Industry-leading contracts at So Cal Ports

Dockside Machine and Ship Repair

Never underestimate the power of workers’ solidarity and the power of a union!

The 15 Local 1484 members at Dockside Machine and Ship Repair in Wilmington came very close to striking just before Thanksgiving. The good news is that, after a long day that stretched into the evening, they ratified a historic, industry- leading four-year agreement. “My two committeemen, Jason Pettijohn and Alfonzo Moreno, did an outstanding job! Working together in close communication with the rank-and-file, after 13 negotiating sessions, we reached a final agreement that everyone was happy with,” says Area Director Kevin Kucera. “We made some real memories together. I am so proud of these men who were willing to fight for what they deserved and ultimately for what we achieved.

Workers at SMART may strike

As the Sparkplug goes to press, Local 1414 has filed Unfair Labor Practice charges against the Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit District (SMART). Twenty-six train mechanics and cleaners work for SMART Train. Their contract expired on October 2, and reaching agreement on a new contract has been elusive. While there is still a chance to settle the contract, the Local must give the Agency five-days-notice that a 5-day strike, from January 26-30, will occur if the parties cannot reach a settlement.

Member Spotlight:

Local 1484 member Neil Sepulveda shares passion for teaching and industry growth

Neil Sepulveda loves his career as a high-voltage electrical tester so much that he shares information about it with students, other electricians, and the general community.

Neil’s journey is deeply connected to the local industry. Having earned his engineering degree from UCLA, he is a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer in the state of California. For 12 years, he has worked for Tony Demaria Electrical (TDE), a company rooted in Wilmington and affiliated with Local 1484. “We work at the ports, so even though we’re electricians, we’ve always been tied to the Machinists’ union,” Neil shares. TDE was founded by Tony Demaria, Sr., a marine electrical engineer at the San Pedro ports, and now his son, Tony Demaria Jr., continues the legacy.