IBEW 1837 News

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.”

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.

Form 173 Reporting Officer Appointed

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.

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

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.

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)

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.

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.

“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)

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.

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.  

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