Vacaville, CA – IBEW 1245’s Executive Board, Advisory Council, staff, and guests gathered on Saturday, July 26 for the 3rd Quarter Advisory Council Meeting — the first for newly elected members, who were sworn in by President Cecelia De La Torre.
Newly elected members of the Advisory Council are sworn in by President Cecelia De La Torre.
De La Torre opened the meeting by emphasizing the Council’s unique and vital role. “We are the only IBEW Local with an Advisory Council like this — a reflection of how much we thrive on member input,” she said. With 125 Unit meetings a month across the union’s jurisdiction, she called the Council a key part of 1245’s communications network: “You’re our eyes and ears on the ground.”
Business Manager’s Report: Bargaining Progress, Organizing Goals, and Member Support
In his report to the Advisory Council, IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean spoke about the fast-changing energy industry and the significant opportunities ahead. With 20 sets of negotiations taking place this year, Dean noted that major bargaining efforts with PG&E and SMUD are already underway.
IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean provides his report to the Board.
He thanked members for their strong engagement, highlighting the more than 13,300 proposals submitted for PG&E bargaining and over 1,100 for SMUD. Formal negotiations with PG&E began with a proposal exchange between the company and 1245’s bargaining committee. The union submitted 94 proposals; PG&E submitted 65. Negotiations will begin in earnest on August 26.
“We’re doing everything we can to protect and defend your work — and s ecure the wages, benefits, and safety standards you deserve,” Dean said.
He also praised the union’s Organizing Department and shared that while 2025 has been focused on the union election and key negotiations, larger scale organizing efforts, particularly in Northern Nevada, will ramp up in 2026.
Dean also announced the formation of a volunteer “strike team” to assist members impacted by potential ICE enforcement actions at job sites, ensuring their rights and safety are protected on the spot.
Member Volunteers Step Up to Serve
Dean announced a new volunteer initiative to send four IBEW 1245 crews to the Navajo Nation in Arizona and New Mexico this fall to help electrify homes that have never had power. “We’ve sent crews overseas, but this time we’re helping families right here at home who have gone their whole lives without electricity,” he said.
In addition, 1245 members are responding to recent flooding in Texas by assisting with tree clearance and storm recovery efforts — once again demonstrating the union’s deep commitment to service and community.
Scholarship Winners Recognized
The Advisory Council honored this year’s IBEW 1245 scholarship winners for their outstanding achievements.
Robbie Shoemaker is introduced by President Cecelia De La Torre.
Kaylin Dresen reads her essay to the IBEW 1245 Advisory Council.
Kaylin Dresen received the Al Sandoval Memorial Scholarship, which awards up to $10,000 over four years to a high school senior. She read her winning essay aloud, reflecting on the importance of unions in shaping the future of work.
Robbie Shoemaker received one of the Roger Stalcup Community College Scholarships, which provides $1,500 to support tuition and materials. He also read his essay aloud — a compelling pitch to non-union companies on the value of union membership.
Carson Fisher, who was unable to attend, was awarded the Ronald T. Weakley Electrical Line Worker Scholarship, which offers up to $10,000 for students enrolled in line worker training.
Photo Contest Winner
President Cecelia De La Torre holds Justin Steward’s winning photograph.
President Cecelia De La Torre announced the winner of this quarter’s Photo Contest — Justin Steward, a PG&E Electric Foreman based in Oakland, who was awarded $500 for his winning shot.
Members interested in submitting a photo for the 4th quarter contest can email their entries to membermedia@ibew1245.com.
The next IBEW 1245 Advisory Council meeting will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 in Reno, Nevada.