Sánchez, Norcross, and Fitzpatrick Recognize Journeyman Lineworkers

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA), Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ), and Congresswoman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) joined representatives from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to celebrate Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.

Sánchez, Norcross, and Fitzpatrick led over 140 Members of the House of Representatives in introducing a resolution designating July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day on July 11, 2023. At Wednesday’s event, the three Members signed the resolution alongside lineworkers and representatives from EEI, IBEW, and NECA.

“Journeyman lineworkers play a crucial role in ensuring our lights stay on and our country keeps moving forward. Every time a storm strikes, our lineworkers are on the front lines doing the dangerous work of getting our power back on when lines go down,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, the first woman IBEW member elected to Congress. “This resolution is bipartisan, supported by over 150 House Members, and aims to thank our lineworkers for the work they do every day for our communities. Today, I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as EEI, IBEW, and NECA, as we pay tribute to these hard-working Americans.”

“Journeyman Lineworkers work in dangerous conditions to power our communities across the country. These men and women often work tirelessly throughout the night in hazardous conditions and after natural disasters to keep America on,” Congressman Donald Norcross said. “As a former electrician by trade, I know just how dangerous the job of a Lineworker is, and I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to honor their skill, dedication, and hard work.”

“Journeymen lineworkers work overtime to restore power to our communities after major storms,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. “Today and every day, I am grateful for their hard work, and I am proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan resolution to recognize their invaluable contributions and powering of our nation.”

“EEI and our member companies applaud our industry’s lineworkers for the tireless work they do each and every day. Whether it is wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, or anything in between, our nation’s brave lineworkers always rise to the challenge. They are heroes, and we commend their commitment to restoring power safely and as quickly as possible for our customers and the communities we serve. We are thankful to our Congressional sponsors for leading these efforts to honor our nation’s lineworkers,” said Edison Electric Institute President and CEO Tom Kuhn.

“It’s high time we as a nation honor America’s lineworkers for all they do for our communities. Their commitment, professionalism, and bravery, keeps our homes, schools, hospitals, and economy running and I thank those members of Congress who are working to make July 10 Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day,” Said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper

“Society as we know it, would not exist without our brave lineworkers who endure extreme conditions daily to power our communities across America. We not only thank these highly skilled professionals for their dedication to our communities but acknowledge the hazards they face and the sacrifices they make to keep electricity flowing throughout our country. NECA and our more than 4,000 contractors would like to thank all the Congressional Representatives for recognizing their efforts by cosponsoring the resolution,” said NECA CEO David Long.

Background:
 

This resolution designates National Journeyman Lineworkers Day on July 10 each year to honor Henry Miller, the first elected president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Miller began his career as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas at the age of 14. Years later, while working as a lineman, Miller became acutely aware of the dangerous conditions and subpar wages his fellow workers faced. He traveled across the country to organize fellow linemen and played a key role in founding the IBEW in 1891. Sadly, his life was cut short on July 10, 1896, while working to solve a power outage in Washington, D.C. Today, the IBEW represents one of the largest and most diverse unions in the country.

Congresswoman Sánchez is a former member of the IBEW Local 441 and labor lawyer. Sánchez first introduced this resolution in 2014.

The resolution had over 150 co-sponsors. The full text of the resolution is available here.

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