IBEW Local 827

05/22/2026

On this Memorial Day weekend please take a moment to remember those that sacrificed for our freedom.

05/18/2026

May 17, 3026

IBEW Local 827 (East Windsor NJ) Announces Patrick J. Glover as Hudson Unit Business Agent

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 827 is proud to announce that longtime Chief Steward Patrick J. Glover will assume the position of Business Agent for the Hudson Unit effective June 1, 2026.

Glover will complete the remainder of the term left vacant following the election of Tom Kelly to President/Business Manager, also effective June 1, 2026.

Patrick J. Glover began his telecommunications career in April 1995 at Shepherd Lane and he quickly established himself as a dedicated union activist and advocate for working men and women. On January 1, 1996, he became Garage Steward and began what would become more than three decades of leadership, representation, and service within the labor movement.

Throughout his 31-year career, Glover worked in garages and facilities across Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson Counties.

Glover faithfully served as a Union Steward for 15 years and has served as Chief Steward since 2010. Over the years, he has held numerous leadership positions including Unit Chairman, Sub-Unit Chairman, Organizer, and many committee appointments. His I commitment to organized labor extends beyond the workplace through active service on committees including ACCLS, COPE, Technology Change, Organizing, and Safety.
In addition to his workplace leadership,

Glover has proudly represented Local 827 as an officer within the Central Labor Councils of Hudson, Bergen, and Passaic Counties. His labor and political advocacy expanded into public affairs, where he currently serves as Political Director of the Passaic County Central Labor Council. In that role, he works with all levels of government — from Washington, D.C. to local municipalities — advocating for labor rights, economic development, workplace protections, and policies that support working families.

“Patrick Glover’s decades of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our members make him exceptionally qualified to serve as Business Agent for the Hudson Unit,” said Tom Kelly. “His experience, integrity, and dedication to the labor movement will continue to strengthen our union and the members he represents.”

Patrick’s career reflects more than three decades of dedication to protecting workers’ rights, strengthening union solidarity, and improving opportunities for working families across New Jersey.
He has been happily married for 28 years and is the proud father of two children, ages 24 and 27.

05/18/2026

May 15, 2026

IBEW Local 827 announces
Chief Steward Glenn Yeary Appointed Southern Unit Business Agent.

IBEW Local 827’s Executive Board unanimously elected Chief Steward Glenn Yeary Southern Unit Business Agent, effective June 1, 2026, to fill the remainder of the term left vacant following the passing of longtime Business Agent Rich Spieler.

Yeary brings nearly three decades of union leadership and advocacy experience to the role, having dedicated his career to representing and protecting the interests of union members throughout the Southern Unit.
Yeary first became an Alternate Steward in 1997 and served in that role until 1999, when he became Steward for the Bellmawr garage. He continued serving as Steward until 2013, when he was elected Chief Steward for Sub Unit 17, a position he continues to hold today.

During his years as Steward , Yeary attended labor law classes at Rutgers University at night, preparing himself for a long-term future in union leadership and representation.

Throughout his tenure as Chief Steward, he has handled grievances at all levels including arbitration, terminations, and numerous security investigations on behalf of his members.

In addition to his Steward and Chief Steward responsibilities, Yeary previously served two terms as Unit Chairman and one term as Unit Recorder. He has also contributed extensively through service on the ACCLS Committee, Safety Committee, Asbestos Committee, and Organizing Committee.

“Glenn has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our membership and a deep commitment to union values throughout his entire career,” Business Agent Tom Kelly said in a statement. “His experience, leadership, and tireless advocacy make him exceptionally qualified to continue serving our members as Business Agent.”

Yeary succeeds the late Rich Spieler, whose years of dedicated service and leadership left a lasting impact on the Southern Unit and its members.
As Business Agent, Yeary will continue working to protect members’ rights, strengthen workplace representation, and uphold the standards and principles that have long guided the union.

