Newly formed Local 1117 recently completed contract negotiations. The workers, who work at Ailey Solar, selling and installing residential and commercial solar power systems, voted unanimously to approve the new agreement. Workers are entitled to paid sick days for the first time, wages increases of $1.75 per hour, and guaranteed minimum work hours each week. The workers also won increased protection of bargaining unit work, additional employer-paid educational benefits and an agreement from the company's owners to explore transitioning the company to a worker-owned cooperative.
Local President Geb Jensen and Financial Secretary Jaime Leal served on the bargaining team for the Local with the assistance of Field Organizer Catharine Schutzius.