Elbert “Bert” Walters III, is a Business Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 134 where he partners in representing over 13,000 electricians in the Chicagoland region. Elbert started his career as an electrical apprentice in June 2004 where he received the Apprentice of the Year award. Within the I.B.E.W., Elbert serves as a member of the Electrical Joint Arbitration Board, Adjutant for the American Legion Electrical Post 769 and member of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus. Elbert is also an active member of Chicago Building Trades Council, a newly appointed member of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Council and serves as Secretary of Labor Brothers United (LBU), a group of Union officials dedicated to closing the gap between union labor and community. Elbert’s dedication to the union and his community is evidenced by his commitment and involvement in establishing and hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast and coordinating union electrical volunteers for the Rebuild Together Chicago Metro Day of Service, which provides needed upgrades to disadvantaged communities throughout the Chicagoland area. Elbert is dedicated to professional development and is currently enrolled in DePaul University’s, three-year, Labor Leadership Program. This program was created “To help build the next generation of labor movement leaders.”