Today, U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA-38), and David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV-01), led a group of 135 lawmakers in introducing a resolution to designate July 10, 2022, as Journeyman Lineman Recognition Day.

“After every major storm that comes through New Jersey, it’s the brave Journeymen Lineworkers who work through the night in dangerous conditions to restore power,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, an electrician by trade and member of IBEW Local 351. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to honor the skill and dedication of these brave women and men.”

“Journeyman Lineworkers help keep our lights on and our country moving,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, the first woman IBEW member elected to Congress. “Their work is often difficult and dangerous, yet they rarely get the recognition they deserve. Today, I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we honor these hard-working Americans.”

“The work of Journeyman Lineworkers is often a thankless job, but it’s a trade that is vital for our society to function,” said Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. “It’s time these men and women receive the appreciation they deserve for showing up day in and day out, risking their own safety to help keep our power systems running. I’m proud to join colleagues from both parties to introduce this legislation.”

“We recognize the many sacrifices that UWUA men and women lineworkers make to get the job done – whether it be time spent away from family, working overtime on a holiday or venturing out to get the job done in severe weather,” said Utility Workers Union of America President James Slevin. “Today and every day, we are grateful for their efforts to minimize disruptions to our daily lives and keep the power on.”

“EEI and our member companies salute our industry’s lineworkers,” said Edison Electric Institute President Tom Kuhn. “No matter the obstacles, these brave men and women always rise to the challenge, and I commend their commitment to restore power safely and as quickly as possible for our customers and our communities. Our nation’s lineworkers are heroes, and we applaud them for their tremendous work. We thank Congresswoman Sánchez and all the Representatives who sponsored this resolution for their support and recognition.”

“Our nation wouldn’t run without the tireless work of our lineworkers, and it’s high time Congress recognizes them for all they do for our communities,” said IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson. “I want to thank Rep. Sánchez and all the members of Congress for sponsoring this resolution in support of Journeyman Lineman Recognition Day.”

"Our nation's lineworkers perform critical tasks in all types of conditions, at all hours of the day, in all areas of the country,” said National Electrical Contractors Association CEO David Long. “Even as we navigate unprecedented times, the dedicated men and women of this industry continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities powered. Their immeasurable contributions as essential workers deserve our unwavering appreciation and support."

Congressman Norcross serves on the House Education and Labor Committee and co-founded the Labor Caucus. He is a lifelong union member and labor organizer, having begun his career in the skilled trades as an electrical apprenticeship and moving up to be president of the Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO Central Labor Council.

Background

This Resolution designates National Journeyman Lineman Day on July 10 each year to honor Henry Miller, the first elected president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Miller began his career as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas at the age of 14. Years later, while working as a lineman, Miller became acutely aware of the dangerous conditions and subpar wages his fellow workers faced. He traveled across the country to organize fellow linemen and played a key role in founding the IBEW in 1891. Unfortunately, his life was cut short on July 10, 1896, while working to solve a power outage in Washington, D.C. Today, the IBEW represents one of the largest and most diverse unions in the country.

Read the full text of the resolution here.