Local 1 Thanks Dave Roth
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. By the time you read this, Financial Secretary Dave Roth has retired. Like many journeyman wiremen before him, Dave followed in his father’s footsteps. Beginning in 1979, he threw himself into this union, becoming active in the apprenticeship committee in the field as foreman/general foreman before serving as the local’s treasurer, business representative and financial secretary.
Dave’s passion was coordinating membership and contractor volunteer efforts with Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together St. Louis from 2010 until 2022. He also conducts tours and manages maintenance at the sacred grounds of the Henry Miller Museum.
Local 1 is grateful for Brother Roth, and we wish him the very best in retirement.
Kyle Hunter, P.S.
SRO Organizing Culminates in NLRB Hearing
L.U. 15 (u), DOWNERS GROVE, IL — In August 2024, our local launched an organizing effort with senior reactor operators working at the five Illinois nuclear power plants represented by the local. The SROs approached Local 15 seeking IBEW membership to ensure representation and a seat at the bargaining table.
Vice President/Senior Assistant Business Manager Ben Busser, Assistant Business Manager Brian Daniels and Business Representative John Richards led the effort. Over a 13-month period, Local 15 representatives met with SROs in person, provided advocacy and collected authorization cards in support of organizing.
The campaign reached a significant milestone in September when it advanced to a National Labor Relations Board hearing in Chicago. Beginning Sept. 17, Local 15 representatives and legal counsel participated in a three-week hearing to address whether SROs meet the legal definition of supervisors. Local 15’s legal team presented testimony, exhibits and legal arguments asserting that SROs are not supervisors and have the right to organize under the National Labor Relations Act.
Under President Christopher Riser’s leadership, Local 15 will continue to stand strong against corporate greed and make it clear that profits made on the back of labor will be met with organization, solidarity and resolve.
Bradley Gritt, Bus. Rep.
2026 Events and RENEW Committee Revitalization
L.U. 17 (catv,em,lctt,o&u), DETROIT, MI — Brothers and sisters, save the dates for these upcoming family-friendly events in 2026. We look forward to seeing you there!
- Local 17 Softball Tournament — June 6
- LCTT Jamboree and Family Picnic — June 27
- Lineman’s Rodeo — August (TBD)
- Local 17 Golf Outing — August 7
- Labor Day Parade — September 7
- Local 17 Christmas Party — December (TBD)
The Local 17 RENEW Committee was established in 2016. Assistant Business Manager Tom Ford was one of its founding members. In 2024, Tom spearheaded a revitalization of the RENEW committee. Once again, our younger members are taking on a more active role within Local 17 and in our communities.
Since 2024, RENEW Committee members have helped facilitate and support the annual events listed above. Additionally, they organized and participated in the following volunteer projects:
- Installed a ramp at a disabled brother’s home
- Cleared a vacant lot for Catholic Charities to build affordable housing for veterans
- Conducted a Red Cross blood drive and a coat drive
- Supported the Detroit Dog Rescue
Justin Sherman serves as RENEW committee chairman, Stephen Lenhardt is co-chair, and Matt Dodd is the recording secretary. Tom Ford and Bob Servick are mentors to the RENEW Committee.
James Shaw, B.M.
Micron Chip Factory Breaks Ground
L.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY — I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for Micron Technology’s historic semiconductor plant on behalf of the brothers and sisters of our local.
This milestone marks a significant turning point for Central New York and for our membership. Years in the making, this project represents one of the most substantial economic investments our region has ever seen and signals a new era of growth and opportunity.
Micron’s investment will bring thousands of jobs, long-term stability and sustained demand for skilled union labor. For Local 43, this means real work for our members, expanded opportunities for apprentices, and a stronger future for our local union and our families. We are proud to stand ready to help build this project safely, professionally and to the highest standards.
This achievement is the result of broad collaboration among labor, industry and government at every level. And while many deserve recognition, what matters most going forward is ensuring that this investment delivers lasting benefits for working families and our community.
