Community to Union, Union to Community

“This initiative did not did not start out as a union one but we made sure it was one... they (unions) are critical partners for the coalition because they have the ability to set wages and benefits.”
were identified and contacted. Unions were identified as a critical partner because of their “ability to set wages and benefits.” Public briefings were held in two of the corridor communities. The community education process led to greater participation. A position statement on employment was drafted and circulated among potential coalition members and supporters. That position statement called for:
  • 30% of all project hours to go to corridor residents
  • 30% of all trainees to be corridor residents
  • Jobs to include both construction trades and non-trade employment (clerical, security, etc.)

Taking Action
In September 1997 the ACJC announced its formation as a coalition and presented its list of demands for local hiring requirements to the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA). The coalition organized a series of public actions including bringing busses of unemployed corridor residents to the ACTA offices. By March 1998 coalition organizers reported ninety five percent of their demands had been met.

Results
The agreement reached with ACTA was the implementation of a job training and placement program. To stay close to the process, the ACJC formed a training entity, The Alameda Jobs Coalition Training Center. The Center won the support of the project contractor and formed a partnership with the local Carpenters Union training center to apply for training funding to provide basic training for recruits. They established a coalition with 21 local building trade unions covering 16 construction crafts. The unions help identify members who are community residents and place new entrants into jobs and traditional craft apprenticeship opportunities. ACJC also built partnerships with community organizations for the recruitment of community residents. The results:

  • 650 residents to be trained and placed in trades jobs
  • 350 residents to be trained and placed in non trade jobs
  • Over a million dollars invested in worker training and placement programs to assure community access
  • Approximately $40 million in wages for corridor residents.

The Future
The coalition is researching future public works projects (airports, ports, roads) in Los Angeles and California. They are providing information and support to organizations across the country that hope to replicate the ACJC in their communities.

Contact information
Benetta Johnson
Executive Director
ACJC
1303 W. 30th Place
Los Angeles CA 90007
Phone: 323-732-6606
Fax: 323-753-7566

Participating Trade Unions
  • Cement Masons #500, #600, #627
  • Plumbers #494
  • Operating Engineers #12
  • Insulators #5
  • Carpenters #630, #409, #803
  • Tile Setters #18
  • Iron Workers #433
  • Millwright #1607
  • Laborers #802, #300
  • Painters #1798
  • Electrical #11
  • Sheet Metal #108
  • Drywall #1506
  • Roofers #36
  • Pile Drivers #2375
  • Brick Masons #4

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