Utility Group Presents Stephenson with Prestigious Honor

Former International President Lonnie R. Stephenson's career received a fitting epilogue when the Edison Electric Institute awarded him its rarely issued Thomas A. Edison Legacy Award.

IBEW Members Restore Power After Hurricane Fiona

Detroit Local 17’s tree trimming program is one of only two Labor Department-certified apprenticeships in the country, and what makes it even more special is the relationship the local has with the Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson, Mich.

Senate Confirms IBEW’s Klein to TVA Board

The U.S. Senate on Dec. 21 confirmed retired Tenth District International Vice President Robert Klein as one of six new directors on the governing board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, bringing a labor voice to the electrical utility serving nearly 10 million customers across a wide swath of the South.

Detroit Tree Trimming Program Brings in New Workers, Garners International Attention

Detroit Local 17’s tree trimming program is one of only two Labor Department-certified apprenticeships in the country, and what makes it even more special is the relationship the local has with the Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson, Mich.

Atlanta’s Newest Local is Home for Gas Workers

The IBEW has its first new local in the state of Georgia in nearly 40 years. The birth of Atlanta Local 1997 on June 29 marks a major victory for the rights of working people in the Deep South.

Thanks to North America’s Lineworkers

An early summer thunderstorm had knocked out power in parts of northwest Washington, D.C.

The Battery Revolution: Fixing the Grid’s No. 1 Problem

The North American electrical grid is the largest machine ever built by human hands. The interconnecting web of power plants, end users and everything in between has an unknowable number of components that fuel the $20 trillion U.S. economy.

First Contract Ratified by BGE Workers

After four failed organizing drives and two years of negotiation, the 1,400 members of Baltimore Local 410 ratified a first contract on Sunday with Baltimore Gas and Electric.

IBEW Urges Congress to Get Moving on Nuclear Waste Storage

A trio of recently introduced bills before the U.S. House of Representatives could help unlock meaningful, long-term employment for IBEW members in Nevada — and beyond.

Clock Ticking on Bill to Preserve Nuclear Jobs in Ohio

Hundreds of IBEW jobs in Ohio could be in serious jeopardy if the state’s Legislature fails to pass a bill to keep two nuclear plants open. 

Syracuse, N.Y., Local 97 Members' 'Flawless' Replacement of Diesel Back-up at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station

When back-up generators at nuclear power stations stop working, the clock starts ticking before federal rules require the main unit to shut down. So, when the 49,000-pound back-up diesel generator went quiet at the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station in upstate New York, the nearly 75 members of Syracuse Local 97 in the maintenance department had a monumental challenge on their hands.

Time Running Out for Thousands of Clean Energy Jobs in Pennsylvania

Hundreds of people rallied on the Pennsylvania Capitol steps this week, urging the Legislature to save thousands of clean energy jobs – and fast.

America’s Underground Crisis: Aging Infrastructure Brings Opportunity for Gas Workers

Beneath nearly every American city, a crisis is unfolding. While talk of America's crumbling infrastructure focuses on bridges and roads, ports and airports, below ground the aging pipe networks that carry natural gas to homes and businesses grow more dangerous by the day.

N.H. Nuclear Security Workers Making the Most of Membership

The IBEW has represented thousands of nuclear energy workers over the years, usually in either the construction or utility branches.

New Brunswick Local Receives National Recognition for Excellence

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Local 37 earlier this year won an award from Electricity Human Resources Canada for its Training Trust Fund, a program that offers members continuing education opportunities in a variety of areas including essential “soft skills” – the first time a union has earned the prize.

‘Skills Need to Change’ for Energy Workers, IBEW Tells Lawmakers

Utility Director Donnie Colston testified before a House subcommittee on March 7, telling members the role the IBEW and other unions can play in meeting the nation’s increased demand for workers in the energy and nuclear industries.

Locals That Battled Energy Deregulation Scheme Share First-Ever Edwin D. Hill Award

Two IBEW locals and their employer have won the inaugural Edwin D. Hill Award for their expansive efforts to protect good jobs and Nevada power customers, a campaign that led to the landslide defeat of a deceptive state ballot measure last November.te

‘Good People Like You Make This World’ Local 465 Gas Worker Rescues Trapped Car Crash Victims

Bringing his utility truck to a stop at a traffic light south of San Diego on a late January morning, Martin Barraza was shocked to see an overturned sedan, its crushed hood and front roof pressing against the pavement.

Team Effort Delivers IBEW Representation For 200+ at Eversource

Fed up with their deteriorating office environment, a majority of the employees at a utility call center in Connecticut recently voted to join the IBEW in a united effort to improve their working conditions.

