Building trades union leaders and members greeted U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis during her recent visit to Los Angeles, and responded to her call on behalf of President Obama for volunteer service.  Building trades workers joined Solis on a volunteer project to help build and paint a green home for a low-income disabled veteran.
 

Secretary Solis also witnessed building trades members mentoring young people at La Causa Youthbuild, and advising them about union apprenticeships and career opportunities in the building trades.
 

Painters District Council 36 Business Manager Grant Mitchell, and political director Robert Smith, were instrumental in generating a great turnout of union workers for the event.  Also helping were Daniel Villao of the Los Angeles and Orange County Building Trades Council, and members of IBEW Local 11.
 

Secretary Solis’ visit is part of the Obama administration’s United We Serve initiative, aimed at increasing volunteer community service this summer.  More information about this program is available at www.serve.gov.