Business Manager’s Message: Safety on the Job Site

Sisters and Brothers,

This is a special time of year. The celebration of Passover has already started, Easter Sunday is this weekend and Ramadan starts later this month. This is a time of renewal and of reflection.

These are also unique, frightening, and frankly, very serious times. COVID-19 has upended our lives both at home, and on the jobsite. We are doing things we’d never thought we’d do, such as wearing a protective mask on our run to the grocery store or celebrating a child’s birthday over video conferencing. These are strange times indeed.

I’ve been visiting a number of job sites recently, from the new football stadium going up in Inglewood to a medical facility in Woodland Hills. Electricians have been deemed “essential” workers, and these and most job sites remain open. I look forward to visiting more job sites, to address the members concerns and answer any questions that you may have.

I want to reiterate the importance of safety on the job. Safety has always been an important tenet of the IBEW. We know that construction work can be dangerous business. But our safety goals have expanded in the time of COVD-19. It is crucial that you abide by all new safety norms – wash your hands and tools regularly, wear a face covering of some type, and practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away. By doing these relatively simple tasks, we can all slow the spread of the Coronavirus and save lives, maybe yours or that of someone you love.

I know many of you struggle with the choice. Do you go to work and run the risk of getting sick; or do you stay home and miss a paycheck? Whatever your decision is about working, you are not to be judged. I understand your concerns and respect whatever decision you make. There are several benefits available to you should you choose not to work or if your job site temporarily closes. Please contact the Local or visit our website at www.ibew11.org if you need more information. You may also go to the Trust Funds website at www.scibew-neca.org. And If you do feel sick, please don’t go to work.

Rest assured; the local union is open for business. However, due to mandates limiting the number of people in a meeting room and social distancing, roll call/resign is cancelled for the month of April.  Dedicated staff and clerical are working every day to keep things moving with the union and address your needs as union members. We’ll do this for as long as possible.

I want to thank all of you. You are on the front lines here. We will get through this crisis with the brotherhood and sisterhood that has carried us through so many challenges before.

Take care of yourself, take care of your family and be safe.

Have a Happy and safe Holiday.

In Solidarity,

Joel Barton

Business Manager

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