After months of organizing, outreach, and solidarity, PG&E UAV Remote Pilots have successfully voted to join IBEW 1245.
The process began in early February 2025 after pilots reached out to IBEW 1245 Senior Assistant Business Manager Bob Gerstle.
From the start, the group was enthusiastic.
Workers were driven to join the union by a strong desire for representation and improved working conditions. The organizing process—led by IBW 1245’s Assistant Business Manager, Rene Cruz Martinez and Organizer, Melissa Echeverria—culminated in a unanimous vote in favor of union representation.
On May 27, the unit met with the IBEW 1245 lead negotiators, Sr. Assistant Business Manager, Bob Gerstle and Assistant Business Manager, Roberto Balistreri. This meeting marked the official start of the bargaining process. PG&E UAV Remote Pilots will be accreted into 1245’s existing physical contract at PG&E.
Congratulations to the PG&E UAV Remote Pilots on their strong show of solidarity with a unanimous victory, welcome to IBEW 1245!
– Rene Cruz Martinez, Assistant Business Manager & Melissa Echevarria, Organizer