STAFF REPORTS

October 2025

SUB- We successfully organized the Field Engineers.  I would like to thank Ryan for helping me in the process.

            We also are putting proposals together for upcoming negotiations.  The major one is health insurance.  We are hoping for 100% coverage.  Another one is more going to retirement.  Currently it’s 11%, we will be asking for 15%.

EWEB- We are still in the midst of multiple investigations into supervisors.  We are hoping for conclusion soon.  Make no mistake, I have been putting constant pressure on them.  I recently had a meeting with Assistant GM Deborah Hart.  I feel she is very concerned by the allegations.

            EWEB has also been put on notice by BOLI for not requiring transcripts from apprenticeships.  I believe the JATC should make a motion for these documents.  Unfortunately, I believe we will be out voted by management and one Union committee member.  They are not wanting to see the transcript in question.

            I want everyone to know that there is a battle going on behind the scenes.  It is still full court press.  I am optimistic we will win this.  We need everyone to continue to band together and see this through.

            AIC program was discussed and we will be involved going forward.  They incorporated our concerns in the latest draft.  We have been apologized to and assured we will be more collaborative going forward.

            LANE, OSMOSE, CARESTREAM, HENKELS, and NECA TELEDATA have no news to report.

Tom Hutton

tom@ibew659.org

541-601-0844

Good afternoon, brothers and sisters,

            September started off with a bang as our first negotiation session was held on September 3, 2025.  This day was spent on verbiage changes, which went very well.  We met again on September 8, 2025, when economics were introduced, and that part did not go as smoothly.  The contractors and we are still very far apart.  However, we meet again on October 3, 2025, and we’ll see how it goes.  I cannot stress enough the importance of the membership showing up to all meetings and making their voices heard during these times.  We need to show the contractors that we stand together and that we are not backing down.

            Throughout the rest of the month, I visited several job sites to meet with crews who were curious about how negotiations were going.  We had some really good discussions, and so far, everyone seems to be on the same page.

            The remainder of the month flew by.  Most of my time was spent preparing for our next negotiation meeting but I also attended the state building trades convention, helped organize Journeymen for unfilled projects, and worked with Solve Energy on the upcoming project in Fort Rock.  A highlight from the month was that we recorded the highest labor hours in September that we’ve had all year, which is great news.

            If anyone has questions about negotiations, please reach out to me or any member of the negotiating committee.  You can also find me at the Medford, Roseburg, or Klamath Falls unit meetings, or I can come meet with your crew.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time.

Thanks,

Johnny Walker

johnny@ibew659.org

541-601-0843

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

            This month, much of my focus has been on strengthening processes, building skills, and preparing for negotiations.  I worked closely with Avista to clarify welding expectations and to develop a clearer path forward for members who are required to take welding tests.  My goal in this work is to make sure that anyone in this position is supported with the right resources so they are set up to succeed.

            I also attended a COMET Train-the-Trainer course, which now enables me to help our organizer deliver these trainings.  This will expand our capacity to provide important education and ensure more members have access to these resources.  Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in a blitz to support organizing efforts, which was a valuable chance to engage directly with workers and have meaningful conversations about the benefits of Union membership.

            Another highlight was attending an Interest-Based Bargaining class.  The training provided tools and strategies that will serve us well as we move toward negotiations.  Alongside that, I have been dedicating significant time to gathering and analyzing data in preparation for bargaining.  This includes reviewing current contracts, comparing wages and benefits with other Locals and industries, and tracking cost-of-living data to ensure that we are advocating with solid facts and a strong foundation.  By building this detailed picture, we will be better positioned to negotiate fair and competitive agreements that reflect the value of our members’ work.

            I have also been working on reviewing and updating dispatch processes.  After concerns were raised at our last meeting, I began working to ensure that the system continues to operate with consistency, accuracy, and fairness.  These adjustments are aimed at strengthening confidence in the process while ensuring it remains transparent and equitable for everyone.

            Above all else, it remains an honor to serve you, the membership.  Please remember that I am always available if you have questions, concerns, or ideas you’d like to share.  Your input guides this work and I remain committed to representing and supporting you to the best of my ability.

In solidarity,

Terra Clevenger

terra@ibew659.org

458-220-6416

Consumers Power (CPI)

• Working on some language changes to the definition of a Journeyman Lineman to be more proactive for safety and meeting the requirements of the Local Union and the company’s policies.
• Negotiations will start soon; a recent survey went out using Google and I hope to hear all the responses back to show the direction the membership wants to go. I plan on scheduling a meeting with the members at CPI in the next few weeks to discuss proposals and establish who’s going to be on the bargaining committee.

Outside Line Construction

• We have plenty of work coming for the next few months, open Journeyman Lineman calls as of now; I’ve been working with other Locals to help fill these calls. 1884 has told me to expect forty (40) more calls to come in the next few weeks.
• Working on clarifying upgrade language with contractors regarding Groundmen working in Operator capacities and the expectation the Local Union needs to make sure the referral system is being used first to fill those roles.
• At a recent industry meeting, we discussed a hope for an Operator Apprenticeship, I’m imagining getting together with the four (4) Locals and putting together an outline of what that would look like with the JATC to make a proposal. It’s been a very well-known problem we struggle to fill calls with Operators and especially directional drill operators. We are in the very beginning stages of this so I don’t have much to share yet.

