The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 595 encompasses Alameda County as well as San Joaquin/Calaveras Counties. We are one of the largest IBEW Locals in Northern California with over 2000 members.

Shutdown Idles 595 Workers

Congressional failure to pass a funding extension for the FAA on July 23 led to the sudden closure of FAA construction projects nationwide, idling thousands of workers nationwide.

At Oakland’s International Airport, 595 members spoke out at a press conference on August 2, calling on Congress to restore funding and to get workers back to work.

During the shutdown, 4,000 FAA workers were furloughed nationwide, affecting 241 airports and $11 billion in construction. The furlough of FAA workers affected 70,000 other workers.

Why did this happen? Republicans in the House wanted a change in union voting procedures to weaken transportation workers’ rights, as well as funding cuts to rural airports.  The New York Times called the effort “extortion” that will cost the government $1 billion.

595 members Theo Green, Rich Zemlok and apprentice Ashley Davidson were interviewed by television, newspaper and radio. Their stories resonated across the Bay Area and was picked up by the national media. Due to their efforts, and the national concern over the shutdown, temporary funding was restored by Congress on August 5.