Local 2’s New Union Hall
L.U. 2 (catv,lctt,o,t&u), ST. LOUIS, MO — After more than 50 years in St. Louis, our local has moved its union hall to Fenton to accommodate our growing membership.
The old hall, which was only 3,200 square feet, was at 2131 59th St. in St. Louis. The new 32,000-square-foot building, which features office space, training facilities and meeting rooms, is at 940 Biltmore Drive in Fenton.
Assistant Business Manager Cecil “JR” Crocker said the union had operated out of the St. Louis office since the 1980s. He also said the union has a training center in St. Clair but noted that it wasn’t used on a regular basis.
“We used to use the training center for apprentices, but that’s all done in Iowa at Missouri Valley JATC now,” Crocker said. “We wanted something all under one roof where we could do everything in one place. We love it.”
Local 2 was chartered in 1897 and began representing construction linemen in 53 counties in the eastern half of Missouri, from Iowa to Arkansas.
Today, Local 2 has about 2,000 members and has grown to include not only construction linemen and groundmen, but telephone, cable TV, utility, cooperative, municipal, line clearance and clerical workers.
For more information on Local 2, visit ibew2.org.
Mike Keith, A.B.M.
Recent Events and Politics
L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — The hall congratulates Sister Kim Musgrave on a well-earned retirement. Kim has faithfully served as dispatch agent under three administrations for more than 20 years. In addition to her work at the referral desk, Kim has served as a JATC instructor and an outspoken advocate for the Labor Day Association. Best wishes to her in all the future holds!
At this year’s annual Battle of the Beans chili cookoff, Local 16’s team beat out all other competitors to bring home the first-place honors. The team has placed first or second every year that this worthy event has been held. Kudos to all who made this victory possible.
In a recent union meeting, Business Manager Ryan McRoberts clarified the dangers of being politically complacent. He pointed out the current administration’s lack of support for several Biden-era programs that could cost the jurisdiction more than $2 billion in lost work opportunities. He also spoke of an area legislator’s unwillingness to hold an open town hall meeting. The congressman’s staff even threatened senior citizens who were peacefully participating.
The Brotherhood’s future is at risk. Please stay strong and united!
Donald P. Beavin, P.S.
New Faces, Same Strength
L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City! This March, hundreds of IBEW members, along with brothers and sisters from other trades and public sector unions, gathered in Annapolis for our annual labor rally. It was great to see labor from all sectors unite in support of workers’ rights, a tradition and true testament to our collective strength.
Spring brought some changes regarding our executive board. Brother John Bugglen, an IBEW member since 1987, has decided to retire. We thank him for his years of service and dedication to Local 24. Additionally, Brother Miles Morris has stepped down to become a signatory contractor, and Brother Dave Springham has stepped down as recording secretary.
We are pleased to announce the following appointments to fill these unexpired terms: Brother Mike Ayres will fill Brother Bugglen’s seat, Brother Cory Shifflett will take Brother Morris’ seat, and Brother Carmen F. Voso will assume Brother Springham’s role. Brother Montez Johnson will fill Brother Ayres’ unexpired term on the examining board.
We look forward to the continued strength of Local 24 under the leadership of these dedicated brothers. Together, we will keep moving forward growing our market and securing a brighter future for all our members.
Live Better/Work Union.
Mike McHale, B.M.
Elections and Events
L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — As of this writing, our local union’s officers and agents have been extremely busy. We attended the IBEW Construction and Maintenance Conference, the Craftsmanship Awards dinner banquet, and the JATC graduation. The annual Dollars Against Diabetes golf outing was also held.
The Manassas, Va., picnic is Sat., June 28; the Roanoke, Va., picnic is July 26; and the Edgewater, Md., picnic is Sat., Aug. 23. Additionally, the annual fishing trip is scheduled for Sat., Sept. 20. Please visit ibewlocal26.org and click on the Events tab for more information.
The results of the Local 26 elections will be announced at the general membership meeting Fri., June 13, and the new officers will be sworn in at the general membership meeting Fri., July 11.