NW Line JATC

• We’ve been indenturing quite a few new Apprentices, remember it’s our job to train as well as get the job done. We aren’t going to produce quality Journeymen without teaching things that we’ve learned and bringing forward the new generation. We are expecting a major lack of hot Apprentices now and in the upcoming few years.
• We’re working on language for a Substation Apprenticeship, however NECA seems to be held up on the ratios. They are wanting a 2:1 ratio on deenergized substations, the conversation started originally as a small program with only a few Apprentices in it per year so we are a little confused about why they need a 2:1 ratio at this point other than trying to have cheaper labor.More to come.

Rodeo Committee

• This year we delivered a check to the burn center of over $100,000.00 donation! If you work for a utility or contractor that sponsored this event, please make sure you thank them. As much as I hate to admit it, without them, this awesome event wouldn’t be near the success it is today.

            As a brother, some recent issues I’ve seen in the field, please keep our dirty laundry out of the contractors eye sight.  If you see a problem, address it in house, the IBEW house. Please continue to work safe and I’ll see you out there.

Thank you,

Logan Fry

logan@ibew659.org

458-274-7195

458-220-6416

Consumers Power

• I continue to meet with Consumers Power regarding the Apprenticeship. More news to come shortly. After looking at all the qualifications for the two (2) Apprentices, they meet our qualifications from previous employers to take the Journeyman Lineman test and are scheduled for October. Looking at the issue as a whole, speaking with the members of Consumers Power, the intention for this was to bring non-Union Linemen into their workforce with a method to “vet” them before giving them an IBEW ticket. It had its flaws and we are working through the issues together and figuring out ways to move forward.

Work is picking up

• , Wilson, Cache Valley, Riveline, Diversified, and VPI have all sent prejobs to me for Northern California and Cave Junction, Oregon area.  We are expecting more and more calls for Linemen, Operators, and Groundmen in the next week or two.  There have been some material delays for some contractors but they are working through that and will hopefully be started soon.
• The referral system’s intent is to keep a fair and unbiased order for people on the “Out of Work Books” and is also a contractual obligation to the IBEW/ NECA partnership. This ensures every member has an equal opportunity for work based on their position on the books. Certifications are meant to serve purposes for the work to be done on the job. Unless a contractor can prove to the Hall certain certifications are required by the customer via documentation most of these job requests will be considered invalid. If you would like more information on this topic please reach out to the Hall and get my cell phone number.

Procedures to become a Line Equipment Operator or URD Operator

• We have updated our policies for LU659 members to become Line Equipment Operators or URD Operators, please reach out to the Hall or the Rep for the new forms.

Apprenticeship

Reminder that NW Line is going fully electronic for reporting as of August 2025.  I encourage you all to give back to the Apprenticeship and continue to fill out reports to the best you can.  Please reach out to NW Line to update your personal email.  Also note that contractors will be able to see these reports moving forward so filling them out professionally is going to be important.

Pacific Northwest Lineman Rodeo

The rodeo in July was a huge success.  We don’t have an exact number on how much was raised yet, although the committee chair feels that in the next few years we’re going to successfully donate a $100,000.00 to the burn center.

Logan Fry

logan@ibew659.org

458-274-7195

LU659 Brothers and Sisters,

Below are some highlights for September:

• Membership Development Conference (End of August)- I attended the Membership Development Conference during the last week of August.  The focus was on strategies for member recruitment and engagement.  We learned that membership grew by 24,000 last year, the largest increase since 1979.  A key takeaway was the importance of encouraging members to serve on school boards, local government seats, and other community roles to strengthen labor’s influence.  Everyone is encouraged to work with LMCC and JATC to create plans aimed at doubling our membership.  The demand for workers will soon outpace our current capacity.
• Grant Proposal- We successfully secured a $20,000.00 grant from the NLMCC (National Labor Management Cooperation Committee).  These funds will be used for funding the Matt Kolbinsky Pro Union Consulting Business Development and the Emerging Markets courses we now have scheduled March 23-27, 2026.  Contact Johnny or myself to sign up.
• $200 Contractor Coupon- Our Contractor Coupon program is in full swing!  Funded by IBEW LU659 and NECA (Oregon Pacific Cascade Chapter) LMCC funds, this LIMITED-TIME offer provides $200.00 in free electrical work to the first fifty (50) participants.  Simply fill out the form on our website and follow the instructions.  We hope this test run proves successful so we can expand the program, strengthening relationships between contractors and the public.
• LU73 Blitz- We participated in the LU73 Blitz, where we knocked on over 500 doors with mixed routes of current and future members.  This was a great opportunity to connect with our brothers and sisters, while also engaging potential new members.
• Building Trades Convention- Represented our Local at the 2025 Building Trades Convention, strengthening ties with regional trades leadership and gathering updates on policy priorities, labor initiatives, and workforce development efforts.
• SOTE Trades Expo Career Fair- Promoted Union careers to students and job seekers at the SOTE Trades Expo Career Fair.  Built visibility for the trades as a long-term career pathway alternative to the typical college career by supporting apprenticeship recruitment with the unrepresented and breaking down those barriers.
• ARC- The ARC incentive is available again this year for Inside Wireman, Powerline Clearance Tree Trimming, and Outside Line apprenticeship groups.  If you’re interested in participating, please submit your form via email or reach out for details.
• RENEW Committee- The RENEW Committee is actively seeking new participants.  To make meetings more accessible, Zoom links will be sent out before each session via the text thread.  If you would like to be added to the RENEW text group, please contact me by email or phone.

In solidarity,

Ryan Smith

Membership Development Representative

ryan@ibew659.org

541-326-9185