Worker Power Grows at Largest Water
District in the Coachella Valley
COACHELLA, Calif., May 16, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 1932 welcomed 433 new members at
the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) following an
overwhelming vote by workers to merge their independent association
into Teamsters Local 1932.
This landmark vote, the culmination of months of dedicated
organizing by CVWD workers, signifies a significant shift in the
power dynamics at the largest water district in the Coachella
Valley. The workers, who had been increasingly facing disrespect
and job insecurity, saw this merger as a crucial step toward
meaningful change.
"This merger is the result of our collective effort and
determination. Over the past months, we have organized through
countless group and one-on-one meetings, phone calls, and home
visits," said David Cruz, a 16-year
meter and valve technician at CVWD. "Last month, more than 200 of
us showed up at our association meeting to pass a motion demanding
that our board allow a membership vote to merge with Teamsters
Local 1932. Our association board, to their credit, facilitated
this merger vote, and now we're ready to build worker power at CVWD
and beyond in our industry and region."
"Our resounding 'yes' vote is a testament to our determination
to reestablish worker power at CVWD," said Joshua Rakes, a 16-year equipment operator at
CVWD. "Joining the Teamsters enables us to effectively address the
growing concerns across the district. This is just the beginning
for our movement!"
The Coachella Valley Water District and other surrounding water
districts and authorities are vital in bringing water safely to
communities throughout the arid Southern
California low desert.
"When you turn that faucet and water comes out, it may seem like
magic, but it's not—it's made possible by thousands of workers
operating and maintaining a very complex water delivery system,"
said Randy Korgan, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1932. "It's
past time those workers get the respect they deserve."
"This is a huge step forward for us, our families, and our
entire region," said Buffy Ayala, an
18-year supervisory control and data acquisition operator at CVWD.
"We perform essential functions that make it possible for people to
live in this region, and we all deserve to be treated fairly and
with respect."
Teamsters Local 1932 represents more than 14,000 working people
throughout San Bernardino and
Riverside Counties. For more
information, visit Teamsters1932.org. Follow us everywhere on
social media at @1932Teamsters.
Contact:
Mario Vasquez, (909)
501-9232
mvasquez@teamsters1932.org
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SOURCE Teamsters Local 1932