Local 1 Has Volunteering Spirit
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.
Winter was a busy season at the mothership. Our Women’s Committee put a call in to the North Pole, and on Dec. 13, Santa paid a visit to Local 1’s hall to spread cheer, have some doughnuts, help collect donations for Haven of Grace shelter, and visit with kids and parents. A week later, the Veterans Committee held a canned food drive for H.E.R.O.S. Care, which helps veterans in need.
Shop With a Cop was also in December, marking the 30th year of partnership between IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection and St. Francois County’s first responders. School counselors were instrumental in selecting 500 children who needed a little extra help this holiday season. The children were given $125 gift cards. Most of the kids bought for their families and not themselves. If they ran over by a smidge, their first-responder teammate stepped in to cover the difference. This event truly exemplifies the spirit of the season.
As we shake the chill of winter, remember that spirit of volunteering and carry it into the spring and throughout the rest of the year. Do good unto all, and be an example of solidarity and unity to each other and those who need it most.
Kyle Hunter, P.S.
Local 15 Organizes Stitch Me LLC
L.U. 15 (u), DOWNERS GROVE, IL — We proudly welcome Stitch Me LLC employees to our local! Based in Chicago, Stitch Me specializes in custom apparel and promotional items. On Oct. 1, Local 15 representatives, including Senior Assistant Business Managers Mike Freeman and Jim Collins and Business Representative Lisa Sims, presented highlights of a newly negotiated collective bargaining agreement, which the employees of Stitch Me unanimously ratified.
This milestone follows Stitch Me’s voluntary recognition of Local 15 in July 2024 and a 45-day NLRB posting period. The agreement delivers guaranteed annual wage increases, bonuses, paid vacation, sick time, holidays and parental leave.
President Chris Riser said: “I would like to thank all involved in the negotiations. Your dedication to ensuring that labor is represented keeps the middle class alive!”
Bradley Gritt, Bus. Rep.
Local 17 Capitalizes on Grant Funding
L.U. 17 (catv,em,lctt,o&u), DETROIT, MI — Our local has successfully sought out and obtained grant funding to support our members and their training.
At the end of 2024, Local 17 found out about a privately funded grant program that provides support for those obtaining their commercial driver’s license, class A. We worked with the grant funder and its administrator, along with Classic Driving School, to adapt the program to the needs of Local 17 members.
The fast-track CDL program pays for four weeks of driving training at Classic. Additionally, successful participants are paid $18/hour for attending the driving training and completing four hours of online coursework and are allowed 2.5 hours for taking and passing the driver’s certification test. The total value is about $7,000 per participant.
So far, 22 Local 17 members have successfully completed the program and secured their CDL‑As with the air brake endorsement. Candidates must obtain their Michigan commercial temporary permit on their own and be a Local 17 member to be considered. The program is on hold as we await additional grant funding.
Furthermore, Local 17 line clearance tree trimming was fortunate to capitalize on the Michigan Registered Apprenticeship Map to Prosperity grant through the Workforce Development Institute. The grant provided 53 $1,000 fuel gift cards for qualifying apprentices. Additionally, the grant included $185,500 for the JATC to help cover administrative and training costs.
Combined, Local 17 obtained almost $400,000 in grant funding in 2025!
James Shaw, B.M.
Local 43 Honors Veterans During Holidays
L.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY — Our local’s Veterans Committee members — John and Edmund Laplante, Eileen Mullen, Kevin Mullen, Haley Parker, Ryan Parker, Bill Towsley, Elliot Wright and David Wierowski — showed their dedication to our community by laying wreaths this year to honor our veterans at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery for the holidays. Thank you for honoring our veterans during the holiday season.
Thank you, brothers and sisters!
Jeff Cassano, P.S.
Local 47 Is Strong, Growing, Alive
L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Under the leadership of Business Manager/Financial Secretary Colin Lavin, the strength of our local lies in our willingness to look out for one another. I can say with confidence that our brotherhood is strong, growing and very much alive.
Southern California Edison — On Nov. 13, Arbitrator Ken Perea denied the reinstatement of terminated supervising warehouse clerk Manuel Guerrero.
On Dec. 1, discharged Tehachapi E-Crew Foreman Erik Kross was reinstated to his former position and made whole for all lost wages, benefits and seniority by Arbitrator Catherine Harris. Bargaining continues for senior specialist vegetation management. We won the National Labor Relations Board charge for production specialist. At the time of this writing, there is no agreement and the case is scheduled to go to trial this month.
