Union Activists Defeat Apprentice Pay Cut Proposal

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Building and construction trade union members from throughout California made their voices heard on Sept. 30, resulting in the defeat of an Association of Building Contractors-backed proposal to cut the starting wage of apprentices from 40 percent of journeyman prevailing wage to 35 percent.

The California Apprenticeship Council Blue Ribbon Committee voted three-to-two against the proposal, after more than 200 union workers argued in opposition, including representatives of Ironworkers, Cement Masons, Electrical Workers, Plumbers and Pipefitters, Sheet Metal Workers, Roofers, and Operating Engineers.

Additionally, dozens of union apprentices showed up to demonstrate support for protecting their current wages, while no non-union apprentices were present.

Petitions with the signatures of thousands of apprentices opposing the cut were also submitted to the committee members. 

Fresno Building Trades Council President Bob Jennings and State Building and Construction Trades Council representative Cesar Diaz stressed that the middle of economic crisis is the worst possible time to cut workers’ pay.

The State Building and Construction Trades Council thanks the three committee members who voted against the pay cut, and to all the building trade union members who brought about this important victory to protect workers’ wages.

The State Building and Construction Trades Council vows to remain vigilant and continue the fight if this bad proposal resurfaces before the full California Apprenticeship Council.