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. 

LAX Officers Report Abuse

A rally for Airport Security Officers at Los Angeles International Airport attracted hundreds of supporters. Activists wore signs that read, “Stand with Front-Line Defenders of Airport Safety” and “The Union Is Here” – Another Union Member in Solidarity with Transportation Security Officers and their Union – AFGE, AFL-CIO. The labor dispute arose from alleged intimidation and firings of airport security personnel for complaining about poor working conditions at LAX. Several local politicians and labor leaders took the stage to speak in support of the Security Officers and their union. The demonstration took place outside Gate 1 near the South West Airlines Arrival Gate.

Employees Embrace Green Technology

Union electricians employed at Steiny and Company, Inc. install a solar array on the rooftop of their Baldwin Park warehouse. The new solar panels will provide abundant power for lighting and other needs for years to come. According to Richard Tesoriero, Vice President of Steiny the company hopes to offset their carbon footprint and convince other businesses to do the same. The warehouse is part of Steiny’s intelligent transportation division where work is performed maintaining fleet vehicles and storing tools and materials. Congratulations to Steiny and Company, Inc. for utilizing Green technology and providing good paying union jobs.