Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative workers are heading back to work after more than a week on the picket line.

Nearly 40 employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 125 went on strike Aug. 24, alleging unfair labor practices, including standby requirements and employee discipline.

In a joint statement from OTEC and union members, a tentative agreement was reached the morning of Sept. 1 and was ratified that evening.

Travis Eri, business manager for IBEW Local 125, said the joint agreement between the union and the electric company includes wage increases and the reinstatement of one lineman who was fired.

The other lineman who was terminated isn’t represented by the union and will go through a regular review process, he said.

OTEC serves about 60,000 residents across Baker, Grant, Harney and Union counties.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/02/oregon-trail-electric-cooperative-workers-to-return-after-reaching-agreement/