L.U. 1340 (i&o), NEWPORT NEWS, VA — Virginia legislators began their 2024 session in January, and our local members are in engaged in Richmond representing our members and labor. Representatives of Local 1340 attended a series of meetings to discuss important issues facing our industry and working families.
On Jan. 27, Business Manager Jeff Rowe, President Aaron Woodard, and Political Committee members Jesse Robertson and Jim Avery participated in the winter meeting of the Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Council, presided over by President Jason Parker, also a member of Local 1340.
The following day, the team met with other IBEW representatives at the Virginia Association of the IBEW meeting, where Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney discussed ways to work together on upcoming local and state projects. Later that day, they joined other union representatives from across the state to kick off the Virginia AFL-CIO Legislative Conference. The body received updates on proposed legislation being considered in this year’s general assembly session and information on specific bills to address with their legislators.
On Jan. 29, approximately 160 union brothers and sisters converged on the General Assembly building to lobby our elected state officials on issues such expanded bargaining rights, increasing the minimum wage, apprenticeship utilization requirements and many other topics. The legislative session ended March 9.
Renovations at the union hall were expected to be completed by mid-March.
We regret to report the passing of retired members Glenn Hollifield (Dec. 5, 2023) and James “Cookie” Alligood (Dec. 31, 2023).
Jim Avery, P.S.
