Empowering the Future: IBEW 1245 Launches Union Training for PG&E Traffic Control Workers

Vacaville – Since its formal creation in 2020, PG&E’s Traffic Control department has experienced remarkable growth.

What began as a shift to move work in-house, expanding from approximately 50 employees to 200, has now surged to nearly 450 good union-represented career jobs. This rapid expansion, in partnership with PG&E, has provided a critical entry point into the utility industry, where such opportunities have become increasingly rare.

Unlike many other departments within PG&E that have long-standing traditions and established cultures, the majority of Traffic Control members are relatively new, with less than two to three years at the company.

With this in mind, these relatively new IBEW 1245 members expressed a strong interest to learn more about the Union and how to get involved. To meet this demand, IBEW 1245 recently hosted its first-ever union training for Traffic Control members. Thirty-five participants from across PG&E’s service territory participated. The training covered a wide range of topics, including the history and structure of IBEW and IBEW 1245 and  leadership opportunities such as steward roles, unit meetings, and committees. We dove into a discussion about the union difference. We reviewed the gains made for Traffic Control/Flagging workers and upcoming PG&E negotiations. Political Director Hunter Stern presented on  the importance of politics and their impact on work.

The response of our members was overwhelmingly positive.

Nikki Eddy, a Traffic Control Utility Worker from the Hayward Yard, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from those who paved the way, stating, “I’m really excited to be a part of such a strong Union. The training was very informative, and it’s great to learn from those who came before us and led the way. Their hard-won experience has opened doors for the rest of us, and for that, I am grateful.”

Jermaine Eti, a Traffic Control Flagger from the Sacramento Yard, described the training as an eye-opening experience, reinforcing the importance of strong representation, workplace safety, and the power of solidarity, declaring, “The training provided valuable insight into how the union fights for workers’ rights, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and job security. …The energy in the room, the shared sense of purpose, and the experienced leaders passing down knowledge made it clear that being a part of the Union is more than just a job—it’s about protecting the future of our workforce. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the work our Union does and a stronger commitment to contributing to that mission. If you ever get the chance to attend, I highly recommend it. It’s a great experience that equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make a real impact.”

For me, it was refreshing to see so many new members energized and eager to learn more about their Union, to get involved, and deepen their understanding of the union difference. I’m excited to see how this group continues to grow, develop, and become future leaders of our union.

With this successful first training in the books, IBEW 1245 looks forward to continuing to educate and empower Traffic Control members. More trainings will be scheduled in the future to ensure all members have the opportunity to strengthen their union knowledge and leadership skills. As the department continues to grow, so too will the commitment to fostering a strong, engaged, and well-informed workforce.

Special thanks to Rene Cruz Martinez and Charlotte Stevens for assisting in putting this training together—it would not have been possible without them.

– IBEW 1245 Business Representative Gerald Williams