As we celebrate this moment, we also look ahead. The focus now shifts to execution, making sure these opportunities translate into good union jobs, strong training pathways and long-term economic strength for our region.
Thank you to our members for their skill, commitment and solidarity. The future of work in Central New York is being built now, and Local 43 will be at the center of it.
Alan Marzullo, B.M./F.S.
Mental Health, Psychological First Aid Peer‑to-Peer Programs
L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Greetings, brothers and sisters, Business Manager/Financial Secretary Colin Lavin would like to highlight the mental health and psychological first aid peer-to-peer programs that have been established at our local. We look forward to seeing everyone invited to the Steward and Safety Conference on May 2.
Here are Local 47’s bargaining updates:
- Southern California Edison — Flight operations coordinators position has been ratified and accreted into the pilots agreement. The reinstatement and back pay for the arbitration decision over the discharge of Tehachapi E-Crew Foreman Erik Kross has been settled. Negotiations continue for senior specialist vegetation management. The National Labor Relations Board charge for production specialists was settled prior to the hearing; the agreement carries the understanding that production specialists will have access to the duty and receive double time for all hours worked. Quality control inspectors voted to certify for representation with Local 47.
- City of Orange — Water, Public Works, Sewer and Fleet Departments membership vote on city’s mediation offer.
- Vallecito Water Department — New members’ transition beginning this month.
- Laguna Water Department — Negotiations began at the end of February.
- Irvine Water District Utilities — Finalizing wage adjustment survey.
- City of Anaheim — General/Professional Management Group/Part-Time Utility Workers — Negotiations continue.
- City of Colton Water/Wastewater — Negotiations continue.
We’re sad to report the deaths of retired member Bob Bixler and John Rojas. Our condolences and prayers are with their loved ones.
Work safe and buy union!
Mitch Smith, P.S.
See You At the Union Meeting
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.
Our annual golf scholarship outing will be Saturday, June 6, at Piper Glen Golf Course in Springfield. Please contact the hall (217-726-8481) to submit a team or for more information.
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, giving everyone a voice, a vote and a seat at the table. Members get updates on contract negotiations, grievances and union events. Plus, it’s a fun evening spent with your union brothers and sisters. We hope to see you at your next unit meeting!
Karlene Knisley, Bus. Rep.
Local 71’s Work, Growth and Opportunity
L.U. 71 (lctt,o&rtb), COLUMBUS, OH — It was a long, busy winter at our local. With severe weather impacting much of the country, many of our members worked through some of the toughest conditions Old Man Winter can deliver, responding to storms and outages while keeping communities connected and safe. By the time you read this, we hope the weather has turned warmer and the landscape more colorful.
Ohio has several large projects under construction, and the overall work outlook remains strong. The 71/245 contract is set to expire at the end of this year.
In telecommunications, Frontier has officially returned under the Verizon umbrella as of Jan. 20. The fiber-to-the-home rollout continues to move forward, with Ohio management indicating there are no plans to slow down anytime soon. The Verizon contract is set to expire in March 2027.
At the Local 71 office, final upgrades are being completed, and we have broken ground for the new meeting hall, event space and training center behind the office. The local also has many activities planned for this year, including the Kings Island summer picnic, side-by-side rides and golf outings, with potential additional events to be announced. Be sure to follow social media, check your email or attend your nearest unit meeting to stay up to date on everything happening.
Local 71 will be holding elections in May for officers and the executive board, as well as delegates for the convention in September. If you need any additional information, please feel free to contact the Local 71 office (614-539-1394) or your local representative.
Stay safe, stay involved and stay united. Our strength has always been and will always be our membership. The officers and staff look forward to seeing you in 2026.
James Roessner, R.S.
