Breaking Ground
Breaking Ground educates listeners about why union labor and solidarity is more important than ever! Operating Engineers Local 3 is the largest construction trades local in the U.S., representing over 38,000 members across a four-state jurisdiction of Northern California, Northern Nevada, Utah and Hawaii, including the mid-Pacific Islands. From heavy equipment operators, crane operators and mechanics, to surveyors, construction inspectors, highway maintenance workers, police officers and other public employees, Local 3 represents the men and women who drive this country’s economy. Stay informed as we tackle important topics for labor including trends in our digital world like the gig economy and automation, as well as organizing tactics, labor politics and interviews with union leaders and members.
Breaking Ground
Union wins against giant mining corporation takeover
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IUOE3
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Episode 7
After the giant mining companies Newmont and Barrick formed a joint-venture in Elko, called Nevada Gold Mines (NGM), it was obvious they wanted Local 3 out. The union had been representing workers at the mines since 1965, and we weren’t just going to back down. Hear about the strategies we used to gain back our collective bargaining rights for some 1,300 mine workers and the challenges that continue, as we fight to represent our mine workers in Elko, Nev. It’s a true David and Goliath story!