Best wishes to the following retirees: John E. Bell, Richard S. Blank, Alfred T. Boyd, John D. Curry, John D. Hileman, William E. Hopkins, Ronald W. Howard, Paul E. Mella, John J. Mesoros, Robert L. Sansbury, Peter Stocki and Philip R. Vincent.
The following members have passed away since our last article: Richard J. Bedard, Howard H. Bruch Jr., David J. Callen, John H. Exline, Jason C. Gatliff, George J. Hyatt, Daniel T. Jones, James L. Kieffer, Cody T. Linkous, Ronald D. Marceron, Paul E. Merriman Jr., Theo Phelos Ndam, Trevon M. Norman, David Rogovsky, Charles K. Thayer, William F. Tydings III, Kenneth E. Weddle and Robert C. Young.
Joseph Dabbs, B.M.
Grateful Brotherhood
L.U. 34 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL — Work this year has remained strong in our local, with no signs of slowing down.
Thank you to everyone who attended our annual steak fry, as well as our RENEW bags tournament benefiting the sick and needy fund. The 25th annual trap shoot will be held at 9 a.m. on Sept. 13 and is open to members, retirees and travelers working in the local. The event is held at the River Valley Sportsmen’s Club off of Ten Mile Creek Road in East Peoria. There is no entry fee; just bring your shotgun, shells and PPE. Lunch, drinks and door prizes will be provided.
New merchandise will soon be available at the hall, including tic tracers and tie-dye T-shirts that will sport a “grateful” design. While there, don’t forget to pick up a challenge coin commemorating our 125th anniversary last year.
Zach Helms, P.S.
Welcome, Next Generation
L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — At the March 4 union meeting, the members of our local welcomed 90 inside apprentices and 30 VDV apprentice technicians as they took their Obligation of Membership. Congratulations to the next generation of IBEW members — you are the future of this great union. Learn your craft, take pride in everything you do, and always have your sisters’ and brothers’ backs. The new apprentice technicians bring Local 38’s VDV branch to nearly 500 members and growing.
“Rack Rules,” a book written by Local 38 JW and JATC instructor Don Billington, is now available for purchase at the union hall or by emailing [email protected]. This union-printed, 90-page release is a practical guide for electrical conduit coordination and installation professionals. It presents intuitive methods for multi-conduit layouts, supported by clear visuals and mathematical principles.
Dan Gallagher, B.M./F.S.
Local 40 Member Steps Up During Power Outage
L.U. 40 (em,i&mps), HOLLYWOOD, CA — When wildfires swept through the Pacific Palisades, two local fire stations lost power, leaving emergency responders in the dark. That’s when Local 40 member Matt Gruber got the call.
With the support of the fire department, Gruber and his team from Hollywood Depot Rentals delivered generators to Fire Stations 23 and 69, restoring power and ensuring that first responders could continue their critical work. “I felt honored to get that call,” Gruber said. “Without my IBEW Local 40 training, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did.”
Gruber, a 19-year Local 40 member, also enlisted help from former Universal Studios colleagues to ensure that the power restoration was done safely. His team kept the stations running for two weeks until permanent electrical repairs were made.
A dedicated tradesman and union member, Gruber credits Local 40 for shaping his career. “My identity is partially an electrician,” he said. “Without the education of Local 40 and the IBEW, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
On behalf of the members who were affected by the wildfires, we are deeply grateful to all our brothers and sisters who stepped up during this crisis. Your generosity and support through donations and outreach have made a real difference in helping members who lost their homes in the wildfires. This solidarity is what makes our union strong.
Stephan Davis, B.M./F.S.
The Next Generation
L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — The Puget Sound Electrical JATC held its graduation recently. Two hundred fifty-three inside wire, limited energy and residential electricians are being celebrated for their dedication and hard work as they complete their training with Local 46. This achievement signifies not only the successful completion of rigorous programs but also the beginning of a promising career in our industry. The graduation is a testament to the skills of the professionals the IBEW is preparing for the future.
