Thursday evening the delegates of the Orange County Labor Federation approved the selection of Julio Perez to be the next Executive Director of federation of Orange County labor organizations. The selection of Perez was the result of a nationwide search narrowed down to a final pool of three applicants. Perez has currently been serving as Interim Executive Director of the Federation since the departure of Tefere Gebre who was elected Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO this fall.
Throughout his career, Julio has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of working families and to give them a voice in the community. Julio began his career as a policy analyst for the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE). He successfully led efforts that encouraged contractors to create good-paying jobs and provide affordable health insurance for workers.
Prior to his new position Julio served as political director for the Orange County Labor Federation. In this position, he worked with business and community leaders along with elected officials to create and protect good-paying jobs. As a member of the Orange County Workforce Investment Board, Julio has fought for job training programs that meet the needs of job seekers and local businesses. He understands that a well-qualified workforce can help drive business growth in our communities.In 2012 Perez ran unsuccessfully for State Assembly in the 69th District.
Perez pledged last night to continue the work and leadership of his predecessor Gebre in fighting for the rights of working men and women in Orange County. To find out more about the work of the Orange County Labor Federation visit their website at http://oclabor.org.
A decade ago, Chris, had you imagined that in 2013 OC would be considered a model for union efforts elsewhere?
One word. No.
I agree Chris. Julio’s election illustrates a determination by the OC Social Justice movement to continue Tefere’s transition from transactional politics to a formation of a grass roots progressive coalition movement that will soon change the entire landscape of the OC. The O C Labor Fed was in a battle for it’s heart and soul between those supporting business Dems and those who understand that the future of the OC Progressive community lies with organizing the weakest and most exploited of our citizens. This same struggle rages within the Democratic Party of OC. With Julio’s election comes hope that those who relish keeping their boot on the necks of those who wish nothing more than a voice and accountability, will soon be relegated to the waste heap where they belong!!
Jeff — I see no reason why both sides can’t be served. To suggest going forward without “business Dems” means cutting off your nose to spite your face, Labor will be left with only public employee unions unless there’s a effort to work with progressive minded business interests to create labor jobs in the private sector.
Its not an either/or proposition; that would be the Republican Party.
The above article glowingly mentions an intent of Julio Perez along with a resume with no mention of actual results accomplished. What exactly are the results of his pass efforts?