Julian Rodriguez
“…….I have been a local 40 member for about 18 months and I can honestly say it has changed my life.
As someone who had worked non-union for a short time prior to joining local 40, I can tell you that being part of an apprentice program makes a huge difference. While I worked non-union I saw companies hiring individuals who didn’t have any experience in the trade or even construction for that matter.
The masonry company I worked for used scaffolding a lot of the time, and many of the people I worked with had never been on a scaffold or even certified to be one. We were not offered any formal training at any point, and never discussed safety procedures for the work being performed. We pretty much just did what we were told at the moment.
It was with this brief experience that I understood the importance of unions and the Apprentice programs they offer. Unions provide their members with the knowledge and technical skills to perform the work at hand. Because of that I feel prepared to do the work I do and know that I will be working safely.
I urge you to pass Apprenticeship bill 1447, as it would provide safer work conditions for thousands of city workers. Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.” – Julian Rodriguez, 2nd Year Apprentice, Local 40