Going into Election Season with Renewed Energy

I’m just back from the exciting Democratic National Convention and I’m pleased to report that I was one of 74 IBEW delegates from around the country representing our great union in Chicago last week. Not only did IBEW have the most delegates at the DNC of any labor union – 20 of us from the Ninth District alone, including three women — but our IBEW International president Kenneth Cooper spoke on Day 1, along with a long line of labor union leaders. I’m proud that labor was so well represented at the convention, ensuring that our candidates support our jobs, our pensions, and our safety on the jobsite.

I have to say, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. There was so much excitement and energy in the convention hall and so many caucuses and workshops to attend, we didn’t get much sleep. But now we’re fired up and ready to go! On the first evening, not only was labor in the house – thousands of union delegates flooded the convention hall – we got to experience the outpouring of affection for President Biden and all he’s done in laying the blueprint for tens of thousands of jobs for our members with the IRA, Inflation Reduction Act. And we got to experience the grace and courage to pass the baton to a new generation of Democratic leaders who will take us into the future.

Since Harris became the nominee, it’s a new beginning for the Democratic party. It’s rejuvenated the campaign and will help us get all of our pro-labor candidates elected this November – from the top of the ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz down to George Whiteside in the Antelope Valley. So now it’s up to us to do our part and get out the vote! Thousands of jobs are at stake – from EV charging stations to infrastructure work, hydrogen plants, hospitals, schools and more.

We’re especially proud that Kamala is California born and bred, a big boost for our state and highlighting all the good work we do here for labor and the middle class. Along with IBEW 11 staffer Diana Limon, we networked and made contacts and traded stories and techniques with union members from around the country. We compared notes with other IBEW unions – and one thing we all share in common is ensuring that the Harris/Walz ticket get elected this November. And our job is to make sure all of our members have a voice in this election.

So make sure you’re registered to vote! Make sure to vote! We’re asking for volunteers to call into some of the battleground states, as well as door knocking and calling in the Antelope Valley to make sure we can flip the House race in November.

Growing Our Strength and Numbers

The momentum for IBEW continued in Chicago this past week with the IBEW Membership Development conference following the DNC. I’m pleased to report that IBEW membership is now at over 820,000 strong – and we’re well on our way to our goal of 1 million members strong. Closer to home. I am proud to announce that IBEW Local 11 received the award for most contractors signed in one year. We tied with IBEW Local 46 with organizing NINE additional contractors. Amazing job, everyone!

Local Matters

I wanted to report on progress we’re making on implementing some great member ideas that you’ve brought to us.

First, we’re using technology to help dispatch run more smoothly. You can now bring your certificates to be scanned and they will be added to your personnel files so you don’t have to remember to bring them to dispatch each time you come. Scanning your certificates will be done after and not during dispatch.

Second, I’ve taken a great idea from the membership that will give our members more options on choosing investments for their Defined Benefit contributions. I’m talking to our investment managers about offering different levels of risk for members at various stages of their careers. This will allow members to choose more conservative or riskier options depending on their comfort level and how long they have until retirement. If all goes well we can look into implementing this sometime next year.

And third, I’m talking to the Health Trust administrators about allowing members to make up the difference in their hours by buying hours that will offer them better health care options. Again, if all goes well you can look at this happening late this year.

So bring me your ideas. My job, and the job of our staff is to help make a better life for all our members. I look forward to hearing from you.

It’s an honor to represent you as your Business Manager/ Financial Secretary,

In Solidarity,

Robert Corona
Business Manager/Financial Secretary