Unions urge labor standards for proposed Costco project; residents plead for Wesley Health clinic to stay

Labor representatives and Downey residents used the public‑comment period at the June 23 council meeting to press two separate but consequential community issues.

Several speakers representing the Western States/Local 91 carpenters and allied trade groups urged the council to require strong labor standards on the proposed Costco/Nissan master-development project (agenda item 14). Jerzon Lopez of the Carpenters Union said the jobs created by the project should "provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunity for local workers," and called for prevailing‑wage protections and apprenticeship slots. Danielle, a pre‑apprentice in a carpenter training program, described how union training opened a nontraditional career path for women and said using "high-quality skilled union labor" would ensure the project is done safely.

Union speakers emphasized community benefits: on-the-job training for pre‑apprentices, healthcare for workers, and local hiring that keeps economic gains in Downey. Speakers also tied the employment ask to ensuring quality construction and community reinvestment if the city approves the master-development funding agreement.

Separately, multiple residents urged the council to support Wesley Health Centers at 8530 Firestone Blvd after a notification from PIH that could lead to the clinic's closure or relocation. Jorge Marisco and Janet Rocha said Wesley provides primary care, behavioral health, podiatry and lab services used by disabled people, seniors, and families in Southeast Los Angeles; Marisco said the clinic is "like a family" and that losing it would harm thousands of patients.

Council members acknowledged the public comments and said they would take the concerns under advisement as the Costco development and any agreements advance and as staff follows up on constituent concerns about the clinic.