IBEW Local 529
Hello Brothers and Sisters of Local 529,
2025 has been a year of challenges, growth, and success. We began the year with 206 members, hitting a low of 195. The first quarter was slow for work, and membership retention was difficult.
Throughout the year, we managed to gain new contractors, new projects, and new allies in construction. This has put many of our members back to work, with our numbers growing to 241 and counting. I would like to welcome all the new members to IBEW we have received this year. This is a great sign of what’s to come, with more projects in the pipeline and a busy 2026 forecast for Saskatchewan.
We were fortunate to have calls throughout Western Canada and into Ontario to keep members working who had the ability to travel. We have developed strong relationships with the managers of many other IBEW Locals across Canada. This continues to be a focus of mine at conferences, where I make sure to engage as many Business Managers as possible to maintain good relations and build new ones. Travel calls in Canada are based on Business Manager–to–Business Manager communication, not a “Book 2” system as in the United States. This means the better your relationships, the better your chances of securing travel calls.
During the Western Canada Construction Council Conference in Kamloops, we focused on upcoming projects across the jurisdictions of our Western IBEW Locals. We also held our General Meeting in Calgary at the All-Canada Progress Meeting, where I was re-elected as President of the Council—a role I have served in since 2021. The purpose of the WCCC is to ensure that all major projects in Western Canada (BC, AB, SK, MB) employ Western Canada IBEW members first.
The All-Canada Progress Meeting brings together all Locals across the nation. There is a one-day session where all Business Managers meet to discuss challenges in their jurisdictions, receive training from the International Office, and review any changes to bylaws, procedures, or upcoming elections. This is followed by three days of general sessions and breakout discussions focused on more detailed jurisdictional issues within each IBEW sector (government, construction, rail, etc.).
I also completed my Masters of Trust Management Systems this year as part of my continuing education for my role as a trustee on the Health and Welfare Plan and Pension Plan. The program includes extensive pre‑work, followed by two days of training and a half‑day exam to earn the designation. The course focuses on how to operate trustee boards effectively and how to address and resolve issues commonly faced by trustee boards.
Sitting on the CODC board has made me realize how difficult it is to implement the industry changes we’ve been pushing for—not just for the IBEW, but for all trades. There have been many changes related to substances, and the major clients on these projects do not seem to be keeping pace. There is still work to be done, and we will need government support to ensure these changes are made at a provincial level rather than on a job‑by‑job basis.
As work began to pick up, we started exploring new software to improve communication with members and streamline the dispatching process. This led us to Union Worx. If anyone has not yet created a profile and is interested, please contact the office and we will help you get started. This app allows for easier communication, the ability to upload certifications, sign dispatch clearances, view your position on the out-of-work list, see and bid on job calls, and review job award reports. We also have many documents uploaded for member access. If you have suggestions for additional features, we can make those arrangements as well.
Our Local is currently in a battle with CLAC to represent the workers of Welland Energy Services. The workers have voted to change their representation from CLAC to IBEW. While CLAC will do their best to delay and prolong the process, we are very hopeful that we will gain bargaining rights for these workers.
We have also strengthened our relationships with government. With more contacts and improved access to both the current provincial government and the opposition, we now have more avenues to ensure our voice is heard in the Legislative Assembly.
For anyone who has called the office, Cezel is the voice you hear. She has improved office efficiency, overhauled our digital file systems, and continues to excel in her role. She is always looking for ways to improve and streamline processes to make things easier for members. Thank you for your patience as we work through the quirks of these new systems while striving to make improvements for the benefit of all members.
I am truly grateful to have served as Business Manager of this Local for the past two terms. We have made significant progress with new ideas, new software, and new policies designed to make things easier for members. Thank you to all the members of this Local who give their best on every job. Thank you for striving to make the IBEW the best it can be. As we continue to gain market share, new members, and new contractors, we will make the IBEW a top option for labour once again.
The phone is always available if members need anything. My email is always open, and you are welcome to schedule an in-person appointment for any discussions. We look forward to a prosperous 2026.
Merry Christmas everyone, have a great Holiday.
Murray Palmer – Business Manager Financial Secretary
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