Welcome to IBEW 1837

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1837 is proud to represent approximately 1,600 working men and women all over Maine and New Hampshire. Most of our members work at electric utilities or broadcasting stations throughout the two states. We work at companies such as Central Maine Power, Eversource in New Hampshire, and WGME-TV 13, just to name a few! IBEW Union Local 1837 maintains two offices to better serve our members—one in Manchester, Maine and the other in Manchester, New Hampshire. The office in Maine includes a separate building with a conference room and meeting area for union programs and training sessions.

IBEW Sounds Alarm on 'Big Ugly Bill'
The IBEW is sounding the alarm on President Trump’s recently signed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” warning that it poses a serious threat to working families across the country. In a letter to local unions, International President Kenneth W. Cooper called the legislation “irresponsible,” citing tax cuts for the wealthy, health care rollbacks, and the elimination of clean energy job incentives that have fueled significant IBEW job growth in recent years. Despite the bill’s name, Cooper made clear: “This new law will directly impact IBEW members and their families.”
Among the most damaging... Read More
Protect Your CDL: Check Your Record
A former member of IBEW 1837 was repeatedly denied job opportunities because of a mistake in the federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Although he had resolved a past violation, the employer responsible for updating the record never submitted the correction. As a result, the Clearinghouse continued to show an unresolved infraction. Every time a prospective employer ran a background check, it appeared the issue was still active—and he wasn’t hired. Once the record was corrected, he was finally able to return to work.
This case underscores an important truth: even if you’ve done everything... Read More
Form 173 Reporting Officer Appointed

Eversource Lineman Tom Eaton with International President Kenneth Cooper in Milwaukee, WI.

In early March, Linemen Tom Eaton (Eversource), Donny Palmer (Unitil), Greg Middleton (Versant Power), and Mechanic Wade Jandreau (Versant Power) represented Local 1837 at the IBEW National Safety Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Attending conferences and safety classes equips our members with the latest best practices—knowledge they can share locally to keep everyone safer on the job.
Following the conference, Business Manager Tony Sapienza appointed Tom Eaton as Local 1837’s Form 173 Reporting Officer.... Read More
WGME-TV Workers Secure Contract
Members of IBEW Local 1837 at WGME-TV ratified a new three-year contract with Sinclair Broadcast Group, ending a difficult and drawn-out bargaining process that included multiple contract extensions, public pickets outside the TV station in Portland, and strong backing from community leaders and fellow union members across the state.
The new agreement provides wage increases for all union members—at least 4–7% in the first year—followed by an additional 4% over the next two years. It also includes retroactive pay dating back to late 2024, putting earned money back in members’ pockets after... Read More
Unit Meetings Suspended for Summer Months
Unit meetings for IBEW Local 1837 are temporarily suspended for summer months following a vote by the members of those respective units. Unit 8 in Augusta, however, will hold its regular June meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in Manchester, Maine, at the IBEW Local 1837 Office, Conference Room.
Below is each unit’s regular meeting pattern, next dates in September and October 2025, and locations.
Unit 1 (Dover, NH)

Meetings suspended until October 2025
Regular Schedule: Fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:00 p.m.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Location... Read More
Maine Legislature Rejects Anti-Union Bill
In a victory for labor unions and workers across Maine, the state legislature has defeated a so-called "Right-to-Work" bill in Augusta. An Act to Prohibit Labor Organizations from Imposing Mandatory Service Fees on Nonmembers (LD 187) aimed to weaken unions by allowing employees to opt out of paying dues while still benefiting from union-negotiated wages, benefits, and protections. Labor leaders warned that this “free rider” model would destabilize union funding and erode the collective power workers need to bargain effectively.
On May 7, 2025, the Maine House of Representatives voted 76–64... Read More
IBEW Helps Lead Way to 40th Defeat of NH ‘Right-to-Work’ Bill
The latest drive for “right-to-work” in New Hampshire crashed into the brick wall of the state’s labor movement in February, as the IBEW and fellow unions overcame a huge Republican majority to defeat the bill for the 40th time.
"It was the heaviest lift of my career,” said state AFL-CIO President Glenn Brackett, former business manager of Manchester, N.H., Local 2320. “We started out 44 votes upside-down, and we ended up winning by 20.”
From campaign resources to member participation, Brackett said, the IBEW’s help was invaluable.
“The IBEW Second District really carried the day,” he said. “... Read More
“Right to Work” Bills Threaten Union Members in ME, NH
Two “Right to Work” (RTW) bills have reemerged in Maine and New Hampshire, potentially undermining the strength of labor unions that protect workers’ wages, benefits, and rights.  In Maine, the Legislature will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 12, on a bill that aims to weaken collective bargaining. Meanwhile, across the border, New Hampshire lawmakers are set to vote on a similar measure on Tuesday, February 13.
Maine “Right to Work” Bill – (LD187)
The Maine bill, backed by a handful of Republican legislators, seeks to strip unions of essential funding and bargaining power.... Read More
Units 6-9 to Hold Combined Zoom Meeting in May
Due to ongoing negotiations with Central Maine Power, we will be holding a combined meetings for Units 6, 7, 8, and 9 via Zoom for February, March, April and May. 
The date, time, and Zoom link will be shared via email prior to the meetings.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to your steward or the Local 1837 office.
If you are not a member at CMP, but belong to Units 6 (Portland), 7 (Lewiston), 8 (Augusta), or 9 (Waterville) and have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to your steward or the Local 1837 office: (207) 623-1030.
Upcoming Changes to Unit Meeting Schedules
Due to upcoming negotiations with Central Maine Power, there will be changes to the unit meeting schedule for the start of 2025.  
Click here for the schedule

January 2025: Unit 6 and Unit 7 meetings are canceled. Unit 8 and Unit 9 meetings will proceed as scheduled.
February and March 2025: Meetings for Unit 6, Unit 7, Unit 8, and Unit 9 will be combined and held on Zoom.  The date, time, and Zoom link will be shared via email prior to the meetings.

If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to your steward or the Local 1837 office.
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