President’s Message – September 2025

Welcoming Our New Union Brothers & Sisters to Local 11

I’m pleased to announce that IBEW Local 11 won the award for most contractors organized at this year’s Membership Development conference for the entire IBEW across the U.S. and Canada for the August 2024 to July 2025 calendar year.

I’ve heard some say, “Hey, a lot of them are small shops.” In my opinion that’s great for us because that means they need our workforce. 

I’ve seen a good number of calls come in over the last year from these new contractors, and I anticipate many more as they continue to grow. As with anything new, there can often be a learning curve. So, if any of these new contractors make a mistake that goes against our CBA, let’s use it as a teachable moment to show them the right way to do things as an IBEW Local 11 contractor.

Please let us know immediately so the situation can be rectified. A lot of them joined because of our members’ reputation for craftsmanship and professionalism. That definitely helps in the conversation for our Organizers when they’re speaking to non-signatory contractors.

You may have also noticed an uptick in new apprentices as well. With the large number of members becoming journeymen and more seasoned members hitting the goal of retirement, there has been a big need for new apprentices this year to fill the space. Please take the time to teach them the right way we do things as union members along with the traditions and values of what it means to be a part of the IBEW.

I am very grateful for the hard work, effort, and pride our Brothers and Sisters put into each jobsite throughout LA County. We build Los Angeles with the hands of dues paying union members. Own it, be proud of it, and celebrate it every chance you get. 

In solidarity, 

Alton Wilkerson