We're fortunate to have opportunities both here at home and across the
country. The large data center projects are providing excellent wages and
valuable experience, and there's nothing wrong with traveling when that's where
the work is.
But we also have to remember what keeps Local 480 strong. The projects in
our jurisdiction are what sustain our local union, our contractors, and our
future. These signatory contractors support our agreements year after year,
even when work isn't booming. They deserve our support when work is available.
If we continually leave local work for higher-paying jobs elsewhere, we risk
weakening the very market that provides us with long-term stability.
Contractors who can't staff their jobs lose opportunities, and over time that
can mean fewer projects, fewer market gains, and less leverage at the
bargaining table.
The data center work won't last forever. When those projects are complete,
we all want to come home to a Local that is stronger than when we left—not one
that has lost market share because we didn't support the work in our own
backyard.
Our Brotherhood has always been built on helping each other. Sometimes that
means traveling to answer another local's call. Other times, it means staying
home to ensure our own local remains strong for the next generation.
Let's continue to support our local contractors, organize more electrical
workers, grow our market share, and build a Local 480 that provides good-paying
work for years to come.
Thank you for your continued support