Cohort 2 of the IBEW Pathway to Apprenticeship has started. There is a sense of anticipation and excitement for the future as more schools show interest in our program. IP2A is designed to provide a structured route into the industry for young adults, ensuring that more have access to training and development, ultimately strengthening our union labor force.
In the face of high employment rates, internal organizing is becoming more crucial than ever. Member-to-member outreach has been well received and is led by volunteers. This proactive approach not only helps maintain strong connections within the union but also ensures that members are aware of the opportunities available, even in slow times.
Local 46 holds space for many groups and events that members and their families can be part of. From the EWMC’s Super Bowl party to the Women’s Committee solidarity nights, the ever popular Unity Committee’s Easter Eggstravaganza and scenic rides with the Motorcycle Club, there is no shortage of opportunities for our members to come together.
Chris Boling, Vice Pres./P.S.
Missouri Power
L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa,t&ptc), KANSAS CITY, MO — The Missouri General Assembly passed a large omnibus utility bill, S.B. 4, in March. S.B. 4 became a contentious bill that garnered bipartisan support and opposition. However, with labor unions including Local 124 lobbying for the bill, it was able to cross the finish line. Since S.B. 4 touches all utility industries (electric, water, gas), various unions lobbied for portions of the bill that pertained to them.
The electrical portion of S.B. 4 alters how utility companies, such as Evergy and Ameren, can finance new power plants. Economic development in the region has fueled the need for more baseload generation. The average project that comes to market requires multiple times the amount of energy needed a decade ago.
Since the bill’s passage, Evergy has already announced plans to build a new power plant within Local 545’s jurisdiction. A similar bill passed in Kansas last year, and multiple natural gas plants are expected to be built. While these power plants may not be in our jurisdiction, it will most certainly help the grid supply power for the megaprojects in our jurisdiction that are to come over the next decade.
Wade Kiefer, Bus. Rep.
Local 134 Families Proudly March in St. Patrick’s Day Parade
L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — The sun shone warmly upon our faces and the wind was always at our backs as our proud local members and their families marched in Chicago’s annual Working Families Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15. The parade brought together past, present and future Local 134 members. The large group was escorted along the parade route by the IBEW Riders Club, which was a big hit with all the children and families along the parade route.
The Working Families Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade began in 2015, starting down Archer Avenue with the collaboration of local unions, including IBEW Local 134, Operating Engineers Local 150 and the Chicago Laborers Union, with many others joining since its inception.
The 2025 parade had eight honorary grand marshals, including fallen police officers and firefighters. Proceeds from the parade will benefit the Back the Vest program and the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees’ Widows’ and Children’s Assistance Fund for the families of fallen Chicago firefighters.
The continued theme of the parade is to acknowledge those who have sacrificed to keep our communities safe.
For next year’s attendees, the parade route begins at Archer and Oak Park avenues and ends at South Merrimac Avenue.
The parade offers all our IBEW members and their families the opportunity to march or cheer from the sidelines.
We hope you all will join us in 2026. Sláinte!
Donald Finn, B.M./F.S.
Local 288 Celebrates Brotherhood
L.U. 288 (i,rts,spa,u&ptc), WATERLOO, IA — With a new year comes the opportunity to renew our focus as an organization. The recently chartered RENEW chapter began their efforts to encourage participation in union activities by hosting a celebration of brotherhood.
Thanks to the generous contributions of our members, the Local 288 RENEW chapter held a gathering in January. This event offered food, games, raffle prizes and, most important, community. From lifetime members to first-year apprentices, members came together to share food, laughs, and a few wild stories here and there. Local 288 RENEW hopes to provide more opportunities in the future for members to become more active and involved in the Brotherhood.
Ethan Seidenkranz, P.S.
Wired for Change
L.U. 300 (govt,i,u,mo&lctt), MONTPELIER, VT — 2025 has started with a bang. Not just in the political (non)sense, but in the construction world, organizing arena and negotiations of 28 Local 300 collective bargaining agreements.
Negotiations are in full swing in all branches at the local. Labor and management continue to look for creative ways to maintain and improve wage and benefit programs that are resistant to political influence, medical inflation and the outrageous cost of prescription drugs.
