After more than three decades as an IBEW 1245 member and 16 years on the union’s staff, Senior Assistant Business Manager Al Fortier is retiring. Fortier is leaving behind a lasting impact on 1245 that includes fighting for our members, strengthening our contracts and helping build a more inclusive labor movement.
Fortier joined IBEW 1245 in 1991 and became a Journeyman Lineman in 1996. He worked in Outside Construction before joining Alameda Municipal Power in 1999.
But fighting for working people was in Fortier’s blood. His mother, Dorothy Fortier, was a longtime union activist. From her, Al learned the importance of organizing, standing up for what’s right and fighting for working people. He put those lessons into practice early in his career, becoming an active union leader while working as a lineman. He served as chair of Unit 2211 in Oakland and represented members on IBEW 1245’s Advisory Council.
In 2006, Fortier was selected as a delegate to the IBEW’s 37th International Convention, where he addressed more than 2,000 union leaders from across the United States and Canada in support of a resolution on diversity and full inclusion.
Speaking before the convention, Fortier urged the Brotherhood to expand opportunities for women and people of color, arguing that the union’s strength depended on ensuring that everyone had a fair opportunity to participate and succeed.
“We must continue to build with optimism and hope, strength of heart, and with certainty of mind that this great union has not, and will not, reach its full potential until all the citizens of this country and Canada, regardless of race or gender, gain equal access to this union and its opportunities,” Fortier told the delegates.
The resolution was adopted, reaffirming the IBEW’s commitment to greater participation, inclusion and equality throughout the Brotherhood.
In August 2010, Fortier joined the IBEW 1245 staff as a Business Representative. His initial assignments included Alameda Municipal Power, the City of Oakland, AC Transit, the City of Berkeley, the Port of Oakland and several power generation facilities.
Michael Patterson, a longtime IBEW 1245 member and electrician with the City of Oakland, worked closely with Fortier and remembers his calm, steady approach to contract negotiations.
“Al was always well prepared,” Patterson recalled. “He had this calm demeanor about him. He wasn’t one of those fiery guys jumping up and down, slamming his fists on the table.”
Al Fortier addresses the Vallejo City Council. Photo: Ryan Geller.
Patterson recalled one particularly memorable round of negotiations, when Fortier noticed that the two management representatives sitting across the table frequently disagreed with each other. Rather than getting frustrated, Fortier recognized an opportunity. He began strategically presenting proposals that one representative favored and the other opposed, allowing their disagreements to play out at the bargaining table.
“It was hilarious,” Patterson recalled. The bargaining team ultimately secured a solid contract, and Patterson credits Fortier’s preparation, patience and ability to read the room as key strengths throughout their years working together.
But what Patterson appreciated most was Fortier’s willingness to share his knowledge and help members become stronger advocates for themselves.
“He would try to teach us things that we could learn, so we could be prepared too,” Patterson said. “I learned a lot from Al about negotiations.”
Over the years, Fortier took on greater leadership responsibilities, eventually becoming Senior Assistant Business Manager. It was then that played an important role in supporting IBEW 1245’s organizing efforts, lending his experience to campaigns aimed at strengthening the union.
“I had the privilege of working with Al when he oversaw the Organizing team,” said IBEW 1245 Senior Assistant Business Manager René Cruz Martinez. “He was always willing to lend a hand, whether it was participating in organizing drives, standing alongside us at informational pickets or helping us navigate challenges. His extensive bargaining experience provided valuable insight and guidance that strengthened our team and contributed to our success.”
A big fight came in 2024, when IBEW 1245 members employed by the City of Vallejo were determined to win a contract that would begin reversing years of stagnant wages, understaffing and high employee turnover.
Fortier played a key role in the year-long organizing and bargaining effort in Vallejo, working alongside Business Representative Kim Camatti and the Organizing team to help members win a stronger contract. The campaign brought together bargaining committee members, Organizing Stewards, rank-and-file members and community allies. In April, more than 70 members packed a Vallejo City Council meeting to demand fair wages and benefits.
The three-year agreement included an immediate wage increase, additional raises in subsequent years, improved employer contributions toward health care and other important gains for workers.
The agreement was overwhelmingly ratified by the membership, with 88% voting in favor.
“From his early days as a lineman to his leadership on staff, Al has never wavered in his commitment to working people,” said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean. “He’s made a lasting difference in this union, and we’re proud to call him our brother and wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”
Please join us in congratulating Brother Fortier on his retirement and thanking him for his many years of dedicated service to IBEW 1245 and its members.
We wish Al all the best in this next chapter.