Alan Jones, Business Manager
alan_jones@ibew177.org
Around the Local
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International Secretary-Treasurer Paul A. Noble highlights how the IBEW/NECA Family Medical Care Plan addresses rising healthcare costs that now consume 18% of the U.S. economy. The plan, designed by IBEW members for IBEW members, operates without bloated overhead or millionaire CEOs, covering over 190 locals and 450 employers with premiums below industry average while adding or improving benefits 135 times since inception. Source: ibew.org
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IBEW Local 11 celebrates a major victory as the LA Convention Center expansion project moves forward after years of effort. The project will create dozens of immediate job calls ramping up to several hundred positions over the coming months, with completion targeted for the 2028 Olympics. Business Manager Robert Corona credits the powerful labor and business coalition for getting this project across the finish line. Source: ibew11.org
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Melissa Reyes of Charlotte Local 379 shares her unconventional journey from running away at 15 to becoming a respected organizing leader in North Carolina. The daughter of immigrants, Reyes led a major organizing effort at a Westinghouse nuclear fuel plant and now serves as an organizer for Local 379, using her energy, persistence, and commitment to justice to advocate for working families in one of the least union-friendly states. Source: ibew.org
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The Jonesboro Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, in partnership with IBEW Local 1516 and the National Electrical Contractors Association, celebrates the opening of a new 10,200 square foot training facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The facility provides additional classrooms and hands-on learning labs, coinciding with the apprenticeship program's approval to reduce from a 5-year/900-hour program to a 4-year/720-hour program. Source: kait8.com
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IBEW Local 1 members banner the new Hampton Inn in Festus, Missouri, protesting the hotel's use of Bates Electric, a non-union contractor paying substandard wages and benefits below Local 1's established rates. Members Rich Niehaus and Dominick Zimmerman take the union's message directly to the public at 1331 Shapiro Drive. Source: labortribune.com
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Electrical Workers Without Borders North America (EWWBNA) is mobilizing IBEW volunteers for humanitarian electrical work, including the "Light Up Navajo" project bringing electricity to approximately 15,000 families living without grid connections on the Navajo Nation. The organization harnesses the skills and goodwill of electrical professionals by fielding volunteers on social-impact projects in disadvantaged communities, helping them adopt renewable energy systems and obtain training to maintain them. IBEW members from Local 3, 611, and other locals are volunteering their expertise under the direction of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. Source: ibew.org
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Analysis of employment opportunities created by data center construction boom, with Maryland serving as a key example of job creation in the expanding industry. Research shows that data center construction creates one job for every 275 square feet built, with a typical 800,000 square foot facility supporting 5,000 direct and indirect jobs and generating $775 million in economic activity during construction. The boom creates substantial opportunities for electrical contractors, technicians, and IBEW members in specialized data center electrical work, power systems, and infrastructure development. Source: technical.ly
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Regional counties are working together on initiatives to develop climate-resilient building standards and construction practices that can withstand extreme weather events and environmental challenges. The collaborative effort focuses on updated building codes, energy-efficient electrical systems, and sustainable construction methods that create opportunities for skilled electrical workers in green building technologies. The partnership represents growing demand for specialized electrical work in renewable energy integration, smart building systems, and climate adaptation infrastructure across the region. Source: kcemployees.com
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The United Nations Climate Summit is building momentum toward the COP30 climate conference, with increased focus on global infrastructure investments and renewable energy development that will create significant opportunities for electrical workers worldwide. The summit discussions include massive green infrastructure projects, electrical grid modernization, and renewable energy installations that align with IBEW members' expertise in power systems, solar installation, wind energy, and smart grid technologies. The global climate commitments represent unprecedented demand for skilled electrical labor in the transition to clean energy systems. Source: wmo.int
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Cable company employees have successfully organized and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, expanding union representation in the telecommunications and cable industry. The organizing victory demonstrates growing momentum for IBEW membership among workers in related electrical and communications fields, providing these workers with union representation, collective bargaining rights, and access to IBEW training programs. The addition strengthens IBEW's presence in the expanding telecommunications sector and provides new members with the benefits of union solidarity and professional development opportunities. Source: midhudsonnews.com
