Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed an expansion of apprenticeship programs in California as part of the Biden Administration’s Talent Pipeline Challenge.
The Talent Pipeline Challenge calls on employers, unions and training providers to commit to supporting equitable workforce development within the broadband, construction and electric vehicle sectors.
CWA District 9 received a $5.8 million federal Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America grant to substantially expand its apprenticeship program. Its Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee expects to train more than 150 new technicians in anticipation of the major investments in broadband deployment in California.
Mathews expects to see similar expansions of CWA apprenticeship programs in other states. He said it was wise of President Biden to put the training front and center and ensure the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act broadband rollout is carried out by trained and qualified personnel.
Mathews also talked about a strike between CWA members and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the nation’s first newspaper strike in decades. The union is demanding the owners reinstate better working conditions and benefits.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.