Bill Blackman, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 136, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed Pro Union Consulting – classes sponsored by the Local that walk interested journeymen through the details of being a successful contractor.
Local 136 represents about 800 members in Alabama.
Blackman explained that the Local’s most loyal contractors come from within the membership, and the Union actively encourages members to start their own businesses and become signatory union contractors. He discussed details of the program and grant funding it received.
Blackman also talked about the Responsible Bidder Resolution passed by Birmingham City Council, which requires contractors to use construction workers who have completed an accredited apprenticeship program on publicly funded projects.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.