IBEW 11

New Offices Opening in South Bay, District 6

After Long Drought, Members to Get Dispatch Halls Closer to Home 

Good news for members in the South Bay and LA’s Eastern regions. After years with no satellite hubs in Districts 2, 3 or 6, IBEW 11 is opening two new offices in those regions so members will have easier access to dispatch halls, classes and union get-togethers.

“We’re reaching out to members where they live,” said IBEW 11 President Rusty Roten. “It’s been far too long since we’ve had home offices in these two areas. We’re doing all we can to ensure members have greater access to their union and their work.”

The South Bay office, which combines Districts 2 and 3, hosted its grand opening March 5, featuring Torrance Mayor Pat Furey and dozens of local members who came to check out the new facility.  District 6, which encompasses much of Eastern Los Angeles County, will finally have a home in the next few months as well. Construction has already begun on the San Gabriel Valley office, with a target to open in mid May.

Roten noted that as the union has evolved, the demographics of where Local 11 members live has changed. “That’s why we need these new satellite offices to serve our members living there,” he said.  “The locations for both offices are superb. We chose them because

they are centrally located and freeway-accessible, with easy access to work.”In addition, the offices will serve as dispatch halls, training facilities and a meeting hall.

South Bay Opening

IBEW 11 Business Manager Joël Barton served as the master of ceremonies at the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the South Bay facility in Torrance.“It’s been a long time coming,” noted Barton. “The District 2 and 3 offices were both shuttered years ago, and it’s time we were responsive to our members who have had to drive long distances to get to dispatch.”

Torrance Mayor Pat Furey was on hand to welcome the union to his city and to give the leadership a certificate of recognition. “I’m excited to see IBEW 11 located here, becoming a part of our great city,” the Mayor said. “We have so many of your members in the region. And the location is perfect: midway between LAX and the ports, 21 square miles with every industry and ethnic background represented.”

“This new office is awesome!” exclaimed IBEW 11 member Jane Templin, as she looked over the new facility. “It’s big, centrally-located and will be great for meetings. It’s very exciting to have it so close and local. It will make sharing with our membership so much easier. We finally have a home again!”

There has been no meeting space on the westside since the local sold the District 3 hall a few years ago and it has been hard for members to travel to Commerce or San Fernando, said Oscar Martinez, IBEW 11 Organizer.

“This new office will really help with our sense of community. I’m hearing lots of positive comments from the members. So come on down and visit your new home.”

IBEW 11 South Bay Office2150 W. 190th St.Torrance, CA 90501

District 6 – San Gabriel Valley

Construction has begun on the new San Gabriel Valley offices in District 6 with a target opening date of mid May.

“A lot of our members live in Riverside, San Bernardino and Chino, and it was quite a drive to get to Commerce,” said Business Agent Jacob Troncoza. “Now they will be able to go close to home. It will save them an hour or more in driving, plus gas.

“We’re excited to conduct union business in our home soon. We hope it will help get members more involved,” he continued. “It’s important that our members know they have a place close to home for them. It’s been 12 years since we sold our building in El Monte during the last recession, so it’s time.”

Organizer Mario Barragan believes the new hall will help as a distribution site for one of the vaccines.

“We’re looking forward to holding union meetings, welfare committee meetings, even casino nights,” he noted. “Plus we have an annual Christmas breakfast that we’ll start holding here again as well, instead of at Commerce. It’ll be a home away from home.”

 

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