- Bear Valley — Negotiations continue.
- City of Colton — Water/Wastewater — Negotiations continue.
- City of Anaheim — General/Professional Management Group and part-time utility workers — Negotiations continue.
- Trabuco Canyon Water District — Negotiations continue.
- Irvine Ranch Water District — Negotiations continue.
- City of Moreno Valley — Negotiations continue.
- City of Downey — Filing state charge for violations of meet and confer over classifications.
- City of Orange — Water & Public — Negotiations continue.
We’re sad to report the deaths of retired city of Anaheim troubleshooter Ramon Castellon, Steve Edwards and Vladimir Lemus. Our condolences and prayers are with their loved ones.
Work safe and buy union!
Mitch Smith, P.S.
When Seconds Counted, Local 71 Members Answered the Call
L.U. 71 (lctt,o&rtb), COLUMBUS, OH — Members of our local are known for their skill and professionalism on the job, but two recent events show how their impact reaches far beyond the jobsite. In separate emergencies, our members stepped in without hesitation to save lives of strangers in critical danger.
On Nov. 19, Local 71 operators Randy Abel and Drew Peterson, along with Indianapolis Local 1393 traveler Don Thacker, were working for JW Didado Electric in Springfield Township when they pulled an unconscious elderly driver from a burning vehicle following a serious crash. While two members used fire extinguishers from their trucks to control the flames, another cut through the airbags and seatbelt and carried the driver to safety.
In another incident Oct. 27, Local 71 journeyman lineman Mitch Swingle was working for Hydaker-Wheatlake in Waynesville when he witnessed a violent domestic incident involving an AR-15 rifle. He immediately rushed to help the shooting victims, applying a tourniquet and direct pressure to slow severe bleeding and providing care until first responders arrived.
The quick thinking and selfless actions of these members turned potential tragedies into stories of survival. All four members were honored with IBEW Valor Awards at the Dec. 16 union meeting for their courage and heroism.
“Everyone here at Local 71 is proud to hear stories like this, where our members go above and beyond in moments that truly matter,” said Business Manager Todd Kessler. “We are incredibly fortunate to represent such dedicated professionals and are truly blessed to have some of the very best members here in the heart of the Midwest.”
Local 71 thanks Brothers Abel, Peterson, Swingle and Thacker for their courage and service to the public, qualities they have always embodied.
James Roessner, R.S.
Local 103 Powers Gillette
L.U. 103 (cs,i&ptc), BOSTON, MA — In January, the New England Patriots returned to where they belong, in the NFL playoffs! Behind that return is the same work ethic that defines the IBEW.
Over the past two years, hundreds of dedicated brothers and sisters from Local 103, alongside our partners at Murphy Electric and Industrial Control, have powered more than $300 million in major upgrades and improvements to Gillette Stadium. From the transformation of the South End Zone to critical infrastructure enhancements throughout the facility, Local 103 electricians and technicians have delivered the skill, precision and pride that championship organizations are built on.
That work does not stop at the stadium gates. Members are also helping to bring the Patriots’ new state-of-the-art training facility to life in spring 2026. This project will shape the next generation of players and performance.
The Patriots’ return to the playoffs is a reminder that success, whether on the field or on the jobsite, comes from preparation, teamwork and relentless efforts. Here’s hoping the grit, discipline and determination of our hardworking members rub off on the team and help fuel another deep playoff run.
Louis Antonellis, B.M./F.S.
PGE Retirees Gather to Celebrate 125 Years of Local 125
L.U. 125 (lctt,o,t,u&ptc), PORTLAND, OR — Our local celebrated its 125th anniversary in October. To mark this significant milestone, the executive board presented members with commemorative silver anniversary coins. In the accompanying picture, executive board President Larry Browning can be seen with fellow PGE retirees, having personally distributed the anniversary coins. Pictured with Browning are Paul Bender, Russ Dobson, Jim Dornfeld, Gary Hartman, Al Kasweter, Fred Kennedy, Mike Kruse, Rick Lincoln, Brian Miller, Don Ott, Steve Swanson and Jim Sweet.
Travis Eri, B.M.
Local 223 and Mass Electric Solar Project in Westport
L.U. 223 (em,govt&i), BROCKTON, MA — Our local has been working solar projects in southeastern Massachusetts for nearly 15 years. With the loss of 10-plus years of offshore wind work due to actions taken by the current administration in Washington, D.C., it’s good to have dependable local contractors like Mass Electric Construction Co. continuing with available solar work in our area.
