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
1837 Members Excel in Negotiations Training
March 4, 2024 -- In late February, 12 members from IBEW Local 1837 participated in an intensive negotiations training session at Teamsters Hall 340 in South Portland, Maine. These members represented workers from companies including Central Maine Power, Versant Power, Eversource, and the New Hampshire Electric Co-op.
Led by educator Craig Duffy from the International Office (IO), the class aimed to equip union members with the essential skills to negotiate collective bargaining agreements effectively.
Negotiating labor contracts is a pivotal aspect of the union's work, ensuring fair treatment... Read More
"Right-to-Work" defeated in NH House
Updated March 1, 2024 --  The so-called "Right-to-Work"  bill died in the New Hampshire House thanks to support from union members across the Granite State.  In late-February, the House voted 212 to 168 to "indefinitely postpone," HB1377-FN.  This defeat comes after union members and allies delivered passionate testimony against the anti-worker legislation during two public hearings in Concord in early January and early February.
 
Click here to read HB 1377
This renewed push for such harmful legislation comes from anti-union politicians and out-of-state special... Read More
Member Completes 48th Marine Corps Marathon
In the world of long-distance running, completing a marathon is a remarkable feat. For Donald Palmer, a dedicated member of IBEW Local 1837 and a steward at Unitil, finishing his third marathon was not just a personal achievement but a profoundly meaningful experience.

In late-October 2023, Palmer crossed the finish line of the 48th Marine Corps Marathon, one of the most iconic and respected marathons in the United States, with an official time of 4 hours, 48 minutes, and 2 seconds. This challenging 26.2-mile race, which is managed by the U.S. Marines, travels through some of the most iconic... Read More
WGME Director Golfs in Maine Amateur Championship
Ryan Jackson's passion for golf is no secret among his fellow employees at WGME-TV in Portland, Maine.
When he's not in the control room coding and directing live broadcasts, you can bet he's out playing 18 holes at Riverside, a golf course near the station.
Jackson joined IBEW Local 1837 over six years ago when he joined the WGME-TV newsroom as an editor. He worked his way up to the challenging role of directing newscasts—a very technical and highly skilled job. While he excels in directing, his love for golf is unparalleled. Almost daily, and regardless of the weather, he sets foot on the... Read More
Lewis Tree Workers Win First Contract
Twelve skilled workers at Lewis Tree in New Hampshire voted to accept their first contract in late-September 2023.
These employees won their union with IBEW Local 1837 back in January 2023 after expressing their dissatisfaction with the lack of benefits and fair pay being offered, especially when compared to other unionized units within the company.
The newly ratified contract includes an immediate 2.5% pay raise, followed by 3% raises in both 2024 and 2025.
While this is just the first contract, there is optimism about its potential for improvement over time. As we welcome these new union... Read More
Black Bear Hydro Members Approve 5-Year Contract
IBEW Local 1837 members at Black Bear Hydro have unanimously ratified a 5-year contract, which includes a $5,000 signing bonus, increased wages, and other enhanced benefits.
In addition to the signing bonus, the contract features progressive pay increases over the next five years as follows:
- A 6% increase in 2023
- A 5% increase in 2024
- A 3.5% increase in 2025
- A 3.5% increase in 2026
- A 5% increase in 2027
The new contract addresses callouts and overtime, ensuring appropriate compensation. Employees called out after hours, who can resolve the issue over the phone, will receive 2 hours... Read More