International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 647 Business Manager/Financial Secretary Brian Erwin joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed why highly skilled linemen are in high demand, and how additional recruitment efforts can fill the need.
Local 647 represents about 1,000 contract bargaining unit members, including 700 dues paying members and roughly 300 fair share riders. The Local jurisdiction covers over 21,000 square miles throughout Arkansas.
Erwin explained there is an increased demand for outside linemen due to a number of factors. Both California and Texas require public utility companies to systematically upgrade their electrical grids in the face of climate change, which causes Arkansas linemen to leave the state for better pay and work opportunities, he said. Baby boomers are increasingly retiring, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, he added. Furthermore, not enough young people are encouraged to go into the trades as an alternative to college.
Erwin then detailed recruitment efforts to attract more young people to join apprenticeships and other efforts to grow Local 647.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.