LAT: L.A. gang members go union

[DBoon]

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-union21may21,0,5456740.story?coll=la-home-center

Shortly after his release from prison four years ago, Julio Silva entered the apprenticeship program in the Ironworkers Union Local 433 in La Palma.
...
"I never thought my history would allow me to have something more than $7 an hour," said Silva, 37. "I don't see this happening nowhere else but in the union. It's given me the best opportunity of my life."

Silva is among a large and growing number of Southern California gang members who have joined building-trade unions over the last decade as construction work has boomed. These good-paying jobs were once reserved for those with family connections, as fathers recruited sons.

[Omaha Steve]

1. K & R

Welcome to the Labor forum. Great story!

[bedpanartist]

2. your union brothers and sisters will lead you towards prosperity

not the graveyard!

Go union go!

[ellisonz]

3. Kick.