Brothers and Sisters,
It’s been an honor to serve as the local’s Business manager for the last three years. My union leadership journey began when a member asked me to run for the executive board back in 2003. Prior to this nomination, I had very little knowledge of the daily operations of our Union. I won a seat on the Executive Board which opened up tremendous opportunities for me: sitting on the Trust Funds; Inside Wireman negotiations; and the importance of getting labor friendly candidates elected in San Diego and Imperial Counties.
After completing my Executive board term, I ran and was elected as the Union President. As Union President, I sat on the Health & Welfare Trust, Pension Trust, JATC, and negotiations for all Units. This was my first platform to build relationships with the members, contractors, other labor activists, and elected officials.
I was honored to be appointed as Johnny Simpson’s Assistant Business Manager for six years. While serving in this role, I worked hard in building relationships and partnerships with elected officials in the San Diego County. In addition, we worked hard in electing board members who supported labor. With this change, I was able to establish the first Project Labor Agreement at Southwestern College, and then Chula Vista Elementary School District, which lead to additional PLA’s around the County. With these relationships I was able to win a seat on the Sweetwater Union School District Governing Board where I continue to serve and promote our electrical career pathways, solar car sprint, portable solar array, and continue to work on integrating renewable energy careers into their curriculum. While serving as Assistant Business Manager, I really enjoyed getting to know the members, learning how to effectively manage negotiations, and being on site at the numerous utility grade solar projects in the Imperial Valley.
All this experience helped me to be a more effective Business Manager these last three years. This work could not be successfully completed without the help of my incredible staff and Union members who volunteered their time. The team has had many great accomplishments under my leadership which will continue to serve the membership well in the years to come. It was an honor to be appointed by International President Lonnie Stephenson and 9th District Vice President John O’Rourke to several national and statewide IBEW leadership positions.
I want to wish all the newly elected officers the best and I wish them well as they continue to strengthen the IBEW. Please remember that it is your duty as a union member to participate in your union to make it stronger.
In solidarity,
Nick Segura
