_{Kate Gibbs, deputy director, ELEC 825}

Kate Gibbs is not afraid to mix things up. The feisty former Burlington County freeholder director was seen as a rising Republican Party star when she ran against David Richter in the Republican primary in New Jersey’s Third District in 2020, a race that devolved into an exchange of personal attacks. Richter ended up winning the primary and losing the general election to Democrat Andy Kim.

These days, Gibbs is more focused on doing what’s best for the Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative, ELEC 825, as deputy director. Gibbs leads business development for the union by promoting economic development and advocating for investments in infrastructure. Her political background has helped her shape policy, build coalitions and implement strategies and tactics that include political advocacy, government relations, communications and social media. 

Gibbs’ aim is to help ELEC 825 grow the economy to create jobs for Local 825 members and its union contractors. She recently spent some time to talk with ROI-NJ about the challenges and opportunities ahead for ELEC 825.

ROI-NJ: What were the challenges of your job when you came on? 

Kate Gibbs (KG): New Jersey was still recovering from the mid-2000s recession when I took the job in 2014. The private market was very challenging for union members. We were lagging behind in the recovery behind other states, particularly union work. We needed to create an environment where projects could be built, trying to make more opportunities. We felt unions were being underrepresented.

ROI: How are unions regarded in New Jersey?

KG: New Jersey is a labor-protected state. People in New Jersey believe union workers bring safety and efficiency. There is support for unions across the board. They really care about the quality of construction in this state that is densely populated. Union labor raises the standard.

ROI: Do you come from a union background? 

KG: I don’t come from a union background. In my first political campaign for Burlington County Freeholder candidate Bruce Garganio, I learned the importance of union participation. His union brothers came out in strong support of Bruce.

ROI: What geographic areas of state does 825 cover?

KG: 825 covers all of New Jersey and the five Hudson Valley counties.

ROI: How will 825 grow the economy and what role should it play?

KG: We’re building on the past and looking to build on the future. Whether it’s clean water, energy transmission, moving goods and services, even paving a parking lot. We are in every aspect of the economy.

ROI: What are the future opportunities for 825?

KG: Public infrastructure projects offer great opportunities, things we advocate for. Utility work is very good. We’ve had our infrastructure underground since the Industrial Revolution. We’ll build wherever it makes sense.

ROI: What about the challenge of building out the electrical grid in New Jersey with costs soaring?

KG: We were warning about this for 10 years, for the need for access to reliable energy. The public institutions are big users of energy. The data centers (which are big energy users) are not new. We knew about them 10 years ago. We’ve lost the data centers (to other states). We build transmission and distribution. To us, we’ll build where it makes sense. The state has blocked natural gas projects. Unplugged the projects. We’re all for exploring solar, wind. We are the innovation state. But don’t block energy projects. 

ROI: What are the obstacles for growth in New Jersey and how does this impact 825? 

KG: Too many regulations and the cost of working in New Jersey.

ROI: What has the impact been on federal funding cutbacks on 825? Impact on infrastructure funding, transportation?

KG: Nothing as of yet. But we’re monitoring it very closely. Bridges need to be safe and water to be safe. In infrastructure, you get $3 back for every $1 you spend. 

ROI: Looking at the website, it appears that 825 is aggressive in having members be property licensed and credentialed? Are requirements for members changing frequently? 

KG: We have two state-of-the art training facilities. We invest heavily in training. Our members are up to date on training as technology develops. 

ROI: How large is your membership? 

KG: We have 8,000 members. When I joined 825, we had fewer than 5,000. We have to meet the market demand and how much the job market can support.

ROI: Characterize membership outreach to women and minorities?

KG: Union apprenticeships are tied to a federal government process that can’t use race or gender preferences. Applications for apprenticeships are done on a first-come, first-served basis. Greg Lalevee, the business manager of 825, created a program of connecting training centers with accredited colleges that provides pathways to apprenticeships (this includes a program with Hudson County Community College). This earn and learn program will provide robust membership. And more women and people of color. The union won’t look like your father’s union.

ROI: Is 825 male dominated and if so, how have you been received by 825?

KG: I started out working in Republican Party campaigns and they were male dominated. I’ve been fortunate in that men think I’m smart, I work hard, and they gave me opportunities. I like to think I rose to the occasion. I have a pretty thick skin. Unions are less formal and more familial than corporate. It’s about finding a balance and being respected.