After a full day in the field, SMUD IBEW 1245 workers filled the Board room on January 15.
Sacramento — The numbers keep growing.
On January 15, more than 250 SMUD IBEW 1245 workers packed a Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Board of Directors meeting, many arriving after a full day working in the field. They filled the main board room as well as an overflow room.
Their presence sent a clear and unmistakable message: SMUD workers are engaged, informed, and united, and they are the driving force behind the push for a fair contract that reflects the work they do every day to keep the system safe and reliable. “When over 250 of you show up, that’s not attendance — that’s the cavalry showing up in force. This groundswell of unity is powerful, and it makes clear that this membership refuses to settle for anything less than a fair, respectful agreement”, said Senior Assistant Business Manager and Chief Negotiator Dylan Gottfried.
With the main board room at capacity, SMUD IBEW 1245 workers filled an overflow room.
Previous Board meetings had drawn a few dozen workers. Since the Memorandum of Understanding (the contract covering more than 550 SMUD employees) expired on January 1, attendance has steadily increased as workers closely follow negotiations.
SMUD workers showed up on their own time because they care deeply about the outcome of these negotiations and about the future of their workplace and the utility they proudly serve.
Two SMUD employees addressed the Board during the public comment period:
Josh Ehrhardt, a lineman and troubleshooter, described how the prolonged negotiation process is testing workers’ patience and straining the long-standing relationship between employees and management.
Dylan Gottfried addresses SMUD workers after the Board meeting
“For decades, IBEW employees believed they were partners in SMUD’s mission,” Ehrhardt said. He noted that when compensation for the workers who operate, maintain, and restore SMUD’s system falls behind comparable employee groups, it sends a troubling message that their work is not valued equally. Ehrhardt shared that frustration has grown asnegotiations have dragged on, citing an open letter signed by more than 400 employees expressing concern to SMUD leadership.
Josh Ehrhardt, a SMUD lineman and troubleshooter, addresses the SMUD Board of Directors during public comment.
“This is not sustainable,” he said. “You cannot expect commitment and excellence from a workforce that feels marginalized by its own employer.”
Matthew Rush, an apprentice lineman spoke with pride about the work SMUD crews perform under demanding and often dangerous conditions to keep the community powered through storms, fires, and outages. He explained that while workers remain deeply committed to their jobs and to SMUD, the current contract no longer reflects the realities they face in the field.
Matthew Rush, a SMUD apprentice lineman, addresses the SMUD Board during public comment.
“The hours are long, the conditions are dangerous, and the physical demands don’t stop,” Rush told the Board. “If we want a strong, reliable workforce in the future, we need a contract that shows this company values the people who keep the lights on.”
SMUD customer talks with SMUD workers after the Board meeting, reflecting the strong connection between frontline workers and the community they serve.
The meeting underscored that SMUD’s relationship with the community is built every day by the frontline workers who deliver its service. Also during public comment, a SMUD customer raised a concern about a streetlight issue in her neighborhood and took a moment to show some unexpected heartfelt appreciation for SMUD employees — whether answering phones or working in the street — for being professional, responsive, and caring. Her remarks demonstrated how deeply the public relies on their expertise and commitment.
Following the Board meeting, Gottfried addressed IBEW 1245 SMUD workers who had attended, commending them for their growing involvement and unity.
“Showing up matters,” Gottfried told the group. “Your presence sends a message that can’t be ignored. Negotiations of this size take time, but the strength of this process comes directly from you staying informed, engaged, and united.”
IBEW 1245 has been clear throughout negotiations that while progress has been made on non-economic issues, reaching a fair economic agreement remains critical. With the cost of living continuing to rise and pressures on working families mounting, members are making it clear that standing still is not acceptable.
IBEW 1245 Senior Assistant Business Manager and Chief Negotiator Dylan Gottfried addresses SMUD workers following the Board meeting.
With the MOU now expired, Status Quo rules are in effect. Pay, hours, and benefits remain unchanged, and bargaining continues until a new agreement is reached or the process moves to mediation, fact-finding, or arbitration.
The January 15 turnout is part of a broader trend: SMUD worker attendance at unit meetings continues to climb and they are committed to reaching an agreement that reflects the skill, responsibility, and pride they bring to their jobs and to the community.
Negotiations will continue, and IBEW 1245 remains ready to work toward a fair and just agreement. The membership has shown they are prepared to do their part, and they expect SMUD to do the same.
Stay Involved, Stay Informed
Workers are encouraged to attend monthly unit meetings in Fresh Pond (1st Wednesday, 5:00 PM) and Sacramento (2nd Wednesday, 4:45 PM). For questions or assistance, contact Business Representative Kim Camatti at 707-416-9517 or kdc2@ibew1245.com.