In the accompanying picture, Business Manager Steven Barry (center) and Business Agent/Organizer Jeff Plaisted (back right) stopped by a jobsite in Westport, Mass., to visit the crew and say happy holidays. Keep up the good work, brothers and sisters.
Jeff Plaisted, Bus. Rep.
Riding Out the Holidays
L.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ — The brothers and sisters of our local once again delivered their special brand of Christmas cheer directly to the doorsteps of the membership and their families. An impressive fleet of bucket trucks, line trucks and our digital sign truck canvassed the neighborhoods of Mercer County, N.J., and Bucks County, Pa., bringing Santa out on his appointed rounds much to the delight of our members and their families. The Grinch even managed to make his presence known, but he was dutifully held in check by Santa and his helpers.
Back at the union hall, Santa took his seat on his throne and listened to every Christmas wish from our members’ children. No child left empty-handed, as there were plenty of presents for all who made the trip.
As Santa left the hall for the North Pole, the membership gathered for Local 269’s annual Christmas party with food, beverages, a gift for each attending member, and lots of laughter and good cheer. Once again, thanks to all for their hard work and dedication!
Brian Jacoppo, P.S.
Local 313 at Labor Day Rally
L.U. 313 (i&spa), WILMINGTON, DE — In September, our local participated in a Labor Day rally at Rodney Square in Wilmington. It’s always a great time seeing our members with family and friends at this local event. And it was great to see representation from surrounding unions in Delaware joining together at this event to see and hear what Labor Day is all about.
David Rholetter, P.S.
Local 317 Gives Huntington City Mission $15,000 Donation
L.U. 317 (i,o,rts,t,u&lctt), HUNTINGTON, WV — Our local, in partnership with the Huntington Labor-Management Cooperation Committee and signatory electrical contractors, recently presented a $15,000 donation to the Huntington City Mission to support its services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Cabell County.
The donation will help fund essential programs at the mission, including emergency shelter, meals, recovery services and long-term assistance aimed at helping people regain stability and self-sufficiency. The Huntington City Mission serves hundreds of people each year and plays a critical role in addressing homelessness and poverty in the region.
“This donation reflects the values of our membership,” said Shane Wolfe, business manager of Local 317. “Our members believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work. This contribution would not be possible without the hard work of Local 317 members and our strong labor-management partnership with the National Electrical Contractors Association.”
The funds were made possible through cooperative efforts of labor and management to support community needs beyond the jobsite. Local 317 represents more than 1,700 electrical workers across southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky and remains committed to strengthening both the electrical industry and the communities it serves.
Shane Wolfe, B.M./F.S.
Future, Present and Past
L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — Google has partnered with the IBEW and NECA through the Electrical Training Alliance to invest $10 million per year toward training 100,000 electricians and 30,000 new apprentices by 2030. These additional electrical workers are needed to build and maintain AI data centers, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and clean energy sources. AI tools, such as Google’s AI Essentials course, will be added to the curriculum to ensure that apprentices learn the skills necessary for this generation’s new frontier.
This month, Local 343 is hosting the IBEW Sixth District Membership Development Conference in Rochester. Three-hundred-plus local business managers and international representatives will attend. Local 343 members are planned to be involved in the opening ceremonies each day with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the National Anthem. The Sixth District includes the Great Lake States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.
We remember our Local 343 brothers who died in 2025: Robert Bjerke, Marvin Dawson, Jeffrey Friese, Jerold Fulfs, John Huyber, Joseph Keyes, Matthew Maass, Gary Marti, David Peterson, Arthur “Chip” Squires and Steven Witt.
Keep Americans working. Buy Union Made, American Made.
Thomas Small, P.S.
Informational Pickets Pay Off After Prolonged Negotiations
L.U. 483 (catv,lctt,o&u), TACOMA, WA — After more than a year of negotiations with the city of Tacoma’s Customer and Field Services Unit and Human Resources Unit, our local has reached a tentative agreement for both bargaining units. This progress reflects the strength, persistence and solidarity of our members. After months of limited movement at the bargaining table, members collectively organized and participated in informational pickets to make their voices heard. This unified action played a critical role in advancing negotiations and securing settlements for both contracts.
Byron Allen, B.M.
Local 601 Annual Holiday Gatherings
L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL — Our local’s members again gathered and enjoyed annual holiday gatherings, one in Champaign, the other in Streator. We step into 2026 with more motivation to grow our union bigger and better than ever before. Happy New Year, and remember to pay your dues!
Photos from the event can be seen at Facebook.com/IBEW601RENEW.