Local 1245 Families, Work Crews Face Camp Fire’s Devastating Aftermath

A staggering 86 members of Vacaville, Calif, Local 1245 found nothing but ash and rubble left of their homes in late November when they were allowed to return to the scene of the Camp Fire, the most catastrophic and deadly fire in the state’s history.

Lake Erie Wind Farm Could Mean Cleaner Air, More Jobs for Ohio Members

Members of Cleveland Local 38 could be floating to the jobsite within a few years if a new six-turbine freshwater wind farm on Lake Erie gets the go-ahead from regulators.

After Hurricane Michael, IBEW Line Workers, Tree Trimmers Begin the Hard Work of Recovery

The most powerful hurricane to make landfall in the Florida panhandle in at least 150 years smashed houses, sent a storm surge dozens of miles inland, tore up thousands of trees and cut power to an estimated 1.3 million customers. At least 11 people have been confirmed dead.

Canadian Members Press Parliament for ‘Lineworker Appreciation Day’

A push is on in Canada to designate July 10 as National Lineworker Appreciation Day there, and IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson is encouraging all members in the union’s First District to help make it happen.

IBEW Members Mobilize to Fix Florence’s Power Cuts

Even before Hurricane Florence made landfall last Friday, thousands of IBEW members from more than 17 states and parts of Canada had already been mobilized and were making their way toward the storm’s projected route, ready to repair damage the storm was expected to leave behind.

California Members’ Effort Pushes Last-Ditch Wildfire Bill Across the Line

Firefighters across California are still battling dozens of wildfires as the state deals with one of its worst — and costliest — wildfire seasons ever.

‘Unsung Heroes’: IBEW Linemen Bring Relief to Fire-Weary Californians

As California’s brutal wildfires devour forests, destroy homes and leave thousands of people without power in suffocating heat, the welcome sight of IBEW linemen is never far behind.

With California Utilities in the Balance, IBEW Locals Seek Sensible Wildfire Solutions

Last year’s California wildfires killed dozens of people and left more than 2,100 square miles of costly destruction in their wake. Now, with the 2018 wildfire season already underway, IBEW members in the Golden State are working with utility companies and lawmakers to craft fair legislative solutions to help lessen wildfire frequency and severity and to ensure that future wildfire victims will continue to have access to their due compensation — all without bankrupting utilities in the process.

Southern California Members Keep Cool Despite Sweltering Temperatures

The IBEW and others in the electrical industry celebrated National Lineworker Appreciation Day on July 10. The timing was fitting in Southern California, where hundreds of IBEW members worked to repair power outages caused by some of the area’s hottest temperatures on record.

With Clock Ticking, Canadian Nuclear Workers Fight to Maintain Public Pension Access

The IBEW and other Canadian trade unions are urging the federal government to scrap a measure that would lead to major cutbacks in retirement benefits for the country’s nuclear workers.

It's July 10: Thank a Lineman

July 10 is Linemen Appreciation Day, a moment to celebrate the men and women who keep our country running and memorialize those who have been injured or killed doing their job.

Local 77 Campaign Makes Washington Roads Safer for Utility Workers

It took three tries and a special election, but the resolve of Seattle Local 77 paid off this spring when Washington state lawmakers passed a move-over law to protect roadside utility crews.

Final Steps in Place for ‘True-up’ Arbitration After Railroad Members Ratify Agreement

IBEW railroad branch members covered under the U.S. National Freight Agreement ratified the proposed 2015-2019 contract in May, International President Lonnie Stephenson announced, and arbitration is set to resolve the few remaining issues.

IBEW Joins ‘Just Transition’ Task Force for Coal Workers

The IBEW has been tapped to join a task force created by the Trudeau government to assist coal workers and communities with Canada’s transition away from coal-fired power plants.Nea

Local 15’s Dean Apple Honored for Teamwork on Jobs, Clean Energy

An award honoring a successful labor-management effort to save jobs and fight for a clean energy future in Illinois was presented in March to Dean Apple, business manager at Downers Grove, Ill., Local 15, and to Exelon CEO Chris Crane.

Safety Underground: Top-NotchManhole Training Goes Mobile

IBEW members working underground have experienced sweeping changes in recent years. Private contractors are performing an ever-larger share of the work once done by public utilities. Increasingly technical equipment has put more demands on everyone. And concerns about safety linger, in part because there's been little standardization throughout the industry.

IBEW and Partners Working to Save Pennsylvania, Ohio Nukes

For nearly three decades, energy consumers have been sending a clear message: they want clean, affordable and reliable power. Billions of dollars have been invested in scrubbing coal, switching to natural gas and building renewables.

Simulators Step in as High-Tech Trainers at Excelsior

Excelsior College was awarded nearly a nearly $865,000 grant by the National Science Foundation to develop simulators that will prepare students to be high-skilled technicians in the energy, nuclear and manufacturing industries.

