IBEW Local 1837 Welcomes Kaitlyn Hegarty as New Business Rep.

IBEW Local 1837 has appointed Kaitlyn Hegarty as its new Business Representative. Hegarty brings extensive experience in the media industry, having been a union member since 2011 when she joined WGME CBS 13 in Portland, Maine and served as a shop steward at the station.

With over a decade of experience in the broadcasting business, Hegarty worked as an award-winning Chief News Producer, contributing to thousands of live newscasts, breaking news events, and investigative stories. Her leadership in the newsroom made her a go-to person for co-workers' concerns.

During her tenure at WGME, Hegarty was part of the negotiating team that secured a three-year contract agreement in 2021. The agreement included substantial raises for all members across job classifications, ranging from 5.2% to 49.9%. The contract vote followed the company's inadequate wage offer, which fell far short of the Union Negotiating Team's expectations. Members overwhelmingly rejected the offer and authorized a strike.

"I am thrilled to join the staff of IBEW Local 1837 and have the opportunity to fight for workers' rights and represent the union's members," Hegarty said. "I eagerly anticipate listening to and assisting members to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met."

"Kaitlyn has already shown herself to be a great asset to our team,” Renee Gilman, Assistant Business Manager for the local, said. “We're lucky to have her, and members can feel confident knowing they've got a strong union supporter on their side. I look forward to working with her in the years to come."

In addition to her exceptional work as a journalist, Hegarty has received well-deserved recognition for her contributions. She has been honored with prestigious awards, including an Emmy Award, three Gracie Awards, several Edward R. Murrow awards, and multiple honors from the Maine Association of Broadcasters.