The Choice is Clear
THE CHOICE FOR 2026: Proven Bargaining Power vs. Empty Rhetoric
As we look toward the future of IBEW Local 46, the choice before the membership is stark. When your livelihood, your pension, and your healthcare are on the line during contract negotiations, who do you want sitting across the table from the contractors? Do we want a battle-tested lead negotiator, or someone who only knows how to quarterback on Monday morning?
Here is why Sean Bagsby’s proven bargaining experience is the only clear choice to keep Local 46 moving forward:
Real Experience at the Table vs. Armchair Quarterbacking Negotiating multi-million dollar contracts against massive contractor associations requires serious, battle-tested expertise. Over his 13 years of service to Local 46, Sean has served as a Business Representative, Organizer, Political Director, and Lead Negotiator. He knows the intricacies of our contracts inside and out. While others spend their time filming divisive YouTube videos complaining about the administration, Sean is actively doing the hard work at the negotiating table, securing record-breaking pay increases and stronger contract language across the Wireman, Low Voltage, and Stockman contracts.
Standing Strong When It Counts When Puget Sound NECA dug in its heels and refused to offer the Limited Energy unit a fair deal, Sean didn't flinch. He led the unit through a grueling 10-week battle—the first strike for any Local 46 unit since World War II. While critics dismissed this unfortunate but historic labor action as being driven by "ego and insult," Sean knew it was about fighting for the true value of our members and declaring that there are "no more second-class citizens" in our union.
Member-Driven Negotiations vs. Top-Down Rhetoric True bargaining power comes directly from the rank-and-file. During the strike, opponents tried to undermine our solidarity by spreading misleading claims on YouTube, falsely attacking our dedicated bargaining team as "inexperienced" and claiming the leadership was hiding offers. Sean stood firmly with his team and the members, ensuring the negotiation process was completely transparent. Under his leadership, the membership always makes the final call, which is exactly why the recent strike resulted in the highest voter turnout in the unit's history.
Delivering Tangible Results vs. Empty Promises Talk is cheap, but strong contracts pay the bills. Sean’s administration didn't just hold the line; they delivered a massive $12.50 an hour raise for the Limited Energy unit. Even more importantly, they successfully fought off NECA's attempts to force mandatory arbitration language (CIR) that would have permanently stripped the unit of its right to strike. Contrast these historic, concrete victories with an opponent who openly admits on camera that he "can't promise to put a thousand members to work tomorrow".
The Bottom Line We cannot afford to step backward with inexperienced leadership that sows division when we should be building solidarity. When it is time to face the contractors, we need a Business Manager who has actually won the tough fights.
Will we hand our future over to unproven rhetoric, or will we vote to keep the positive momentum going?
