On National Skilled Trades Day, let’s talk about what Skilled Trades Teamsters know how to do.
We know how to show up—day or night, weekends and holidays, during wildfires and mudslides—to keep our campuses running. We know how to put the work in, maintaining decades-old electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems that schools and hospitals rely on. We know how to do it all when short-staffed and on a shoestring budget—but we know we shouldn’t have to.
Our communities deserve better than understaffed and underpaid Skilled Trades workers hustling to stay on top of decades of deferred maintenance. When we’re paid what we deserve and treated with respect, we aren’t the only ones who benefit: Students, patients, faculty, and staff win, too.
When we stand together as Teamsters to fight for fair pay and fair treatment at work, we’re fighting for our communities. That’s why we refuse to give up on securing our 2025 raises at CSU and the best possible contracts, currently being negotiated at CSU, UCLA, UCSB, UCSD and UCD. A strong Teamsters contract for Skilled Trades means a strong university for everyone.
Skilled Trades Teamsters know how to show up, how to put in the work, and how to fight. And when we fight, we win.
“Teamsters 2010 Skilled Trades workers are dedicated professionals, using our hands and expertise to maintain and support the infrastructure of our facilities. Through innovation and skill, we ensure mechanical systems operate efficiently and workplaces remain safe. We are the foundation that keeps our schools and hospitals running, creating safe environments where educators can teach, students can grow, and patients can heal. Our knowledge, craftsmanship, and pride ensure that UC and CSU facilities remain strong, safe, and built to last.”
Ernesto Torres
Vice President & Skilled Trades Director, Teamsters 2010
“Happy Skilled Trades Day to our 2,700 Teamsters Local 2010 Skilled Trades workers! I am proud of the hard work you do every day, which is essential to keeping our campuses running for the students and the community. I admire the strength and solidarity you bring to our Union, standing together as Teamsters, standing up for our Union brothers and sisters on picket lines and at rallies, and fighting hard to enforce our contracts and our rights at work. Together, we have built Local 2010 into a powerhouse for Skilled Trades workers’ rights in California education. We salute you this Skilled Trades Day!”
Jason Rabinowitz
Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters 2010
From all of us at Teamsters Local 2010, thank you for all you do to keep facilities safe and maintained. Without you, students, faculty and staff would not have the environment they need to educate, learn and support. You are the unsung heroes of our campus and medical center communities! Happy Skilled Trades Day!
