Volunteer Organizing Committee In Action

Members of the D-4 Organizing Committee and their kids helped serve popcorn, cotton-candy and snow-cones at the 12th Annual IBEW Local 11, Picnic. All of the items were provided free of charge. The organizing committee booth was well received. Over 1000 snow-cones were given out, 700 cotton-candy and 500 bags of popcorn. The event featured a barbeque, games, raffles, bingo, face-painting and more. Two attractions were added this year, a mechanical bull-ride and a king-of-the-mountain jumper. The weather was perfect for a family picnic.

Richard Trumka to Rally Los Angeles

On Friday August 13th at 12 Noon unions, legislators, community activists and mayors from cities throughout Los Angeles will join AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka to rally for stimulus from the Federal Government. Your participation is vital to sending the message that working people are hurting. Please meet on the south steps of City Hall and bring banners and signs.

A Tip to Avoid Burnout

Organizing Holidays

Did your local real-estate professional leave a flag in your lawn this week?

Ours did......

She’s done it consistently for 10 years now. We get another one every Fourth of July and Memorial Day weekend. We’ve kept most of them. We’ve got quite a collection on display this weekend.

At first we thought it was pretty silly. We’re not planning on selling our house.

Why put out all that effort?

It works that’s why!

After all these years, she’s proven by her tenacity that she wants the job. When we decide to sell she’s going to get the listing. Most of the neighbors wouldn’t think about using anyone else. They trust her.

What’s this got to do with organizing you might ask?

E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g!

Each holiday we’re given an opportunity to connect with the people we wish to influence.

Labor Day is coming up. Perhaps there’s a contractor you always wanted to sign or a candidate you feel would be an asset to the union. You could send a holiday letter or drop off your business card with a note about Labor Day. If done consistently it could make a huge impression. It’s worth a try.

Well, here’s to a safe and Happy Independence Day Weekend!

God Bless America!


I’ve posted a few videos that might interest you here


http://www.youtube.com/user/unionorganizing


http://www.viddler.com/explore/unionorganizer/videos/2/


http://www.viddler.com/explore/unionorganizer/videos/1/

How to Make the Perfect Banner Frame

Watch The Video Here
A banner needs to be pulled tight to be displayed. Having a lightweight portable frame will allow it to be set up quickly and moved from location to location easily. This frame is designed to hold a banner in place, even in mild winds. Follow these simple instructions to make an inexpensive, easy to assemble, collapsible frame made from PVC pipe. In this example, we will assemble a frame for a banner measuring approximately 4 feet high and 12 feet in length, with a minimum of 12 grommets.

Gather the following tools and materials:

• Banner with grommets.

• Marker.

• Hacksaw or PVC cutter.

• Tape measure.

• Knife.

• 50 ft of 1” diameter PVC pipe.

• Two 1” PVC 90° elbows.

• Six 1” PVC “T” connectors.

• PVC “X” connector.

• Twelve 6” bungee straps.

1. Measure pipes for cutting: four 70 ½ ” lengths, three 48” lengths and nine 12” lengths.

2. Cut the pipes to the proper lengths.

3. Clean the shavings off with a knife.

4. Lay the banner face down on a clean piece of ground.

5. Assemble the pieces over the banner.

6. Thread the bungee straps through the grommets.

7. Wrap the bungee straps around the outside edge of the pipe frame.

8. Now stand the frame up and twist the feet so they hold the frame in place.

The completed frame should extend 2” from the edge of the banner to the inside edge of the frame. The banner should be pulled tight. One-inch PVC pipe works best. Anything smaller may be too flimsy. PVC fittings allow the various pieces of pipe to be fitted together easily and disassembled when finished. The frame is reinforced in the middle to keep the frame from bending. To transport your banner frame, bundle the pipes together and wrap it with the bungee straps.

Congratulations on making the perfect banner frame! It is light weight, portable, inexpensive to make, and easily assembled.

