Jason Bastianelli | Inside JW | 16 Years of Service
Oddest job before becoming an electrician: I was a security guard at Tower Records – so my age is showing. I saw it all and heard everything and late night shifts were wild.
Time in 332: I owned a signatory company – Solid Ground Electric – but let it go. When I wanted to shut the business, 332 leaders welcomed me into the union. It’s a good consistent life. Being an electrician is something I’ve done since I was very young – I like the hands-on work. I grew up in the country building fences, gardening, and raising animals, so it was natural to just do something outside working with my hands.
Importance of being union: My grandfather was in the culinary union, and my brother is in the sheet metal union. I have always believed in the strength of unions. And with 332, I have had the most wonderful support being a single father. The amazing brothers and sisters – the camaraderie is something we can all be proud of.
Person you most admire: I’m very spiritual. The person I’ve always admired is Bernie Sanders. He’s championed our labor movement and our living wage. His bottom-up mentality is something I’ve always admired. Our unions are the most powerful thing our country has and need every one of us.
Joseph “Jojo” Rosa | Residential | 7 Years of Service
Oddest job before becoming an electrician: When I was living in LA, I fixed ocean walls for rich people like Chef Gordon Ramsay and David Hasselhoff. They had stairs with supporting walls going down to the beach. We’d get up every day at 4:30am to do repairs and mainenance. It was pretty cool.
Time in 332: I like everything in this trade. I enjoy the entire process of a build out–from when it is just dirt on the ground to the finished product. We work on apartment buildings and houses, and when you see the people who have moved in, you feel like you really achieved something and helped folks make their living space a home. It’s nice to say, “We’re your electricians.”
Importance of being union: Being in a union has been a blessing–not only the benefits–but how they help us take care of our families. When a member is having a tough time in life, they’re there for you. You’ve got brothers, sisters, and a whole group looking out for each other. Being in the union paves a bigger, better, and–because we’re electricians–“brighter” future for everyone.
Person you most admire: It’s not one person– I am a part of a whole 332 family! My dad shares knowledge, work ethic, and experience. My brother and sister-in-law are in 332 with me. My boss Guillermo at MDE Electric has really believed in me when I didn’t. And Aaron Badillo is my apprentice who placed in the ETASV Skills Tournament. I am lucky to say I have made a lot of friends throughout my career, and my 332 family has grown.
Michael Barrios | Inside JW & ETASV Instructor | 18 Years in 332
Oddest job before becoming an electrician: I drove tanks in the Marine Corps. I was deployed to Iraq, where I was combat wounded, awarded the Purple Heart, then honorably discharged. 332 took me in and gave me the career I have now.
Time in 332: I’ve been with Redwood Electric Group for 16 years, and I’m a service foreman. Each day is something different: We’re always pivoting and using new tech. My favorite things are installing; working with my hands, and figuring out lighting systems, big wire pulls, and one line. I love it all. I’ve also been teaching at the ETASV for two years. I love it, and it allows me to give back to Local 332 for this amazing career.
Importance of being union: I love being in the union because it provides us with prevailing wages, a great career, and it’s something to be proud of every day. There’s great pride in being in the union. You put in a hard day’s work, and you know you have earned everything you have. I like to volunteer with the ETASV. I help put together the ETASV newsletter, help out with the skills tournament, and I won two years in a row at the Trunk or Treat Halloween party.
Person you most admire: My father. Growing up in a blue-collar family, I saw him go to work and how he provided for us. He put that work ethic into me and taught me that family is everything. He still comes over at the drop of a hat. He shows me what it takes to be a good husband to my wife and a good father to our two daughters.
