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Twenty-two members of IAM Local 1930’s bargaining committee for the City of Long Beach, CA recently attended a week-long Negotiations Prep program at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD.
The group studied collective bargaining strategy, communications tools, labor law and organizing tactics. They also went over the membership’s responses to the negotiations survey to prioritize bargaining issues.
“I’m very proud of our committee, we came together,” said IAM Local 1930 President Natalie Gonzalez. “During the pandemic, our members really stepped up and a lot of them were on the front lines. We won’t forget what they did for the city in these negotiations. Economic relief is much needed for our members, as it is for everyone at this time.”
Local 1930 represents 3,000 City of Long Beach employees in diverse job classes – from library workers, health educators, analysts and communications specialists to special services and peace officers and 911 dispatchers.
The local hopes to use negotiations to help internally organize non-members and get them involved in bargaining and the union.
“I want to thank everyone from the International who came out,” said Gonzalez. “From communications and legal to the economists and educators. We are grateful to have so many resources at our disposal because it’s going to set us on the right path to bargain a great contract for our members.”
IAM Western Territory Grand Lodge Representative Richard Suarez and IAM District 947 Business Representative Ashley Gunckel will guide the local through negotiations and lead them in securing a strong contract.
“I am proud of our IAM Negotiating Committee at the City of Long Beach for their unity and commitment to improve the future of the members they represent,” said Suarez. “These members put their lives, and the lives of their families, on the line during the COVID-19 Pandemic by coming to work every day and making sure city services went without interruption. This team is ready to bargain on behalf of every IAM represented city worker and dedicated to bring a successful contract.”
Local 1930 will likely start bargaining in May of this year, as their contract expires Sept. 30, 2023.
“The members of IAM Local 1930 deserve a contract that reflects their hard work and dedication to the fine citizens of the City of Long Beach,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Our members work hard every day to meet the needs of the City, and they need to be respected for their dedication and perseverance in the form of a top notch collective bargaining agreement! The IAM Western Territory stands with Local 1930 in their unified effort to win a fair and equitable agreement!”
