San Diego’s Labor Shift: Carol Kim on PLA Victories and Women in Construction

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we celebrate Women in Construction Week with a deep dive into the intersection of public policy, labor power, and gender equity. Our guest, Carol Kim, Business Manager of the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council, shares the "San Diego Story"—a blueprint for how labor can reverse anti-union legislation to build a massive, stable pipeline of work. Key Topics Covered: The Long Game in San Diego: Carol details the strategic campaign to "flip" the city council and pass a ballot measure with 58% voter support to overturn the region’s long-standing ban on Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). The $1B Pipeline: How a citywide PLA covering the capital improvements program is creating economic stability for more than 30,000 union workers and expanding apprenticeship slots. Women in the Trades: A candid assessment of why women’s participation has climbed from 2.5% to nearly 10% in the region and the cultural shifts still required to reach equity. Childcare as Workforce Development: Why California’s ERICA program (Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeships) is a game-changer for retaining women who are primary caregivers. From Teacher to Labor Leader: Carol reflects on how her background in education and HIV prevention shaped her approach to organizing and why she views labor as the most effective tool for fighting structural poverty. What You’ll Learn: Why the nature of construction makes citywide PLAs essential for worker stability, and how intentional mentorship is transforming the face of the San Diego job site. For more information on the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council, visit sdbuildingtrades.com.