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The AFL-CIO honors the life and legacy of former United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard, who recently passed away after serving 18 years as USW president from 2001-2019. Gerard was recognized as a visionary labor leader who fought tirelessly for workers' rights, safer jobs, better pay, and retirement security. His legacy includes receiving Canada's highest civilian honor, the Companion of the Order of Canada, and having the University of Toronto establish the USW/Leo Gerard Chair in his honor. Source: aflcio.org
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Nvidia Corporation announced plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI as part of a strategic partnership to deploy at least 10 gigawatts of AI data center capacity using Nvidia systems. The massive infrastructure buildout will require millions of Nvidia GPUs and represents one of the largest tech partnerships ever. The first gigawatt deployment is scheduled for the second half of 2026 using Nvidia's Vera Rubin platform, creating unprecedented opportunities for electrical contractors and IBEW members in AI data center construction. Source: bloomberg.com
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State governors are demanding greater control over the nation's largest electrical grid operations as power bills continue to surge across multiple states. The push for increased state oversight reflects growing concerns about electricity costs, grid reliability, and the need for more local input in electrical infrastructure decisions. These regulatory changes could significantly impact utility operations and electrical construction projects, affecting work opportunities and operating procedures for IBEW members working on transmission and distribution systems. Source: reuters.com
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Major technology companies are adopting new strategies to meet the massive electricity demands of their expanding data center operations, particularly in states like Texas and Pennsylvania. The changing approach reflects the growing power requirements of AI computing and cloud services, driving unprecedented demand for electrical infrastructure and skilled electrical workers. These developments create substantial opportunities for IBEW members in data center construction, power system upgrades, and electrical infrastructure projects. Source: apnews.com
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The City of Gainesville honored IBEW Local 1205 with a street naming ceremony celebrating the local's 85th anniversary and its contributions to the community. The recognition acknowledges decades of service by Local 1205 members in maintaining and building the electrical infrastructure that powers the Gainesville area. The street naming represents the strong relationship between the union and the community, highlighting the vital role of electrical workers in supporting economic development and public safety. Source: alachuachronicle.com
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The Department of Energy has released its first formal solicitation for private sector partners to develop AI data centers and energy infrastructure on federal lands, with applications due November 7, 2025. The initiative focuses on four selected sites: Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, and Savannah River Site. This represents significant potential work opportunities for electrical contractors and IBEW members in data center construction and energy infrastructure projects. Source: jdsupra.com
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Microsoft unveils ambitious plans for what it claims will be the world's most advanced AI data center, representing a massive infrastructure project that will create significant opportunities for electrical contractors and IBEW members. The facility will require extensive electrical work, including advanced power systems, cooling infrastructure, and specialized electrical installations to support cutting-edge artificial intelligence computing operations. The project exemplifies the growing demand for skilled electrical workers in the expanding AI and data center sector. Source: blogs.microsoft.com
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The Caucus of Rank-and-File Electrical Workers (CREW) publicly launched in September 2025 after two years of organizing, already boasting 300 members across 40 IBEW locals nationwide. The new member caucus aims to build an IBEW that lives up to its potential by empowering rank-and-file workers and promoting democratic participation within the union. CREW focuses on contract campaigns, job site enforcement, and grassroots organizing to strengthen worker power in the electrical industry. Source: labornotes.org
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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is raising urgent concerns about reports that the Trump administration is considering privatizing the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which would jeopardize approximately 10,000 IBEW jobs. The union is calling on Congress and Deep South officials to resist such moves, warning that privatization could destabilize an authority that has provided reliable, affordable electricity since 1933 and employs thousands of skilled electrical workers across seven states. Source: peoplesworld.org
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IBEW Local 11 hosted longtime labor ally Representative Adam Schiff in a demonstration of solidarity and political engagement. The event highlights the ongoing relationship between electrical workers and supportive political leaders who champion union interests and workers' rights. The gathering represents the union's commitment to building political alliances that advance the interests of electrical workers and the broader labor movement. Source: ibew11.org
