| |
Assembly Bill 1087:
This bill originally was proposed to facilitate issuing certification cards to electricians that passed the exam. Recently this bill was expanded to:
- Make certification mandatory by 2005
- Make enrollment in state registered apprenticeship programs mandatory for all uncertified workers
- Exclude additional classes of electrical workers
- Exclude C-10 license holders (the RME or RMO)
Status - Thanks largely to FLAC's efforts, AB1087 was not voted upon by the full Senate and Assembly before the end of the legislative session this year. Expect to see it come back at any time starting in January, and as quietly as the proponents can. The more public exposure to this bill the worse it gets for the proponents. They would like nothing more than to "slip this one by." Don't let it happen! Be sure to call or write your assemblyman and state senator to express your opposition to AB 1087!
FLAC's position and concerns:
- AB1087 is bad legislation. It forces individuals into programs that don't exist, programs that will disqualify many from the trade and will abandon many fine training programs at Community Colleges, and ROPs that don't meet the definition of "State Registered Programs" or "Apprenticeship" - FLAC is absolutely opposed.
- FLAC, with support from ABC and WECA and Community Colleges, introduced to the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee an amendment to AB1087. The amendment would allow non-certified electrical workers to remain in the trade, providing they had completed a course of study, or were currently enrolled in one of many legitimate training programs. The amendment was shot down by the 5 Democrats on the committee, after only a few moments of consideration. Their minds were made up, and their marching orders from the IBEW were clear.
- AB1087 in its current form is not acceptable, even to its architects, the IBEW. Expect to see a completely altered version when it is reintroduced. Don't think for a minute that the IBEW is willing to drop mandatory state apprenticeship from their wish list. It is their strongest leverage point.
|
|
About
FLAC 