NO on Proposition 45

Vote NO on Proposition 45 on Election Day, November 3.

https://cabuildingtrades.org/voteno45/

District Council 16 recently welcomed Mike West to speak at our delegates meeting about Proposition 45 and the serious consequences it could have for unions, working families, and communities across California.

West is a longtime glazier and proud member of Local Union 1621, with more than 43 years of union membership. He also previously served as DC16’s Political and Communications Director and currently serves as a Legislative Advocate for the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, where he works on legislation and policies affecting construction workers, union standards, and working families throughout the state.

During the meeting, West explained that Proposition 45 would severely restrict the ability of individual unions and local Building Trades Councils to advocate for workers at city council and county board of supervisors meetings. These public meetings are where important decisions are made about construction projects, wages, benefits, apprenticeship opportunities, labor standards, and the contractors hired to perform the work.

For generations, unions have fought to ensure that publicly supported projects create good jobs with fair wages, health benefits, pension contributions, and safe working conditions. Proposition 45 could weaken the ability of organizations such as DC16 to speak on behalf of our members and hold contractors and public officials accountable.

The effects would reach beyond union members. When workers earn fair wages and receive strong benefits, they can support their families, contribute to their communities, and retire with dignity. Weakening labor’s voice would make it easier for irresponsible contractors to lower industry standards at the expense of workers and taxpayers.

DC16 thanks Mike West for returning to share his knowledge and experience with our delegates. We encourage every member to learn more, speak with their coworkers and families, and vote NO on Proposition 45. Protecting our voice means protecting good union jobs and the future of working families throughout California.