More than 100 Local 1245 activists joined the “Fighting for Our Union” training. photo by Steve Marcotte
On Saturday, April 8, upward of 100 IBEW Local 1245 organizing stewards, prospective organizing stewards and union staffers participated in an interactive training seminar entitled Fighting for our Union.
The seminar featured two special guest speakers. Nevada State Senator Yvanna Cancela — who previously served as the Political Director for UNITE HERE Culinary Workers Local 226 — shared her experience of organizing in Nevada, which is a “Right to Work” (for less) state. She also explained why politics matter, and inspired the group with her message about securing 100% voluntary membership. Former Western Regional Labor Department leader Elmy Bermejo spoke about the role of the labor movement in safeguarding workers’ rights, and underscored the importance of building unity in this time of division.
Organizing Stewards Nilda Garcia, Steve Marcotte and Rene Cruz Martinez also led parts of the agenda. Members held break-out sessions on how to effectively take our message to our co-workers. Many thanks to all who participated, and to Steve Marcotte for taking pictures.
–Eileen Purcell, IBEW 1245 Staff Organizer