IBEW Local 520 uses multiple channels to reach members during COVID-19

Throughout the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, IBEW Local 520 embraced a variety of methods to quickly inform members about various developments and safety information. This included posting videos on  Facebook, visiting job sites to ensure safety guidelines are being followed and providing resources on the Local’s website.

IBEW Local 520 Business Manager Ben Brenneman has been diligent in sharing information, including multiple updates during certain weeks. Whether it involved information about ongoing projects or unemployment resources, Brenneman has kept the membership in the loop.

Keeping IBEW Local 520 members informed

In addition to Facebook videos, Brenneman has used Zoom to host online conferences. This provided members with a platform to directly ask Brenneman questions that pertain to COVID-19 and how it relates to job sites. Members were also assured they could contact Brenneman anytime, either by calling his office phone and leaving a message, or contacting him via Facebook.

In a time of urgency, Brenneman wanted to take control of what he could. This included communicating with members promptly, as information became available, sharing resources and occasionally offering his own personal advice.

Since worker safety is the union’s number one priority, Brenneman did not want any IBEW Local 520 member to be without a face covering. When multiple counties required that all workers wear a face covering, Local 520 provided a quality facemask to any member who needed one.

Similarly, IBEW Local 520 acquired enough personal bottles of hand sanitizer for each member of the Local. Members can reach out to Marc Pendleton to have bottles dropped off at job sites.

Although Gov. Greg Abbott ordered some businesses to reopen on May 1, safety precautions for Local 520 members will not be diminished. Members will still wear face coverings and practice social distancing whenever possible.

If members notice that a jobsite is not in compliance with CDC guidelines, they can report the job site anonymously. Local 520 encourages all members to call 3-1-1 to report jobs that are not practicing proper social distancing and other safety guidelines related to COVID-19.

These precautions are meant to keep members and their families safe as work continues.

As has been practiced throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, IBEW Local 520 will continue to post updates on the Local 520 Facebook page, as well as the Coronavirus information section on the Local 520 website.