Linemen on Strike in Asheville, NC FEMA isn’t paying them

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Linemen contracted with Spectrum and Next Era Communications in Asheville, North Carolina, went on strike on October 30, 2024, after enduring eight weeks without payment for their hard work. “Nobody’s working — So sorry, Asheville — We are not getting paid. It has been 8 weeks. We have not gotten a single penny,” one lineman declared, expressing the frustration shared by many. These workers had been diligently repairing infrastructure following Hurricane Helene, yet their promised compensation remained elusive.

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The linemen, who gathered in the old Sears parking lot off South Tunnel Road, had worked tirelessly from October 7 to 13. They were supposed to be compensated under a Net 14 payment term, meaning they should have received payment 15 days after submitting their first invoice. Instead, the lack of payment led to a work stoppage, with workers demanding justice for their efforts.

Next Era Communications, contracted with MasTec, which in turn worked for Spectrum, recognized the issue. They acknowledged the failure to compensate the linemen as promised and agreed to pay their per diem for the days worked. This payment was essential for the linemen, who often worked long hours without proper meals or accommodations, compounding their frustration and sense of betrayal.

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UPDATE: The strike ended the same day it began. Companies swiftly agreed to pay the linemen’s per diem and promised future payments, averting a prolonged work stoppage.

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