Congratulations to Matt Chamberlain, journeyman inside wireman, who attended the 2025 IBEW Construction and Maintenance Conference in Washington, D.C. Matt was able to experience the full breadth of the construction side of the IBEW with a special visit from former President Joe Biden, who received an honorary IBEW membership.
Punxsutawney Phil was correct when he saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter — at least for the New England states. By now, the ground is clear and the sun is shining. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable summer.
Jeffrey Wimette, B.M./F.S.
New Inside Wireman Apprentice Class
L.U. 302 (i,rts&spa), MARTINEZ, CA — Our local has something to celebrate. We would like to welcome our new first-year inside wireman apprentices to Local 302: Ulises Aguilar, Daniella Boyd, Adam Cauthen, John Cheshareck, Jonathan Corrick, Jordyn Flowers, Bradley Houghtelling, Aiyana Lawler, Nolan Lawrence, Jabbarr Love, Mariah Lucas, Evan McCause, Christopher McKenzie, Corbin Miller, Colton O’Connell, Corbin Prien, Maribel Ramos, Tai Reed, Gerardo Rios, Nevan Russell, David Sevilla, Dane Sorensen and Giovanni Zuniga.
We wish them all the best with their future careers!
Tom Hansen, B.M./F.S.
Local 306 Under New Leadership
L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OH — Our local is under new leadership. Newly appointed Business Manager Chuck Zittle took over in September and hit the ground running.
In October, Local 306 hosted its first-ever labor roundtable event. U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes was the honorary guest speaker alongside several labor leaders. The event was a great success, and Local 306 is looking forward to hosting again in the future.
In November, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost visited the union hall and training center. We greatly appreciated him stopping by and getting to know us.
Before year’s end, Zittle led the negotiations to a new three-year contract for our teledata members. In February, he helped organize a new security and teledata contractor, and we are pleased to add Diligent Electronic Security Systems to the list of signatory contractors with Local 306.
You better believe Local 306 is moving in the right direction, and the future continues to look bright!
Scott Jackovitch, A.B.M.
Solidarity in Sisterhood
L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — Our Women’s Committee participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build in March. This spectacular event supports women and children who are affected by housing challenges in our community. It invites anyone who wants to learn how to build a home, with years of experience or none, to help empower women everywhere.
VOLT and the Women’s Committee partnered up and were excited to take part in such an impactful event. Volunteer Michelle Stoffel expressed how working alongside the families whose homes they were helping to build was “truly heartwarming and inspiring, as well as an honor for us to be able to give back to our community.”
Eight of our members showed up on a weekend to donate their time and skills in giving these homes not just their electrical services but their solidarity in Sisterhood. We look forward to participating in this amazing event again next year.
Robert D. Ward, B.M./F.S.
Local 424 Agreement Reached With Local 1007
L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc,rtb,rts,spa&u), EDMONTON, AB — Hello, brothers and sisters.
Our local concluded bargaining with Edmonton Local 1007, and we are happy to have reached an agreement that will bring a pension plan to our local’s staff.
Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney toured Local 424 and the Electrical Industry Training Centre on Feb. 27. The provincial government has announced that they will be providing $5 billion in funding for union training centers.
Local elections will be this spring, executive nominations will be in April, and unit nominations will be in May. Election results will be posted on our website immediately after the ballots are counted in June.
Scott William Crichton, P.S.
Local 494’s Long-Standing Partnership With Habitat For Humanity
L.U. 494 (em,i,mt,rts,spa,t&govt), MILWAUKEE, WI — Habitat for Humanity, a global organization operating in more than 70 countries, has improved the lives of more than 62 million people since its founding in 1976.
The heart of Habitat’s mission, a collective effort of families, local communities and dedicated volunteers, includes the work of Local 494. Our members’ involvement is integral to advancing this cause, making affordable and safe homes a reality for many people.
