Member Completes 48th Marine Corps Marathon
In the world of long-distance running, completing a marathon is a remarkable feat. For Donald Palmer, a dedicated member of IBEW Local 1837 and a steward at Unitil, finishing his third marathon was not just a personal achievement but a profoundly meaningful experience.

In late-October 2023, Palmer crossed the finish line of the 48th Marine Corps Marathon, one of the most iconic and respected marathons in the United States, with an official time of 4 hours, 48 minutes, and 2 seconds. This challenging 26.2-mile race, which is managed by the U.S. Marines, travels through some of the most iconic... Read More
WGME Director Golfs in Maine Amateur Championship
Ryan Jackson's passion for golf is no secret among his fellow employees at WGME-TV in Portland, Maine.
When he's not in the control room coding and directing live broadcasts, you can bet he's out playing 18 holes at Riverside, a golf course near the station.
Jackson joined IBEW Local 1837 over six years ago when he joined the WGME-TV newsroom as an editor. He worked his way up to the challenging role of directing newscasts—a very technical and highly skilled job. While he excels in directing, his love for golf is unparalleled. Almost daily, and regardless of the weather, he sets foot on the... Read More
Lewis Tree Workers Win First Contract
Twelve skilled workers at Lewis Tree in New Hampshire voted to accept their first contract in late-September 2023.
These employees won their union with IBEW Local 1837 back in January 2023 after expressing their dissatisfaction with the lack of benefits and fair pay being offered, especially when compared to other unionized units within the company.
The newly ratified contract includes an immediate 2.5% pay raise, followed by 3% raises in both 2024 and 2025.
While this is just the first contract, there is optimism about its potential for improvement over time. As we welcome these new union... Read More
Black Bear Hydro Members Approve 5-Year Contract
IBEW Local 1837 members at Black Bear Hydro have unanimously ratified a 5-year contract, which includes a $5,000 signing bonus, increased wages, and other enhanced benefits.
In addition to the signing bonus, the contract features progressive pay increases over the next five years as follows:
- A 6% increase in 2023
- A 5% increase in 2024
- A 3.5% increase in 2025
- A 3.5% increase in 2026
- A 5% increase in 2027
The new contract addresses callouts and overtime, ensuring appropriate compensation. Employees called out after hours, who can resolve the issue over the phone, will receive 2 hours... Read More
Matt Beck Honored with Lifetime Labor Hero Award
Matt Beck, an IBEW Local 1837 member who recently retired from his role as a business representative and organizer, was honored with the Lifetime Working Class Hero Award by the Southern Maine Labor Council during the group’s Labor Day Breakfast on Monday, September 4th, 2023. Beck's commitment to labor causes and unwavering support for workers' rights earned him this respected recognition.
For decades, Beck actively championed fair wages, safe working conditions, and the importance of unions in protecting workers. His commitment went beyond rhetoric; he was a visible presence at... Read More
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... Read More
Local 1837 Elects Candidates for Leadership Roles
In accordance with the laws of the United States, the Constitution of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the Bylaws of Local 1837, the nomination process has concluded. Since only one member was nominated for each office, there were no contested positions that required a balloted election. 
The decision to elect the candidates was made at a Local Union 1837 Executive Board meeting held on Friday, May 19th, 2023. Following a motion, a second, and a unanimous vote, the Executive Board approved the election of the candidates. A swearing-in ceremony will take... Read More
IBEW Local 1837 Relocates NH Office to Manchester

IBEW Local 1837's new office in Manchester, NH

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1837, which represents over 1,600 members throughout Maine and New Hampshire, relocated its New Hampshire office from Dover to Manchester in February 2023. The local will continue to maintain its primary office in Central Maine near Augusta.
IBEW Local 1837's previous office in Dover, New Hampshire, had served as a hub for the organization's operations for many years. However, this new office at 84 Bay Street, which is situated on the first floor of a historic property built in the 1880’s, is more centrally located for IBEW... Read More
Members Approve New 4-Year Contract at Brookfield

File photo: Chief Steward Ed Goodale on dam in West Buxton in 2013.

February 22, 2023 - IBEW 1837 members at Brookfield have ratified a new 4-year contract agreement with annual pay increases for every member and additional vacation time for most employees. Voting took place on February 1 at multiple locations. The new agreement runs through February 28, 2027.
Members will receive an $8,000 ratification bonus and annual pay increases of 3%, 3.25%, 3.25% and 3.25%. The minimum straight-time call-out was increased to five hours and the contract establishes a two-hour straight-time call-out for solving issues over the phone after hours. Production Clerks... Read More
IBEW 1837 Members Receive Lifesaving Awards

Kevin Young (second from left) joined by IBEW Lifesaving Award recipients Dan Morin, Steve Sager and Scott Madore. Cameron Bragg (not pictured) also received an award.

Versant Maine Members Use CPR and AED Skills to Help Save a Co-Worker:
Cameron Bragg, Scott Madore, Danny Morin and Steve Sager are Lineworkers from Versant Maine who performed lifesaving CPR measures on fellow IBEW 1837 member Kevin Young. Brother Young had suffered an apparent heart attack in Presque Isle on February 2, 2022 and was found crouched down in a snowbank on the side of the road. The actions of the four lineworkers have been recognized by the IBEW International Safety Department with Lifesaving Awards.
Brother Cameron Bragg told IBEW that it was an incredible coincidence that... Read More