Lithium Valley workforce

Urged a living-wage condition on Lithium Valley projects and support for local apprenticeships and small-business procurement.

Iron Workers Local 229 rep urged support, citing wage violations on past valley projects and the need to keep money local.

State Building and Construction Trades Council president called the ordinance the strongest possible, emphasizing local hire, prevailing wage, and safety training.

A floor layer who came through apprenticeship said skilled and trained requirements prevent costly rework.

Operating Engineers Local 12 member and Building Trades Council president cited the successful skilled-and-trained Salton Sea habitat project.

Building Trades Council rep asked the board to keep moving the ordinance forward for local workers and families.

Sheet metal union outreach specialist described apprenticeships as debt-free pathways to careers for local youth.

Sheet metal worker argued the ordinance shapes development with fair wages and local hiring, with real enforcement teeth.

Brawley native and painters' district council rep advocated for women in the trades and apprenticeship pathways.

Local iron worker supported the ordinance but urged robust environmental safeguards, water recycling, and sustainability plans.

Painters and Allied Trades Local 1399 rep said the ordinance will be life-changing for county residents seeking careers.

El Centro-born IBEW 569 electrician credited his apprenticeship with his career and homeownership and urged passage for the next generation.

Heber iron worker who usually works out of town said the ordinance would let him work near his family.

Local 229 iron worker apprentice voiced support for union workers and organized labor.

Construction Teamsters apprenticeship coordinator said the ordinance will create a surge in the local workforce.

IBEW 569 rep said labor standards will create lasting career opportunities for local residents.

El Centro IBEW 569 union rep presented signatures of local workers in support.

IBEW 569 member and Army Reservist contrasted non-union work that extracts money from communities with union careers that build them.

IBEW 569 business manager said the ordinance would expand the local apprenticeship, now with 70 valley apprentices, and shorten wait times.

Speaker described union family medical coverage and pension benefits as sealing the deal for county workers.

Read a letter of support from the Lithium Valley Stakeholder Coalition of unions, small businesses, and community groups, citing the 40% local hire goal.

LiUNA Local 1184 member said members deserve to work locally without exploitation at the wages they're owed.