Laborer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 324 Vice President and Business Representative Treston Shull joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed why now is an exciting time for unions in California thanks to a construction economy buoyed by renewable energy projects and the upcoming Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Local 324 is one of the largest territorial locals in California, spanning eight counties and representing about 5,000 members. Due to an expanding work forecast, the Local hopes to grow to 6,500 members by the end of the year, he said.
Renewable energy is the hot market in a state largely controlled by union affiliated signatory contractors, Shull said. Developers and project managers understand California is a different breed compared to other states, and know there are numerous advantages to working with unions. There is little non-union competition for wind farm work or solar industry, he added.
Shull also discussed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will bring $45 billion in new construction to California. He talked about how Local 324 is expanding its apprenticeship program to meet the demand, with around 800 apprentices currently enrolled.
Shull then mentioned California Assembly Bill 5. This legislation protects workers from misclassification. Since the law was passed, there has been a monumental decline of independent contractors on construction projects, he added.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics: