Business Manager Tony Sapienza
P: (603) 743-1652
Weekly roundup of labor news covering union organizing victories, contract negotiations, workplace safety issues, and political advocacy efforts across various industries and sectors nationwide.
Analysis of America's electricity crisis as costs have jumped 32% in five years, driven by soaring demand from data centers colliding with an overstretched grid, with regulatory policies exacerbating affordability concerns.
New research shows climate change has already reduced US incomes by 12% since 2000, far higher than previous estimates, as persistent temperature shifts affect supply chains and regional economies nationwide.
Trump administration policies have led to cancellation of at least 300 energy and transportation construction projects worth $236 billion, representing 255,000 lost construction jobs as tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act are gutted.
New Orleans Local 130 establishes the Sparky Sisters Women's Committee to support current women members, recruit the next generation, and address workplace culture issues in the trades through mentorship and leadership opportunities.
IBEW leaders and members attending the Government Affairs Conference conducted 176 meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, advocating for the PRO Act, apprenticeship standards, and revival of canceled infrastructure projects.
IBEW President Kenneth Cooper and IST Paul Noble address workplace safety and violence prevention following the tragic murder of welder Amber Czech. The article emphasizes creating harassment-free workplaces, confronting mental health challenges in construction, and building a culture of safety and respect that welcomes all workers.
IBEW members achieved significant electoral victories in November 2025, winning positions from town councils to state assemblies. Features profiles of three member-winners: Stephen Nowicki (Cheektowaga, NY town council), Naomi Hewitt (Fairbanks school board), and Ritch Kurtenbach (Black Hawk County, Iowa supervisor), demonstrating how union members bring worker perspectives directly into government.
International Executive Council Chairman Chris Erikson retires after a 50-year IBEW career, including nearly 20 years leading New York Local 3's 30,000+ members. Grandson of legendary Local 3 Business Manager Harry Van Arsdale Jr., Erikson championed diversity, mentored young leaders nationwide, and helped maintain union wages at $141/hour while serving as IEC chairman for a decade.
IBEW members conducted intensive get-out-the-vote efforts in New Jersey and Virginia's November 2025 elections, helping elect pro-worker governors and substantial majorities in state legislatures. The campaigns emphasized how union rights, collective bargaining, PLAs, and worker wages were directly at stake in these crucial odd-year elections.