EEI, IBEW, and UWUA to Celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on July 10th

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, July 10, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) will salute the nation's nearly 75,000 electrical lineworkers by observing Lineworker Appreciation Day. America's lineworkers maintain and enhance the energy grid and work day and night in all conditions to ensure that customers have reliable and safe access to the energy they need to power their lives. National Lineworker Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on July 10, and honors the life and work of Henry Miller, the first president of IBEW.

"On July 10, 122 years ago the IBEW's founder and first president, lineworker Henry Miller, was killed on the job," said IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson. "Lineworker Appreciation Day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by America's electrical workers who perform difficult and dangerous jobs to light up this nation." 

"The Utility Workers Union of America is proud to join with Congress, and with all our Union Brothers and Sisters from across the labor movement, in saluting the hard work and dedication of journeymen lineworkers, first of the first responders who are always ready, and who work in conditions that are often dangerous and demanding," said UWUA President Mike Langford. "Without their skill and determination in keeping the lights on and the power flowing, our country literally could not function. Today we say 'thank you' to all the line crews who give their all every day so that the rest of us can enjoy safe, healthy communities."

"The nation's lineworkers are the face of America's electric companies and often work in dangerous and difficult conditions to provide reliable and safe power to customers," said EEI President Tom Kuhn. "Lineworkers are heroes and are among the first responders in the wake of storms and other disasters. The 2017 hurricane season was a massive and unprecedented undertaking, and I am proud of our nation's lineworkers who pulled together and answered the call for help in Texas, the Southeast, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. We are grateful to these dedicated men and women, and they truly are deserving of this recognition and our appreciation."

More than 10,000 workers and support personnel from 21 states helped to restore power after Hurricane Harvey, and an army of more than 60,000 workers and support personnel from across the country and Canada helped to restore power to the more than 7.8 million customers impacted by Hurricane Irma.

Hurricane Maria caused damage in Puerto Rico unlike anything the industry has ever seen, and nearly 60 investor-owned electric companies and public power utilities sent approximately 3,000 lineworkers and support personnel, more than 1,000 trucks by barge, and critical materials to help restore power to our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico.

This video highlights the hard work of the dedicated men and women who helped to restore power to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States. In addition to our U.S. members, EEI has more than 60 international electric companies as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.

The Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO (UWUA) is one of the most successful and progressive unions in all of the labor movement. We have over 50,000 members working in the electric, gas, water, and nuclear industries across the United States. Our members are the 24/7 first responders in times of public need.

SOURCE Edison Electric Institute