Safety / Focus Items
The second quarter Red Book Joint Safety Meeting was held on June 3rd, at the California-Nevada JATC campus in Woodland. Discussions varied rattlesnake activity, increased cases of tick bites and struck by incidents from falling tools/debris. Additionally, discussion around crew make-up was had, specifically when a three-person vs. four-person crew is needed and the voltage that determines it (600 volts and more requires 4-person crew). Please see Article 6.9 in the Outside Line Agreement for more information.
Summer has arrived in full force. Temperatures have soared over 100 degrees in some areas, creating obvious physical stress on our membership. We must prioritize hydration and rest breaks throughout the day. Don’t forget to check on each other throughout the day! Cal/OSHA has strict standards regarding heat illness prevention. Visit https://www.99calor.org/english.html for more information and for resources.
Our industry has continued to highlight and keep mental health in the discussion. The topic has become less taboo over the years, however, so many of our brothers and sisters in the field suffer in silence. Resources are out there and available 24 hours a day.
- 988 (24/7 hotline)
- Member Assistance Program (MAP) for LINECO participants (1-800-332-2191)
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 as well.
California
The second quarter saw a significant increase in the workload, across all classifications. Following in the footsteps of the past years, any work slowdown seems unlikely through the third quarter. We must prioritize safety in every task that we do. Our safety, our crew’s safety and the public’s safety. Take the time to talk through a task and check each other’s work.
PG&E is well on their way to achieving Undergrounding and OH Fire Hardening targets for 2026. Over 300 miles, of the projected 400 miles, for Undergrounding and over 240 miles of the 350 miles of OH Fire Hardening, are either completed or under construction. Various other projects continue across their property.
Underground Electric Construction Company (UECCo) and T&D Power continue work on multiple large transmission projects in San Jose. UECCo is completing main line, transmission cable trenching and installation, whereas T&D Power is building an HVDC converter station associated with the project. This construction is to help alleviate demand shortages in the Bay Area over the coming years.
At the beginning of May, CAISO announced LS Power as the project sponsor for the NRS – San Jose B 230kV Line Project. This project will include 7-10 miles of underground transmission cable, connecting the NRS Substation and San Jose B Substations.
Additionally, CAISO announced California Grid Holdings LLC (CalGrid) as the project sponsor for the Manning – Metcalf 500kV Transmission Line Project. This project, totaling more than 100 miles of new build transmission, will connect the solar rich, Central Valley, to the Bay Area. This project, which was approved in the 2024-2025 Transmission Plan
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. A mass text reminder will be sent out the Monday before each meeting. Please stop in and 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) continue to dominate the workload in Nevada. T&D Power has mobilized civil operations on Greenlink North, in addition to completing work on Greenlink West.
Summit has started foundation work on SWIP North, with Wilson preparing to begin construction of the line portion. 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 continues to perform dock work throughout the NV Energy service territory.
Traffic Control
Traffic Control has continued to be strong in 2026, with monthly increases in both members and hours worked by members. While this should give this work group a very strong sense of stability, we continue to advocate and seek out work opportunities for our members. By showing up and performing your work safely, you speak to WHY contractors should choose you.
Safety must continue to be a priority. You serve as the front line in protecting a wide variety of workers in the field, and often are the only face they see in the work zone. The interaction and tone set by you carries over through the entire work zone.
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)
As of June 30, 2026, the balance of the Fund was $715,325.64. In the 3 months prior the Fund paid $107,200.00 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
Second Quarter Totals
- Journeyman Lineman: 789
- Line Equipment Man: 400
- Groundman: 866
- Traffic Control: 438
Organizing
CA Outside Line Construction Agreement
- SCADA Solve LLC
- Axia Electric LLC
- GMB West Coast Powerline LLC
- Western Construction Specialists, Inc
- Linden Steel
Traffic Control Agreement
- Arborworks, LLC
- Community Tree LLC
- Core Tree Care LLC
- GASS Services
- Core Resource Services LLC