Donnie Colston, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Utility Department Director, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed Lineman Appreciation Day and why the job of a lineman is dangerous.
Colston joined AWF in recognition of Lineman Appreciation Day, which is April 18. The IBEW classifies 20 types of members as utility including linemen, groundmen and equipment operators.
He said the IBEW and Edison Electric Institute, a trade organization that represents all of America's investor-owned utilities, are pushing Congress to move Lineman Appreciation Day to July 10. On that date in 1896, Henry Miller, the IBEW’s first president, fell off a utility pole while repairing storm damage and died. Both organizations feel it is appropriate to honor lineman on this day, he added.
Colston then explained the dangerous work lineman perform. He spent the bulk of his career as a lineman and emphasized the many hazards lineman face on the job. Anything from grabbing the high voltage lines barehanded to making contact with live objects could potentially kill lineman, he noted.
Throughout the country, there is a need for more men and women to become lineman. Colston emphasized it is a great career opportunity for people to make great wages and not take on college debt. The demand for electricity is increasing, and as a result, more help is necessary to do the work.
Listen to the entire episode: