Louie Rocha combined a career as a community activist and union leader in his hometown of San Jose, California. Employed by Pacific Bell as a cable splicer and lineman, he became active in the union as a steward, local organizer, and mobilizer. Rocha was elected president of Local 9423 in 1996 where he promoted many labor/community projects. Rocha organized against U.S. intervention in Central America, apartheid in South Africa, for environmental justice in Silicon Valley, and traveled abroad representing CWA. He livened up CWA picket lines broadcasting music as a local DJ and organized a 2,000 person May Day celebration in his hometown. Rocha served in almost every capacity in the local and District 9 as steward, organizer, mobilizer, newsletter co-editor, campaign coordinator, staff representative, and temporary administrator.
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