A Call to Action
I’m just back from the annual Ninth District Business Managers meeting in Las Vegas where dozens of Business Managers from the six Western States (from Alaska to California) get together each year to collaborate, trade ideas, and most importantly share creative solutions to our common problems.
The focus this year was all about jobs – protecting and growing our work. As you can imagine, the Trump administration’s aggressive executive orders – ranging from tariffs to his anti-union actions and how it threatens our jobs here at home — were a big topic of conversation.
Make no mistake, the Trump administration is trying to blow up government, smashing unions and regulations along the way so they will be free to give even bigger tax cuts to their billionaire friends.
But in a bit of good news for labor in reigning in the new president’s power, a federal judge recently ordered Trump to reinstate a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member who he had fired during his first days in office. Calling it a “blatant violation of the law,” the judge said the President didn’t have the authority to remove a sitting NLRB member without cause. The 5-member NLRB board was down to two sitting members, not enough for a quorum to hear cases, or police unfair labor practice charges or labor-management disputes.
Flexing Our Muscle
So, the question is, how do we, as a union, fight back and flex our power?
First, we believe we must stay away from the social issues that divide the country and stay laser focused on the work. Next, we need to get busy, get active, and step up to make sure the IBEW has a voice in the political decisions being made. How do we do that? By being even more proactive in local Democratic party politics. I’m pleased to report that nearly half a dozen IBEW 11 members were recently elected to the California Democratic party, plus several additional members who will be appointed. That’s real power. Congratulations to the following members and staff:
- Luis Arida
- Jorge Hernandez
- Diana Limon
- Kris Mendoza
- Miguel Sanchez
- Antonio Sanchez
I’m also pleased to report that Tommy Faavae, a 25-year IBEW 11 member, activist and Business Development Representative was just appointed as a representative to the West Basin Water Board, which we hope will create future jobs and opportunities for our members
Impact at the State & Local Level
That’s also why we’re also encouraging members to start local and run for smaller city and school district offices as well as their local Workforce Development Boards (WDB). WDBs connect the Federal Dept. of Labor with programs that deliver services to workers and employers – including education and our training programs – at the state and local levels.
As one Business Manager said of the value of joining a Workforce Board: “Building these relationships supercharge our movement, building pathways to good union careers in the 21st century.” Board members can strengthen relationships with schools, businesses and elected officials. We can also participate in workforce funding decisions, especially around our apprenticeship programs.
Get Involved Locally
We’re looking for local members to help us create work by turning out to local city council and school board meetings where PLAs and Community Workforce Agreement (CWA) agreements are decided. We need members in these communities to speak out about the value of the local hire and the jobs created for the local community.
So, get involved. Consider running for office on your local school board or city council. Help us create more work for our members. Step up to make a difference.
Interested? Let’s talk!
In Solidarity,
Robert Corona
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