Local 97 Member Honored for Heroic Rescue
L.U. 97 (u&ptc), SYRACUSE, NY — A routine morning commute in November turned into a life-saving act of heroism at the intersection of Knowell Road and Milton Avenue in Camillus. Drew Bucktooth, a National Grid lineman and Local 97 member, came to the scene of a serious accident involving an overturned car with two occupants trapped inside.
Without hesitation, Brother Bucktooth took immediate action. Positioning his work vehicle to block traffic and secure the area, he first assisted the male occupant, who had been partially ejected from the vehicle, helping him to safety. Learning that the man’s wife remained trapped inside, Brother Bucktooth then entered the overturned vehicle himself. Working in a confined and dangerous environment, he was able to cut her seatbelt and safely remove her from the wreckage. Thanks to his quick thinking, courage and unwavering commitment to the safety of others, both people were successfully rescued.
National Grid has commended Brother Bucktooth for his decisive actions, noting his professionalism and willingness to step in during a critical moment. His actions reflect the highest standards of our trade and the core values of Local 97. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, Brother Bucktooth was honored with the IBEW Life Saving Award, which was presented at the March 11 divisional meeting held at the Local 97 Syracuse Hall by Local 97 President Mike Shelby.
We proudly recognize Brother Bucktooth for his bravery and selflessness in the face of danger.
Travis Dam, Bus. Rep.
Local 99’s Federal Influence With Offshore Wind
L.U. 99 (govt&i), PROVIDENCE, RI — On Feb. 25, Brother Thomas Kilday was interviewed by Scripps News as an advocate for offshore wind projects in the U.S. He was also invited to the State of the Union address as the guest of Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. Tom works for Christenson Electric and has been involved in offshore wind projects for the past three years.
Sidney Jablonski, P.S.
481 vs. 103 Invitational Basketball Tournament
L.U. 103 (cs,i&ptc), BOSTON, MA — On Feb. 20 and 21, during a cold and snowy winter weekend, our local hosted the first annual invitational basketball tournament with Indianapolis Local 481.
The weekend tipped off with a welcome reception at the hall, hosted by Local 103’s EWMC and RENEW committees, followed by a Saturday morning shootaround and two hard-fought games at the Boston Celtics’ practice facility, the Auerbach Center.
Game 1 was an epic back-and-forth double-overtime battle. Game 2 wasn’t as close, but it was just as fun and competitive, with Local 481 sweeping the series.
Business Managers Lou Antonellis of Local 103 and Jeff Wheeler of Local 481 called it a great example and display of the Brotherhood and are committed to growing and expanding the tournament in the years ahead.
This is what the IBEW is all about: competition on the court with brotherhood that lasts far beyond the final buzzer.
Jim Fleming, P.S.
Line Upgrades, Boardman to Hemingway Project
L.U. 125 (lctt,o,t,u&ptc), PORTLAND, OR — In the Boardman, Ore., area, line contractors are building and upgrading high-voltage transmission infrastructure to support the influx of data centers and meet regional electricity needs.
This includes constructing more than 197 miles of the Boardman to Hemingway 500-kV line within Local 125’s jurisdiction and related connections from the newly built Longhorn Substation east of Boardman, tasks that involve setting structures, stringing conductor and preparing rights of way. In the accompanying picture, crews from Michels Power and Sturgeon Electric Building can be seen upgrading 230-kV lines.
Travis Eri, B.M.
Brother Mike Baker Organizes Marine Toys for Tots
L.U. 237 (i), NIAGARA FALLS, NY — Greetings, brothers and sisters. This winter was another busy one for our local, with a heavy workload and numerous union events.
First and foremost, we would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the travelers who have helped us work our jurisdiction. This summer looks to be just as busy, and we will continue to need help to fill calls.
Local 237 would like to recognize Local 103’s Mike Baker for organizing a Marine Toys for Tots Christmas toy drive at Niagara’s Amazon “Project Fifi” jobsite. The Marine Toys for Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate children at Christmas. Donation boxes were set up on site, and brothers and sisters from various trades brought in toys and gifts to help ensure that kids in local poverty-stricken communities had something to open on Christmas morning.
