Electrical workers union calls for debate on working family issues in Massachusetts U.S. Senate race On behalf of IBEW Local 103
Electrical workers union calls for debate on working family issues in Massachusetts U.S. Senate race.
Fast-growing, politically active electrical workers union says blue collar, labor issues must not be lost in conversation
DORCHESTER, MA – One of the fastest-growing unions in the Commonwealth and the nation, IBEW Local 103, is calling on U.S. Senate candidates to participate in a debate that will focus on labor and working family issues, specifically the need to increase the number of union jobs in Massachusetts and in the United States in order to strengthen the middle class.
“Our nation is grappling with a wage inequality crisis which is being made worse by rampant attacks on workers’ rights in the courts, in Congress, and in the workplace. The solution is more union jobs in our Commonwealth and in our nation,” said IBEW Local 103 Business Manager/Financial Secretary Lou Antonellis.
“Massachusetts and our nation are at a tipping point. The American middle class will disappear if our elected leaders do not take dramatic action now. Support for unions is nearing an all-time high. The conversation about ensuring more workers can join unions without retaliation from employers needs to happen now.”
IBEW Local 103 cited recent social media posts by U.S. Senate candidate Shannon Liss-Riordan in calling for the debate.
“While IBEW Local 103 member have enthusiastically endorsed Rep. Joe Kennedy III for U.S. Senate, we also agree with candidate Liss-Riordan that the time for a debate on labor and the future of the economy is now – not next year, but as soon as possible,” said Antonellis.
The union is a major backer of investments in renewable energy sources and is one of the leading installers of solar and wind power across the Commonwealth. It feels that environmental and labor issues are inherently linked, and that a debate must be had soon about how wage inequality and outdated labor laws are impacting workers in all sectors of the economy.
“There are structural reforms to U.S. labor law that must happen today to protect the ability of future generations to join the middle class and to provide for their families by joining unions, no matter what they do for a living,” said Antonellis.
“Massachusetts needs a champion in the U.S. Senate who will make these reforms happen as soon as possible, and we feel a debate is the best way to move those issues to the forefront of the race. We would be eager to host or sponsor such a debate.”
Headquartered in Dorchester, MA, the union includes more than 8,500 active members and 2,500 retirees. Its endorsement is among the most sought-after in the state due to its vast grassroots mobilization abilities and politically engaged membership base.
IBEW Local 103 announced its support for Kennedy on Saturday and was also recently an early and vocalorsupporter of Ayanna Pressley in her successful, insurgent bid f Congress.
The union not only mobilized hundreds of volunteers in that election but also launched a campaign of television and innovative social media ads in support of Pressley, ultimately hosting her victory party at the iconic IBEW Local 103 union hall in Dorchester.
The call for a debate on labor issues comes as public support for unions is on the rise and near a 50-year high in the United States. Under the leadership of Antonellis, IBEW Local 103 has recently become one of the fastest-growing unions in the country and last year was recognized as the fast-growing Local within the entire International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
The union has embraced strong diversity initiatives and has recruited a record number of women and people of color to its apprenticeship program through online outreach programs and other key initiatives.
It made headlines earlier this year when it announced it would suspend donations to the Massachusetts legislature to protest ‘legislative inaction’ on key bills to protect workers’ rights and to fund priorities like public education.
About IBEW Local 103:
IBEW Local 103’s mission is to provide Greater Boston’s developers with the best trained, most efficient, safest electricians and telecommunications specialists while fostering our Union’s values of economic fairness, equal opportunity and charitable giving in the communities where we work, live and raise our families.
Our unwavering commitment to professional excellence is personified by our Joint Apprenticeship Training facility. The Local 103 JATC is among the most advanced electrical apprenticeship programs in the country. Working for better wages, better benefits, and fair working conditions is just one part of our Union’s focus.
Local 103 members take pride in giving back our time and expertise to causes and charities serving those less fortunate.