“You are the shock troops. Without you none of the work we do could get done.”
IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean at PG&E Sacramento – Sierra Division Shop Steward Training
Vacaville – Seventy-two PG&E Shop Stewards from Sacramento and Sierra Division packed the
Union Hall for the annual Shop Steward Training. The meeting was one of ten annual trainings
being held this year, and coincide with preparations for upcoming 2025 contract negotiations at
the company.
IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean kicked off the meeting saying, “Thank you for being
here. Thanks for all the work you do. You are the shock troops. Without you none of the work we
do could get done.”
IBEW 1245 Shop Stewards are dedicated members who volunteer to uphold and defend the
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the work
site.
When members have a question about the contract, Shop Stewards are often the first contact
they make. When members face disciplinary action, Shop Stewards accompany them, educate
them about their rights and make sure due process is followed. When there is an emergency,
Shop Stewards relay the message to the broader membership. When there are contract
negotiations, Shop Stewards spread the word and turn out the vote.
IBEW 1245 Business Representative Mike Tilden added, “Our Shop Stewards are the
backbone of our movement. Our ability to provide training is one of the most valuable
components of our jobs as Business Reps.”
This year’s IBEW 1245 Shop Steward trainings are packed, coming at a time of unprecedented
activity.
Negotiations are a major discussion point at every training. Additional themes include Union
elections for officers, Advisory Council and delegates to the International Convention, and the
many challenges and opportunities facing IBEW 1245.
Dean provides a detailed overview while Senior Assistant Business Managers drill down into
specific lines of progression. Business Representatives provide additional training on the nuts
and bolts of being a Steward.
Organizers invite stewards to sign up for Emergency Response Teams to be at the ready to
mobilize to press for better contracts at the Table or for better legislation in the Halls of the
Legislature and in Board rooms.
At every session, Brother Dean has emphasized two points, saying, “We are prepared like
never before. But the source of our power at the Table is our unity and full participation of an
informed and engaged membership. If you like the Table Agreement, vote. If you hate it, vote.
This is your time for your voice to be heard.”
2025 IBEW 1245 PG&E Shop Steward Trainings
Stockton
Fresno
San Luis Obispo/DCPP
Bakersfield
Chico
North Bay
Sacramento – Sierra
East Bay
San Francisco
San Jose
Public & Private Sector Shop Steward Trainings are scheduled for April and May, 2025.
– Eileen Purcell, Sr. Advisor
Organizer Charlotte Stevens
Business Manager Bob Dean At SF Shop Steward Training
SF Shop Steward Training
SF Shop Steward Training
SF Shop Steward Training
SF Shop Steward Training
SF Shop Steward Training
Business Representative Phuong Tran at San Francisco Shop Steward Training
San Luis Obispo PG&E Shop Steward Training
San Luis Obispo PG&E Shop Steward Training
Organizer Melissa Echevarria promoting the Emergency Response Team to support our Bargaining Committee at PG&E
Senior Assistant Business Representative Bryan Carroll
Senior Assistant Business Manager Bob Gerstle encouraging members to update contact information
Assistant Business Manager Roberto Balistreri
Business Representative Dave Sparks
Business Representative Jerry Camacho at SLO
Business Manager Bob Dean addresses Shop Stewards at San Luis Obispo
Business Manager Bob Dean addressing Shop Stewards in Stockton
Business Rep Mike Tilden discussing Keys to Life at PG&E Sacramento-Sierra Division Shop Steward Training