Political Director’s Report – November 2023

Hours

Labor Shows up Big in Sacramento at Democratic Convention

By Antonio Sanchez, Political Director

The California Democratic Party held their Endorsing Convention this past weekend in Sacramento at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, and labor’s presence was felt, seen and heard in a big way.

The California State Association of Electrical Workers sponsored the political gathering, and everywhere you looked, you saw our logo on the canvas bags participants received or on the big screen where our promotional videos aired.

We had a sizeable cohort of five Brothers and Sisters attend, and we were able to talk with many of our fellow delegates about labor concerns.

At the Endorsing Convention, Democrats from across that state endorse candidates for district-level and state wide office. At the forefront of everyone’s mind is putting forward the right candidates to take back the U.S. House of Representatives next year.

IBEW Local 11 Sr. Asst. Business Manager Robert Corona, Political Director Antonio Sanchez, Business Rep Shomari Davis, Organizer Tommy Zielomski and Business Rep Jackie Waltman attended the CADEM Endorsing Convention as delegates.

It’s been years since I’ve been to one of these conventions, and coming back this year, it was obvious that the attendees were more fired up than I remember and working to enact this year’s theme of ‘Organize to Win.’ And that’s what Labor leaders know how to do best.

At the convention, the delegates also vote to adopt the California Democratic Party 2024 Platform. If you’ve never heard of it, take a read here https://cadem.org/our-platform/.

The party platform is the document that states the values of the California Democratic Party.

Although, I’m sure most people don’t know of its existence, it is important. I served on the platform committee and fought to include important language regarding project labor agreements and the inclusion of “skilled and trained” language.

And guess what, I had opposition from several democrats, including another union member! I mention this as a reminder – IBEW and the Building Trades must stay involved or else our interests will be forgotten.

Wishing everyone a peaceful week as we celebrate with our loved ones during the holidays.

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