California Broadband Worker High Road Labor Standard Act SB 1460

(UPDATE 5-3-24: Great news! CWA D9’s sponsored legislation SB 1460 (Durazo) Has passed the Senate Labor Committee and is now in the Appropriations Committee.)

CWA D9 Legislation SB 1460 passed the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee last week with a vote of 14 Yes- 4 No. This week SB 1460 will be heard in the Senate Labor Committee. 

SB 1460, the California Broadband Worker High Road Labor Standard Act, creates high road labor standards for broadband projects funded by federal dollars.  

California is in the midst of a historic investment in the buildout of broadband infrastructure, both middle and last mile. Billions of dollars of federal dollars as well as state money is being allocated to expand broadband access throughout California. Unfortunately, these investments are being made without a specific and thorough commitment to high road labor standards for the thousands of workers who will be employed through the expenditure of these funds. We have an opportunity in California to ensure they receive proper safety and technical  training, and establish a highly protected and skilled workforce.  

SB 1460 will create for the first time, broadband focused high road labor standards that will be utilized whenever federal dollars are used for broadband buildout in California.  

Workers will be ensured to receive competitive wages, safety training, and communities in need will be tapped to expand the workforce. The experience in other states has been that when there are no standards, contractors are brought in to  do the work without providing critical safety and skill training, and often bring in  workers from other states to fill temporary positions. SB 1460 signals California’s commitment to hire our own workers and provide proper training and support to ensure not only best outcomes for the broadband projects, but to build out the  middle class in California.  

SB 1460 will establish minimum labor standards for broadband specific jobs of placing, installing, and maintaining broadband projects funded by federal dollars.  This will ensure a properly trained workforce and more effective buildout as California tries to get broadband to all Californians

Follow this link to the Build Broadband Better website to be connected to your California State Assembly member and State Senator. When connected, ask them to promote good broadband jobs in California by supporting SB 1460.