HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Brothers & Sisters,

This Thanksgiving, we have a lot to be thankful for. The jobs picture is good, the mid-term election was a successful one for organized labor and our Local has never been stronger.

That said, I want to take a moment to reflect on the recent wildfires that have devastated communities locally and in Northern California. The Woolsey Fire burned tens of thousands of acres, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and other structures and killed at least three people. The Camp Fire in Northern California is the deadliest and most destructive fire in the history of California, burning over 150,000 acres, destroying more than 12,000 buildings and claiming at least 77 lives. Our hearts go out to the victims of these unfathomable disasters.

Since we are located so close geographically to the fire area, IBEW 11 members, their family and friends have undoubtedly been impacted in some way by the Woolsey Fire. Brothers and sisters in our trade, other trades or elsewhere in labor are not immune to destructive wild fires or any natural disaster. And we thank those brave men and women in the firefighting ranks and other emergency responders who ran towards the flames to save lives and property.

This Thanksgiving, as you take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for, I ask that you consider pitching in with disaster relief. Make a donation to the Red Cross, donate blood, volunteer at a shelter, donate clothes and blankets, foster an animal, or help in any way you can. The men and women of the building trades know how to come together. In times of need, our solidarity extends beyond contracts and organizing. Helping our communities in the time of need is equally paramount.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving,

In Solidarity,
Joel Barton
Business Manager/Financial Secretary

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