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
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
Postal Pickets to preserve timely mail delivery
February 23, 2024 -- This Saturday, February 24th, Postal Workers (APWU) and community members will be holding informational pickets in five communities in the Bangor area.  This solidarity action is in response to a USPS proposal that would delay mail deliveries for USPS customers in Northern and Central Maine.   Click here to read more about this plan and the potential impacts.
INFORMATIONAL PICKETS ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24:

Orono Post Office 1 Bennoch Rd. Orono Maine, 9 am to 10 am
Old Town Center St. in front of Post Office 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Brewer across from the Post... Read More
IBEW offers annual Founders' Scholarship
The IBEW is offering its Founders’ Scholarship, which is an annual opportunity for IBEW members to further their education.
Click here for more information
The Founders’ Scholarship honors the legacy of the wiremen and linemen who, on November 28, 1891, organized the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Eligibility requires good standing in the organization for four years before May 1 of the scholarship year.