The Power of Our Unified Voices

We’ve had a busy few weeks at the CSAEW, with some good victories to report.

First, we are happy to report that IBEW joined dozens of other building trades members in Sacramento in a successful bid to defend our livelihood, beating back an attempt by the Carpenters and others to slash our wages by as much as 50 percent on much needed housing projects. Better solutions are needed to address California’s spiraling housing crisis than forcing our members to carry the brunt of the burden. Workers must be able to afford to live in the state they are building.

How did we do it? First, IBEW had the largest contingency at the Senate Housing Committee hearing on June 24, 2026. We had dozens of our members from all over the state attending and testifying. Second, we had mobilized our members to send thousands of emails to our elected officials, outlining our objections. And finally, with the power of our testimony, we were able to neutralize the bill with the committee voting to take out the offending wage concessions. This was true power in unity, working collectively to protect our members.

I’m also pleased to report that our endorsed candidate for Governor, Xavier Bacerra, won the democratic primary earlier this month. Our 9th District Vice President David Reeves, has already met with Bacerra to discuss bringing IBEW to the table, and how to center state policy to benefit our members and their families – including healthcare, wages, apprenticeship opportunities and secure pensions.

It’s summer and the thermometer is rising. Be careful out there. Please read below on tips to keep you cool on the jobsite, and signs of overheating to look out for.

As always, I am honored to preside over this powerful and committed group of workers.

Stay safe, stay cool, and stay involved.

In unity,

Neal Lauzon 
President CSAEW