Safety / Focus Items
The beginning of 2026 has been an overall positive start. While many of the challenges we experienced in 2025 have carried over into the new year, the gaps we’ve identified have provided valuable insight into previously unseen deficiencies. These challenges present opportunities for growth and improvement across the board.
Daylight is sticking around a bit longer each day Weather is still undecided what it wants to do. Critters and kids are out as always. We must continue to be vigilant about these changing conditions, and ensure that we, and our crews, are prepared.
Safety has, and will continue, to be the number one priority on the job. Part of this is getting TO the job. Vehicle incidents continue to be a plague in this industry and many others. We have made tremendous gains here but continue to have issues.
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
Line Clearance Tree Trimming (LCTT)
Work has continued through the beginning of 2026 steadily in most regions, for the LCTT group. Contractors have been able to keep most members working, with minimal movement between yards. We anticipate steady work throughout the year ahead.
PG&E Assessment Center in Oroville has been a topic discussed over the previous years. 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.
The California-Nevada JATC continues to provide supplemental training for members, to help with passing the assessment.
Vegetation Management Inspectors (VMI)
Recently, the VMI group submitted proposal forms for the upcoming contract negotiations. As we approach the ending term of the agreement, we continue to discuss a path forward that best benefits the members of this work group.
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 in a new Agreement late January. The agreement, passed with 98% in favor, includes 24% wage increases, over the next five years, and a yearly increase to daily subsistence, hitting $50 per day in 2030, from $15 in 2025. Additional increases to the HRA and extended coverage to any LINECO increases.
A special thank you to our bargaining team members, Brother’s Matthew Olson and Matthew Hill. Their contributions and perspectives, from the PT&T membership, were critical in the negotiation process. We look forward to more success for this work group.
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.