Recorded at the 2026 IBEW-NECA Employee Benefits Conference, this episode weaves together insights from leaders across labor and management on healthcare, mental health, rising drug costs, and supporting today’s workforce. From apprenticeships to recovery programs, these rapid-fire perspectives reveal how benefits shape real lives.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(00:07) Why benefits must show up on time
(00:55) Defusing conflict and normalising mental health
(03:07) Do younger workers fully understand their benefits?
(04:02) Healthcare costs and the 10-10-10 rule for perspective
(05:23) Should healthcare be for profit?
(06:07) The primary care gap no one talks about
(07:54) Instant benefits verification for contractors
(09:14) Tackling addiction and stigma in the trades
(11:31) The fight for affordable prescriptions
(11:56) Apprenticeships as a career launchpad

Links mentioned in the episode:
IBEW-NECA Employee Benefits Conference

Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com
Learn more at www.eprlive.com

The electrical workforce is changing – and benefits, training, and leadership are being tested in real time. Luke Kuhl, Executive Chairman of the Twin Cities Chapter of NECA, shares frontline insights on how contractors are navigating AI-driven demand, data center expansion, wage pressure, and the growing need for specialized talent.

The conversation also explores why strong leadership (not just new technology) will determine who thrives, and what these shifts mean for small contractors, union members, and the future of fringe benefits in the trades.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(00:50) Luke Kuhl’s work at NECA

(04:46) Rising costs and market consolidation

(08:14) Future workforce needs in data centers

(13:41) Contractor roles and union politics

(17:12) Small contractors struggling to compete

(22:59) The future of computing and energy

(26:36) Challenges facing unionized electrical contractors

(27:43) Uncertainty in a union electrician's career

(32:50) Standardization challenges in the electrical code

(36:18) The future of fault-managed power

(38:08) AI’s ripple effect on innovation

(43:24) Innovation among large contractors

Links mentioned in the episode:

Twin Cities NECA

Luke Kuhl’s LinkedIn

Planet Money: What AI Data Centers Are Doing to Your Electric Bill

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/19/nx-s1-5649814/ai-data-center-electricity-bill

Smart Talks w/ IBM: Creating Smarter Business with AI and Quantum

https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks/creating-smarter-business-with-ai-and-quantum?act2

Luke Recommended Best Podcast for Understanding Data Centers:

Step Change: Data Centers - The Hidden Backbone of Our Modern World

https://www.stepchange.show/data-centers

Luke Recommended Best Company-Focused Discussion of AI and Data Centers:

Acquired: Google - The AI Company

https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/google-the-ai-company

Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com

Learn more at www.eprlive.com

• (00:00:50) - Luke Kuhl’s work at NECA
• (00:04:46) - Rising costs and market consolidation
• (00:08:14) - Future workforce needs in data centers
• (00:13:41) - Contractor roles and union politics
• (00:17:12) - Small contractors struggling to compete
• (00:22:59) - The future of computing and energy
• (00:26:36) - Challenges facing unionized electrical contractors
• (00:27:43) - Uncertainty in a union electrician's career
• (00:32:50) - Standardization challenges in the electrical code
• (00:36:18) - The future of fault-managed power
• (00:38:08) - AI’s ripple effect on innovation
• (00:43:24) - Innovation among large contractors

Brandon Padget and Paul Ranisate from Union Bank & Trust – a unique, 100% labor-owned financial institution – unpack the often-overlooked risks and rising costs associated with issuing paper checks. They explain why now is the time for unions, contractors, and fund administrators to transition to secure electronic payments.

You’ll hear first-hand accounts of check fraud, real-world examples of lost or delayed funds, and actionable guidance on how to modernize your payment workflows.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(01:07) Labor-owned Union Bank & Trust overview

(05:29) Challenges of check fraud

(07:38) Check fraud and client procedures

(10:05) Cost comparison: digital vs checks

(15:42) Bank losses and Fed follow-up

(18:43) Building trust through client education

(20:43) Modernizing payment approval processes

(24:58) Connect with your banker

(28:14) The end of paper checks

(30:08) Bank’s role: support and guidance

Links mentioned in the episode:

Union Bank & Trust

Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com

Learn more at www.eprlive.com