Northwest Labor Press is an independent union-supported newspaper founded in 1900. Our print version is mailed twice a month to about 45,000 members of over three dozen local unions in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our online version has been maintained here since 1997.
Tag:
IBEW Local 125
Jobs
When snow and ice hit, union members were the first to respond
During severe weather, hundreds of union-represented workers keep the region running, from electric linemen to snowplow and bus operators.
People
Marcy Grail departs IBEW
Marcy Grail left IBEW Local 125 for a position at Kiewit. Russell Smith was appointed to succeed her as assistant business manager.
Training the Next Generation
Utility line workers compete at Lineman Rodeo
The contest tests utility line workers for speed, safety and trade skills, and raises money for the Oregon Burn Center.
Collective bargaining
IBEW tree trimmer talks heat up
Tree trimmers represented by IBEW Local 125 rejected the final offer from a group of employers, paving the way for escalating action.
Collective bargaining
Pacific Power linemen ratify new contract
The contract raises wages, increases the 401(k) match, and adds sick leave hours and floating holidays for 285 utility workers.
Collective bargaining
Tree trimmers reject tentative agreement
A IBEW Local 125 unit of about 430 tree trimmers last month rejected a tentative agreement by an overwhelmingly margin—98%, with turnout of about 60%.
National
Homecoming for Liz Shuler
In 1993 U of O grad Liz Shuler went to work at Portland-based IBEW Local 125, her father’s local. Today she’s America’s top union leader.
Union democracy
Liz Shuler elected AFL-CIO president
She succeeds Rich Trumka, who died Aug. 5. Shuler, AFL-CIO secretary treasurer since 2009, is the first woman to hold the office of president.
In Memoriam
Bill Miller, Jr., 1948-2021
Miller was business manager of Portland-based IBEW Local 125 when the Enron scandal robbed PGE lineman of retirement savings.
People
IBEW’s Marcy Grail to chair Energy Facility Siting Council
The council is responsible for large electric generating facilities, transmission lines, gas pipelines, and radioactive waste disposal sites.
Jobs
TransAlta shuts first of two coal-fired power plants in Centralia
The closure means layoff for 64 workers, but thanks to a $55 million coal transition fund, they'll get a lump sum payment of about $44,000.
Union democracy
Travis Eri unopposed for a sixth three-year term at IBEW 125
Local 125 represents electric utility workers, power line clearance tree trimmers, and workers who construct and maintain transmission lines and substations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada.
Building our communities
IBEW Local 125 appeals for funds for man burned in an unprovoked attack at Denny’s
Burns are one of the biggest hazards for the outside linemen Local 125 represents.
People
IBEW Local 125’s Marcy Grail named to Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council
She will complete the unexpired term of John Mohlis.
Jobs
Google Fiber pulls the plug on Portland
Google is putting planned fiber roll-outs in Portland and other cities on hold.
Jobs
Will Google Fiber be installed union in Portland?
The company's $300 million high-speed Internet rollout could spell years of work for hundreds of union linemen.
Collective bargaining
IBEW 125 members ratify contract at Pacificorp
About 320 workers will get 2 percent raises in the new four-year deal.
Collective bargaining
IBEW Local 125 Pickets Pacific power headquarters
The company wants to shift more of its health care costs onto workers.
Collective bargaining
IBEW Local 125 authorizes strike at Pacific Power
Local 125 members are tired of making concessions to profitable PacifiCorp.
Collective bargaining
IBEW Local 125 pickets Pacific Power in Portland
Pacific Power plays hardball against workers seeking to make up for previous concessions
