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On Wednesday June 11th, the American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative joined the Inland Empire at Cal Baptist University as part of their national roadshow. The purpose of this national tour is to strengthen regional manufacturing ecosystems across the United States. The day consisted of panels, presentations, and discussion around how the Inland Empire is uniquely capable of developing manufacturing.
AMCC, Blended Impact, IEGO, the Inland Empire Labor Institute (IELI), and Ryvet hosted the event. Manufacturers, government representatives, and other crucial actors in manufacturing were present.
The Inland Empire Labor Council, alongside our siblings from the Labor Institute, UAW, and the Machinists (IAMAW), were all present and representing organized labor. In addition, a panel also focused on growing High Road Jobs in the Inland Empire, putting Labor front and center. Executive Director of the IELI Esmeralda Vazquez served as the moderator. Panel speakers are as follows:
- Ricardo Cisneros, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Inland Empire Labor Council AFL-CIO
- Victor Quiroz, Assistant Director, United Auto Workers Region 6
- Henry Salazar, Health & Safety CAP REP, United Auto Workers Local 230
- Casey Gallagher, California Regional Director, Machinists Institute
- Alex Ruiz, Director, University of California Riverside Inland Empire K-16 Collaborative
- Priyanka Mohanty, Executive Director, UAW Center for Manufacturing a Green Economy
- Dr. Phil van Haaster, Dean, College of Engineering at California Baptist University
The lasting message through the panel was the desire of labor to work together with industry, promoting mutual success and training for the next generation in the workforce. Going further, there was a strong focus on making sure union members aren’t left behind as we transition to new industries.
Our Executive Secretary-Treasurer Ricardo spoke about the need for our region’s economy to diversify, by forming partnerships with industry. Manufacturers were encouraged to utilize the existing trained and skilled workforce in new industries like EV or green hydrogen production. Ricardo specifically mentioned the need for industry to look at workforces who are losing refinery jobs in the area. He also highlighted partnerships that have already worked well, such as the Inland Empire Labor Institute’s Plug In IE initiative. Proven models can be expanded across industries in order to keep improving our region.
The roadshow was productive for Labor as a whole. We were able to make necessary connections for diversifying the jobs in our region, advocating for workers throughout the day. We hope to see good union jobs and training programs coming to the Inland Empire. Participating in the roadshow is a key step to bringing both here. We are one movement!
