Members from the City of Lompoc are praised by Business Manager Tom Dalzell, right, at Advisory Council. Photo by John Storey
Eight union activists from the City of Lompoc were honored at the IBEW 1245 Advisory Council on Feb. 1 for their long organizing drive to win union representation.
A large ovation greeted the eight members as they came to the front of the room at Weakley Hall, while Business Manager Tom Dalzell explained their extraordinary accomplishment to the Advisory Council.
“This drive didn’t come from 1245; it came from our membership at Lompoc. Like we saw at Turlock Irrigation District 10 years ago, it came from a strong desire to be represented by 1245.”
Dalzell singled out Jaime Tinoco for his unrelenting efforts to gain IBEW representation. “It was Jamie always pushing, never giving up,” said Dalzell.
Members from the City of Lompoc at Advisory Council on Feb. 1 were, from left: Leo Ramirez, (Business Rep.) Pat Duffy, Jaime Tinoco, Gary Silbaugh, Dorine Fabing, Bobby Garcia, Shawn Wynne, Travis Kalin and Dave Paretti. Photo by John Storey
No union victory, of course, is ever the work of just one person. Other Lompoc activists taking their place at the front of the room during the Advisory Council ceremony were Leo Ramirez, Gary Silbaugh, Dorine Fabing, Bobby Garcia, Shawn Wynne, Travis Kalin and Dave Paretti.
Assistant Business Manager Ray Thomas hailed the incredible solidarity displayed by the Lompoc workforce. The vote for IBEW representation was nearly unanimous by both the Operations and Clerical units, and the December ratification of their first agreement, was in fact by a unanimous vote of 89-0.
“The outcome righted a very bad path they had been on for about six years,” said Thomas. “It’s great to have 150 new members, and it’s great to represent the City of Lompoc.”
Tinoco was sworn in by President Mike Davis to the newly-created City of Lompoc seat on the Advisory Council.