05/14/2026

Tom Kelly Unanimously Elected President/Business Manager of IBEW Local 827

East Windsor, NJ — The Executive Board of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 827 is excited to announce it has unanimously elected current Business Agent Tom Kelly to serve as President/Business Manager, beginning June 1, 2026, completing the term of retiring current President/Business Manager Speer.

Brother Kelly brings nearly four decades of dedicated Union service and leadership experience to the role. A proud 38-year member of IBEW Local 827, Kelly has long been recognized as a committed advocate for working families, organized labor, and his community.

Throughout his distinguished career within Local 827, Kelly has served as a Steward for 14 years, Unit Chairman for 4 years, Chief Steward for 6 years and currently has served as a Business Agent for over a decade, always representing and defending the rights of Union Members in the workplace. Kelly serves as Chairman of the Local 827 COPE Committee and Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee of Career and Life Strategies for more than 10 years, where he has positively impacted not only thousands of 827 members, but thousands of New Jersians. He has twice been selected as a delegate to both the AFL-CIO International Convention and the IBEW International Convention and is currently a member of the IBEW 3rd District Veterans Committee.

In addition to his service within the IBEW, Kelly has served as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the H&E Federal Credit Union, member of the Emerson Board of Education, President of the Emerson Parents for Athletes (raising over $150,000 for student athletes in 3 years), President/Officer/Coach for Emerson Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Football and Wrestling and was inducted into the Emerson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. He currently serves as President of the Passaic County Central Labor Council, 1st Vice President of the American Labor Museum Board of Directors and President of the Telephone & Communication Workers Emerald Society.

Over his career, Tom has been recognized many times, including receiving the Verizon Foundation Volunteer Service Award and Grant for 8 consecutive years, The NY/NJ Blood Services Lifesaver Award for “Efforts Above and Beyond” for 2 consecutive years, the NJ National Guard “Heroes Helping Heroes“ award for 2 consecutive years, Grand Marshal the American Labor Museum Labor Day Parade 2024, recipient Giblin Association Community Service Award (2022), honoree Senator Wimberly Evening of Hope (2023), Paterson “Hibernian of the Year” (2024), Passaic County “Irishman of the Year”(2024), Knights of Columbus “Gideon Award” recipient (2024), National Finalist FHE Health Community Impact Award, inducted Emerson Athletic Hall of Fame (2018) and selected to throw out the first pitch by Emerson Recreation Baseball & Softball Opening Day (2011).

Brother Kelly is proudest of his 33 years of happy marriage to Ann Marie and being father to his 3 children, Thomas (Member IBEW Local 164), Mary (Teacher Verona School District) and Brendan (Marine veteran and recent graduate of Felician College School of Nursing).

“Tom Kelly has dedicated his life to serving working people, our union, and the community,” said a member of the Executive Board.

“His experience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the membership make him exceptionally qualified to lead Local 827 forward. As President/Business Manager, Kelly will continue the mission of protecting workers’ rights, strengthening union solidarity, and advancing the interests of IBEW Local 827 members throughout New Jersey. We’re excited for the future under Tom’s leadership!” Said outgoing President / Business Manager Speer.

About IBEW Local 827
IBEW Local 827 represents thousands of skilled Union workers across New Jersey and has a long-standing commitment to excellence, safety, community service, and advocating for working families.

