Business Member SpotLight
1. How would you describe your organization’s work?
Local 258 IBEW is a far-reaching organization that is involved in electrical energy projects of all scales. We build and maintain the entire power system in British Columbia. We work in and on power lines, generating stations, substations, control rooms, the right-of-way, and more.
We provide employers with skilled labour through our dispatch hiring hall. We mobilize skilled workforces for the electrical industry across North America. In addition to mobilizing electrical workers, we also continuously train the next generation and stay apprised of emerging work methods and technology.
A key service that we provide employers with is the development and management of their apprenticeship programs. We acknowledge that most electrical apprenticeships are designed for the residential and commercial sectors. We go above and beyond the industry standard and train apprentices to safely work on the power system in high voltage environments.
2. How did the group originate?
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers was established in 1891 at a time where one in every two electrical workers were killed on the job. Electricity was a newly discovered concept, and not much was known about how to work on the power system safely. Our organization was founded out of a need to improve the safety for electrical workers.
The British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority was established in 1961 after amalgamating and expropriating several electrical utilities. This resulted in five IBEW local unions having certifications with BC Hydro. As you can imagine this was challenging to administer so in 1967 the IBEW chartered Local 258 to exclusively represent the electrical workers employed by BC Hydro.
3. What has changed along the way?
We started out exclusively representing BC Hydro employees. Over the years that has changed a lot. In 1986 we expanded to include the line clearance tree trimming industry, who are known today as Certified Utility Arborists. Two years later (1988) we expanded again to represent the power line contracting industry. Another two years went by (1990), and we expanded again to include manufacturing and traffic control workers. In 2021 we organized our first run-of-the river hydroelectric independent power producer.
4. What makes IBEW Local 258 unique?
We are a union. Our members work in many disciplines for various employers. Our membership and our employers have a common interest and work together. What sets us apart is our apprenticeship program. We have the best apprenticeships, which means that our people become the best in quality and safety at their trade.
5. Can you describe a project you are particularly proud of? How did that project inform future work?
First and foremost, we are most proud of our members who respond to and repair power outages during all hours of the day across the province. They sacrifice their family time to ensure that the lights stay on for the public.
When it comes to projects, we are particularly proud of Site C. The construction of which is being done by various parties many of which are members of different IBEW local unions. Once operational, Site C will require skilled electrical workers to operate it, meaning more opportunities for the Local 258 IBEW membership. Over in the power line contracting sector, our members did a fantastic job building the 500 KV power line.
There will be work for years to come as a direct result of Site C. Any power generation has a trickle-down effect. It is easy to get tunnel-vision and focus exclusively on these major projects themselves and overlook all the smaller projects and maintenance that stems from projects like Site C.
6. How do relationships with community affect your approach?
Our members live and work in their communities. We advocate for local contractors and local workers on all projects. We believe that owners and investors of projects should prioritize community.
7. What does sustainable energy mean to your organization?
Sustainable energy means that British Columbians will always have a reliable, affordable and clean source of energy regardless of environmental, political, economic, and social conditions.
8. When you look at British Columbia’s energy landscape, what do you see going well and what needs improvement?
British Columbia has committed to making significant investments into our power system. The funding for these projects seems to be in place. The government seems to be doing a better job at consulting indigenous communities and local municipalities. Embracing independent power production and alternative sources of energy is to the benefit of all British Columbians.
We are concerned about the execution and delivery of these projects. There is so much work scheduled in a very short time. Our province isn’t alone in this, it seems every jurisdiction is in a similar situation. Which means we are competing for goods and services in a global market. The supply chain has experienced many unique challenges over the last several years. Will manufacturers and suppliers be able to meet the global demand? Are we training enough skilled workers locally? Are we offering competitive compensation packages to attract and retain skilled workers?
9. What is our most significant opportunity here in British Columbia?
British Columbia has vast resources that are diverse. This vastness and diversity allow BC to be an energy superpower and a world leader in renewables. Right now, we see independent power production as the biggest opportunity. There are still many communities that are still operating under diesel generation. Independent power production will facilitate getting these communities away from diesel and onto something more environmentally friendly. Additionally, this will provide incredible economic opportunities to local communities. The good paying union jobs that were typically out of reach for most remote communities will ensure that people can live and work in their communities.
10. What does being a member of the BCSEA mean to you?
Our organization’s objects align well with BCSEA’s objects. We are proud to provide our support to organizations who advocate for the community and the ethical production of energy.
Discover more sustainable energy leaders in British Columbia by exploring our Business Member Directory.