending conduit, pulling wire, wiring receptacles and lights, and troubleshooting circuits. She also teaches them about union history and the courses needed to apply to apprenticeships.
Cara has a deep understanding that it is up to us to engage the next generation of the trades as soon as possible. She hopes that one day, some of the people she teaches will go into the apprenticeship and complete the program just as she did. We thank her and her efforts to be a trailblazer and pave the pathway for those who are interested in the trades.
Local 601 has 37 on Book 1 and 12 on Book 2.
Luther Baker, P.S.
Local 611 Retirees Celebrated
L.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Hello, brothers and sisters. At the time of this writing, our work picture is still going strong, with Los Alamos having continuous calls and Intel and Meta still busy.
In March, the Retirees’ Committee organized a lunch at Rudy’s Bar-B-Q in Santa Fe for all of the retirees from the northern part of the state, and more than 40 members showed up, many having not seen each other in several years. Retirees received a shirt and service pin for the number of years they have been members. Everyone had a great time and made plans for a future get-together.
This is an election year for both our union and the state, so please make every effort to get out and vote. I will report on our union election results in our next article.
On behalf of the local, I send condolences to the family and friends of James Clayton, Rodney Gatlin, Mahlon Howard, Santiago Lopez, Fred “Ferdy” Martinez, Jose R. Martinez, Robert Mason, Armando Miranda, Anthony Montano, Sammy Moran, Albert Phol, William Rendell, Charles Sillivent, Steve Vigil and Stephen Wiley.
Don’t forget to attend your local and unit meetings.
Darrell Blair, P.S.
Local 617 Member Health and Wellness
L.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SAN MATEO, CA — Our local urges its members to be happy and healthy both on and off the jobsite. All members, including retirees and apprentices, and their dependents have access to health coaching, injury checks, registered dietitian and nutrition services, flu shots, health screenings, mental health resources, and health club discounts, all at no cost to them.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, fitness classes were available online that ranged from high- intensity workouts to meditation training aimed at keeping our members moving when they were mandated to be home. We are grateful to be able to assist our membership and their families who wish to step up their routines, get back on track, take better care of themselves or get support dealing with chronic health issues.
Activities have included a Move a Mile event, Light ‘Em Up challenge, Know Your Numbers testing, March Madness basketball tournaments, weight-loss team challenges, PlanksGiving and an H20 hydration tracker — all programs to create better habits that the entire family can enjoy together.
At Local 617, we are proud to focus on the overall wellness of our members so they can live their best lives.
Scott Wein, B.M./F.S.
Sisters of 697 Easter Event
L.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se), GARY AND HAMMOND, IN — Our Women’s Committee, Sisters of 697, has hit the ground running this year, working with the local to host our first Easter event at the hall. It allowed our members to take pictures with the Easter Bunny and avoid long lines at Bass Pro Shops or Walgreens. We had Easter egg hunts that included special golden eggs every hour with gift cards for the kids that found them. It turned out to be a huge success, with 70 kids in attendance!
We have a few raffles this year for our committee to help fund events like this. Ar the time of this writing, our next big event is our annual fishing derby June 13, with proceeds going to a Local 697 family in need. We hope to see a few brothers and sisters from surrounding locals, as well.
We also want to congratulate sisters Christen Conway, Aubrey Deboer and Lauren DiNino on winning the Tradeswomen Heroes of the Month Award from NABTU. These ladies put in the work both on and off the jobsite.
We also want to highlight Jenn Batka, working for Aldridge Electric. With her help, they raised $26,000 at their Polar Plunge event for Special Children’s Charities and Special Olympics.
We hope you all stay safe out there!
Phil Hernandez, B.M./F.S.
Long-Serving Business Manager Randall King Announces Retirement
L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL — At the April 10 general membership meeting, Business Manager Randall King announced his retirement after an extraordinary 42 years of membership and 33 years of dedicated leadership within the IBEW.
Business Manager King began his journey when he started his apprenticeship in 1982, and his commitment to the membership never wavered. He won his first election in 1993 and went on to serve in numerous capacities, including executive board member, president of Local 915, president of the Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council, president of the Florida Electrical Workers Association and Business Manager/Financial Secretary of Local 915. His career has been one of tireless service and unwavering dedication to the members of the local. Local 915 wishes Randall well in his retirement and hopes he enjoys the fruits of his labor.
The meeting was honored by the attendance of International President Emeritus Lonnie R. Stephenson and his wife, Dawn. Local 915 extends its sincere gratitude to them both for making the trip to be with us.
As this transition unfolds, President Jonathan Fielder will assume the mantle of business manager, and Brother Brian Nathan will step into the role of president. Local 915 has confidence in both brothers and looks forward to the continued strength and growth of the local under their leadership.
