IBEW Local 300 Announce Successful Negotiation and Signing of New, Three-Year Union Contract
Vermont Business Magazine Today, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Burlington Electric Department (BED), and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 300 announced the successful negotiation of a new, three-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract was signed this afternoon at a ceremony at BED.
The contract extends the longstanding partnership between the union workforce of 85 staff members and BED from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. IBEW Local 300 ratified the contract prior to the Burlington City Council’s approval of the agreement at its June 29, 2026, meeting.
The agreement was reached through an efficient and collaborative bargaining process that concluded in advance of the start of the City's new fiscal year. The new contract builds on the parties' previous four-year agreement and reflects a strong labor-management relationship that has continued to grow in recent years, including the establishment of regular labor-management meetings focused on communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The agreement also advances BED’s commitment to safe, reliable, affordable, and renewable power for Burlingtonians.
"This agreement reflects what can be accomplished when labor and management approach negotiations with mutual respect, transparency, and a shared commitment to serving the people of Burlington," stated Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. "I appreciate the professionalism and dedication shown by everyone involved in the bargaining process. This contract supports the hardworking employees of BED while helping ensure that the utility remains well-positioned to continue delivering exceptional customer care to our community."
“On behalf of the IBEW membership and myself, I thank the BED leadership for their continued collaboration during negotiations, which led to a positive outcome for both parties,” stated Jeffrey Wimette, Business Manager and Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 300. “The labor-management relationship between the IBEW and BED is a valued asset that has allowed both parties to bring creative thinking into day-to-day problem solving, leading to a healthier and more productive work environment at the Department. The IBEW looks forward to building on this relationship following negotiations. I would also like to give a shoutout to the members of the City’s HR Department and City Attorney’s Office for their support, both during negotiations and the labor-management process.”
“BED deeply appreciates the IBEW Local 300 and our union workforce for the important work they do as part of the BED team to keep the lights on and to deliver safe, reliable, affordable, and renewable power for Burlington,” stated Darren Springer, General Manager of Burlington Electric Department. “We value the strong working relationship with IBEW members, stewards, and leadership, and are pleased to have a new three-year agreement in place that builds on our prior agreement and the good work of our labor-management committee. I want to thank all those who participated in the bargaining process and look forward to continuing our work together with IBEW Local 300 going forward.”
About the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 300: IBEW Local 300 is a labor union that serves 1,200-plus working Vermonters and is located in South Burlington. The mission of Local 300 has been the same since chartered in 1939: to serve and represent its members fairly. Local 300 members are employed state-wide at some of the most well-known and successful utility companies, telecommunications, municipal, manufacturing, and construction businesses. Among the employers are American Electric, Ben and Jerry's, Brown Electric, Burlington Electric Department, Entergy-Vermont Yankee, E.S. Boulos, Green Mountain Power, Peck Electric, Powercom, Sherwin Electric, Vermont Electric Cooperative, Vermont Gas, Washington Electric Cooperative.
7.1.2026. Burlington, VT – Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
Vermont Business Magazine