Union News

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

"Right-to-Work" defeated in NH House

Updated March 1, 2024 --  The so-called "Right-to-Work"  bill died in the New Hampshire House thanks to support from union members across the Granite State.  In late-February, the House voted 212 to 168 to "indefinitely postpone," HB1377-FN.  This defeat comes after union members and allies delivered passionate testimony against the anti-worker legislation during two public hearings in Concord in early January and early February.

 

Unit meetings to resume this Fall

After a brief break for the summer, unit meetings are resuming for the fall months.  Members had voted in late spring or early summer to temporarily suspend their meetings during the traditional summer vacation months. While most begin in September, a few will start in October.

There are eleven-unit meetings held each month throughout New Hampshire and Maine for our members to attend.

Lewis Tree Workers Win First Contract

Twelve skilled workers at Lewis Tree in New Hampshire voted to accept their first contract in late-September 2023.

These employees won their union with IBEW Local 1837 back in January 2023 after expressing their dissatisfaction with the lack of benefits and fair pay being offered, especially when compared to other unionized units within the company.

The newly ratified contract includes an immediate 2.5% pay raise, followed by 3% raises in both 2024 and 2025.

Black Bear Hydro Members Approve 5-Year Contract

IBEW Local 1837 members at Black Bear Hydro have unanimously ratified a 5-year contract, which includes a $5,000 signing bonus, increased wages, and other enhanced benefits.

In addition to the signing bonus, the contract features progressive pay increases over the next five years as follows:

- A 6% increase in 2023

- A 5% increase in 2024

- A 3.5% increase in 2025

- A 3.5% increase in 2026

- A 5% increase in 2027

Summer Suspension of Unit Meetings with Exceptions for Units 10 and 11

Following a vote by the members, several unit meetings in IBEW Local 1837 are temporarily suspended for the 2023 summer season.  However, please note Units 10 and 11 will continue to hold a combined meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. over Zoom.

To see the Summer 2023 Schedule: click here

Pages