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

Los Angeles Federation of Labor 2007 Delegates Congress

The Los Angeles Federation of Labor 2007 Delegates Congress took place on December 3rd at the Hyatt Regency. This was only the second time such an event has taken place in Los Angeles. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa gave the opening remarks. He spoke of the late Miguel Contreras being present at the previous Delegates Congress in 2004. The mayor spoke in favor of a living wage saying, “we should reward work not punish it”. He reaffirmed his support for the 8 project labor agreements currently in force in the city of Los Angeles. There were approximately 1000 delegates in attendance. The theme for this delegates congress The Fight for Good Jobs.