Massachusetts IBEW Member Wins State Senate Seat

A lineman’s job isn’t for everyone, but it might be great for a veteran.

‘We’ll Be Here until They Don’t Need Us Anymore’
Members Aid Irma-Savaged Southeast

In Hurricane Irma’s wake, the largest power restoration force in U.S. history mobilized to repair and rebuild the Southeast, with line crews coming from as far away as Seattle, California and even parts of Canada to pitch in. With nearly 8 million out of power, approximately 60,000 line workers, tree-trimmers and support staff from 250 utilities converged on Florida, led by IBEW members, who made up an enormous share of the restoration army.

IBEW Linemen Race to Restore Power in Irma’s Wake

More than 10 million people are without power in the Sunshine State after Hurricane Irma churned its way up the length of the peninsula over the weekend, unleashing 140 mph winds, heavy rain and 10-foot storm surges in some coastal areas.

Florida Braces for Irma’s Destructive Force

Hurricane Irma, one of the strongest and largest hurricanes in U.S. history, is expected to slam into Florida Saturday morning and utility executives in the state expect unprecedented devastation.

After Harvey’s Destruction, IBEW Members Working OT to Help

David Hawkes is saddened by the destruction he’s seen in his native Texas. Yet, there’s a sense of honor in knowing that he is being counted on to help get things back to normal.

Dept. of Energy Issues Report on the Future of the Energy Grid

A newly released federal report about the state of the electricity generation industry blames not environmental regulations but the low cost of natural gas for the closure of coal and nuclear plants.

IBEW Members to Rebuild Upstate New York Transmission Lines

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced plans to rebuild almost 80 miles of transmission line, and it will be done by IBEW members.

Energy Industry Study Shows Huge Economic Impact from Top Quality Jobs

A new study shows the electric power industry is responsible for nearly 7 million jobs in the U.S., about one in every 20 workers.

Code of Excellence SPARQs Turnaround at Troubled Arkansas Nuke Plant

In 2015, it was safe to say things at Entergy’s Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville, Ark., were not going well.

Hung Up on Fall Protection, Japanese Utilities Call IBEW for a Lifeline

When Japanese utility executives came to the U.S. to learn about protecting their workers from falls, they came to the IBEW for advice.

Stuck in a Rut? Fast Track your Career with Excelsior

An Obama-era rule designed to ensure that people get unbiased financial advice went into effect June 9 – mostly.

IBEW Member Elected to Neb. Legislature

The last time Grand Island, Neb., Local 1597 Business Manager Dan Quick was elected to a government position was his successful campaign for Hordville High School student president.

IBEW Takes Member from ‘Broken’ to Independent and Honored

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has rescinded an Obama-era rule that allowed union safety experts to serve as employee representatives during OSHA inspections even if the workplace was nonunion.

IBEW Health Plan Fuels Organizing Boom at Texas Utility

At its core, the IBEW/NECA Family Medical Care Plan has a pretty simple mission –  to provide high-quality health insurance to IBEW members and their families at the best possible price.

What IBEW and Congress Can Do About the Future of the Energy Grid

America’s energy infrastructure was on Capitol Hill’s agenda last week, and the IBEW was there to provide some expertise.

Record Snow Turns Out Calif. Lights; IBEW Turns Them Back On

With winter comes snowstorms, and with normal snowstorms come power outages and emergency work for the tens of thousands of IBEW lineworkers. Even a few inches of snow and ice can knock out power for hundreds of thousands of people.

‘They’re the Experts’: Iowa Generating Plant Members Recognized

Emery Generating Station in Clear Lake, Iowa, has been recognized as one of the best power plants in the nation and it’s due in part to the work of its employees, many of whom are members of Cedar Rapids Local 204. 

BGE Workers Get Their Union: Baltimore Local 410 Chartered

The IBEW officially has a new local: Baltimore Local 410. 

Denver Local 111 Float Lights Up St. Patrick’s Day Parade

More than 1 million people came out for Denver’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 11.

Nuclear Physics Gets a Boost from the IBEW

Scientists from across the globe may soon be uncovering the secrets of the universe, and they’ll have hundreds of IBEW members to thank.

A Bright Future for Manufacturing Workers in Indiana

It’s a familiar story across America, especially in the Midwest: a factory closes, announces it’s moving operations to Mexico or overseas. Public officials lament the loss of jobs, families suffer – you know the miserable, all-too-common rest.

First Energy Bill Since 2007 Clears Senate Hurdle

The U.S. Senate on April 20 passed its first comprehensive, bipartisan energy bill in nearly a decade, answering the calls of IBEW leaders who have been urging congressional action on energy policy for years.