05/12/2026

Local 827 Announces Retirement of President and Business Manager Bob Speer After Distinguished Career of Service
East Windsor NJ— [May 12,2026]— Long time Local 827 President and Business Manager Bob Speer announced his retirement today effective May 31, 2026. President Speer’s decades of dedicated leadership have left a lasting impact on the union and its membership.
His career with Local 827 spans more than four decades, marked by unwavering commitment, steady leadership, and a deep understanding of the needs of working men and women. He served 15 years as a Business Agent, 3 years as Vice President, and 13 years as President and Business Manager, guiding the local through both challenging and transformative periods.
During his tenure as President and Business Manager, he led Local 827 through a historic 49-day strike that is widely regarded as one of the most significant labor victories of the 21st century. His leadership during that time demonstrated resilience, strategic focus, and a steadfast dedication to protecting the rights and livelihoods of union members.
In addition to this milestone achievement, he successfully negotiated multiple contract extensions, with multiple employers, ensuring stability and continued progress for the membership while navigating an evolving industry landscape.
“Bob’s leadership has defined an era for Local 827,” said Tom Kelly/ Business Agent Local 827. “His ability to bring people together, stand firm in the face of adversity, and deliver meaningful results for our members will have a lasting legacy.”
Throughout his career, Bob earned the respect of colleagues, labor partners, and management alike. He is widely recognized not only for his accomplishments at the bargaining table but also for his mentorship and commitment to strengthening the union movement for future generations.
As he steps into retirement, Local 827 extends its deepest gratitude to Bob Speer for his years of service, leadership, and dedication. Thanks Bob!

“Serving the members of Local 827 has been the honor of a lifetime,” Speer said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the future of this union.”

Details regarding succession and transition plans will be announced in the coming days.

About IBEW Local 827:
IBEW Local 827 represents skilled professionals across the utility and energy sectors, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the rights of working families.

04/14/2026

04/14/2026

Plenty of openings left for the 2026 IBEW 827 PAC Golf Outing! Get your foursome together and reserve your spot now.

03/27/2026

IBEW Local 827 has overwhelmingly ratified the contract extension with Verizon Communications. Of the over 1100 members that cast their vote, 85% voted to approve the contract extension through 2030.

Verizon Ratification Results: Yes: 951 No: 170 Total: 1121
Verizon Ratification Results by Unit
Unit 1 Hudson Eligible to Vote: 418
Yes: 220 234 Total of Unit 1 Voted
No: 20 31 Voted out of Unit
Total: 240 0 Voids

Unit 2 Raritan Eligible to Vote: 441
Yes: 155 180 Total of Unit 2 Voted
No: 30 24 Voted out of Unit
Total: 185 0 Voids

Unit 3 Central Eligible to Vote: 745
Yes: 150 209 Total of Unit 3 Voted
No: 51 16 Voted out of Unit
Total: 201 0 Voids

Unit 4 Essex Eligible to Vote: 277
Yes: 146 120 Total of Unit 4 Voted
No: 4 62 Voted out of Unit
Total: 150 0 Voids

Unit 5 Southern Eligible to Vote: 401
Yes: 128 176 Total of Unit 5 Voted
No: 54 14 Voted out of Unit
Total: 182 0 Voids

Unit 6 Northern Eligible to Vote: 382 202 Voted Total of Unit 6
Yes: 139 VZ PA Yes: 13 31 Voted out of Unit
No: 11 VZ PA No: 0 0 Voids
Total: 163

03/27/2026

A landmark deal for United's cabin crew. United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA announced a new tentative agreement on Wednesday that, if ratified, would make United's 30,000 flight attendants the best-paid in the industry, according to a United Airlines press release.

According to United, the deal includes immediate raises upon ratification, with top hourly wages reaching $100 per hour by the end of the five-year contract. It also includes boarding pay, new pay for long gaps between flights, limits on red-eye assignments, and a signing bonus for every flight attendant worth a combined $740 million.

CNBC reports this is the first raise for United's flight attendants in roughly six years, as they have been working without a contract update since 2020. A previous tentative agreement was rejected by the membership in July 2025, sending both sides back to federal mediation.

The agreement must first be approved by the AFA's Master Executive Council before going to a full membership vote.

03/23/2026

As many of you are aware IBEW Local 827 has completed the voting for the ratification of the Verizon extension. Local 827 is prepared to release the results of the voting. However, at the request of the other IBEW and CWA Locals that continue to conduct their voting and in an effort to not appear to unduly influence their voting, whether real or perceived, Local 827 has agreed to delay releasing our results until all the Local Unions involved in this extension can release results at the same time.