Keeping trees and brush away from power lines is vital to protecting electric service reliability and preventing wildfires. That’s the job of Line Clearance Tree Trimmers.
IBEW Local 1245 represents Line Clearance Tree Trimmers and Vegetation Control Specialists at numerous tree trimming contractors in California. By standing together as a union, tree trimmers are working to continuously improve our wages, benefits and living standards.
From time to time, utilities switch from one line clearance contractor to another. Our IBEW labor agreements have provisions that protect the union seniority of tree trimmers as we move from one contractor to another. This is one reason why it is very important for new employees to sign up with the union as soon as possible after being hired.
Safety is a critical issue for Line Clearance Tree Trimmers. Our working conditions can be difficult, and sometimes dangerous. The IBEW Local 1245 Safety Committee includes a Line Clearance Tree Trimmer to help focus attention on safety concerns that tree trimmers may have.
The union has two Business Representatives dedicated to representing Line Clearance Tree Trimmers–Junior Ornelas and Carl Lamers. Senior Business Representative Ray Thomas coordinates contract negotiations for our labor agreements with Line Clearance contractors. You can locate their contact information in the Directory of Business Representatives.
IBEW Local 1245 holds union meetings for Line Clearance members at many locations in California. Please check the unit meeting schedule for the unit meeting nearest you. Remember: Participation is the key to our unity–and unity is the key to our future success!