Our annual dinner dance was held Feb. 28 at Antonio’s Banquet and Conference Center. We’d like to thank everyone involved who made it such a wonderful event and congratulate those who earned their service-year pins.
Local 237 would also like to congratulate our newest retirees: Alex Brown Jr., David Felice, Jerry “Mojo” Mojeski, Ken Owczarzak, Daniel Reed and Paul Williams. To many years of health and happiness!
Brandon Lum, P.S.
From Rinks to Ballparks, Local 245 Fosters Unity and Progress
L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH — Here at our local, we’re excited to welcome spring and much-needed sunshine. We kicked off the year with more than 600 members and their families as we cheered on Toledo Walleye hockey during our annual family night. If you couldn’t make it, visit our Facebook page to see the highlights.
Be sure to mark your calendars for Aug. 8, our ninth annual Toledo Mud Hens union night. Join us for food, fun and time with your families and brothers and sisters. Contact the union hall for tickets to this baseball game and help us cheer the Mud Hens to a win.
One of our longtime members recently reached a remarkable milestone. After 54 years and four months as a troubleman serving Wauseon and Toledo Edison customers, Gary Valentine has retired. We wish him the very best as he enjoys time with family and farming.
Local 245 remains active across all units. At Toledo Edison, amid leadership and labor-relations changes, a 9% flame-resistant clothing allowance increase with parity language was secured, and a temporary $1.50/hour premium for fleet diagnostic testing was achieved through a grievance settlement. Hancock Wood members ratified a strong three-year agreement with union security, wage increases over 7% in year 1 for some classifications, HSA increases, paid parental leave and improved working hours.
Organizing efforts earned $20,000 in National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee matching funds. Since the new bounty and incentive program launched in late November, we’ve added five new members, with more prospects on the horizon. Outside construction continues to see open calls, ongoing jurisdictional discussions, and a strong focus on safety and training.
As always, remember the big picture: No matter the workplace distractions, the most important thing is getting home safely to your families.
Brian Gendaszek, P.S.
Marching in Unison
L.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ — With parade season just around the corner, the record snowfall in New Jersey and Pennsylvania was a cause of concern for event organizers and participants alike. Fortunately, the weather broke just in time, and the first St. Patrick’s Day parade of the season in Mount Holly, N.J., went off without a hitch.
The streets were dry for marchers, vehicles and floats, and the sidewalks were clear for all who attended. Sure, you may have needed a jacket (or an adult beverage) to help keep you warm, but that’s to be expected during early spring in our territory.
The Local 269 contingent was joined by various other unions, including the Pipefitters, Laborers and Communication Workers. (The carpenters’ union did not show up, which, quite frankly, surprised nobody.) It was a good reminder for our members and for the viewing public that we are all brothers and sisters fighting for fair treatment and quality of life, and what better way to show our mutual support than to march side by side?
United we stand. Divided we fall. It’s that simple.
Brian Jacoppo, P.S.
Local 313 Volunteers at the Food Bank of Delaware
L.U. 313 (i&spa), WILMINGTON, DE — Local 313 would like to give a special thanks to Brothers Harry Beck, Ivan Cay, Eric Hinton, Eddie Lezniczak, Pete Pesce and Lee Rholetter. In September, they took some time to volunteer at the Food Bank of Delaware, helping pack lunches for children in need. Their participation was welcome at the food bank and did not go unnoticed.
David Rholetter, P.S.
A Good Reason to Spend
L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — Buy Union: It’s more than a slogan. Every time we purchase union-made goods and services from a union company, we help to protect existing jobs and create demand for new ones. Our union-negotiated paychecks support other union members like us. Union jobs support the middle class by paying livable wages to support families with health benefits, better housing, safer communities, retirement security, and a stronger economy both locally and nationally.
