Safety / Focus Items
The beginning of 2026 started as so many previous years have, for our membership. Slow workplan creation, weather events, and supply chain issues have caused a hiccup in the schedule. Our membership has been accustomed to this type of disruption. Based on recent history, we must acknowledge this problem will likely continue.
The first quarter Red Book Joint Safety Meeting was held on March 18th, at the California-Nevada JATC campus in Riverside. Many accident discussions were held, including driving and electrical contacts. Although we have made improvements over the previous years, we still have work to do to ensure we are the safest we can be.
As Spring has arrived, rain and longer daylight have joined. Ensuring we are focused on driving, every time we get behind the wheel, is priority #1. We must make it home, accident free, every day. And the expectation that everyone on our crew has the RESPONSIBILITY to speak up.
The discussion of mental health is ever prevalent. Continue checking in on each other. We spend more time with each other than with our own families. We must care for each other as such.
The Spanish version of our Red Book & Outside Line Agreements is available on our website.
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
Echoing above, the start of 2026 has been very typical. We have increased our workload over previous years but are much below our threshold. The push for long-term work scope and schedule is vital to ensuring safe and productive crews.
PG&E is looking to hit a 400-mile target in Undergrounding for 2026. Additionally, 350 miles of OH Fire Hardening. This is a large increase from 2025 that saw 330 and 205 miles, respectively. Currently, PG&E has over 240 miles of line under construction, whereas 2025 saw 200 miles at this time.
Underground Electric Construction Company (UECCo) & T&D Power broke ground on multiple large transmission projects in San Jose. These projects encompass roughly 25 miles of underground transmission, and HVDC converter stations, right through the heart of the city. These will help to alleviate future energy supply concerns in the area.
More than 30 projects are in the approval phase with the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), including another large-scale transmission project in development. The Manning – Metcalf 500kV Transmission Line Project is slated to bring over 100 miles of new transmission to the Bay Area, alleviating future energy shortages. We should know in the coming months who the awarded developer for the project is.
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.
We continue to visit and participate in community / school career days and fairs. Introducing this industry to the next generation will ensure that this trade, which has given so many opportunities, continues to do that. If you hear of any fairs happening in your area, please contact your area representative for discussion on what to do next.
Nevada/Lake Tahoe
Large scale projects (Greenlink West, Greenlink North, SWIP North and SWITCH) highlight the workload in Nevada. T&D Power has started mobilizing civil operations on Greenlink North, in addition to finishing civil operations on the West section.
Wilson Construction has kicked off the first steps on SWIP North. This project will connect Twin Falls, Idaho, to Ely, Nevada. This project is roughly 285 miles of new build 500 kV transmission. This project will help California meet the clean energy goals set forward, by allowing access to wind energy in Idaho.
Multiple other substation projects are occurring, including new construction and expansion. Wasatch, Michels, Summit and Cache Valley all are working on some type of substation work, with more to likely follow in the coming months.
Traffic Control
Our Traffic Control group has capped off its busiest year on record, and 2026 shows no sign of slowing down. The first three months have seen a drastic uptick from previous years. Please prioritize safety during the work day. Go home, the exact way you left!
Many new contractors have entered the workforce, specifically supporting the Vegetation Management group. If you find yourself working for them, and find violations in the CBA, please 1. Let the company know of the violation and 2. Let the Union know of the violation.
Members must continue to reach out to get the Trainee Two upgrade, from Trainee One. A new referral from our Dispatch office is required for the hours to comply.
The Cal-Nev JATC is now offering Flagger Certification training for current members. This is a great way to expand career opportunities, by gaining basic knowledge of the traffic industry. This is a REQUIRED certificate, to work in the Traffic Control industry. Please visit https://calnevjatc.org/trade-classes/ for more information!
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) NEEDS UPDATE
As of December 31, 2025, the balance of the Fund was $687.438.03. Beginning October 1, 2025, the Fund has paid out $77,800 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
First Quarter Totals
- Journeyman Lineman: 388
- Line Equipment Man: 256
- Groundman: 367
- Traffic Control: 132
Organizing NEEDS UPDATED
CA Outside Line Construction Agreement:
Support Operations Services LLC
S&S Cable LLC
BlueGate PCA LLC
Lohman Helicopter LLC
Traffic Control Agreement
Lindco, Inc.
Construction Coordinator/Inspector
Pro Energy Inspection Group LLC
Utility Support Services