PG&E GC crews on a wire pull in Greenfield, Calif. on May 8, 2024.
The ongoing transition to electric energy places significant strain on power lines not equipped to handle increasing loads.
Greenfield, California is no exception.
A case in point: Andrew Dominguez, an IBEW 1245 member and foreman for the Templeton GC crew responsible for getting power lines in Greenfield up to standard spoke to the task at hand.
“We have an outage on transmission and distro. (Additionally, we’re) replacing 25 85-foot steel poles. We are reconducting the distribution, which was four strand before and we’re putting in 715.”
Dominguez stressed that notwithstanding daunting challenges, finding solutions is much easier because of the Union’s support. “They’re here for workers and are here to back you when you need it,” he stated.
Greg Garcia, a fellow Templeton GC lineman and shop steward for IBEW 1245, recognized the importance of the union when it comes to identifying issues, finding solutions and encouraging his crew to remain engaged members of the union.
“I encourage crew members to attend unit meetings, (emphasizing) that it’s part of their job. By going to the meetings you find out stuff about your job and have the opportunity to vote on things that affect you,” Garcia stated. “We should take pride in being a part of the union; realizing what we have didn’t just happen, but took years of effort.”
IBEW 1245 Business Representative Jerry Camacho added, “It’s important because if you’re not involved, then you’re not heard. With the crew involved in union processes to a higher degree, they can voice whether they agree or disagree with certain things.”
Garcia’s efforts ensure that the union can effectively fulfill its role in representing membership.
By IBEW 1245 Summer Intern Cole Gerstle & Sr. Advisor Eileen Purcell with photos by John Storey