Over 100 years ago, a social activist named Florence Kelley founded the National Consumers League. The league’s primary mission was exposing sweatshop conditions forced on workers. In the 1890s, children as young as 3 years old were found working in Chicago slums. Women garment factory employees typically labored 16 hours a day, 7 days a week for unlivable wages. “To live means to buy, to buy means to have power, to have power means to have responsibility,” Kelley said.
Individually, with every purchase we make, we have the power and responsibility to maintain and improve the lives of other union workers. Collectively and in solidarity, we can change the economic landscape for the entire labor movement for the better.
Buy Union — it makes a difference!
Tom Small, P.S.
EWMC Day of Service
L.U. 479 (i&u), BEAUMONT, TX — Our local’s Electrical Workers Minority Caucus chapter fed more than 100 unhoused people in the Beaumont area as part of the EWMC day of service. Local 479 salutes their volunteer service!
Lisa Mitchell, R.S.
Updates From Indy
L.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Brothers and sisters, it has been some time since my last update. During that time, we have been just as busy, if not more, than ever. Here is a quick recap.
In November, we installed the lights on the world’s largest Christmas tree for the 63rd year. Yes, that is correct, it was the 63rd year that our members brought joy to the Christmas season.
In December, we held our annual retiree Christmas dinner and pin ceremony. Great food, great company, lots of laughs and old stories filled the room. At that lunch, Willis Fix received his 70-year pin. Congrats, Willis!
In January, we hosted our 38th annual basketball league with nearly 100 members playing. It was a great time to see some new members participate and show their skills.
In February, we held our Local 481 gala, a night for dinner, dancing, drinks and solidarity among all those in attendance. With nearly 1,000 members and spouses at the gala, a great time was had by all, and the dance floor was packed.
As of this writing, we are preparing for the Sixth District Progress Meeting, and we can’t wait to show everyone in attendance a great time in Indy. Stay involved, stay safe, and keep making the IBEW the greatest union around.
Blake Andrews, Bus. Rep.
Help Local 483 Reach 100,000 Jars for Emergency Food Network
L.U. 483 (catv,lctt,o&u), TACOMA, WA — For 15 years, our local has proudly hosted an annual peanut butter drive in support of the Emergency Food Network. Thanks to the generosity of our members, partners and community, this effort has grown into a meaningful tradition of service.
This year, we are setting an ambitious goal to collect 7,100 jars of peanut butter. If we achieve this milestone, we will surpass 100,000 jars donated since launching the drive in 2011. Peanut butter, an excellent source of protein that is shelf stable with a long storage life, is one of the most requested items at food banks. It’s not a cost-effective product for food banks to purchase in large quantities, so it makes our collection all the more valuable.
Every dollar raised will make a direct impact. One-hundred percent of all donations received will be used to purchase peanut butter from a union grocery store, ensuring that we support both working families and those facing food insecurity.
Our collection deadline is May 8, and at the time of this writing, we have raised enough to purchase 842 jars. While we are proud of this start, we urgently need your help to reach our goal. In Pierce County, one in six residents rely on food banks. Your contribution of any amount will help provide vital nutrition to neighbors in need.
Please consider donating today and helping us reach 7,100 jars. Together, we can achieve this milestone and continue our long-standing commitment to strengthening our community.
Visit our website at ibew483.org and click on the “Payments and Donations” tab to donate today!
Byron Allen, B.M.
Women’s Committee Supports Shelters Ahead of Winter Storm
L.U. 553 (i,mt,o,ws&lctt), RALEIGH, NC — Members of our local’s Women’s Committee recently organized a donation drive to support two area women’s shelters, the Durham Crisis Response Center and the Women’s Center of Wake County.
The Durham Crisis Response Center provides free services to survivors of domestic and family violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Its programs include a 24-hour help line, emergency shelter, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, counseling referrals and support groups.
