Early in the AM there was a incident at Local 474, if you are looking to travel to Memphis please read the notice in the link provided

Apologies for the bad link here's what the notice says:

PLEASE READ & SHARE WITH ANY BROTHERS AND SISTERS HEADING THIS WAY.

​Brothers and Sisters,

​If you are currently traveling or planning to travel to IBEW Local 474 in Memphis, TN, please take this warning seriously: DO NOT camp, sleep, or park overnight in the union hall parking lot or surrounding lots.

​We had an incident where a traveler sleeping in his vehicle behind the hall woke up to suspects breaking into his truck and ended up in a gunfight.

​Between recent local news reports highlighting union scale/wages and word getting out, our hall's parking lot and nearby lots have become targets for thieves and criminals expecting easy prey. Sleeping in your truck, van, or RV in or near the hall parking lot is extremely dangerous.

​What You Need To Do:

​Avoid the Hall Lot Overnight: Treat the hall lot as a strict "daytime only" location for union business.

​Safer Alternatives: If you need a place to sleep or rest overnight, head out toward suburban areas with dedicated overnight security. Locations in Bartlett, Millington, or local Walmart locations that allow overnight parking with active security patrols are much safer options.

​Talk to the Locals: Speak with Local 474 members or hall staff when you roll in. Ask about safer campgrounds, RV parks, or vetted overnight spots around the area.

​Your safety and coming home in one piece at the end of the shift comes first. Spread the word to anyone rolling into Memphis—do not risk sleeping in the lot.

​Stay alert and look out for one another.

Is swearing mostly a formality? I understand that it is a formal commitment to stand by and support our brothers and sisters. I heard a guy who recently topped out who mentioned he has never sworn in. It was never brought up to him and he never pursued it.

This morning I had an opportunity to put my craft to the best possible use ever! About a month ago I was approached while watching my daughter at her school's field day by one of the teachers. She asked if I would be interested in teaching 5th graders about electricity.

If you know me personally you know that I am all about the kids and this was a chance to teach something that I know a little bit about.

Today I taught that science class on electricity! I had such an unbelievable time and I think the kids learned a lot! They asked insightful questions and showed both curiosity and the ability to understand electrical concepts like conductors, insulators, and the difference between them. What an open circuit and a closed circuit are. Lastly how to convert electricity to radiant, thermal, and mechanical energy.

If you know a trade or are an IBEW member consider volunteering at a school near you!

Protests Erupt All Over Europe!

The narrative here is that its socialists, communists, illegal immigrants, and the like that are protesting in Europe.

The truth is that students, and workers are protesting social conditions, and corruption.

The owners would hate for you to see the news and think about our own circumstances and corruption, and take to the streets to demand action!

mine changed between may this year (80% at 62, 100% at 65) and October (80% at 60, 100% at 62) 38 credits

I’m looking into getting back into the trade. I was in an apprenticeship program and broke my leg during the 2nd year. I was bad with money and ended up having to move back to my home state. That was back in 2022 and I haven’t been in the trade at all since then. My question for you guys is one: if I still have a card number and it’s at my old local but I haven’t paid dues or done anything at all since I left the trades, how do I go about joining the local here where I’m from? I applied and got an email back saying I couldn’t join if I’m a member of a different local. My second question is if I get back in, should I restart the program or try getting in the CW route, with about 3 years of experience?

I supposedly joined the union in May, since I got a job at a union company. (I don't think I was supposed to be hired, but I was) I paid the initial fees, got 'sworn in', and then nothing at all since. I've been sitting in the queue for schooling since, and the line hasn't moved. I have 0 benefits, but the union is asking for dues and death benefit fees. I am supposedly a CW-1.

I'm told I'm building towards my pension, but they refuse to pass along any paperwork showing what benefits I do / will get. The receptionist says "I don't know what info you want I haven't said on the phone" like a phone call is good enough?? I have no login ability to see anything about the union online, too.

So, why should I pay them anything? I get nothing from the union at this point. And the prospect of me moving forward is very slim so far.

Anyone here in California have a dual JL/JW classification…. If so please reach out. I have questions!

LU640
Longer short of it my union is very weak and the contractor I work for offers ESOP which incentivizes people to be loyal to the contractor instead of the union.

I want to create change and have become the person that people go to with issues and grievances, but without actually being a Steward I feel as though I have no voice to actually create change.

I am not a JW yet so I don’t have that same authority but thankfully our sub foreman backs me up and tries to uphold conditions when he can. Is there anything I can do to actually make the voices of my brothers and sisters heard or is just a situation of drag and take another call?

Just hit the road for the first time, sleeping in my truck for the night. Mad props to all you guys. Already missing the family. Take care everyone.

So we arent supposed to badge out till 4:20 quit time is 4:30. Getting out of the parking lot takes about 10 minutes because of course the whole damn jobsite is trying to leave at once on a one way road. There is 3 intersections on said road with heavy equipment constantly coming through so you get stopped by the people directing traffic to let the equipment get through. You don’t get off site till 5:00 on a good day. Most people sit in there cars and wait for traffic to calm down before leaving. My question is why am i having to spend 30 minutes to an hour of my own time after work just to get off site then still have to drive home. To me they should let us leave 15 -20 minutes earlier or have staggered times so everyone’s not leaving at once. What is the right way to handle this. Is this how all data centers are?

I’ve always wondered what this means. Does it correlate to some kind of pole identification number or something? Thanks for the help!

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles is a great example of the relationship between employers and employee. The fact is owners will always put profits over the safety and we'll being of their employees. We should always remember that!

What should a traveler know before going?

Let’s be honest… we will never be rich working a standard 8 hour shift for someone else doing the bare minimum. Realistically, how can one use their knowledge and experience to make the most while not needing to work an ungodly amount of OT or having to be on the road their entire career? What certs/degrees, niches, etc when it comes to potentially opening up a shop - that isn’t over saturated?

$30k+ a month pre tax with the Cache Valley Electric calls on the books right now

I’m looking to travel to Boise or Reno from Local 11, anything I have to know as a 1st time traveler? In n outs ? Accommodations ? Etc? How’s the work picture there ?

Has anyone went from Non union to Union?
I completed an apprenticeship program through ABC. Been non union for 8 years. I’m sick and tired of losing my health insurance , 401k, and finding work & all the bs that comes with it. So I thought I hit up an organizer through local 11 and will be filling out paperwork Monday and possibly be working soon after that from what I’ve been told. Has anyone went from non union to union to let me know what I’ll be expecting? I did PLA jobs before and always liked how the union guys carried themselves when it came to treating one another and even when it came to work. Non union you’re lowkey licking peoples boots if you wanna keep your job and I know even in union work slows down but non union seems more cutthroat lol.

They say women love to gossip but I highly doubt women love to gossip as much as electricians! Lots of members spreading around nonsense about contract negotiations! If you read your CBA you would not need to gossip because you would understand the process.

If you really want to know what's happening show up at:

The Roundtable Contract Discussion

4371 Parliament Pl. Lanham, MD on Tuesday 10/27/26 @ 3:00 p.m.

Been seeing lots of stuff about all the work in Memphis TN. Incentives, perdiem, ect. Has anyone who has been there recently have any insight? Looking to possibly hit the road and check it out but I’m curious about conditions, pay, ect.

If interested, please contact the local 252 hiring hall.

Make hay while the sun shines brothers.

Just curious what are you guys seeing for incentives for some of these large jobs/ data centers. There’s a bunch starting around Illinois and trying to see if they are paying over or all OT is double.