As of this writing, we have 43 on Book 1 and 24 on Book 2. We have slowed down a bit, with calls trickling in. Being added to the out-of-work lists requires you to sign in person or via fax/email from reciprocating locals.
Luther Baker, P.S.
New Year, New Scale for Local 611
L.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Happy New Year! I hope 2026 is a great year for all of our brothers and sisters.
On Dec. 20 and 21, we had our annual adult Christmas party and family Christmas party. This year’s family party was one of the best I have seen in years! The committee outdid themselves with lots of good food, great prizes and fun activities for the kids. If you didn’t go, you missed a great event.
On Jan. 1, we received a $2 raise, bringing our Zone 1 rate scale to $42.30 per hour. There was a 20-cent increase to the insurance, which was split between the contractors and members, so our scale is now $42.20 per hour.
We still have a lot of work in our jurisdiction. Los Alamos seems to always have calls coming in. They pay Zone 3 with a $10-per-hour incentive. Facebook is always busy, and they have an incentive as well.
Just a reminder, this is an election year for our local. Be sure to fill out your ballots and get them mailed in as quickly as possible. It is also a midterm election year, so make sure you get to the polls and vote.
On behalf of Local 611, I would like to send condolences to the family and friends of Bryant Blacksheep, Donivan D. Crockett, Mahlon Haward, Lorenz A. Herrera, Santiago Lopez and Rudy Salazar.
Don’t forget to attend your local union and unit meetings.
Darrell J. Blair, P.S.
Unions and PLAs in San Mateo County
L.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SAN MATEO, CA — Through the hard work of the San Mateo Building Trades and other trade partners, project labor agreements in San Mateo County are plentiful. PLAs, which have been used for generations, are collective bargaining agreements between building trades unions and private developers or public entities. These agreements enforce the importance and value of unionism and result in area standard wages and benefits, safe working conditions, and sustained investment in the local economy and union workforce.
Our county has many municipal and other local PLAs, including with the San Mateo County Community College District, the San Mateo Union High School District, SamTrans and San Francisco International Airport. Many more are in active negotiations.
Local 617 business representatives, the city of San Mateo planning commissioners and the San Mateo County Building Trades Council engage with city managers, boards of trustees and public works directors to advocate for PLAs to cover citywide capital improvement programs such as city infrastructure.
PLAs ensure that all contractors are paying prevailing wage across trades, disputes are dealt with formally and workers are hired through union hall dispatch processes. This helps to even the playing field with nonunion work; prevents stoppages, strikes and general labor unrest; and improves work quality.
But the work of the union is never done. Keep up the fight — unions keep us strong.
Scott Wein, B.M./F.S.
Local 1049 EWMC Day of Service and Holiday Volunteer Event
L.U. 1049 (lctt,o,u&uow), LONG ISLAND, NY — On Nov. 21, members of our local’s Electrical Workers Minority Caucus and Women’s Committee, along with members of National Grid and its DEI council, as well as PSEG Long Island, volunteered at Pronto of Long Island. Pronto’s mission is to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, welcome neighbors, and provide healing and hope to everyone who walks through its doors.
In the Bay Shore, Brentwood and Central Islip communities, Pronto feeds hundreds of families weekly with the help of donations and volunteers. Local 1049’s EWMC members connected with Pronto through the United Way of Long Island and Development Director Donna Horoski and jumped at the opportunity to help make Thanksgiving special for our community.
Volunteers helped with sorting, packaging and distribution in the food pantry and warehouse, and organizing and sorting items donated for sale in Pronto’s thrift shop. When high winds took down a neighboring tree, Local 1049 reached out to its craft outside division and arranged for a tree-trim crew to remove the trunk and debris.
The hard work and open hearts of our 38-member group made it happen for this Long Island community. It was a long day, with our members arriving at 8:30 a.m. and working until 3 p.m. without breaks, but the faces of the people we were helping made the time fly.
Our EWMC and Women’s Committee also volunteered Dec. 6-7 with Angela’s House for their holiday party in Hauppauge; on Dec. 13 at the Wreaths Across America event, laying wreaths on veterans’ graves at the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale; and again with Pronto for the holiday toy drive Dec. 19. We also donated funds from our chapter and volunteered with the Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus on Dec. 21, where we distributed toys and sang carols to families with children who are very ill and may be celebrating their last Christmas.
It is our pleasure and honor to make a difference in our community.
Anthony Scotto, R.S.
How Lucky Are We?