Excerpt from the book Bigger Labor; A Crash Course for Construction Union Organizers by Bob Oedy Copyright 2008

UCLA Labor Center Report Makes A Case for Deep Green Energy Efficiency Retrofits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Thursday, May 20, 2010

CONTACT: Daniel Villao - CCA Director

Phone: 213-500-6463

Email: daniel@constructionacademy.org

UCLA Labor Center Report Makes A Case for Deep Green Energy Efficiency Retrofits

Why Basic Weatherization will Fall Short in Maximizing Carbon Reductions and Green Job Opportunities

Los Angeles, CA – Today in the United States, buildings account for approximately 40% of total energy use and 73% of total electricity use annually. A deep green approach to energy efficiency refers to the design and technical implementation of energy efficiency retrofit programs in a manner that maximizes job and business creation, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and energy savings as compared to basic weatherization.

“The Case for Deep Green Energy Efficiency” report, which has just been released by the California Construction Academy (a project of the UCLA Labor Center) highlights how and why a deep green approach to energy efficiency can unlock the opportunities mentioned above. The report outlines recommendations for developing clear program objectives and outcomes for a deep green approach to energy efficiency. Click here to read the report, or access it through the CCA Website.

Stakeholders and decision-makers who are interested in achieving significant reductions in energy consumption and expanding green job opportunities should opt for a deep green approach to an energy efficiency retrofit program over those that only do basic weatherization, or those that advocate for starting with basic rebate measures instead of beginning with a comprehensive building audit.

In the residential market, basic weatherization traditionally includes “lowest hanging fruit” elements such as insulation, air sealing, and pipe-wrapping. Deep green energy efficiency work takes a “whole-house” approach to retrofits by including a whole building audit at the beginning of a retrofit process, and consists of electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning, water conservation, and other energy and water-related upgrades.

As compared to basic weatherization and/or appliance upgrades, a comprehensive deep green energy efficiency retrofit unlocks the largest opportunities to reduce the amount of energy used by buildings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase indoor air quality and comfort, and create the largest number of green career opportunities in construction and other industries.

Deep green energy efficiency shaped through comprehensive audits will help local municipalities, states, and the federal government accomplish program objectives and meet the “triple-bottom line” goals of economic growth and stability, responsible environmental stewardship, and social justice and equity.

For municipally-run programs, the authors of the report recommend the following program objectives for a deep green approach to energy efficiency:

1) Maximize reductions in green house gas emissions;

2) Maximize potential energy savings;

3) Maximize the opportunities to generate high-road apprenticeable jobs, and business development opportunities (within the construction sector & indirect sectors);

4) Strengthen community-labor-management-municipal relationships; and

5) Educate community on energy-saving and green behaviors.

The authors of the report recommend the following design components for effective implementation of a deep green energy efficiency program:

1) Targeted outreach and education based on neighborhood geography and demographics (determined by available financing)

2) Detailed analysis of building stock, building types, tenancy, and utility metering

3) A turn-key approach to program delivery (one-stop for the customer)

4) Local hire job opportunities and enforceable labor standards

5) Work begins with standardized, BPI/RESNET certified, whole building audits

6) Aggregated and bundled contracts by a public-private Coordinating Entity

7) Immediate improved comfort and/or energy savings for participants

8) Sustainable financing options based on consumer type

9) Third party certification of savings, including monitoring and verification of completed work

Through careful consideration of best practices in the home performance and construction industry, and along side community groups’ desire for jobs and equity, cities can accomplish simultaneous objectives through the design and technical implementation of deep green energy efficiency programs.

The California Construction Academy (CCA), a project of the UCLA Labor Center, provides leadership, coordination, and research on the most relevant issues facing the construction industry throughout the State of California. The CCA accomplishes these objectives through convening educational meetings on workforce development, conducting research on innovative and impactful trends in the construction industry, disseminating research on relevant policy initiatives, and facilitating multi-stakeholder collaborations. For more information, go to http://constructionacademy.org/

###

Hot Off The Press

We chose Coronet to print The Green Career Ladder; a step-by-step guide to profitable careers in sustainable energy. There were several reasons for our decision:

Coronet is a Premiere Union Printer

It is very important that men and women who manufacture our products receive decent wages and benefits. We requested the union label (Allied Printing Southern California Trades Council 291) be placed on the front cover as well as inside. They’ve got the bug you want.

Coronet is FSC Certified

It is a pleasure to deal with a company that shares our commitment to improving the environment. The FSC trademark assures customers the materials used are from mixed sources such as recycled wood or fiber.

Coronet is Conveniently Located

We saved on shipping charges and reduced greenhouse emissions by locating an award- winning print and design team in the neighborhood.

