Each year, the official hurricane season for the Atlantic basin begins on June 1 and runs through November 30. This season was no different: Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina felt the effects of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. These natural disasters devastated power and electricity infrastructure with strong winds, hazardous rainstorms, and rising floodwaters. AFSCME Ohio Council 8 members from the Dayton area were proud to step up and provide much-needed relief. When storms hit communities exceptionally hard, as they did this October, the American Municipal Power (AMP) and the American Public Power Association (APPA) call for help. These organizations identify local linemen first, then put out a nationwide call. A lineman, also known as a line worker or powerline worker, installs, maintains, and repairs electrical power lines and related equipment.
They often work in various conditions, including bad weather, and are expected to be available when needed. Due to the specialized nature and training required for the job, there are only 123,400 linemen in the United States, which is why, in times of disaster, many linemen head to affected areas to help. AFSCME Local 984 from Piqua and AFSCME Local 2982 sent dedicated electrical specialists to help rebuild communities in Florida and South Carolina.
"When these disasters happen, we flock to the area to help," said Justin Foutz, AFSCME Local 984 President the City of Piqua. Foutz has been a lineman for the City of Piqua and a union member for the past 23 years. "I've been on many of these trips, but this was the first time I experienced a hurricane in real-time," said Foutz. "It was hard to see how everything would shut down, and residents would be completely cut off from basic needs like electricity and running water. We tried to get started as quickly as we could." During these trips, linemen work 16-hour days with 8 hours of rest for 2 weeks. Much of their work involves installing poles, hanging wires, and constructing transformers. They are often rebuilding the infrastructure destroyed during the storms. Derick Cannan, President of AFSCME Local 2982, in the City of Tripp City, shared his experience: “This September was my third trip to Florida to help rebuild power and electric lines after a hurricane. The work is complex; we often fix miles of downed power lines and busted transformers in the middle of standing flood water or even continued dangerous weather. But the gratitude you feel from the town's residents makes it all worth it. It made me understand that my unique skill set involves helping people. It's a duty, not just a job, to help where I can.”
