Electricity organizations join to celebrate National Lineworker Appreciation Day
The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) joined today to recognize and honor the nation’s nearly 75,000 lineworkers through their collective observance of National Lineworker Appreciation Day.
“Today, as our nation confronts an unprecedented health crisis, America’s lineworkers are on the frontlines, working tirelessly to keep our country running,” Lonnie Stephenson, IBEW International president, said. “They are the heroes who keep the power flowing and our communities connected, and the IBEW is proud to join with the nation in saluting their hard work and thanking them for everything they do for us.”
Electrical lineworkers build and maintain the U.S. grid system, making emergency repairs at all hours of the day and night, the final measure of reliability within the system. Even in the midst of a pandemic, their work has continued unabated, although it now incorporates additional protective measures, such as social distancing protocols.
Sometimes, this work can even take them from their homes for weeks at a time.
“The nation’s lineworkers are the face of America’s electric companies, and we are grateful to these highly skilled and dedicated men and women, and the families who support them, for the work they do each and every day to power our lives,” EEI President Tom Kuhn said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how indispensable electricity and the energy grid are in our society. Thanks to our nation’s lineworkers, we are powering through this crisis together.”
More than 130 members of Congress backed a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday to thank the nation’s lineworkers.
“We owe a great deal to the Journeyman Lineworkers across our country who put themselves in harm’s way to keep the lights on in our homes, hospitals, and other public facilities,” said U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA), the sponsor of the resolution and first woman IBEW member elected to Congress. “During the coronavirus pandemic, their work is nothing short of essential. This resolution is one small way we can honor these brave men and women for their dedication, hard work, and sacrifice.”
While the day celebrates all lineworkers, its origins lay with IBEW, for it got its start as a way to honor the life and work of its first president, Henry Miller.
“Our nation’s lineworkers continue to work diligently every day‚ in unbelievably tough conditions, to build the infrastructure that powers our critical facilities and communities,” David Long, NECA CEO, said. “They are always first to answer the call to action no matter the challenge. This year, especially, as they continue their essential work amidst an unprecedented global pandemic, we should all take the time to acknowledge and thank the lineworkers in this country for all they do.”
