The Live Wire

Winter newsletter: 4th QTR ’25 Review / 1st QTR ’26 News

In this winter issue of The Live Wire, the Business Manager described the growth of data-center, substation and transmission work and the expansion of the Local’s staff to support a growing membership. His message emphasized the role of collective bargaining agreements and benefits in protecting members and their families.

The Assistant Business Manager’s Corner focused on clear communication across the Local’s wide jurisdiction: listening to members, explaining decisions and referral rules, and following through on messages. The construction reports encouraged experienced members to teach newcomers the trade’s standards and described the value of regular visits with outside crews.

General News announced the launch of a RENEW charter and committee, with a focus on mentorship, leadership development and engagement among younger members. The issue also described a digital platform intended to support the committee’s work.

The West Texas Electrical Training report recorded 170 apprentices and 78 pre-apprentices as of December 17, 2025. It also introduced a training coordinator’s work on curriculum, labs and hands-on practice. These figures and plans describe that report’s period.

Source: The Live Wire winter newsletter, pages 1–3, 7, 9 and 11. The first-quarter 2026 news is part of this winter issue, not a separate newsletter publication.

3rd Quarter 2025

The Business Manager’s message in this issue explained the differing bargaining processes across Local 602’s bargaining units and reflected on the year’s contract negotiations. The Assistant Business Manager reported membership growth, staff additions and work to improve internal systems as construction activity increased.

The construction reports described organizing around data-center work and a broader outside workload, including distribution reconductor projects and helicopter-assisted line work. Their forecasts and job-demand descriptions reflect the time of writing; they are not current job-call notices.

General News introduced the Local’s Veterans Portal as a way to support veteran initiatives, explain the Veterans Electrical Entry Program and connect members with the Local’s Veterans Club and recognition efforts.

The apprenticeship report listed 175 registered apprentices and 47 pre-apprentices as of October 3, 2025, and described the Amarillo facility addition and parking expansion as nearing completion. The report’s October date is retained even though the issue is labeled 3rd Quarter 2025.

Source: The Live Wire, 3rd Quarter 2025, pages 1–3, 7, 9 and 11.

2nd Quarter 2025

This issue discussed the expected effect of data-center construction on the Local and the region. Its project and workforce forecasts were expectations reported at that time, not a statement of present construction schedules or available jobs.

Inside Membership described work toward establishing a RENEW charter to engage younger members and develop future leaders. A separate negotiations update reported ratification of the West Texas Building and Construction Trades Contract and West Texas Outside Agreement, while the Inside Agreement was still in progress.

The outside membership report described growth across wind-farm, substation and transmission work, including increased live-line maintenance. It also reported the addition of a second Journeyman Lineman to the Local’s outside construction staff.

West Texas Electrical Training reported 152 registered apprentices and 32 pre-apprentices as of June 9, 2025. The report described plans for a larger fall intake, additional parking and work on the Amarillo JATC building addition. Those plans remain attributed to this historical report.

Source: The Live Wire, 2nd Quarter 2025, pages 1–3, 7 and 11.

1st Quarter 2025

The first-quarter Business Manager’s message emphasized solidarity and member participation as the Local prepared to negotiate five contracts. The dispatch report described a busy outside jurisdiction and progress toward launching the Veterans Electrical Entry Program.

Outside Membership Growth reported substantial work around Midland, including substation construction, and discussed demand for skilled crews as storm season approached. These were conditions and expectations described in the first-quarter issue.

General News recorded Local leadership announcements and new members taking the obligation. West Texas Electrical Training reported 161 registered apprentices and 41 pre-apprentices, and recognized the 26 apprentices who had graduated to Journeyman Wireman in 2024. The issue did not provide a separate as-of day for those current program counts.

The Behind the Scenes feature described the Hall’s daily work in dispatch, member assistance, organizing, apprenticeship support, contract preparation and community activities. It encouraged members to stay informed and participate in the Local.

Source: The Live Wire, 1st Quarter 2025, pages 1–2, 7–8 and 11.

Current information and assistance

The summaries above preserve historical newsletter reporting. For current job calls, events, member help or assistance from the Hall, use the pages below.

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