International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1205 Business Manager Lanny Mathis joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the opportunities his Local is enjoying during Florida’s construction boom, including work from the multi-billion dollar expansion and renovation at Tyndall Air Force Base.
Local 1205 represents about 600 members in North Central Florida, West Florida and South Georgia.
Mathis is also President of the North Central Florida Central Labor Council, and President of the Big Bend Building Trades Council.
According to the base’s website, Tyndall Air Force Base was devastated by Hurricane Micheal, which made landfall along the Florida Panhandle. The hurricane’s eye passed directly over the base on Oct. 10, 2018 as a Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 161 mph. Following the storm, an assessment of the damage concluded that 484 buildings on base were destroyed or damaged beyond repair, while the remaining buildings were stable enough to sustain repairs.
There are 44 projects underway or in the planning phases to rebuild Tyndall and turn it into what is being deemed the “base of the future.” Mathis noted the projects, when complete, will likely total $6 billion.
Mathis also discussed the challenges of organizing in Florida, a So-Called “Right to Work” state, and how the North Central Florida Central Labor Council makes political endorsements.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.