Coachella Valley Water District Employees Join Teamsters Local 1932
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MAY 16, 2024 — The Teamsters Union welcomed 433 new members as Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) employees voted overwhelmingly to merge their independent association into Teamsters Local 1932. This landmark vote, the culmination of months of dedicated organizing by District employees, signifies a significant shift in the power dynamics at the largest water district in the Coachella Valley. The employees, who had been increasingly facing disrespect and job insecurity, saw this merger as a crucial step toward meaningful change.
“This merger is the result of our collective effort and determination. Over the past months, we have organized through many, many group and 1-on-1 meetings, phone calls, and home visits,” shared David Cruz, a 16-year Meter and Valve Tech. “Last month, more than 200 of us showed up at our association meeting to pass a motion demanding that our board allow a membership vote to merge with Teamsters Local 1932. Our association board, to their credit, facilitated this merger vote, and now we’re ready to build worker power at CVWD and beyond in our industry and region.”
“Our resounding ‘yes’ vote is a testament to our determination to reestablish worker power at CVWD,” said Joshua Rakes, a 16-year Equipment Operator II and former member of the association’s governing board. “Joining Teamsters enables us to effectively address the growing concerns across the District. This is just the beginning for our movement!”
The Coachella Valley Water District and other surrounding water districts and authorities are vital in bringing water safely to communities throughout the arid Southern California low desert.
“When you turn that faucet and water comes out, it may seem like magic, but it’s not — it’s made possible by thousands of workers operating and maintaining a very complex water delivery system.,” said Randy Korgan, Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 1932. “It’s past time those workers get the respect they deserve.”
“This is a huge step forward for us, our families, and our entire region,” said Buffy Ayala, an 18-year Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Operator at CVWD. “We perform essential functions that make it possible for people to live in this region, and we all deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.”
Teamsters Local 1932 was formed in 2015 when it affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org and Teamsters1932.org for more information. Follow Local 1932 everywhere on social media at @1932Teamsters.
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