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
WGME-TV Employees Demand Fair Pay
Members of IBEW Local 1837 at WGME-TV (CBS 13) gathered near the television station in Portland in early December for an informational picket. The members, which include Photographers, News Producers, Directors, News Editors, Assignment Editors, Operating Technicians, Maintenance Engineers, and Creative Producers, are fighting for better pay and working conditions in their contract negotiations with Sinclair Broadcast Group.
The picket, held on Washington Avenue near the corner of Allen Avenue, was prompted by Sinclair’s willingness to meet only once since early September. While holding signs... Read More
Strong Contract Gains, Job Security Secured for Versant Members
IBEW Local 1837 members at Versant ratified a 3-year collective bargaining agreement in early July after federal mediation was brought in to help the Union and the Company bridge remaining gaps during negotiations. The contract includes significant improvements to wages, benefits, working conditions, and a key victory in protecting job security.
All classifications will see general wage increases of 4% in 2025, 3% in 2026, and 3% in 2027. In addition, several positions will see market adjustments.
"These targeted market adjustments are crucial to remaining competitive in the labor market,"... Read More
Versant Lineman Named Steward of the Year
IBEW Local 1837 member Greg Middleton, a first-class lineworker at Versant Power, has been selected as the 2024 Shop Steward of the Year by a special committee at the Maine AFL-CIO. Middleton received his award at the upcoming COPE Convention Awards Banquet on Thursday, June 27, in Auburn. He was nominated for the award by members of IBEW Local 1837.
“Greg embodies everything one could hope for in a union member and steward,” IBEW Local 1837 wrote in its nomination. “His proactive approach and relentless support for his co-workers make him an exemplary candidate for this recognition.”... Read More
1837 Member Matthew Beck Elected to Maine House
There’s a familiar and friendly face serving constituents in Augusta. South Portland voters elected IBEW Local 1837 member Matthew Beck to represent them in the Maine House of Representatives for District 122. 
Beck, who served as an Organizer and Business Representative for the local for decades before his retirement in April 2023, secured a decisive victory with more than 70% of the vote in a special election held in March.  He will serve the remainder of the term for the late Rep. Lois Galgay Reckitt, a longtime champion of human rights, who passed away at the age of 78 from... Read More
1837 Honored for Protecting Union Utility Jobs
IBEW Local 1837 was honored at the 17th Annual National Labor and Management Public Affairs Committee (LAMPAC) conference in Washington, D.C., for its successful efforts in protecting hundreds of union utility jobs in Maine. 
In March, Assistant Business Manager, Renee Gilman, accepted the Edwin D. Hill Award, on behalf of the union. The award is named after the former IBEW International President who co-founded LAMPAC with the Edison Electrical Institute in 2007.
The award recognized Local 1837’s campaign against Question 3, a 2023 Maine referendum that threatened to allow the state... Read More
1837 Members, Retirees Help Defeat “Right-to-Work” Bills in NH
IBEW Local 1837 members and retirees played a crucial role in defeating the two pieces of harmful, anti-union legislation - one in the New Hampshire House and one in the New Hampshire Senate.
The House version of so-called "right-to-work", HB1377-FN, underwent two public hearings in January and February. Union workers and their supporters passionately testified against the bill, which would have permitted workers to benefit from a bargaining unit without contributing anything toward the costs of representation. Diminished resources weaken the ability of unions to negotiate better wages,... Read More
Following Lewiston Tragedy, 1837 Members at WGME Recognized for Outstanding Journalism
Three members of IBEW Local 1837 at WGME in Portland have been nominated for a New England Emmy Award in the category of "Best Newscast (Small Market)."
The nominations recognize the outstanding journalism work of News Producer and Steward Alison Murtagh, Chief News Producer Ted Homer, and Director Ethan Crooker, following the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston last October. 
“I’m honored to be nominated along such a great group of people,” said Alison Murtagh. “Together, we were able to keep the state of Maine informed during a very difficult time.  The city of Lewiston will always... Read More
Seacoast Mental Health Professionals Vote for Representation
In March, mental health professionals at Seacoast Mental Health voted in favor of representation by IBEW Local 1837.
The vote, with a decisive count of 13 to 2, signals a strong desire among these professionals for fair treatment and collective advocacy in their workplace.  The therapists at Seacoast Mental Health play a crucial role in providing mental health services to residents of the eastern half of Rockingham County, New Hampshire. 
“We look forward to representing the hard working therapists and staff at Seacoast Mental Health so they can be even more effective in serving the... Read More