In additional exciting news, Brother Brian Nathan won his election March 24 to serve as the Florida state senator of District 14 for the remainder of the term, through the November elections. Brother Nathan was outspent 10-to-1 by his opponent and still managed to carry a remarkable victory by 405 votes.
Brian Nathan, A.B.M.
Rebuilding Florida Politics
L.U. 1205 (em,govt,i,u&ptc), GAINESVILLE, FL — Big news out of Florida, friends! Brother Brian Nathan of our neighboring Tampa Local 915 has secured a major victory, winning a special election for a Florida Senate seat in a race against an incumbent who raised more than $700,000 to Nathan’s $65,000.
This victory marks a significant step forward for Florida’s working class, which has gone years without strong representation at the legislative level. Brother Nathan’s success proves that grassroots support and worker-driven campaigns can overcome big-money politics.
Inspired by this momentum, one of our own from Local 1205 is stepping up. Brother Jason Bellamy-Fults has officially launched his campaign for Florida’s 6th Senate District, challenging another entrenched incumbent who originally inherited the seat simply because she ran unopposed.
During this year’s legislative session, Brother Jason met with Sen. Jennifer Bradley and her staff. While they promised to stand with working families, their actions told a different story, voting against labor interests eight times! Jason is running to change that.
If you live in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Gilchrist or Union counties, we encourage you to stand with working people and support Brother Jason’s campaign this November.
Accompanying this article is a QR code with information on how you can support the campaign, from simply resharing info on social media to donating time and money toward this important effort.
In brotherhood, everyone wins.
Nicholas Mangoni, P.S.
Local 1347 Gains New Members
L.U. 1347 (ees,em,u&ptc), CINCINNATI, OH — The broadcasting organizing campaign delivered a major victory, with 107 new members voting to join our local. Ballots were counted April 3, and the results showed overwhelming support to unionize, an incredible achievement for everyone involved.
We now turn our focus to the next critical step: securing a strong, fair contract that reflects the value and voice of our members.
To our newest members, thank you. Your engagement, discipline and commitment to the process made this win possible. You are the union, and this victory belongs to you.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to Broadcasting and Recording Director Robert Prunn and International Representative Vinny Butler for their leadership and support throughout the campaign, as well as Local 1228 for their vital assistance in helping secure this success.
Broadcasting is growing, momentum is building, and we are proud to be part of this movement.
Andrew Kirk, B.M./F.S.
Get Out and Vote!
L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — Hello, brothers and sisters. I hope everyone is doing well. We’ve had a mild spring, but summer is here and the temperatures are getting brutal. Dress for the heat, and stay hydrated.
The work situation in Augusta is still strong. Savannah River Site is still hiring decent numbers of members for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and Savannah River Mission Completion as we continue to play the waiting game for the Savannah River Plutonium Pit Facility.
Miller is still hiring at the data center in Graniteville, S.C., and will be hiring more soon. Business Manager Richardson has been constantly meeting with contractors, owners and city councilmen on several projects that we are hoping will come to fruition.
I want to reaffirm our need for our members on the road to come help with these open calls. We are also hiring our traveling brothers and sisters, so come on down.
I would like to remind all of you that this is a very important election year. It is as important now as it’s ever been for our members to get out and vote for labor-friendly candidates. Your local will let you know who these candidates are in case you don’t already. We here in Georgia have some very important races, and being a battleground state, we need all the help we can get to remove these candidates that don’t care one bit about us or our rights as unions.
I want to wish everyone a very happy Fourth of July!
“Only a fool would try to deprive working men and women of the right to join the union of their choice.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
Mike Greene, Pres.
Local 1701 Celebrates 75th Anniversary
L.U. 1701 (catv,ees,,o&u), OWENSBORO, KY — Our local recently marked a historic milestone, celebrating its 75th anniversary at the Owensboro Convention Center. With 130 people in attendance, the evening honored a legacy that began in April 1951, when International President D.W. Tracy signed the local’s charter.
The event was a tribute to the 19 original charter members and the generations of electricians who followed. Longtime Business Agent Harold Baggett was among the distinguished guests. Attendees enjoyed a buffet and music, while a slideshow captured the local’s journey from its past achievements to future goals.
The night featured a silent auction with handcrafted IBEW items and a 50/50 drawing for the event’s table decorations. This memorable celebration was made possible by the hard work of organizers Peggy Brown; Scott Coleman; Josh Cravens; Andy Daniel; Travis Glasco and his wife, Sherry; and Jonathan Nugent.
For three-quarters of a century, Local 1701 has powered Owensboro and the surrounding region. This anniversary served as a proud reminder of the solidarity and skill that are the trademark of our local. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this enduring legacy.
Rick Thurman, P.S.
