David Bini
"Unionize every single work place you can. Why you have so little wage theft in unionized workplaces is because the enforcement is done by the union. They take the resources, the small resources they have, and they will fight for the workers every single term.”
WHAT TO EXPECT
Ben speaks about the diversity of local trade union members- from individuals with a passion for working with their hands to college graduates exploring new career trajectories. He highlights the differences between union and non-union members with union members being paid more than half of what non-union members are paid, and having access to health care, retirement, union representatives, and work contracts. Ben shares his personal experience of wage theft in which he worked 10hour days and was not paid for overtime. Lastly, he notes how all workers today, regardless of union/non-union status, are challenged with staying afloat the ever-rising cost of everything in the Bay.
BIO
David Bini is a leader and passionate advocate for the construction workforce. David began his career in construction as an Apprentice in the Electrician’s Union. David quickly developed an appetite to understand and advance the cause of working families through union leadership. With his first-hand knowledge of labor issues and grasp of varied perspectives, David was appointed as a Business Agent and Organizer for IBEW Local 332, where he served for 7 years expanding the benefits of collective bargaining within the electrical industry. David’s academic accomplishments include several labor advocacy courses and programs at institutions such as San Jose City College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Harvard Law School. David completed a four-year course of study in Trade Instruction with the National Training Institute at the University of Michigan and is certified to train Electrical Apprentices as a field- training officer and lecturer.
David continues to champion the rights of construction workers in his current role as the Executive Director of the Santa Clara and San Benito Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, where his focus is on ensuring construction projects benefit workers and communities. David’s service to the Labor Movement is amplified by volunteering as County Commissioner, Assembly District Delegate to the California Democratic Party, member of the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee, and member of the South Bay Labor Council Executive Board, among other roles. David’s most important and rewarding role is that of father to his two children.