Volunteer Work Earns California Lineman National Honor

Jeff Gomes routinely watched his father help others while accepting nothing in return. One memory in particular convinced him he wanted to be just like dad.

The Uncertain Fate of Illinois’ Most Reliable Energy Source

Illinois relies on nuclear energy more than any other source. And it’s about to lose two of its plants.

In Win for Jobs, Environment, N.Y. Rescues Nuclear Plants

Last year, New York’s James A. FitzPatrick nuclear plant was slated to close. Now, it’s hiring, and it’s thanks to IBEW members and their work with partners from the municipal level to the governor’s office.    

Devastating Northwest Storm Highlights IBEW Linemen’s Skill, Professionalism

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, a powerful windstorm ripped through the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies and the northern High Plains, leaving a wake of destruction, misery and bitter cold.

IBEW Sues EPA to Stop Clean Power Plan

The IBEW has filed suit to prevent the implementation of new federal regulations on power plants. The IBEW petition joins the 27 states, several utilities and two other labor unions that are already challenging the regulation.

IBEW Input Helps Shape Obama’s Pollution Plan

Huddled in near-freezing temperatures on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in January 2013, observers might have been forgiven for neglecting to think about global warming. But when President Barack Obama stepped to the podium to take the oath of office and lay out his second-term agenda, he made clear that his priorities were squarely focused on the looming threat of climate change.

Building Common Ground Between Utilities and Workers

The eighth annual gathering of IBEW leadership and investor-owned utility executives drew nearly 200 attendees from across the country to Washington, D.C. March 17.

Neb. Local Welcomes New Members

The city of Grand Island, Neb., has voluntarily recognized five community service officers as members of Local 1597.

Portland, Ore., Local Pickets for Fair Contract

We do the challenging work providing your power – and we deserve a decent contract.

Line Crew’s Safety Training Saves Infant’s Life

IBEW line workers know more than just how to replace a transformer or properly climb a pole. They are also masters of safety.

Clean Coal Workers Organize in Ill.

Members of Springfield, Ill., Local 51 in Bartonsville have operated and maintained the Edwards coal-fired power plant for generations, all through the national debate over the role that coal will play in our nation’s energy future.

Ky. Asplundh Win Makes a Baker’s Dozen

Asplundh’s tree trimmers in Kentucky are joining co-workers in Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia and Virginia voting for IBEW-negotiated protections and benefits.

Calif. Local Meets Desalination Plant’s Challenges

Members of San Diego Local 569 are helping overcome their state’s water scarcity, building the largest seawater desalination project in the Western Hemisphere.

Ohio Utility Locators Overcome Distance to Vote ‘Union Yes’

In many workplaces of the 21st century, employees rarely meet face-to-face.

IBEW Linemen Bring Safety and Solidarity to Suriname

Four linemen traveled to Suriname in October, bringing safety equipment and training to linemen employed by the nation’s state-run utility.

Texas Nuclear Workers Vote ‘Yes’ to Win Improved Health Care

Looking to boost their health care coverage, 100 Texas nuclear plant workers voted this summer to join Houston Local 66.

Nova Scotia IBEW Defeats Utility’s Outsourcing Plan

Activists at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Local 1928 successfully fought off a company’s outsourcing attempt, saving hundreds of union jobs.

IBEW Responds to Napa Earthquake

IBEW members respond to earthquake that rocked Napa Valley, Calif. Aug. 24.

IBEW Joins Natural Gas Methane Reduction Initiative

Methane gas escaping from aging natural gas pipelines is undermining the fuel’s environmental and cost benefits. The IBEW is working to help find a solution.

Saskatchewan Local Fights for Mineworker Rights

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Local 529 filed an unfair labour practice application against Alliance Energy Industrial Ltd. in June, accusing the company of intimidating pro-IBEW workers at its Agrium pot ash mine in northern Saskatchewan.

Union Members Rally Against EPA Carbon Rule

More than 5,000 members of the IBEW, the United Mineworkers and the Boilermakers took to the streets of Pittsburgh July 31 to protest the Environmental Protection Act’s Clean Power plan, which they say will kill good jobs and weaken the electrical grid.

IBEW Linemen Recognized for Storm Service

Summer is here, but only a few months ago, North America was suffering through record freezing artic temperatures, ice storms and massive snow flurries.

IBEW Restores Power to Notre Dame Graduation Visitors

A power outage… A college graduation. They mix about as well as electricity and water. On Thursday, May 15, as thousands of visitors arrived in South Bend, Ind., for graduation ceremonies at Notre Dame University and St. Mary’s College, a transformer blew and a 25-block area of downtown went dark.