Under the leadership of Steve Schobert, Local 494 Kettle Moraine chairman, our local’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity Lakeside has been instrumental to our shared mission. Local 494’s role in making Habitat’s mission a success is a testament to the impact we’ve made in our community. Habitat Lakeside recently celebrated the construction of its 51st home, an accomplishment that reflects the impact of our volunteer efforts.
“Steve has been the point man for everything that Local 494 brings to Habitat’s mission. I’m not sure if we could have fulfilled the dream of homeownership to so many families without Local 494’s help,” noted Habitat Construction Manager Jon Hoffman.
With the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, a friend of labor, we are reminded of his and Rosalynn’s dedication to Habitat for Humanity, primarily through the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Here at Local 494, we are proud to uphold these values and traditions that define our community.
By volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, you can be part of a global movement that contributes to positive change. It’s easy to get involved: Visit Habitat.org, and you’ll find a range of volunteer opportunities near you. Start making a difference today!
Robert “Bob” Weber, Bus. Rep.
RENEW and Training Facility Activities
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 — Our local’s RENEW Committee has been active this year, with members attending the 35th Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Conference in St. Louis in January. Member delegates were able to meet with other young workers from across the nation. They networked, compared experiences, and shared ideas on how to grow their committee and engage their communities.
In March, the committee was able to implement those ideas and meet a need in the community. An elderly resident had sustained significant tree damage during a spring storm and was unable to perform the necessary cleanup. The committee stepped in and took care of this need, cutting and clearing the downed trees.
At the Lineman Training Facility, efforts continue to build skilled workers. The facility provides apprentices with the hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge needed to work safely and effectively in the field. The facility offers a comprehensive training program that blends classroom instruction with practical experience.
Training programs emphasize safety, grounding techniques and the importance of maintaining an injury-free work environment. Given the risks associated with working around high-voltage equipment, Local 702 ensures that its linemen and apprentices are trained to work under strict safety protocols that minimize the chances of accidents.
Jamie Hatfield, A.B.M.
Congratulations to December 2024 Graduates
L.U. 728 (em,i,rts&spa), FT. LAUDERDALE, FL — To our recent graduates: The hard and dedicated work you have put in has powered you up with skill and knowledge.
Go forth and light up the future in the electrical industry! Congratulations to the December 2024 IBEW graduates.
Effie Cruz, P.S.
Chili Cook-Off a Big Success
L.U. 1340 (i&o), NEWPORT NEWS, VA — The Motorcycle Riding Club of our local sponsored its sixth annual chili cook-off March 29 at the union hall. The weather was great, and so was the attendance, with almost 275 members, friends and family turning out.
Eighteen cooks prepared their best chili, and the attendees voted on their favorite batch. Winners of the categories were: Chris Rupp and Greyson Dix (judges’ choice), Chris and Samantha Greer (journeyman wireman division), Izzy Redmond and Donte Brown (apprentices), Daniel and Emily Smook (maintenance), and Paul Bryan and Ralph Pacheco (tied for retirees).
About $6,000 was raised to benefit the Peninsula Food Bank, which will provide 24,000 meals for local families. Music was provided by Kevin Brinson and Brian Sewell, and distinguished guests included state Del. Shelly Simonds, Newport News City Councilman Rob Coleman (also a chili judge), Electrical Training Alliance Executive Director Todd Stafford (also a chili judge) and past Hampton City Councilman Billy Hobbs. This has been a very successful annual event, and we are looking forward to continuing it for many years.
We regret to report the passing of retired Brother Charlie Moore on Feb. 18.
Jim Avery, P.S.
Two Local 2304 Union Leaders Retire
L.U. 2304 (u), MADISON, WI — Tim Gleiter, an active member for more than 40 years who served our local as a steward, executive board member, financial secretary and a representative in several committees, retired in January. Brian Larsen, who served Local 2304 as a union representative on several committees and an executive board member, treasurer, registrar, bargaining committee member for several negotiations — and was an active member for more than 36 years — retired in February.
Their more than 75 years of experience, dedication and leadership are irreplaceable. Well wishes for a long and happy retirement, Tim and Brian! With thanks and solidarity from your brothers and sisters of Local 2304.
Nate Rasmussen, B.M.
