Union members from the six unions that represent gas workers (IBEW, UA, USW, UNIFOR, UWUA, and ICWU-UFCW) came together for the annual Inter-Union Gas Conference in Niagra Falls in late October.
“The Inter Union Gas Conference is one of the few gas-specific conferences we participate in, and presents the opportunity for gas employees to meet and interact with other gas utility employees and union members from around the United States and Canada,” explained 1245 Assistant Business Manager Mike Adayan. “IBEW 1245 is a big supporter of the conference.”
IBEW 1245’s delegation was among the largest at the conference, and Local 1245 Business Reps Nicole Brooks, Adam Weber, and ABM Mike Adayan facilitated the Transmission and Distribution workshops respectively.
Below, delegates from IBEW 1245 share highlights from the conference.
Eye opening is how I will describe my experience during the Inter-Union Gas Conference in Niagara Falls. Hearing the challenges we face as gas workers here in the States and in Canada has broadened my outlook on the natural gas industry as a whole. Although each utility company is run differently, our brothers and sisters share the same passion regarding safety and doing the work the right way. The open discussions at the workshops and the time spent with our fellow gas workers definitely gave me insight and motivation to do more for our current and future brothers and sisters locally. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to experience this conference, and appreciate knowing that 1245 is always well-represented and is looking out for the best interests of its members. – IBEW 1245 Shop Steward Robert Hill, Lead Gas Service Rep, PG&E
Attending the Inter-Union Gas Conference with my fellow brothers and sisters this year brought me great pride. Especially when we discussed safety topics and we were able to share knowledge from our peer-to-peer safety group, Control the Pressure. Hearing the stories of how other gas workers are treated and being provided inadequate PPE also made me realize how fortunate we are to have 1245 advocate for our safety to our companies. It was great being in the Distribution workshop with other gas construction field workers and hearing what does and doesn’t work for them. I came home with ideas to share, not only with the local, but also with my management to address some of the challenges we experience on a day-to-day basis. As with any union conference I have had the pleasure to attend, I was proud and grateful that I was able to represent IBEW 1245. – IBEW 1245 Shop/Organizing Steward Britney Morris, Gas Construction, NV Energy
1245 Business Rep Nicole Brooks helped facilitate a workshop
To say that it was an amazing as well as eye-opening experience would be the understatement of the year. I sat in on all of the meetings as well as the distribution workshops, which allowed for lots of information to be shared from unions all across the Country as well as Canada. Through the workshops and networking, I was able to bring back a large amount of information to share with my coworkers about safety, the future of gas, and most importantly, how union members have stuck together to negotiate meaningful contracts and benefits. Talking with members from different unions across the country showed me just how strong we are here at IBEW 1245, which made me proud to be a member wearing the badge at such a huge event. Last but certainly not least were the friendships I was able to make amongst our officers and members at the conference. Coming together, sharing our common goals, interests and visions will, in my opinion, be invaluable to the future of our industry and union. – IBEW 1245 Shop Steward Jason Frink, Gas T&D Equipment Operator, PG&E
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to attend the gas conference in Niagara Falls. This was the first union conference I had attended. I gained so much valuable info and also listened to many valuable insights from my brothers and sisters across the nation and in Canada. I learned that many of our brothers and sisters are facing similar challenges and issues to those that we have here. However, as long as we are united together, we will have a bigger voice and it will be much easier to achieve our goals. – IBEW 1245 Shop Steward Vinh Duong, Gas Service Rep, PG&E
Thank you for the opportunity to attend the Inter-Union Gas Conference; the rapport being built with other utility workers is invaluable. I enjoyed learning more about the IBEW’s response to the war on natural gas across the country and how we are lobbying to educate voters and lawmakers. It’s encouraging to hear a positive outlook on the future of natural gas and job security for the future. I spent my two days in the safety workshop to bring ideas back to NV Energy and Control the Pressure. I’m encouraged to work with the company on a heat stress program. I also learned more about mental health in the workplace and how to reach out if I see it with coworkers, and also how to seek help if I need it. The general session was informative as to what to look for with the lead-based pipe dope. I had no clue that lead could be traced on a truck years later. – IBEW Shop/Safety Steward Marty Marshall, Gas Serviceman, NV Energy
