Safety / Focus Items
The second quarter Red Book Joint Safety Meeting was held on August 23rd , at the California-Nevada JATC campus in Riverside. Contractors from across the state, and both LU 47 & 1245, discussed safety issues and concerns in the industry.
Topics included the ever-present issue of driving. We must continue focusing on this topic. At work, and at home. With the changing weather conditions, and lesser daylight hours, these new hazards must be considered. Keeping a check on your lights, tires, and ensuring you are prepared for any potential changes in weather conditions.
Another topic discussed was mental health. The construction industry is plagued by the ever present, and not often discussed, mental health crisis. Making a point to check in on one another, and encouraging someone to speak with, may make a life changing difference for someone.
In closing the meeting, LU 396 notified the group of their intention to join the committee, providing an additional ally to help ensure safety for all our members. The addition of expertise in safety regulations for Nevada will be a major addition to this group.
We have been working on a Spanish version of our Red Book & Outside Line Agreement’s. These have taken a significant amount of time, due to some of the technical terminology within. This task, while cumbersome, will pay dividends with our membership. Easing access and understanding are key to knowledge.
Additionally, the latest version of the CA Red Book is in stock. Copies are available by contacting your Business Representative or picking one up at the Local Office. An online version is available on our website.
California
The yearly Autumn, work volume increase, has set in. Many contractors are working at a record capacity, members are putting in extreme hours, and daylight is winding down. This is a recipe for potential issues, if we allow ourselves to become routine. The simplest tasks are the most frequent tasks where incidents occur.
PG&E has increased workflow across all properties, after a slow start to the year. All areas have seen an uptick in work, the Bay Area leading the way. New business, pole replacement, and fire hardening are in full swing.
San Jose is slated to see a multi-year, $2 billions dollar plus project, start in early 2026. This project will be a massive undertaking by Underground Electric Construction Company and involve many miles of transmission undergrounding through the heart of San Jose. This will be a generational project, that will change the landscape of transmission throughout the state.
Contractors continue to discuss workplans, through the winter. This is a change from previous years, and, if it comes to fruition, there will be a welcome change. Weather and permitting will be a limiting factor always, but scheduled work is always a positive sign.
The Fresno Bi-Monthly Informational Meeting continues to take place on the second Tuesday of every other month, from 6pm to 8pm at Round Table Pizza at 5702 N. First St. The remaining meetings for this year will take place on July 8th, Sept 9th and Nov 11. A mass text reminder will be sent out the Monday before each meeting. Please make time to attend the meeting if you’re in the area.
Nevada/Lake Tahoe
Work is picking up across all properties in Nevada. NV Energy continues to have an array of work, from green build transmission with Greenlink, to new substations, with Sierra BESS. Majority of the work is utility scale, but also some private infrastructure as well.
Greenlink continues to grow, facing some regulatory issues in the process. T&D Power has involved many subcontract companies, to keep up with the amount of work. As the line construction portion starts, we will see an influx in needs for cold step apprentices.
Dock work for Liberty Utility and Plumas Sierra continue. Teichert Line Services continue pushing along with the Plumas Sierra pole replacement package, recently awarded.
The Citadel, a data center owned by Switch, is moving forward with construction. This project is a 2,000 acre complex, with over 7.2 million square feet of data storage. This is an ongoing project, that is employing many IBEW members, both inside and outside construction.
Traffic Control
Our Traffic Control group has continued with its growth. This work group has grown into the most skilled workforce in this space, and is proving to be the number one choice of our construction vendors.
As our membership continues to grow, we must maintain the high standards that have gotten us to this point. Safety violations, in any capacity, must not be tolerated. We must ensure that ALL OF US are in this together, to get home safely.
Currently, discussion is happening to implement a Traffic Control training program. This effort, a joint venture with IBEW and NECA representation, has been a long-time want of LU 1245, and we are thrilled to see the forward progress on this. While we are moving forward, reasonable expectations are held close.
The continued success depends on our members’ continued diligence, and dedication, to performing every task with intent and safety at front. As new employees are brought into this space to learn and advance their knowledge, our experienced membership should continue with education and proper instruction.
California-Nevada JATC
The JATC has recently closed applications for the Substation Tech Apprenticeship programs. Over 250 applications were submitted during the open time frame. This number pales in comparison to the Lineman Apprenticeship, that sees around 1500 applications in the same time frame. Substations continue to be the backbone of the electrical infrastructure, providing stable, good paying jobs. More large-scale projects are substations specific. If you, or someone you know, are interested in a career change, substations may be for you.
Civil Subcommittee has made some forward progress regarding LEM and Groundman training. This subcommittee, IBEW and NECA Contractors together, have been developing comprehensive civil / trenching safety. These modules are developing nicely, including the addition of driving specific items, with hope of offering classes sometime in 2026.
We must continue to set the bar with our apprentices, in the field and the classroom. Ensuring that our apprentices are supported and trained correctly, is the sure way to improve the quality of craftsmanship for many generations to come. We must take pride in our apprentices, to make strong Journeymen.
CPR & First Aid
CPR and First Aid classes are scheduled for the second Friday of every month at the Woodland and Riverside facilities. If you are interested and want to sign up for this class, visit www.calnevjatc.org ,click on the Web Services tab, then Class Schedule. If you do not already have a web account with the JATC, you will need to create one. Class availability is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Injured Workers Fund (IWF)
As of September 30, 2025, the balance of the Fund was $596,677.78. Since June 1, 2025, the Fund has paid out $131,958.83 in disability and parental leave claims.
The Summary Plan Description (SPD) and Application can be found at the below link: https://ibew1245.com/outside-line-injured-workers-fund/ .
Dispatch
Third Quarter Totals
- Journeyman Lineman: 967
- Line Equipment Man: 278
- Groundman: 809
- Traffic Control Technician: 115
Year to Date Totals
- Journeyman Lineman: 2063
- Line Equipment Man: 932
- Groundman: 1872
- Traffic Control Technician: 327
Organizing
California Outside Line Construction Agreement
CJ Drilling, Inc.
EPS Technology, Inc.
Ryno Works, Inc.
- Line Construction LLC
Traffic Control Agreement
LDH Services LLC
Traffic Signal and Street Light Maintenance
Branson Industr