L.U. 1205 (em,govt,i,u&ptc), GAINESVILLE, FL — Happy St. Patrick’s month to all who celebrate! As IBEW members, we know it isn’t luck that secured us a comfortable living wage, pensions and benefits. These gains were earned through the hard work and sacrifices of our brothers and sisters who collectively bargained for the rights many take for granted today.
It’s important to remember that this fight is ongoing. We must continue to carry the torch and spread the good word of the union way for future generations, especially as the working landscape evolves with new technologies.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be the year of the pole barn for Local 1205! Thanks to the dedication of our accomplished building committee leaders Carson Stanton and Brett Farrell, Local 1205 will be constructing a pole barn to provide a larger and safer outdoor event space.
After the back-to-back hurricanes last season, our gathering space hasn’t been the same. It’s satisfying to know that future brothers and sisters will be able to enjoy a Labor Day picnic at the hall — without the Florida sun driving everyone indoors early.
Nick Mangoni, P.S.
Local 1289 Supports Local Food Bank
L.U. 1289 (u), LAKEWOOD, NJ — Members of our local, which represents the workforce powering Jersey Central Power & Light’s electric system; the electric departments at the town of South River and Madison borough; and the generating plants at Gilbert, Sayreville, Yards Creek and Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative, recently collected $1,717 in cash, online donations, gift cards and 251 pounds of non-perishable food for Fulfill NJ, a food bank serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. The effort was organized entirely by union members who wanted to give back to families facing food insecurity in their communities.
Our members take pride in powering this state, but we take just as much pride in taking care of our neighbors. We live here. Our kids go to school here. We shop here. When families in our communities need help, Local 1289 shows up. It’s who we are. This could not have been accomplished without the help of all of our members and especially Assistant Business Manager Sandy D’Alessio, who coordinated it.
Fulfill NJ continues to see sustained demand across the region, and donations from groups like Local 1289 help ensure that the food bank can continue providing essential support to residents in need.
Local 1289 regularly participates in community-focused initiatives, reflecting its members’ ongoing commitment to serving their neighbors across New Jersey.
Jeffrey Munyan, B.M./Pres.
Teddy Bears for Every Child
L.U. 1347 (ees,em,u&ptc), CINCINNATI, OH — Our local proudly delivered another 250 teddy bears to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, marking our ninth consecutive year of this tradition. We are incredibly proud of our local for stepping up once again to ensure that every child receives a teddy bear for Christmas.
We are fortunate to have one of the best jobs in the world, and with that comes the responsibility to remember our members and their families who have loved ones in the hospital. To bring a little cheer and comfort during the holiday season, we remain committed to making sure that no child goes without.
Andrew Kirk, B.M./F.S.
Local 1395 Brings Home the Hardware
L.U. 1395 (u), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Members from the Tipmont Rural Electric Membership Cooperative unit of our local participated in the Indiana Electric Cooperatives Lineman Rodeo.
Each of Tipmont’s two work locations formed a team for the event, which created a little added internal competition. At the end of the day, the teams walked away with a total of seven trophies for team and individual events. Members of the teams were Bo Bouwkamp, Christian Guimond and Dusty Manns (Team 1) and Shafer Cox, Tristen Hoffman and Bobby Taylor (Team 2). Members Matt Lowe and Jason Phillips served as judges during the competition. Congratulations to our local champions!
Brian Eggers, A.B.M.
Come On, Springtime!
L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — I hope 2026 is treating you all well and that your weather is starting to get a little warmer. We are hoping for another prosperous year here in the jurisdiction of Local 1579.
We are transitioning back to a four-year apprenticeship from the five-year program that has been in place for quite some time. We would like to thank our Apprenticeship Committee and our instructors for playing a key role in making this happen. We’d also like to welcome James Smith to the Apprenticeship Committee, as I have appointed him with my pending retirement.
In addition to this transition, we will be having our classes at our own facility (see accompanying photo). We are very proud to have this training center and look forward to the quality journeyman wiremen who will get their education there. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Our work situation is still booming. The prime contractors at the Savannah River site are holding their own, as well as Miller Electric at the data center in Graniteville, S.C., and both offer incentives on top of the normal scale.
Miller is also finishing a project at Augusta National. Our in-town shops are staying busy, and Plant Vogtle still has plenty of work along with shutdown work. We are hoping for the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility project at SRS to start hiring any time now.
We are very fortunate, but it has been a constant struggle to fill calls. I’m reaching out to all of my local brothers and sisters to help staff our work. We have open calls daily.
Mike Greene, Pres.