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Two Entergy electrical workers were injured when a transformer exploded in The Woodlands, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in electrical utility work. The incident underscores the dangerous conditions that electrical workers face daily and the importance of rigorous safety protocols, proper training, and protective equipment in utility operations. The event serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in electrical work and the need for continued vigilance in worker safety practices. Source: click2houston.com
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IBEW Local 1 celebrates the graduation of its 2025 apprentice class, marking the completion of comprehensive electrical training programs that prepare new journeymen for careers in the electrical industry. The graduation represents continued investment in workforce development and the next generation of skilled electrical workers, ensuring strong union membership and expertise for future electrical construction and maintenance projects. Source: labortribune.com
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IBEW Local 138 members in Detroit have completed a comprehensive electrical rewiring project at the Hamtramck Historical Museum, demonstrating union commitment to community service while showcasing skilled electrical work in historical preservation. The project involved updating aging electrical systems while maintaining the building's historical integrity, highlighting the specialized skills of IBEW electricians in restoration work. Source: ibew.org
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Analysis examining how artificial intelligence systems, despite their high energy consumption for data centers and processing, may ultimately lead to net energy savings through optimization of electrical grids, smart building systems, and industrial processes. The implications for electrical workers include both challenges from automation and opportunities in deploying AI-enhanced electrical infrastructure and smart grid technologies. Source: ft.com
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Comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence's environmental impact, including energy demands of data centers and potential climate benefits through optimized electrical systems and renewable energy integration. The analysis covers implications for electrical infrastructure development and the role of skilled electrical workers in building sustainable AI systems while addressing climate concerns. Source: yaleclimateconnections.org
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Meta faces challenges balancing rapid AI infrastructure expansion with sustainability commitments, as massive data center construction increases energy demands while the company pursues carbon neutrality goals. The expansion creates significant opportunities for electrical contractors and IBEW members in data center construction, renewable energy integration, and advanced electrical systems installation. Source: ppc.land
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IBEW Local 553 members in Durham, North Carolina are organizing to protect workers from potential ICE raids on construction sites, developing strategies to defend immigrant workers' rights while maintaining jobsite safety and productivity. The initiative reflects growing concerns about workplace enforcement actions affecting the electrical construction workforce and union solidarity efforts to protect all workers regardless of immigration status. Source: wnylabortoday.com
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The IBEW warns that proposed changes to labor regulations could negatively impact worker safety and union rights. These regulatory modifications threaten to make jobsites less safe for IBEW members in construction and mining while making it more difficult for workers to organize and maintain union protections.
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A new lineworker training facility is being developed in Tennessee to meet the growing demand for skilled electrical workers. The training center will provide comprehensive education and hands-on experience for aspiring lineworkers, helping to address workforce shortages in the electrical utility industry while maintaining IBEW's high standards for safety and craftsmanship.
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Members of IBEW Local 659 in Medford, Oregon successfully implemented the union's Code of Excellence to quickly resolve project startup challenges. The collaborative approach and professional standards outlined in the Code of Excellence helped streamline operations and demonstrate the value of skilled IBEW craftworkers to contractors and clients.
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IBEW Secretary-Treasurer Paul A. Noble addresses the current challenges facing organized labor in America. Noble discusses the importance of Labor Day as a time to reflect on workers' rights achievements while acknowledging the ongoing struggles unions face in protecting and advancing workers' interests in today's political climate.
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IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper reports that 2025 is on track to be a record-breaking year for membership growth. Speaking at the Construction and Maintenance Conference, Cooper emphasized the union's resilience and called for continued unity and organizing efforts to strengthen the IBEW's position in the evolving electrical industry.
