Electrical Workers in Eastern Oregon RATIFY CONTRACT WITH OTEC, END STRIKE

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, IBEW Local 125 members at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC), the member-owned electrical utility serving nearly 60,000 residents in Baker, Grant, Harney, and Union counties, announced the ratification of a new contract, ending a week long strike over federal labor law violations and contract negotiations.

Prior to the strike, OTEC announced a brand-new policy holding a single worker responsible for responding to all after-hours emergencies, without first bargaining with the union as required by federal labor law. OTEC then fired 24-year lineman Tom Higgins and disciplined lineman Tad McCrae under that policy. IBEW Local 125 members decided to strike on Aug. 24 after repeated attempts to negotiate with OTEC to reinstate Higgins, resolve additional unfair labor practices, and settle a fair contract.

“The IBEW members ratified an agreement to bring back Tom Higgins as well as resolving all other issues involving the Unions ULP along with favorable wages and benefits that will allow our workers to go back to work on September 3, 2026,” Local 125 Business Manager Travis Eri said in a statement.

During the strike, OTEC contracted with Minnesota-based Strom Engineering, a firm that specializes in strikebreaking, to bring workers from across the country to replace IBEW Local 125 members. The ratification of a new contract and conclusion of the strike will reconstitute the Local 125 members and conclude OTEC’s contract with Strom Engineering.

IBEW Local 125 members are thankful for community support while they fought the federal labor violations and demanded a fair contract. They are looking forward to returning to work on Sept. 3.