The Women’s Center of Wake County operates the county’s only day shelter for single women experiencing homelessness. The center offers temporary housing, safety and stabilization services, on-site medical and behavioral health resources, meals, showers, laundry facilities, computer and phone access, and educational workshops.
Local 553 members, signatory contractors, RENEW and the JATC worked together to collect clothing and shoes; winter gear such as coats, scarves, gloves and hand warmers; bedding and household items; and $2,000 in cash donations. Supplies were delivered just days before a late-January ice storm impacted the South.
The effort reflects Local 553’s ongoing commitment to service, solidarity and standing with the community when it matters most.
Amy Ramage, R.S.
Local 601 Stands for Our Livelihoods
L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL — “The labor movement has a long tradition of using protest, rallies and informational picketing to ensure that our rights, wages and working conditions are protected.”
– Business Manager Brian Andersen
There comes a time for every union’s membership to decide when enough is enough. That time is now for Local 601. We have several projects choosing nonunion electrical contractors from out of state that seek to lower our standard of living that we have fought hard to maintain. One project is a $200 million job with approximately $20 million in electrical work.
Local 601 does not take this lying down. We have reinstated our picket list and will fight every step of the way to protect everything for which we have fought.
As of this writing, we have 51 on Book 1 and 19 on Book 2. Our work outlook will pick up as it starts to warm up. To sign the out-of-work lists will require you to sign in person or send a fax/email from reciprocating locals.
Luther Baker, P.S.
Local 617 Scoreboard Donation Program
L.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SAN MATEO, CA — To date, our local has donated hundreds of scoreboards to high school, college and community fields, courts and parks in San Mateo County. Most recently, the program expanded to include digital marquees on elementary school campuses. The scoreboard program is an initiative by Local 617 that focuses on improving public safety and supporting local schools and organizations through the installation and maintenance of electronic boards.
Since 2006, roughly the start of the program, the IBEW bug and its reference to union electricians can be seen from our most northern border, Daly City, to Pescadero, our southern border on the coast, and everywhere in between, demonstrating who we are and what we do.
Established as a response to an economic downturn by past Business Manager Mike Meals, the program provided local union electricians with short calls to help improve work hours during hard times. Installation of the donated boards must be performed by union electrical contractors, and depending on the cost of the scoreboard, Local 617 also partners with the Labor-Management Cooperation Committee to fund and complete the job.
The scoreboards have become landmarks in our jurisdiction, attracting applicants to our apprenticeship program, supporting our members, representing a tradition of engaging with the community and exemplifying our philosophy of giving back.
Look out for our Local 617 delegates attending the IBEW International Convention, who will be wearing our newest scoreboard lapel pins and may have extras to trade. It has been an honor to revitalize this program and continue to honor Brother Meals’ legacy.
Scott Wein, B.M./F.S.
Local 807’s Brother Keith Goss Retires
L.U. 807 (rr), LITTLE ROCK, AR — Brother Keith Goss, right, retired after almost 37 years as an IBEW member, having been a shop steward and vice president during his time with the local. Local 807 wishes Brother Goss all the best in retirement.
David Fuller, Pres.
May the Odds Be in Your Favor
L.U. 1205 (em,govt,i,u&ptc), GAINESVILLE, FL — Training directors are an essential part of a local union, and ours is lucky to have one of the best in Shawn Graves. This month, we celebrate Shawn as he officially retires with this year’s graduating class!
Shawn has been the training director since 2001, and during that time, he has overseen many changes to Local 1205. From navigating recessions and managing the program through the difficulties of COVID-19 to moving to an online-only testing system and the building of a brand-new training center for students that opened full time in 2023, Shawn has been there through it all. We thank Shawn for his dedication to Local 1205 and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.
Filling those shoes was a grueling task for the apprenticeship committee, as Local 1205 has many qualified candidates for the job. We congratulate and welcome Trevor Chapman as our new training director! We look forward to your future success with the training program.