Coronet Provides Friendly Service

Their fast friendly service cannot be beat. They are an industry leader and have been serving the public since 1946. You can trust them with your toughest jobs.


Coronet Printing is located at 9260 Owensmouth Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Phone: (818) 775-9733

Tell them Bob sent you.

Just Published by Union Organizer Press

The Green Career Ladder; a step-by-step guide to profitable careers in sustainable energy by Bob Oedy.

Yes you can…

• Get a Green job that won’t rot your soul

• Make the world a cleaner, better place

• Leave a meaningful legacy for future generations

• And make great money doing it!

Why choose between making a difference and making a living? In this ground-breaking guide to Green careers, I reveal the emerging career opportunities that make it possible for you to help save the planet and build a significant personal income at the same time, regardless of your political affiliation or level of training.

Whether you’re a student preparing for a Green lifestyle, a recent graduate looking for your first job, or are contemplating a switch to a Greener second career, The Green Career Ladder will guide you through every stage of the process, including:

• Where to find the best training

• Landing your first job

• Identifying responsible companies that pay well

• Living a Green lifestyle

• Starting your own business

• How to control your own future, make good money, and live a fulfilling life

• Leaving a legacy for future generations

This fast-reading, down-to-earth guide blends sustainable ideals with practical realities to give you realistic insights about today’s growing Green marketplace. You’ll learn why Green is finally here to stay and how to chart your own path to success, both today and tomorrow.

Available at Amazon.com and GreenCareerLadder.com

Printed union in the United States of America

Strong Support for San Gabriel Water District PLA

It was standing room only for the latest meeting to discuss the benefits of passing a project labor agreement for the upper San Gabriel Water District. Several members of the Building Trades who live in the area came to voice their support for the agreement that would help to promote sustainable careers for San Gabriel area residents.

Major Win For Port Community

A Project Labor Agreement covering the Middle Harbor in the Port of Long Beach has been ratified after opposition by the Associated Builders and Contractors imploded. City leaders hailed the new agreement as a model for neighboring communities concerned about cost overruns, project delays and missing out on local hiring opportunities. Retired Organizer Larry Henderson whose efforts lead to the adoption of the land mark agreement was congratulated by the Board Members. His efforts to bring good paying jobs and apprenticeship opportunities to the residents of Long Beach finally materialized. Over 60 members of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 11 attended the meeting.

Long Beach Labor Candidates Find Support

Volunteers in the City of Long Beach California have been precinct walking and phone banking for Labor friendly candidates. Recent rains have not deterred their efforts to get the word out to the community. The message of good paying jobs and Greening the Port of Long Beach is being well received. Work will continue right up to Election Day on Tuesday April 12th, 2010.

Advocates Rally for Green Transportation Spending

Environmental, business and labor groups rallied outside the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority Building. The groups advocate completing transportation projects planned for the next 30 years in just 10 years to help spur California’s economy. The “30 in 10 Plan” as it’s called will use Measure R Funds for improvement projects such as light rail, bus ways and bike paths.

Apprentice Upstages LA Mayor/Former Governor

One of the best speakers at the 2010 Delegates Congress at the Los Angeles Convention Center was Sammy Jackson. He spoke about completing his pre-apprenticeship program at Century Training in Lennox, CA and successfully passed the entrance exam to enter the IBEW, Local 11 Apprenticeship. Jackson had to overcome several obstacles to get to where he is today and is grateful for the opportunity. He is currently working at LA Live on the Ritz-Carlton Project. He has learned to bend 3” and 4” conduit on a hydraulic bender and is in the very first day-class given at the Electrical Training Institute. Other notable speakers were Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former California Governor Jerry Brown.

Another highlight of the Delegates Congress was the push for The March for California’s Future. It’s a planned march from Bakersfield to the State Capitol with a goal of registering and engaging voters. The kick-off event is scheduled for March 5th, 2010. Several attendee’s took the stage in a show of support and pledged to complete the March by April 21st. To learn more go to www.fight4california.com or to get involved call Ade at (213) 387-0780, extension #17

President Trumka Visits Local 11

AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka visited IBEW Local 11’s Electrical Training Institute on his recent visit to California. He spoke to an apprenticeship training class about his experiences working in the coal mines of southwest Pennsylvania.  President Trumka was elected into office on September 16^th along with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler who came from the IBEW and is the first ever woman to be elected to the position.