More Than 400 Coachella Valley Water District Workers Join Teamsters

[Omaha Steve]

https://teamster.org/2024/05/more-than-400-coachella-valley-water-district-workers-join-teamsters/

2024.05.16

Worker Power Grows at Largest Water District in the Coachella Valley

Press Contact: Mario Vasquez Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

(COACHELLA, Calif.) – 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!”

FULL story at link above.