“I am proud of my sons and my union,” says Jesse, Sr. “and grateful to the Labor Center for all it’s done for my family and the Labor Movement.”

Congratulations to Jesse Renteria (right), Laborers Local 300 Steward, for earning his Labor Studies Certificate in 2007.  Laborers Local 300 Representative Jesse Renteria, Sr. (center) is also a Labor Center Graduate (2000).  Continuing the family tradition is new Labor Center student Saul Renteria (left). 

“In Labor Center classes you learn about all different kinds of union campaigns,”  says Miguel. “I put that to use when my union picked me to work on the contract campaign with Waste Management.  That was a great victory for those workers and the Teamsters.”

Miguel Lechuga, Teamsters Local 396 steward and UPS employee, Labor Studies Certificate (2008).

Patricia Aguirre was instrumental in bringing labor classes to the harbor area and recruiting students.  Teaming with the Trade Tech Labor Center was great for our members,” she says, “and one of my proudest achievements as Education Chair.”

Patricia Aguirre, Education Committee Chair – Longshore Division, ILWU Member Local 63. 

A full-time union president representing federal employees, Jennifer Grigsby completed her Labor Studies Certificate in 2007.  “I encourage all my officers and stewards to take Trade Tech Labor Center classes,” she says.  It’s the best way I know to pick up the skills to lead and run a union.”

Jennifer Grigsby, President, AFGE Local 2429. 

“The Trade Tech Labor Center has helped me serve our members better by strengthening my authority in the eyes of employers,” Simone said. “Union members in our area can now take classes near where they live and work,” she said.

Simone Tuerlings, UFCW Local 1428 Representative, working with President Connie M. Leyva helped bring Trade Tech Labor Center classes to the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire by hosting classes at the union’s Claremont offices, Labor Studies Certificate (2007). 

The Trade Tech Labor Center has been with me all the way through,” Emilio says.  One example of its value to the union, he says, is that grievances are done by Local 848 business agents, not outside attorneys.  “We know what we’re doing,” he adds, “and we save the union money.”  

Emilio Arias, Executive Coordinator, Teamsters Local 848, As a Teamsters, he has moved quickly through the ranks, as a paper mill worker, a truck driver, a business agent, an organizing director and now an executive coordinator, Labor Studies Certificate (2008).

“Classes at the Trade-Tech Labor Center made me a better organizer,” says Betty, who earned her Labor Studies Certificate in 2006.  ”It’s made me more confident and improved my communication skills.  I recommend it to anyone who wants to build their union.”

Betty Phillips, An activist, an organizer, a steward and a former board member, Betty Phillips’commitment to her union  -  SEIU United Healthcare West  -  is what the labor movement is all about.  

“I’m the former president of a studio security union.  Labor Studies classes prepared me for negotiations, helped me handle grievances and gave me the confidence and skills to lead my union.”

Aaron Sicoff, Member and former President, Studio Security and Fire Association, Warner Bros. Studios,  Labor Studies Certificate (2006).  

“Labor Studies classes give you the knowledge and confidence to take action.  When a co-worker needs help, I now know I can effectively support them.”

Marcus Stein, Shop Steward, IBEW Local 18, Labor Studies Certificate (2006).         

“The Trade Tech Labor Center has been with me from the beginning of my union career,” says Linda, who has taken classes since the early 1990s and completed her Certificate of Completion in Labor Studies (2007).  It’s opened my eyes to what it takes to be effective in the Labor Movement.”  

Linda Luna, A seasoned L.A. union activist, Linda has been an executive board member of CWA Local 9505, president of the Coalition of Labor Union Women and a staff rep and organizer for SEIU  -  United Healthcare West.

“Labor Studies classes help me become better informed, clear and concise.  I’m presenting a stronger case to management and more effectively assisting my co-workers.”

Steven Bennett, Shop Steward, ATU Local 1277, Mechanic, Riverside Transit Agency, Labor Studies Certificate (2007).

“In my work as an organizer, I put what I learn at the Labor Center right into practice in the field.  It’s a great tool for organizers.”

Mario Giron, An organizer for Steelworkers Local 675 since 2001, Labor Studies Certificate (2006).

“I’ve taken just about every Labor Studies class I can for the past three years.  Now I know what to do to help my coworkers and the labor movement.  Turning a thought into an action into a result.”

Chris Zazueta, Steward, UFCW Local 770.  

“Meeting people from different communities and cultures in Labor Studies classes has shown me that the problem of one worker is the problem of all workers.  The Labor Center at Trade Tech helps bring our movement together.”

Khalid Abd-Rahman, Security Officer, Los Angeles Office of Public Safety, Steward, SEIU Local 721, Certificate of Completion in Labor Studies (2006).      

“Over the past ten years, I worked to bring Labor Center classes to the harbor area, educating many members of my union as well as other unions.  It’s helped me to become a more effective leader and has helped build union solidarity here in the harbor area.”

Cathy Familathe, President, Southern California District  Council International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Labor Studies Certificate (2000).

Along with an in-depth review and discussion of labor issues, you build relationships in Labor Center classes.  You meet lots of students who go on to become leaders in their own unions.”

John Grant, UFCW 770, Labor Studies Certificate (1984).  

“Most people don’t understand that we had to fight for everything we now take for granted.  Through Labor Center classes I learned the history of our struggle and the lessons for today’s labor movement.”

Thom Davis, IATSE Local 80, VP, IATSE Int’l, VP, LA County Fed, Labor Studies Certificate (2007).  

“After I formed my own union, I came to the Labor Center to learn how unions work.  The classes were practical and situation-oriented.  What I learned one day, I could turn around and use in my union the next day.  I really learned a lot from people who live what they teach.”

Veronika Delvaux, President, Azusa Federation of Adult Educators Local 6098, A.A. Degree in Labor Studies (2005).

“At Labor Center classes we learned from each other how to solve problems and help our members.  I’m much more confident now as a steward in my department.”

David Matanga, State employee, chief steward at SEIU Local 1000, AA Degree in Labor Studies (2005).    

“I gained the confidence to call the employer on the carpet when necessary.  It made me a more effective leader.”

Ed Simien, former president Steelworkers Local 8957,

Labor Studies Certificate (2005).