IBEW Local 18 utility contract

The IBEW representative said negotiations are near the finish line but a wage gap remains, and asked the council to empower negotiators to close it before the city keeps losing trained linemen.

A journeyman lineman said he wants to stay in Pasadena but surrounding utilities offer significantly higher pay and double-time overtime, making it hard to buy a home here.

A 25-year senior cable splicer said the city's own salary survey shows Burbank pays far more, 99% of utilities pay double-time overtime, and about 30% of trained journeymen have left.

A 23-year power department mechanic recounted crews restoring power to fire hydrants during the Eaton fire, saying the workers at risk of leaving are the ones who ran toward the flames.