Business Manager’s Message — June 2023
June: A Time to Celebrate, Remember, and Negotiate
In June we have no holidays per our agreements, but there are several which deserve special recognition. The month of June is celebrated as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. We should respect and honor all people and protect everyone’s right to live as they choose. Especially in the IBEW, we should embrace all those who want to be members of this great organization.
On June 11 IBEW Local 11 was proud to have members march in the 53rd Annual LA Pride Parade in Hollywood. Our own staffer, Diana Limon, was interviewed on Channel 7 and represented us well, as she always does. The week before, a contingent of Local 11 members went to Sacramento for the Union Women: Stronger Together conference hosted by the California State Building and Construction Trades Council and the California Labor Federation. Again, our delegates represented us well, and the largest group there were IBEW members.
The common theme I came away with was how everyone there was accepted. All were welcomed, as it should be, and is my pledge as the leader of IBEW Local 11.
Another special day was June 19, where we celebrated Juneteenth. This commemorates the day more than two months after the end of the Civil War, and more than two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, when enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom. Of course, we cannot forget the inequities and atrocities which ensued thereafter and continue to this day. However, it is our task to correct those transgressions and move forward. Again, let’s embrace everyone as brothers and sisters and create a Union and world which tolerates all and which loves and respects one another.
Welcome New Staff
I would like to welcome Jason Peterson to the Local 11 team. Jason will assist our Civil Service Agent, Luis Arida, in increasing the membership of our Governmental workers so all can be represented by our Union. Also, new to the staff is Crystal Herrera. As Director of Member and Community Development, Crystal will be reaching out to members to be more engaged in their Local Union and their community. I look forward to working with them both.
A heartfelt thank you to our apprentices who have been volunteering every Thursday to sort food at the United Way food bank. A massive number of nonperishables were collected by the Letter Carriers to feed the hungry. It is a monumental task to separate all the donated items, but IBEW Local 11 members, as always, stepped up to the plate to help. If you would like to volunteer, they will be sorting food until the end of July from 8 am to 4 pm at Warehouse 1D, Salvation Army Bell Complex, 5600 K St. Bell, California 90210.
Negotiations Update
The Local Union is still in negotiations with our NECA contractors to secure an agreement for our Inside Wireman and Intelligent Transportation Systems electricians. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 23 at the IBEW offices in Pasadena. We hope to come to an agreement by then so there is a Special Called Meeting on Saturday, June 24 at the Pasadena Convention Center.
If we have any proposals to present, they will be uploaded to allow you to review and vote. All voting will be online and will start at 12 pm on June 24 and close on Monday June 26 at 5 pm. If we have no proposals to present, the vote will be for authorization to call for a strike against the employers.
Please make sure the Local Union has your current email address so you can vote on this important aspect of your career. Contact the Dues Department at 626-243-9721, or email dues@ibew11.org. Further information and instructions will be provided so you may review and vote on your contract.
In closing, I would like to wish you and your family a happy Independence Holiday. It is an honor and privilege to serve you as your Business Manager/Financial Secretary.
Joël Barton
IBEW 11 Business Manager
