IBEW 1837

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.
This case underscores an important truth: even if you’ve done everything... Read More

Form 173 Reporting Officer Appointed

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

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.
Following the conference, Business Manager Tony Sapienza appointed Tom Eaton as Local 1837’s Form 173 Reporting Officer.... Read More

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.
The new agreement provides wage increases for all union members—at least 4–7% in the first year—followed by an additional 4% over the next two years. It also includes retroactive pay dating back to late 2024, putting earned money back in members’ pockets after... Read More

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.
On May 7, 2025, the Maine House of Representatives voted 76–64... Read More

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.
“The IBEW Second District really carried the day,” he said. “... Read More

“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)
The Maine bill, backed by a handful of Republican legislators, seeks to strip unions of essential funding and bargaining power.... Read More

WGME-TV Employees Demand Fair Pay

Members of IBEW Local 1837 at WGME-TV (CBS 13) gathered near the television station in Portland in early December for an informational picket. The members, which include Photographers, News Producers, Directors, News Editors, Assignment Editors, Operating Technicians, Maintenance Engineers, and Creative Producers, are fighting for better pay and working conditions in their contract negotiations with Sinclair Broadcast Group.
The picket, held on Washington Avenue near the corner of Allen Avenue, was prompted by Sinclair’s willingness to meet only once since early September. While holding signs... Read More

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

IBEW 1837 Features