International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 903 Business Manager Brian McMurry joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained the challenges to maintain a strong union market share in Mississippi, a So-Called “Right to Work” state.
Local 903 represents 600 members in southern Mississippi.
One ironic advantage of organizing in a So-Called “Right to Work” state is that the members who join have made a conscious decision to be union members and are committed to the Local, McMurry said. It can be a challenge to work with the community to unite Brothers and Sisters across political lines, but the results are well worth it, he added.
McMurry also talked about the efforts to recruit new apprentices. He said Local 903 continues to grow its apprenticeship program in order to keep up with escalating job demand.
He then spoke about the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program, which trains and certifies members in the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. These jobs will be in high demand once funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act becomes available, he added.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.