April is Apprenticeship Month
Brothers & Sisters,
April is all about apprenticeships at Local 40.
Over the next few weeks, we will be accepting applications for both our HVAC and Inside apprenticeship programs. HVAC applicationsare being accepted now through April 10, and Inside Agreement applications will open April 29 through May 5.
Our apprenticeship programs continue to develop highly skilled electricians and HVAC technicians and provide a pathway to life-changing careers.
Each of us had to learn the skills of our craft somewhere. For many of us, that journey started in the apprenticeship program. We know the benefits firsthand: no student loan debt, employer-paid healthcare, and the opportunity to build a dignified retirement. For many people outside our trade, those opportunities still come as a surprise.
From April 26 through May 2, the U.S. Department of Labor recognizes National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting how apprenticeship programs like ours create real career opportunities.
As part of that effort, we will be hosting an Open House at the Training Center on Tuesday, April 28 from 4pm to 7pm. If you know someone who may be interested in learning the trade, please encourage them to stop by.
Thank You, Brother George
Another important part of maintaining a strong apprenticeship program is the work of our apprenticeship committee. Committee members meet each month to review the program, advocate for apprentices, and ensure we continue to improve the training we provide. These are members who step up to do the work without looking for recognition.
One of those members is Brother George Heywood.
George has served on the Motion Picture Apprenticeship Committee for the past 13 years while also working as shop steward at Universal Studios on the lower lot. During that time, he has consistently advocated for apprentices and helped strengthen the program.
Recently George let me know he is ready to pass the baton and make room for a new voice on the committee. George, thank you for your years of dedication and the work you have put into building opportunities for the next generation of Local 40 members.
With that, we are now looking for members who may be interested in serving on the Motion Picture Apprenticeship Committee. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to me at sdavis@ibew40.org.
Negotiations Update & Surveys
Inside Construction Agreement
At our March General Membership Meeting we discussed upcoming negotiations for the Inside Construction Agreement and potential proposals. We had a productive discussion and are now gathering additional input from the membership.
Please click on the links below to complete each survey so we can better understand how members would like to prioritize negotiations.
Inside Construction Agreement Survey
We are also preparing for negotiations for our Special Effects Technicians at Universal Studios Theme Park. Members working under that agreement are encouraged to complete the survey below as we begin preparing for a town hall meeting and developing our proposals.
Special Effects Technicians Agreement Survey
WGA Reaches Tentative Agreement
Lastly, we want to congratulate the WGA for reaching an agreement with the AMPTP. This agreement provided some much-needed funding for their health plan and is for four years. We are awaiting more details about the agreement and monitoring both SAG-AFTRA and the DGA as they continue negotiations. We will continue to monitor these negotiations and their potential impact on our motion picture negotiations in 2027.
In Solidarity,
Stephan Davis
Business Manager
Financial Secretary
