Luis Arida Steps into New Leadership Role as Local 11 Assistant Business Manager 

After more than three decades as a proud member of IBEW 11 — and nearly two decades serving the membership on staff — Luis Arida has stepped into a new chapter of leadership. Recently promoted to Assistant Business Manager, Arida now oversees a team of 16 Business Agents representing districts and specialized units across Los Angeles County. It’s a responsibility he takes seriously, bringing with him a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of member representation, and a long-standing commitment to supporting IBEW members. 

“I want to help (Business Agents) do their job, with whatever information they need or clarification needed on contract issues,” Arida said. “I can assist them with my experience with the grievance process, building relationships, and communication. For some of the folks who are a little bit newer in the position, it’s good to have somebody who’s gone through the grievance process many, many times. Mainly, I want to empower them to be as effective as they want to be.” 

Arida’s Local 11 roots run deep. He began his career as an apprentice and steadily rose through the ranks, as JW, Foreman, GF, Steward and most recently serving as Unit 14 Civil Service Representative. In that role he became known for his steady guidance, knowledge of the grievance process, and unwavering dedication to helping workers navigate the complexities of public sector employment. 

Now, as Assistant Business Manager, he’s stepping into a broader leadership role — one shaped both by his experience and the mentorship from his predecessors, including Eric Brown. 

Brown, a respected figure in Local 11, retired earlier this year. Arida credits him with instilling lessons about respect, humility, and the importance of serving the membership above all — values that will continue to guide Arida as he supports the next generation of union representatives. 

“He’s taught me how to respect people and treat people how you want to be treated, and just treating people with dignity and respect, and knowing that our number one priority is to service the membership,” Arida said. 

Arida said his focus now is carrying those lessons forward and supporting Business Manager Robert Corona’s vision for Local 11. 

“I’ve had the privilege of working under some really good assistant business managers, so I’ve learned a lot from them,” Arida said. “My goal now is to help Business Manager Robert Corona enact his vision for the local by helping the members prosper, get more work for our members, keep the integrity of the contract in place, and assist in any way that the Local needs.”