This being my first union conference, I didn’t know what to expect. Talking with union brothers and sisters in various fields has broadened my understanding of the crafts we work in. Discussions varied from personal experience to state and federal regulations and how we as work through an ever-changing work environment. My big take-away is how we as union members continue to strive for a safe workplace to minimize injuries and accidents. In my work life, I wasn’t always a union employee, and am grateful for the opportunity to be a member of an organization looking out for my well-being and my family. –IBEW 1245 Shop Steward Gabriel Nieto, GCGT Senior Construction Operator, PG&E
I’m grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend the Inter union gas workers conference. I’ve been working in the Gas department at PG&E for 10 almost 11 years now, but I’m used to being in a room full of electricians when I’m at other union conferences I’ve attended, so this was different. One of the key things I immediately noticed was that I was one of the youngest people there. There’s a lack of youth on the gas side compared to the electric. In a time where natural gas is being attacked we need to invest in the future to make sure there’s workers there for what we’re fighting for now. Across the map I learned that we all share similar struggles, but while talking about our struggles we sometimes came across solutions. I’m glad I attended I had a great experience, I met good people, and learned a lot. – IBEW 1245 Shop Steward Eric Wright, Gas Crew Leader, PG&E
From meeting other IBEW members, to other union members, to even other travelers in the hotel, so much shared knowledge occurred. I realized this is one of the best ways to combat the issues we face today as union members. We closed the meeting with an important message on recognizing mental health issues. We must be our brothers and sisters keepers’ in mind, soul, and body. As a union we don’t all have to have the same opinion on every issue, we just need to stand together when it counts. Thank you to everyone who help put this together and stay safe! – IBEW 1245 Shop Steward Tim Yokoo, Gas Service Rep, PG&E
1245 Business Rep Adam Weber helped facilitate a workshop
This conference was really an eye-opening experience full of information. One of the topics that struck me the most throughout the entire conference was a common theme of phasing out natural gas. Before attending the gas workers conference I had no idea how serious and important this topic was, and how much effect it will have in all of our gas worker brothers’ and sisters’ lives. I appreciated having the opportunity to attend different workshops and hear deferent perspectives on daily job duties but also new ideas and ways of how we can improve and keep everyone safe. No matter what the situation might be, our goal will always be safely delivering natural gas. – IBEW 1245 member Roque Guzman, PG&E Gas System Coordinator
The gas conference was another great success! Being a CTP committee board member, I participated in the safety workshop both days. I was blown away when I learned that brothers and sisters from Niagara Falls do not get PPE clothing and boot allowance. I was told by a gentleman that he’s had the same jacket for 10 years! He freezes his butt off every year. He was blown away when I told him about our allowances for FR clothing and footwear. When I returned home, I discussed this with my fellow brothers and sisters as an example of how good we have it, while the brothers and sisters from Niagara are going to discuss this with their employer and see what they can do for them. The second thing that really hit me hard was when my brother Brian from PG&E described to the group how dangerous the working conditions have become in California due to street crime, with members being held up at gunpoint. Brian’s response was genius — He says they want to start getting more involved with the communities as far as sponsorships for athletics, school job fairs and special events, to show the younger generation that they are not the enemy. I think all of our gas and electric departments should get more involved with our communities to show them how important our services are. – IBEW 1245 Control the Pressure Board Member Russel Hires, NV Energy
Being a first-time attendee, I had no real expectations or understanding of what the conference was about … I was surprised when I was welcomed with open arms by my IBEW brothers and sisters. I must say I was impressed with the very talented and diverse group of individuals representing IBEW 1245. The event was themed “Natural Gas Workers in An Ever-Changing Environment”, and this couldn’t be any truer. I learned that many natural gas union workers are all battling the same challenges throughout the nation. It’s great to hear that the unions are lobbying to protect and keep gas workers in the field. I’m hopeful my children will have a chance to be second-generation pipeliners, and I’m optimistic our nation’s legislation will back a more reliable solution requiring diversity in our electrical grid. Thank you for the opportunity to attend the 2023 Inter-Union Gas Conference. – IBEW 1245 member George Ordonez, Journeyman Gas Pipeline, SMUD