Local 1205 would like to thank all apprentices and journeymen who attended the Working Families Lobby Corps earlier this year in Tallahassee. For the first time, the Florida Legislature has set its sights on private-sector unions. Legislation (S.B. 1236 and H.B. 1387) that would have a direct and immediate negative impact on our work was introduced this session, and many of our members went to Tallahassee to speak out in opposition. Florida calls itself a “right-to-work” state. But with the constant attacks on the working class, it feels more like a “fight-to-work” state.
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026! You will make fine journeymen and make Local 1205 proud.
Nicholas Mangoni, P.S.
Local 1245 Veterans Committee Hosts Inaugural Gala
L.U. 1245 (catv,em,govt,lctt,o,t&u), VACAVILLE, CA — In November 2025, our local’s Veterans Committee held its first gala over Veterans Day weekend, bringing together more than 100 veterans, members, families and community leaders. Held inside an aircraft hangar, surrounded by historic military aviation displays, the event honored military service and unified veterans across Local 1245.
The gala marked the culmination of work that began in 2024, when Business Representative Mike Tilden and Business Manager Bob Dean launched the Veterans Committee, with recognition from the Ninth District and the International, to create a space for veteran members to connect and support one another.
“This effort began as a simple idea to bring our veterans together, to find new ways to serve,” Tilden said at the gala.
The evening included dinner, remarks from leaders, personal stories, a tribute video and ceremonial tributes such as the POW/MIA table.
Guest of honor Kyle Kaiser of Local 1547, a former U.S. Army Airborne soldier, shared his inspirational journey to help veterans transition into careers in the skilled trades.
Since its founding, the committee has grown into a core group of about 20 active members supporting fellow veterans through outreach, mentorship, and assistance navigating benefits and transition challenges.
Planning is already underway for a second gala as Local 1245 continues building a network of support for veterans.
Shannan Velayas, Comm. Dir.
Local 1347 Launches New Podcast, “Wired for Work”
L.U. 1347 (ees,em,u&ptc), CINCINNATI, OH — Our local is proud to announce the launch of its first official podcast, “Wired for Work.” Hosted by Carrington Kohs, this monthly 30-minute program features engaging conversations with union leaders, members and special guests on topics that matter most to our workforce.
Each episode covers important issues, including safety, training, industry trends, community involvement and opportunities within the Brotherhood.
New episodes premiere on YouTube, making it easy for members to stay informed, engaged and connected wherever they are.
Be sure to tune in and support this new initiative as we continue strengthening communication within Local 1347.
Andrew Kirk, B.M./F.S.
Local 1579 Salutes Selfless Deeds
L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — By the time I update you again, it will be summertime with even warmer weather. It’s been a great first half of the year, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to change anytime soon. Please dress for the weather, pay attention to details, enjoy a safe summer and be mindful of all the children out of school for the summer.
It is not too often that a letter arrives from another local’s business manager bearing welcome news. We appreciate the letter sent from Bo Moreno, business manager of Local 124, with the news of our member Emilio De Carvalho along with several other traveling brothers and sisters and Local 124 members who received the NECA Life Saving Award and are being nominated for the IBEW Life Saving Award. Thank you, Emilio, for your life-saving deeds and your selfless actions, which put yourself in harm’s way to assist a brother in need. You made the world a little better that day.
Our work situation is still plentiful. The prime contractors at Savannah River Site are still in need of journeyman wiremen, and Miller continues to hire at the data center in Graniteville, S.C. Miller has also finished a project at the Augusta National golf course. Our in-town shops remain our backbone and are holding their own, and Plant Vogtle still has plenty of work, along with shutdown work. The Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility project at SRS has hired a few and keeps promising us that work will begin soon on this project, but we are still waiting and remaining optimistic.
Once again, I am reaching out to all our local brothers to help run our work at home. We have open calls daily that we desperately need to fill.
Mike Greene, Pres.
