Fighting For Local 40 During a Difficult Year!
Happy holidays, Brothers and Sisters.
Despite the pandemic, Local 40 officers and staff have had a busy year protecting our members’ livelihoods and moving the local forward. Where possible, we helped members get jobs, improved member communications, remodeled our training center and worked closely with our partner groups to ensure the safety of our members during these very difficult times.
Local 40 is nearly 100 years old and we have faced and overcome some substantial challenges in our proud history. Unquestionably, 2020 was tough, but we are tougher, and we believe the future looks bright for 2021. In the meantime, please stay safe, stay healthy and celebrate the holidays in compliance with city, state and county health mandates. And thank you to all our members for your vigilance during the pandemic, wearing your masks, practicing social distance, washing your hands and taking care of your IBEW Brothers and Sisters.
Below are some highlights of 2020 Year in Review.
Member Services
The pandemic and the challenges of shuttered offices have in no way stopped us from communicating with our members. In fact, we have found new and diverse ways to connected.
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Our new and improved communications measures include a monthly membership e-news, increased social media and taking feedback through membership surveys. We will be upgrading all of our digital platforms. Stay tuned.
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In the interest of safety, we have brought the bulk of our membership services online. The conversion of our Apprenticeship Program application from in-person to digital has been a huge success generating more than 350 applications.
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Local 40 continues to be an active partner in community and volunteer efforts. If you’re looking for a way to help those in need, donations are still be accepted for the L.A. County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Toy Drive and for the Therapeutic Play Foundation (TPF) Toy Drive benefiting families in need in the San Gabriel Valley.
Upcoming Contract Negotiations 2021
We will be keeping you updated on the status of Basic Agreement negotiations in 2021, and the Universal Studios Supplemental Agreement. Be on the look out for surveys and meeting announcements to discuss these negotiations.
Apprenticeships
Our apprentices are our local’s future and our program has had an eventful year in 2020.
- Despite the pandemic, our teachers and apprentices adapted to new online class structure, and our apprenticeship class of 2020 was able to graduate on schedule. Congrats to the class of 2020!
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We are in the process of remodeling our Training Center and we can’t wait to announce the unveiling date.
- A new look deserves a new name. We’re looking to rebrand our program and we’ll be rolling out a contest to select a new name for the program formerly known as IBEW Local 40 /LA NECA JATC. A prize awaits the member who comes up with the new name. Details to follow in early 2021.
- As noted above, interest in our program remains robust with more than 350 applications for 15-20 coveted slots.
Work Picture
While the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating effect on the U.S. economy – including the motion picture industry – our members continued to find work in 2020.
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Local 40 was on hand as construction began on Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood in the spring and we expect this exciting project to provide many jobs in the months to come. In order to be able to work on these projects, we are strongly encouraging all of our Inside Wireman to get their state certification as a General Journeyman Electrician. Learn more here.
- We also worked on various facility upgrades at studio facilities. Sound & Communications members have been able to pick up employment through some of our neighboring locals.
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Local 40 participated in the negotiations with the other Hollywood locals in developing the COVID-19 Return to Work Agreement. Production has ramped up again across the industry, and this multi-faceted agreement has extensive health protocols ensuring that our members working under the Basic Agreement and all entertainment industry workers will be safe on the job.
- With studios and theme parks looking to make their facilities environmentally friendly, you will be hearing a lot more about electrical vehicle training program that we expect will lead to more jobs for our members.
Safety
Now more than ever, attention to the health and safety of our members is one of our biggest concerns. We are working closely with our employers to make sure that all safety measures are followed, and addressing issues when they arise.
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You still have time to take the C-19 Prevention Training class through Contract Services before the end of the year. Learn more here.
- Off the job, members are encouraged to heed the safety guidelines during the holiday season. We know how important it is to see friends and loved ones, but in the interest of protecting everyone’s health, please consider remote celebrations.
In solidarity,
Marc Flynn
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
