Vacaville— IBEW Local 1245’s January Advisory Council meeting brought together member leaders from across the Local to swear in new representatives, recognize extraordinary service, and hear critical updates on negotiations, organizing, safety, and the challenges ahead in 2026.
Chad Andrews, Jason Amos, Chad Schwab and Betty Trujillo are sworn in as members of the Advisory Council by President Cecelia De La Torre.
New Advisory Council Members Sworn In
The meeting opened with roll call and the swearing in of four new Advisory Council members: Chad Schwab, Chad Andrews, Jason Amos, and Betty Trujillo. They join dozens of member representatives who help ensure voices from across classifications, regions, and employers are reflected in the work of our union.
Introductions followed, bringing together Advisory Council members, staff, and members of the Executive Board.
Honoring Service on the Navajo Nation
IBEW 1245 volunteers David Wickham, Dustin Billich, Ashley McCuen, Kyle Norden, Sebastian Blancato, and Robert Sand spoke with the Advisory Council about their recent trip to the Navajo Nation.
One of the most meaningful moments of the meeting was the recognition of members who volunteered their skills on the Navajo Nation electrification project, bringing power to families who had never had it before.
Sebastian Blancato, Shad Bales, and Cameran Maxwell of Alvah Construction, along with Dustin Billich, Robert Sand, Kyle Norden, Ashley McCuen, and David Wickham of PG&E. Each spoke briefly about their experience, describing the work as deeply meaningful. Members shared that the opportunity was eye-opening and something they will carry with them throughout their careers.
Members were presented with Thorogood union-made work boots in appreciation of their service. Several speakers also thanked Todd “Woo” Kadota, Business Representative, who worked alongside the crews during both rotations.
Business Manager Bob Dean reflected on the impact of the project. “They didn’t know exactly what to expect when they signed up,” Dean said. “They stepped up to the challenge and made us incredibly proud.”
Business Manager’s Report: Negotiations and Engagement
In his Business Manager’s Report, Dean addressed negotiations across the Local, emphasizing patience, preparation, and member engagement.
He announced that we had reached a four-year agreement with the City of Santa Clara, explaining that management’s attempt to influence negotiations through state legislators — including efforts to use the Super Bowl as leverage — ultimately backfired. He noted that this success highlighted the importance of the union’s ongoing advocacy work in Sacramento.
At SMUD, Senior Assistant Business Manager and Chief Negotiator Dylan Gottfried underscored the need for continued member engagement as negotiations move forward. While no agreement has been reached, talks remain active. On January 15, more than 250 SMUD IBEW Local 1245 members packed a Sacramento Municipal Utility District Board of Directors meeting— a powerful show of unity that he noted was especially impactful.
On PG&E, Dean emphasized that negotiations remain fluid and urged patience as the process continues.
Acknowledging that members are understandably anxious with contracts expired, he reminded the room that “a fast deal is a bad deal,” stressing that the union’s focus remains on securing the strongest possible agreement.
He explained that while the current Collective Bargaining Agreement has expired, it remains in effect under evergreen status, meaning wages, benefits, and working conditions continue uninterrupted.
Dean noted that bargaining will continue until a table agreement is reached and sent to members for a ratification vote. Once an agreement is reached, detailed information and ballots will be mailed to members, underscoring the importance of keeping mailing addresses up to date.
Dean also spoke about the year ahead, noting that with the upcoming midterm elections, the union is entering a critical political season. He emphasized that member engagement will be essential in the Governor’s race and others.
Safety, Veterans, and Women’s Committee Updates
Members heard updates from standing committees, including the Veterans Committee, Women’s Committee, and Peer-to-Peer Safety Program.
Business Representative Nicole Brooks, Chair of the Women’s Committee, addresses the Advisory Council during her report.
Business Representative Fred Aboud announced the May 6 Peer-to-Peer Safety Summit and noted that Local 1245’s peer-to-peer safety model is being adopted by locals across the country.
Women’s Committee Chair and Business Representative Nicole Brooks reported continued outreach and recruitment efforts, including recent trades events and the addition of 18 women into the trades in 2025.
Business Representative Mike Tilden, Chair of the Veterans Committee, delivers remarks to the Advisory Council.
Veterans Committee Chair and Business Representative Mike Tilden shared plans to expand the committee’s footprint in 2026, building on the success of its first Veterans Gala and new outreach efforts with PG&E.
Organizing Stewards: Twelve Years of Growth
Following committee reports, the meeting moved to the swearing-in of the 2026 Organizing Stewards, marking the inaugural gathering of this year’s class. IBEW Local 1245 President Cecelia De La Torre reflected on the program’s origins and growth, noting that what began 12 years ago with jus
Louis Vega, Organizing Lead and PG&E GSR from Richmond, who delivering a powerful address to the Ad Council.
t 28 members has expanded to 118 organizing stewards, with more than 400 members having gone through the program overall.
Dean highlighted the program’s impact across the union, pointing to key wins in retiree protections, tree trimmer wages, political engagement, and strengthened member-to-member organizing.
The new class was sworn in alongside original organizing stewards, retiree stewards, and members entering the program for the first time.
A Message on Union Values
The steward ceremony concluded with remarks from Louis Vega, Organizing Lead and PG&E GSR from Richmond, who delivered a powerful address on the role of unions in creating opportunity and protecting working families.
“The working class is the backbone of America,” Vega said. “Labor unions are its strength.”
He spoke about his family’s journey, the opportunities the union provided, and the responsibility members carry to support one another and future generations.
“As a union, we have a voice. We can make a difference,” he added.
Photo Contest Winner Recognized
The Council also recognized Joe Bell, IBEW Local 1245’s 2026 Q1 Photo Contest winner.
The Council also recognized Joe Bell, IBEW Local 1245’s 2026 Q1 Photo Contest winner. Bell, a PG&E apprentice lineman from Watsonville, captured a powerful image during a fire response showing a troubleman booming up to drop lines so fire crews could safely access the area.
Advisory Council Reports and Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with Advisory Council reports from across units and regions, covering negotiations, staffing challenges, safety, storm response, training, and major infrastructure projects underway in California and Nevada.
As Dean noted, the year ahead will bring challenges, but also opportunity.
“There are a lot of battles ahead,” he said. “But standing together is how we’ve always won.”
The 2026 class of Organizing Stewards during their swearing-in ceremony at the Advisory Council meeting.