Business Manager’s Message — June 2022

Contract Ratification, Annual Picnic Coming Up

Happy Independence Day to all our IBEW 11 brothers and sisters. On the day that we celebrate our nation’s birth, it is worth remembering that through our blood, sweat and hard work, organized labor is responsible for building our great country. So, enjoy America’s birthday, and celebrate what a great country we live in. 

I want to thank all those members who took the time to attend the ratification meeting held at the Los Angeles Convention Center Saturday June 18th. When presented with the contract negotiated between LA-NECA and IBEW 11, the members in attendance overwhelmingly voted down the proposals.

We will be going back to the table to negotiate further and have something for the members to ratify at the next meeting on Saturday July 16, 2022 at 9 am at the Pasadena Civic Center Auditorium.

At this meeting, the members will have two separate and distinct votes. The first will be to accept or reject the contract. The second will be to go on strike or go back to the negotiating table. Remember, our contract expires today, June 30, 2022, so a strike vote would, after a 10-day cooling off period, be effective July 31 at 12:01 a.m.

Plan to attend this very important meeting to cast your vote on your future. Be sure to arrive early in order to check in prior to the start of the meeting. Check in will start at 8 a.m.

As way of background, I want you to know your negotiating committee did our due diligence and our homework. We included members, and had honest and clear conversations with contractors. The contract we are negotiating reflects and exceeds what normally would be possible in this current economic environment.

I’ve always fought hard to get the best deal and have been honest with you about what is possible. Uncertainties abound — including supply chain issues, cost of materials, cost of borrowing money, and many other factors.

This agreement, in whatever its final form, will give us a degree of certainty in an unstable environment and will allow us to change direction to our advantage if conditions change.

Remember, make your voice heard at the upcoming ratification vote on July 16. You must be present to vote. Only members in good standing are eligible to attend and vote.

Your Union at Work

I just completed an afternoon-long LMCC meeting to protect and bolster our work in the growing battery storage sector. On the zoom call with me were NECA chapter managers and various IBEW business managers from around California and Nevada. We are working together to ensure that legislation requiring C-10 electrical contractors and state certified electricians are used exclusively in this work, creating and protecting tens of thousands of IBEW jobs across the region. We will keep you informed about this important legislation and how you can ensure its passage.

Annual Picnic Tickets Now Available

IBEW 11’s annual family favorite event is on for Saturday, August 6 at Hollywood Sports Park. Be sure to RSVP online for you and your family to attend – tickets are given out first come, first served with a limit of 6. You’ll find free food, games for the kids, raffles, bounce houses, face painting, prizes, a cigar lounge, rock climbing, bingo and more. Don’t miss out! We hope to see you there.

In solidarity,

Joël Barton
IBEW 11 Business Manager

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