Mt. Pleasant should value its linemen

Did you know that Mt. Pleasant, a city of over 9,000, is currently served by only one journeyman lineman and a couple of apprentices with only two years of experience? This is not just a statistic; it's a critical safety issue and a sign of a deeper problem at our local utility.

For years, our linemen were underpaid, a situation that led to the loss of several qualified workers. While the board finally raised wages, they simultaneously gutted the contract of crucial safety and work condition protections. This is a slap in the face to the people who literally put their lives on the line every day for our community.

Imagine being in a bucket 30 to 50 feet in the air, enduring 95-degree heat or subzero temperatures, rain, hail, and high winds. Imagine the 3 a.m. phone calls, working 16-hours, and coming home only to get a few hours of sleep before doing it all again. Our linemen are missing their kids' ball games, concerts, and holidays. Their spouses are home, watching the weather and praying they come back safely.

These aren't just work-life balance issues; they are conditions that make it impossible to attract new talent. A recent job posting resulted in zero journeyman applying for the position. This is a clear signal: the board of the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities does not value the people who keep our lights on.

It is time for the citizens of Mt. Pleasant to stand up for our linemen. We must demand that the board reinstate safety measures and create a work environment that respects and retains these essential workers. Ask the board members if they would trade places with a lineman for a single day. Ask them if the safety of our city's power grid is worth more than their current policies. Our community's safety and reliability depend on it.

Sarah Ham, wife of a lineman

Mt. Pleasant