A Year of Resilience, Solidarity, and Preparing for What’s Next

Brothers & Sisters,

2025 was a year of contrast and momentum. While production work remained slower than we would like, other parts of our industry stayed strong. Construction work was busy for much of the year, the theme park continued to grow, and each of the studio lots held on to their shops. In a changing landscape, Local 40 remained steady, focused, and active in protecting work, supporting members, and positioning the Local for the future.

That balance defined the year. We saw where the industry is holding firm, where it is shifting, and where we need to stay vigilant. Through it all, Local 40 continued to show what a strong, engaged union looks like, meeting challenges head-on while building on the areas where our work continues to thrive.

As the year went on, and with production levels still uneven, we stayed focused on the policies and decisions that directly affect our jobs. We monitored legislation in California, Nevada, and Washington, D.C., including efforts to modernize California’s Film and Television Tax Credit, proposed studio development in Nevada, and federal policies that threaten good union jobs. These decisions are not theoretical. They shape whether work stays here, whether jobs remain union, and whether our members can count on stable careers.

At the same time, we continued preparing for how our work is changing. New technologies, including battery energy storage systems and evolving production demands, are becoming a bigger part of our industry. To stay ahead, we expanded training opportunities focused on both emerging technology and leadership. That included added fiber optic training and additional foreman development classes to help members step into leadership roles and represent Local 40 in the field. We also opened our doors during National Apprenticeship Week with a Training Center open house, giving prospective members a firsthand look at the careers and opportunities our apprenticeship provides. Our members have been doing this work for over 100 years, and through training, adaptability, and strong jurisdictional awareness, we intend to keep doing it for the next 100.

We also reaffirmed the values that define us. Juneteenth was recognized as a holiday for the first time in our Local’s history, reflecting both our contract victories and our commitment to equity, dignity, and due process. Our partnership with the SoCal Electrical Workers Minority Caucus, including a joint golf tournament, reinforced the importance of giving back and lifting up underrepresented voices. This year’s tournament was our largest to date and made a meaningful impact.

More members stepped up as shop stewards in 2025, and additional steward training strengthened our first line of defense in the field. But stewardship is not limited to a title. Every member has a role in protecting our standards, looking out for one another, and maintaining the professionalism Local 40 is known for.

We also addressed mental health head-on. In an industry that values toughness, we made it clear that it is okay not to be okay. Suicide prevention, substance abuse awareness, and access to resources were prioritized because taking care of each other means addressing the whole person, not just the job.

As the year closed, members continued to show up for one another through food distributions, toy drives, and community events. That culture didn’t happen by accident. It was built by generations of members who understood that solidarity doesn’t stop at the job site gate.

Looking ahead to 2026, the work continues. Protecting our jurisdiction, strengthening training, staying politically engaged, and developing future leaders remain top priorities. And I’ll say what I’ve said more than once at a meeting: this union works best when members stay involved, stay engaged, and stay committed to moving us forward together.

Thank you to every member who stayed engaged and stood shoulder to shoulder with their Brothers and Sisters in 2025. Together, we’re ready for what’s next, and let’s keep building a better future.

In Solidarity,

Stephan Davis
Business Manager
Financial Secretary