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The AFL-CIO has announced its 2025 Workers' Labor Day campaign calling for "Freedom, Fairness and Security" for working families. Hundreds of thousands of workers will rally in cities across the country during Labor Day week to demand better working conditions, fair wages, and the right to organize. The campaign emphasizes that workers deserve the protection and power that comes with union membership. Source: aflcio.org
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Unions and progressive organizations are coordinating nearly 1,000 "Workers Over Billionaires" demonstrations across the United States for Labor Day 2025. The May Day Strong coalition is leading the national day of action to protest the Trump administration's policies affecting workers' rights, with events planned in cities and towns nationwide to advocate for working families over wealthy interests. Source: theguardian.com
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Anti-Trump administration protesters will take to the streets on Labor Day Monday in worker- and wealth-focused rallies organized by the AFL-CIO and dozens of other groups. The protests focus on challenging policies that favor billionaires over working families, with demonstrations planned to coincide with traditional Labor Day celebrations across the country. Source: axios.com
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Federal agencies are scaling back scientific integrity policies designed to protect researchers from political interference in climate and environmental studies. The changes affect how federal scientists conduct and communicate research related to energy policy, environmental regulations, and infrastructure planning. Source: washingtonpost.com
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Google has partnered with Kairos Power to develop 500 megawatts of advanced small modular nuclear reactors by 2035, with the first unit coming online by 2030. The deal represents a major tech company investment in clean, reliable baseload power to meet growing AI and data center energy demands. Source: foxbusiness.com
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New York utilities are implementing grid-enhancing technologies to improve transmission efficiency and reliability while reducing costs for ratepayers. These advanced systems optimize power flow, reduce congestion, and enhance grid monitoring capabilities without requiring extensive new infrastructure construction. Source: utilitydive.com
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Grid operators are deploying synchronous compensators and advanced technologies to maintain grid stability as renewable energy sources increase. These rotating machines provide essential grid inertia and frequency control that traditional power plants once supplied, helping prevent blackouts in high-renewable grids. Source: bloomberg.com
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Industry expert argues that skilled trades offer the most secure career path in an era of automation and remote work, as these jobs require hands-on expertise and physical presence that cannot be replicated by AI or performed remotely. Electrical work, construction, and other trades remain essential and irreplaceable. Source: forconstructionpros.com
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Analysis of artificial intelligence's role in advancing sustainability goals, exploring how major tech companies like Google and IBM are leveraging AI technologies to optimize energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact in data centers and infrastructure projects that employ IBEW members. Source: sustainabilitymag.com
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NECA CEO David Long discusses the current state of the electrical construction industry, addressing workforce challenges, sustainability initiatives, and the partnership between NECA and IBEW in meeting growing demand for skilled electricians across America. Source: youtube.com
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IBM positions quantum computing as equally transformative as artificial intelligence, with implications for future technology infrastructure and data center development that will require specialized electrical work and skilled IBEW technicians for installation and maintenance. Source: globalventuring.com
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro highlights his administration's creation of 165 new apprenticeships and training of 34,000 apprentices across industries, emphasizing how union growth supports Amazon's $20 billion data center investment creating opportunities for IBEW electrical workers. Source: msn.com
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IBEW Local 11 District 5 reports on the implementation of Community Workforce Agreements that ensure union representation on major construction projects, marking significant progress in securing quality jobs and fair wages for electrical workers in the region. Source: ibew11.org
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IBEW Local 1393 announces plans for potential strike action against Duke Energy Indiana, representing nearly 1,000 union members who rejected the company's final contract offer by a 2-to-1 margin after negotiations that began in January stalled over wages and working conditions. Source: msn.com
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New York City's Pathways to Industrial and Construction Careers program provides essential tools and resources to electrical apprentices, supporting IBEW training initiatives and helping workers succeed in their electrical trades education and career development. Source: wnylabortoday.com
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The IBEW community rallies to support the family of a lineman tragically killed in a helicopter accident while performing utility work, launching a fundraiser to provide financial assistance for his surviving son and help cover education and living expenses. Source: riverbender.com
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A union electrician and vice president of IBEW Local 915 becomes the first Democrat to announce candidacy for Florida Senate District 14 special election, bringing labor union perspective and working-class advocacy to the political race. Source: floridapolitics.com
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IBEW Local 1837 members held an informational picket at Eversource's Manchester headquarters following months of stalled negotiations for their first contract covering System Operators who manage transmission and distribution electric grids across Eversource's New Hampshire service territory. Source: manchester.inklink.news
