(THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA) – The California State Association of Electrical Workers (CSAEW) - which represents 83,000 Unionized Electricians Statewide, has announced its strong opposition to SB 1065, which the organization warns would jeopardize Apprenticeship safety on construction sites, put untrained Workers in life-threatening situations, undermine existing worker protections and allow contractors to use lower-paid Apprentices for complex skilled Journeyperson work for which they are not trained. 

The CSAEW joins the State Pipe Trades and Western Sheet Metal Workers in opposition to SB 1065, which Union Officials say would allow Apprentices to perform the “full scope” of a Journeyperson’s duties, which could lead to Apprentices being assigned potentially dangerous tasks for which they are not trained.

“The safety implications alone could be catastrophic,” said CSAEW President Neal Lauzon - who serves as President of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 441 in Orange County, who pointed to 400 Construction Worker deaths over the past five years.

“This Bill is a dangerous departure from established law and practice. Apprentices will be placed in situations where they lack the necessary training, supervision and classroom instruction to safely execute assigned tasks. The result is predictable: Increased risk of workplace accidents; Injuries; and Long-term harm to Workers who are still in the process of learning their craft,” he said.

CSAEW Secretary Treasurer John Doherty - who serves as Business Manager of San Francisco’s IBEW Local 6, added: “Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments that demand precision, skill and training. Allowing Apprentices to perform work for which they are untrained is not merely a policy change. It is a direct threat to their physical safety and well-being. Apprentices rely on structured progression and proper supervision to build competency. SB 1065 strips away these safeguards and exposes them to unnecessary and avoidable risk.”

To Continue Reading This Apprenticeship And Training Labor News Story, Go To: Citing Safety Concerns for New Apprentices, State Electrical Workers Call to Stop SB 1065 – California & Nevada State Association of Electrical Workers