Safety / Focus Items
The end of 2025 ended on a note as many years prior. A winter storm moves into Northern California, taking power out for hundreds of thousands at times. And as prior years, and many years to come, IBEW LU 1245 members continue to show up and create normalcy. Dealing with the weather challenges, daylight limitations and general unrest, our membership responded professionally and, most importantly, safely.
The change of seasons is upon us. Daylight is increasing, but the cold and rain has set in. Remaining vigilant when driving continues to be a focus item at work, and in personal life. Continuing to mindfully perform the work we do daily, in changing conditions, can prove challenging. Checking in on each other, and calling out shortcuts are our way of keeping each other safe.
Recently, we have seen an uptick in line strike incidents, falls and vehicle incidents, across all industries and work groups. Safety has, and will continue, to be the number one priority on the job. Full stop.
Mental health continues as an epidemic on so many fronts. As a membership, we must be willing to check in on one another, regardless of background or classification. There are resources available to members who need to talk with someone.
- LINECO Member Assistance Program: 1-800-332-2191
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Staff Changes
In January 2026, Rey Mendoza joined the VM group. Rey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this group. His experience with the utility side of the industry will bring a great addition. He will be helping to assist members in the Southern end of our area, for LCTT, VMI and PT&T agreements.
Line Clearance Tree Trimming (LCTT)
Work continued through the end of 2025 steady in most regions, and the Christmas time storms brought in additional work for our membership as well. Areas affected by work slow downs, seem to have been mitigated by the contractors by sending members to other areas for the slow time. This is not ideal, during the holiday season or any other, but a nature of the contracting industry.
The PG&E Assessment Center in Oroville has been very busy over the previous year. While the frustration around implementation of the span of control is evident, the introduction of new training courses will ensure our members are ready for the changing times. Technology and procedures are changing rapidly in the Line Clearance space. The skilled workforce that exists must continue to evolve with the times.
If you have not already done so, please contact your company to set up an evaluation, if needed. Variances have been issued this year at different times, but the utility has assured they are done with variances. We must continue to push our contractors to be at the forefront of any training offered. If you are having issues with getting assessed, please contact your Representative.
Vegetation Management Inspectors (VMI)
Recently, the VMI group received proposal forms to complete for the upcoming contract negotiations. As time continues, we will move into meeting with the contractors to set up our first proposal swap.
We have been monitoring delinquencies to trust funds, as they come up. Please reach out to one of the Business Representatives if you believe your funds are delinquent or are funded incorrectly. Some of these delinquencies are simple fixes, such as incorrect name or ID numbers. Majority arises from the contractor’s delinquency.
Pole Test & Treat (PTT)
The PTT group voted down the first Tentative Agreement reached at the October 30, 2025, negotiation meeting. After meeting with membership and bargaining committee, we approached the contractors with a counter. This was accepted, after some discussion, and will be moved out to vote in the coming days.
The PTT Information meeting is held every second Tuesday, at 7 pm via Teams. Please reach out to one of the Business Representatives for more information.
California-Nevada JATC
California Nevada JATC is still offering Fundamentals Training at their Woodland Campus. Pre-scheduled classes are offered for two weeks per month, but more classes can be added for yards or Contractors who can put together a group of 8 or more.
CDL reimbursements are still available for registered enrollees, who obtain a CDL. The following classifications are open to register for this:
- Groundman with 6 months experience
- Trimmer Trainees (Start-12 months)
- Journeymen Tree Trimmer
- Foreperson (without CDL)
Go to: https://calnevjatctree.wordpress.com and click on the CDL Application link.