National Lineworker Appreciation Day July 10

July 8, 2021

Dear EEI Member Company and IBEW Local Union Business Managers:

Our nation’s lineworkers put their lives on the line every day to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable power to keep our economy running and to power our homes, schools, businesses, and hospitals. The work of lineworkers is inherently dangerous, and a culture of safety is ingrained in our industry thanks to decades of work by EEI member electric companies and the IBEW.

When storms or other natural disasters strike, our lineworkers always answer the call to restore power safely and quickly, often traveling long distances and working in hazardous conditions. We have seen their customer commitment firsthand over the past year, as we faced devastating wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and ice storms.

Lineworkers also continued to perform their mission while facing the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very proud of the COVID-19 protocols that were developed at the onset of the pandemic. These protocols enabled lineworkers to respond and to work safely, while also keeping their fellow lineworkers and customers safe.

On July 10, 2021, we will celebrate National Lineworker Appreciation Day. We recognize this day on July 10, as it marks the anniversary of the death of Henry Miller, the first President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Henry Miller was killed in the line of duty, as the head lineman for Potomac Light and Power Company, while trying to restore electricity in the Cleveland Park area of Washington, D.C. This year marks the 125th anniversary of Henry’s passing.

Joining us in support for our nation’s lineworkers are elected lawmakers in Congress. Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), and David McKinley (R-WV) will be introducing resolutions in the House, and Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY) will do the same in the Senate. These resolutions recognize July 10, 2021, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.

We hope that you will join us in saluting our lineworkers on July 10, and we ask that you take a moment and communicate with your employees and members your appreciation for the work lineworkers do every day for the communities and customers they so proudly serve.

Lonnie Stephenson, International President International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Tom Kuhn, President Edison Electric Institute

David Long, Chief Executive Officer, National Electrical Contractors Association