Tell BRE Properties: Respect our veterans

On Veterans’ Day, Nov. 11, 2013, SMART Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104, the San Francisco Labor Council, the San Francisco Building Trades Council, Justice for Jobs and Community Leaders such as Supervisor Scott Weiner and Supervisor David Chiu gathered in front of the BRE Properties Headquarters to take a stand for our veterans.

A delegation of Sheet Metal Workers veterans from the Vietnam, Gulf, and Afghan wars had a message for BRE CEO Connie Moore.

They demanded that BRE provide middle class job opportunities and employ apprentices from approved State of California Apprenticeship Programs. BRE has refused to reach an agreement with Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 104 that would ensure our veterans got the opportunity they deserve.

Once the delegation arrived to the elevator, they were notified that they would not be allowed access to Connie Moore and she had expressed a strong desire “not” to meet with the veterans. The veteran delegation returned to their supporters outside. Two veterans, both of whom are sheet metal workers, William Leighton and Jason Hutton, held their ground when the police would no longer allow the protest outside of the building. They were arrested for trespassing and cited and released on the other side of Market St.

Please visit http://afl.salsalabs.com/o/4038/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=7607 to tell BRE Properties to stand by returning vets and support the stable middle class jobs that allow them the respect and dignity they deserve.