The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 363 Business Manager Sam Fratto joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the surprising amount of work his members are getting in the solar industry and the future work outlook.
Consolidated from three locals that merged together in the early ‘90s, Local 363 is made up of about 2,600 members in the Hudson Valley area. Its territory includes the New York counties of Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Delaware and Greene.
According to Fratto, Local 363’s outlook for solar industry work is surprisingly good, as there are over 60 solar fields in its jurisdiction. He estimated the Local has signed over 150 Project Labor Agreements related to solar in the Hudson Valley area.
Fratto also talked about the struggle to compete with out-of-state workers. He recalled how about 200 Local 363 members protested the importation of out-of-state workers on a project at the Cardinal Health distribution center in July.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.