Hundreds of IBEW members came to D.C. in April to attend IBEW construction and building trades conferences – and get tips on how to navigate 2025’s tricky political and legislative climate. The good news, IBEW President Kenneth W. Cooper told members, is that 2025 is on track as a record-breaking year for growth.
But while change brings new opportunities, it can also feel destabilizing. “This union has seen a lot of changes and challenges in its 134-year history. We have always evolved to meet them,” Cooper said at the Construction and Maintenance Conference.
One of the messages IBEW Government Affairs staff conveyed was the importance of drilling down on local issues and working across the aisle on nonpartisan issues like jobs.
“2025 is a new political environment that calls for new tactics and a new playbook,” said IBEW Government Affairs Director Dean Warsh. “Now more than ever, reaching across party lines to develop new relationships is how we move forward.”
In Washington, Mike Vasquez, president of San Bernardino Local 477, learned firsthand about legislative advocacy when he was called to fill in on meetings with members of the California congressional delegation, one Democrat and one Republican.
He thanked both for their efforts to save ARCHES, the $12 billion hydrogen network whose fate is at risk due to possible Department of Energy cuts. Local 477 represents 1,300 IBEW members from the state’s southeast, which overlaps with Republican Jay Obernolte’s district.
“We’re open to whoever is going to support us,” Vasquez said. “To our local, party affiliation isn’t important. That area is heavily Republican. We don’t give up on them.”
No matter which party holds the majority in Congress, Ninth District international representative Gretchen Newsom said local union members walk into meetings with the same message.
“The importance of good jobs, pensions, quality health care, promoting professional skills, and protecting our apprenticeship’s gold standard,” Newsom said. “These priorities resonate across party lines.”
Capitol Hill advocacy aside, Newsom emphasized getting to know local, state, and congressional members at home. “I encourage local union leaders to invite elected officials to your picnics and halls. When issues pop up, visit them in their district offices,” Newsom said.
In branch conferences, regional meetings, and registrar trainings this year, Government Affairs staff will be sharing how state-level advocacy and organizing tools can be used to effectively execute IBEW’s agenda. Developing relationships with elected officials is key, Warsh said.
“To elected officials, nothing is more powerful than an actual constituent’s voice.”
Photo caption: A Washington state IBEW delegation met with Rep. Pramila Jayapal in Washington, D.C. in April.
