Oakland

Opinion: Brooks’ Demand for Local Hiring of Blacks Results in Building Trades’ Attack Ads

Published

7 years ago

October 12, 2018

In a recent news article, the secretary-treasurer of the local Building Trades Council asserted that racism is no longer a problem within the construction unions. He acknowledged that the construction trades have a history of excluding Black workers, but he said that is over.

Unfortunately, the evidence indicates a different reality, and there is no way for Andreas Cluver of the Building Trades Council to support his point, since the organizations he represents refuse to reveal their membership by ethnicity.

However, we do know for sure that on city-funded construction projects in the City of Oakland, Black workers get only 9 percent of the work, in spite of the fact that they make up 25 percent of the population (See records of the Oakland Office of Contract Compliance). And we know from national statistics that African-Americans are 12.3 percent of the U.S. population and only 6 percent of those employed in construction.

One of few councilmembers who has consistently protested discrimination against Black workers in construction, cannabis and other arenas important to the Black community is Desley Brooks.

Instead of taking the issues Brooks raises as an opportunity for discussion and change, several of the organizations Mr. Cluver represents are attempting to unseat her using an “Independent Expenditure Committee.”

The electricians union has contributed $10,000 to the expenditure committee. Data use reports that nationally only 2 percent of electricians are women and only 6 percent are Black.

Interestingly, supporters of Mayor Libby Schaff, whose gentrification and housing policies have also been opposed by Brooks, is contributing to the same “Independent Expenditure Committee” and so is the locally-based corporate-funded charter organization.

The building trades have started demanding recently that they get virtually all the work on city-funded construction projects, even if it means that Black workers will continue to be less employed, by virtue of their underrepresentation in the construction unions.

CM Brooks is one of few who has had the courage to ask questions about these demands.
The national unemployment rate in March 2018 was 7.2 percent for African-Americans and 3.3 percent for whites. These numbers fluctuate, but the 2 to 1 ratio between Black and white unemployment has remained the same for decades.

And a recent national meta-analysis indicates that there has been no decrease in job discrimination against African-Americans over the last 25 years. (See Quillian, Pager, Hexel, and Mitboen 2017).

Jobs in construction offer relatively high wages. Unlike many manufacturing jobs, most of the labor cannot be exported to lower-wage states or countries. It is considered a growth industry by the Department of Labor and is therefore an important industry for a group which experiences high unemployment.

This could be an historic moment, given that unemployment is relatively low for whites. The Building Trades could more easily develop an ethic of racial solidarity.

These unions could support racially progressive elected officials. They could take the structural steps necessary to welcome large number of Black workers into their ranks and facilitate their speedy achievement of journey person status.

This would require locating apprenticeship programs that are accessible to Oakland residents in this community, finally revealing their numbers by ethnicity and joining with all stakeholders to work together to take other pro-active steps.

Such steps of solidarity would help the whole labor movement and the general position of working-class people in the Bay Area.

Kitty Kelly Epstein, PhD is a professor of education and urban studies.

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Oakland Post: Week of February 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 18 – 24, 2026

Published

1 week ago

February 20, 2026

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Oakland Post: Week of February 11 – 17, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 11 – 17, 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

February 16, 2026

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Rising Optimism Among Small And Middle Market Business Leaders Suggests Growth for California

“Business leaders across the Pacific region continue to demonstrate a unique blend of resilience and forward-thinking, even in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty,” said Brennon Crist, Managing Director and Head of the Pacific Segment, Commercial Banking, J.P. Morgan. “Their commitment to innovation and growth is evident in the way they adapt to challenges and seize new opportunities. It’s this spirit that keeps our region at the forefront of business leadership and progress. We look forward to helping our clients navigate all that’s ahead in 2026.”

Published

2 weeks ago

February 14, 2026

Oakland Post

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Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Business optimism is returning for small and midsize business leaders at the start of 2026, fueling confidence and growth plans.

The 2026 Business Leaders Outlook survey, released in January by JPMorganChase reveals a turnaround from last June, when economic headwinds and uncertainty about shifting policies and tariffs caused some leaders to put their business plans on hold.

Midsize companies, who often find themselves more exposed to geopolitical shifts and policy changes, experienced a significant dip in business and economic confidence in June of 2025. As they have become more comfortable with the complexities of today’s environment, we are seeing optimism rebounding in the middle market nationwide – an encouraging sign for growth, hiring, and innovation. Small businesses, meanwhile, maintained steady optimism throughout 2025, but they aren’t shielded from domestic concerns. Many cited inflation and wage pressures as the top challenges for 2026 and are taking steps to ensure their businesses are prepared for what’s ahead.

Overall, both small and midsize business leaders are feeling more confident to pursue growth opportunities, embrace emerging technologies and, in some cases, forge new strategic partnerships. That bodes well for entrepreneurs in California. Here are a few other key findings from the Business Leaders Outlook about trends expected to drive activity this year:

Inflation remains the top concern for small business owners. Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, many anticipated a favorable business environment. By June 2025, however, that feeling shifted amid concerns about political dynamics, tariffs, evolving regulations and global economic headwinds.
Going into 2026, 37% of respondents cited inflation as their top concern. Rising taxes came in second at 27% and the impact of tariffs was third at 22%. Other concerns included managing cash flow, hiring and labor costs.

For middle market leaders, uncertainty remains an issue. Almost half (49%) of all midsize business leaders surveyed cited “economic uncertainty” as their top concern – even with an improved outlook from a few months ago. Revenue and sales growth was second at 33%, while tariffs and labor both were third at 31%.
And tariffs are impacting businesses costs. Sixty-one percent of midsize business leaders said tariffs have had a negative impact on the cost of doing business.
Despite challenges, leaders are bullish on their own enterprises. Though the overall outlook is mixed, 74% of small business owners and 71% of middle market companies are optimistic about their company’s prospects for 2026.
Adaption is the theme. For small business owners surveyed across the U.S., responding to continuing pressures is important in 2026. Building cash reserves (47%), renegotiating supplier terms (36%) and ramping up investments in marketing and technology are among the top priorities.
Big plans are on the horizon. A majority midsized company leaders expect revenue growth this year, and nearly three out of five of (58%) plan to introduce new products or services in the coming year, while 53% look to expand into new domestic and/or international markets. Forty-nine percentsay they’re pursuing strategic partnerships or investments.

The bottom line

Rebounding optimism among U.S. business leaders at the start of the year is setting the stage for an active 2026. With business leaders looking to implement ambitious growth plans that position themselves for the future, momentum in California could be beneficial for leaders looking to launch, grow or scale their business this year.