Brothers and Sisters,

Investing in our union’s future means investing in our members.

We want to make it easier for you to get to work. Our new online dispatch system quickly and seamlessly connects you with the jobs that need your skills and talents. With a click of a button, members can examine the details of every opening, including contractor, start date, and jobsite location. In this issue of our newsletter, we’ll explain exactly how to make this portal work for you. Be sure to keep this guide next to your computer.

We’re striving to grow the participation of women in the building trades. Women make up nearly half of our country’s workforce, but only 9 percent of construction workers are women — a very small percentage compared to other industries. In California, women make up just 6 percent of active apprentices. In this issue, we’re highlighting the trailblazers of our union, the tradeswomen who have been working hard to close the gender gap. On June 21st I’ll host the Local’s first ever Women’s Roundtable, where we’ll discuss ideas and opportunities to bring in more workers who reflect our vibrant community.

During the 2016 UA International Convention, we passed the first ever resolution to encourage all people — regardless of race, ethnicity or gender — to enter into our crafts and become members of the UA. We understand that if a diverse workforce gains more access to good middle class construction jobs through our union, we will contribute to building a more powerful working class in our region.

To expand our market share, we’re continuing to build momentum for our Campaign for a Secure Future. It’s critical that construction projects improve economic prosperity for all residents of the Silicon Valley, including the tradespeople honing their skills and growing their leadership potential on jobsites. We have joined forces with our brothers and sisters at IBEW Electricians Local 332, Sprinkler Fitters Local 483, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 to let the public know that greedy developers are a threat to maintaining good, middle-class construction jobs in Santa Clara County. Almost 200 members representing our collective crafts gathered in April for the first ever MEPS Leadership Conference to build our organizing skills and met with local elected officials including State Assemblymember Ash Kalra.

To stay a healthy and relevant organization that serves our members and increases market share, we must make these investments in our future.

Bill Guthrie
Business Manager
UA Local Union 393