The IBEW was well represented in Las Vegas on April 22 as Brightline West broke ground on its 218-mile, fully electric rail line that aims to connect that city with Los Angeles via trains traveling up to 200 miles per hour — a first in the U.S. Thanks largely to lobbying by a coalition of unions including the IBEW, Brightline has committed to employing union construction workers on the project; seeking a union-focused project labor agreement with the general contractor; and granting the project's workers full organizing, bargaining and dispute-resolution rights. Pictured, from left, are San Bernardino, Calif., Local 477 Business Manager Jason Eshelman; Railroad System Council 2 Vice Chair Rick Reynoso; Railroad Director Al Russo; and Local 477 President Mike Vasquez.

Learn more about Brightline West in the February Electrical Worker's cover story.