WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and David B. McKinley, P.E (R-WV) introduced H. Res. 430, a Resolution to designate July 10 as National Journeyman Lineman Day.

“As an electrician who worked for years on the tops of bridges and refineries, I know first-hand the dangers facing Journeyman Linemen,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and an IBEW union electrician. “These hard-working men and women keep our country running every day and they are quick to respond when called upon to get the lights back on when power is knocked offline. They are the unsung heroes and I’m proud to support this effort in Congress to acknowledge their hard work.”

“In every city and town in America, Journeyman Linemen constantly put themselves in danger to ensure reliable access to electricity for all,” said Rep. Linda Sánchez. “Risking perilous heights and energized electric lines, they represent a crucial and too often forgotten part of our nation’s infrastructure. This resolution honors the work and sacrifices of Journeyman Linemen in the development of our country. Every American should recognize that it took the labor of Journeyman Linemen to make the electricity which lights our homes, power our workplaces, and keeps our economy rolling possible.”                                                                                                                   

“Many Americans take access to reliable power for granted, and only realize its importance to daily life when there is an outage,” said Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. “Every day, Journeyman Linemen work to keep electricity running to our homes and businesses. All of us should recognize these men and women and thank them for the important job they do in keeping our country running.”

Background

July 10 was selected as National Journeyman Lineman Day to honor a Journeyman Lineman leader, Henry Miller.

Henry Miller, was the first elected president and founding member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, one of the largest and most diverse unions in our country. He began his career as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas at age 14. A year later, while working as a lineman Mr. Miller saw first-hand the dangerous conditions and subpar wages these vital workers faced. He traveled the country to organize his fellow linemen, and when the IBEW was formed in 1891, Miller’s peers chose him to be their leader. Unfortunately, Henry Miller’s life was cut short on July 10, 1896 while working to solve a power outage in Washington, D.C.

It is in his honor that this resolution will recognize all Journeyman Linemen on that fateful day.

Support

“Every day our nation’s lineworkers install and implement the many innovative technologies that are improving grid reliability and resiliency to better serve our customers,” said Edison Electric Institute (EEI) President Tom Kuhn. “You also see lineworkers hard at work in your communities restoring service in the wake of storms and other disasters. Their dedication and skill in the face of complex challenges should be applauded. These men and women truly deserve our recognition and appreciation.”

“Highly skilled lineworkers are critical to ensuring that all Americans have access to safe and reliable electricity,” said International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) International President Lonnie Stephenson. “On Lineworker Appreciation Day, we are pleased to honor these men and women and to voice our sincere appreciation for their commitment to their customers and their communities.” 

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Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov