union news&events - IUPAT

I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N O FP A I N T E R S A N D A L L I E D T R A D E SUNION NEWS &EVENTSDISTRICT COUNCIL 46—TORONTO AND ONTARIO, CANADALocal Unions 114 & 1671 Fully Affiliate to District Council 46Two new additions to DistrictCouncil 46 occurred in Apriland May, growing membershipin the Council. It has always been themandate of the IUPAT to watch overthose locals that are not financially stableand require guidance and assistanceto organize. This has occurredon many occasions throughoutOntario beginning with the locals inToronto and reaching out to Hamilton,Kitchener, Sudbury and Sault Ste.Marie. The delegates of DistrictCouncil 46 realize the importance ofrepresentation and voted to accept thetwo Local Unions at the Marchmonthly meeting of the Council.Local 1671, Thunder Bay is sufferingthe worst financial situation intheir history. The economic growth ofthe area is dependent upon theforestry industry. Paper manufacturersand mills are shutting down daily andthose still in existence are operatingat less than half capacity in somecases. The steady decline of hoursworked by the Local 1671 membersis pure evidence of a marketplace inneed of help.Members of Local 1671 voted withan overwhelming majority to acceptthe new bylaws that brought about theaffiliation. Changes will be positivewith “big brother” assisting and guidingthe full operation of the local thatincludes representation, organizing,membership services and finances. Theautonomy basically remains with localwork rules, jurisdictional territory andthe executive board staying intact. Thereal change is the accountability of therepresentation and organizing becomingthe responsibility of DC 46Business Manager/Secretary-TreasurerBill Nicholls. There is a strong commitmentto ensure both issues of representationand organizing are upheld asthey are in the other locals of theCouncil. This will be a real challengefor local representative Rory Northcottto maintain the organizing agendathat has been practiced in DC 46 formany years.In Local Union 114, Kingston it is amatter of rekindling some of the samefrom the past. In the late 1980s andearly 1990s the Local was under thesupervision of DC 46 in a time of economichardship and representativechanges. Upon being self-reliant with alocal representative and executiveboard, a merger with Local 200,Ottawa occurred. On May 1 st the localbecame affiliated with the Council viaan IUPAT General Executive Boarddecision to expand the DC 46 territoryand include the territory of Local 114with some additional counties in theCornwall, Ontario region.Expanding the DC 46 territorymade sense as there has been a commonpractice to organize in the areaby DC 46 staff and the proximity ofON THE JOBKingston to Toronto. The executiveboard of Local 114 will be expandedas it will no longer be connected tothe executive board of Local 200.Representative Joe O’Shea will nowbe accountable to the DC 46 office fororganizing as membership serviceswill also be from the Toronto office.Again, there are challenges asbridges need to be built with the membershipand contractors in both areas.This will assist in the need to organizeand create a larger market shareworking toward a better standard ofliving for the membership. It will alsobe a challenge to increase a decliningmembership in both Kingston andThunder Bay. Changes of operationand an aggressive agenda from thelocal representatives will have to takeplace. The membership in both areasmust assist the local representatives inorder to succeed. As time goes onany improvements will be a benefit tothe membership.Brothers Dan Hurst (left), Frank Bradley (centre) and Sam Hawkins employedwith Meteor Painting at the Kingston, Ontario Police Headquarters10 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2007 • JOURNAL

DISTRICT COUNCIL 38—BRITISH COLUMBIA AND YUKON TERRITORIES, CANADATRAINING CENTRE GETS MAKEOVERIUPAT CALLED UPON FOR EMERGENCY WORKThe extensive upgrades and expansion of the DC 38Joint Trade Society Training Centre in Surrey are wellunderway. The million dollar project will make our schoolthe best finishing trades training centre in BC, offeringapprenticeship, upgrade and safety courses in painting,glazing, lathing, drywall taping and hazardous materialshandling.DC 38 members at work for Quantum Hazmat alongBurrard Inlet in Burnaby, BC, after an oil pipelineruptured, shooting more than 230,000 liters of crude oilup to 100 feet in the air. The spill forced the evacuation ofabout 50 homes in the area. Within hours of the incident,DC 38 was able to supply Quantum with nearly 100hazmat workers.Students Keep the Spirit of Job CorpsAlive By Aiding Their Local CommunityOn March 1, 2007, a violentstorm system tore throughEnterprise, Alabama. Unfortunately,eight students were killedwhen the storm hit their highschool and blew out many of thewalls and collapsed part of theroof.In the aftermath, students inthe Montgomery Job Corps centerdecided to lend a helpinghand in putting the town backtogether.The IUPAT thanks Ernest(Corky) Ellis and his students foranswering the call of their communitywhen it was in need. “Weknew we had to do something,”he said. “Thus keeping thatMontgomery Job Corps Centerspirit alive.”IUPAT Job Corps students lend a helping hand to a community in need after adevastating storm in Alabama.www.IUPAT.orgJULY-SEPTEMBER 2007 • JOURNAL11

I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N O FP A I N T E R S A N D A L L I E D T R A D E SUNION NEWS &EVENTSIUPAT Participates in California Women’s ConferenceOn May 19—20, 2007, 13women from our Californiadistrict councils attended theWomen Building California Conference.This was the sixth annual conference forwomen in construction sponsored by theCalifornia Building and ConstructionTrades Council.The International Union of Paintersand Allied Trades was one of the moreinvolved and active unions in the conference,hosting three of the 18 workshopsavailable to attendees.Bonnie Henriquez of District Council16 hosted a workshop on “HigherEducation Options for Women in theTrades.” This workshop brought togetherrepresentatives from the Californiastate and community college systems todiscuss available programs. A presentationon the National Labor Collegealso was made in this workshop.Another workshop entitled,“Leadership Skills on the Job and inyour Union” included a panelist fromDistrict Council 36, Janet Pineda. Janetcompleted her apprenticeship last yearearning the title of ’Drywall Apprenticeof the Year’ in the process. Her presentationto the attendees was on unionleadership and the benefits of beinginvolved with your union.Lilly Rodriquez of DC 36 moderateda session on “Surviving and Thriving inApprenticeship.” Lilly has taught in theapprenticeship program at DC 36 forseveral years and also worked with theFTI International staff on the developmentof the Vocational English as aSecond Language (VESL) curriculum.FTI Coordinator of AcademicAffairs Nancy Gentile addressed theentire conference at a breakfast sponsoredby the Committee of Women inthe Trades. She provided the welcomefrom the Building and ConstructionTrades Department as well as from thecommittee.After the breakfast, there was anIUPAT caucus where the discussionconcentrated on what members wouldlike to see at a national conference ofwomen in the trades. The upbeat sessionalso included a dialogue on theimportance of attending union meetingsas well as how crucial it is to beinvolved in our organizing efforts.“The attendees returned homearmed with heightened spirits and arenewed sense of mission to grow ourunion with young men and womenseeking a rewarding career in the finishingtrades,” said Gentile.Some of the IUPAT members from District Council 36 who attended the California Women’s Conference. Standing (left to right): SilviaCortina (LU 256), Sherie Rudd (LU 1595) and Lilly Rodriquez (LU 1991). Sitting (left to right): Sandra Jaramillo-Avalos (LU 1595), ReynaCorral (LU 95), Janet Pineda (LU 256) and June Manuel (LU 95).12 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2007 • JOURNAL

DISTRICT COUNCIL 16—NORTHERN CALIFORNIAScholarshipWinnerCongratulations toJessica A. Koch and bestof luck at the Universityof Nevada-Reno. TheIUPAT Raftery Scholarshipis the second oneshe’s earned this year.She also was recentlygiven a $10,000 awardfrom The MillenniumScholarship of Nevada.Pictured (left toright) is GeneralPresident’sRepresentativePatrick Lane,DC16 RegionalDirector ToddKoch, the 2007Bud RafteryWesternRegionalScholarshipWinner JessicaA. Koch andJessica’smother DebbieKoch.SHARING GREAT IDEAS FROM AROUND THE UNIONPictured (left toright) is DC 7BM/ST JohnJorgensen,Brother CarloHenningsenwho wasrecentlyrecognized forover 50 yearsof membership,and DC 7representativeJerryRintamaki.DC 7 Introduces “Member Only” & “EmployerLook Up” Enhancements to Web SiteDISTRICT COUNCIL 7—WISCONSINDC 7’S LOCAL UNION 108HOSTS SERVICERECOGNITION DINNERDistrict Council 7/Local Union 108recently held a Service RecognitionDinner/Dance where members werehonored for their years of service. BusinessManager/Secretary-Treasurer JohnJorgensen was the keynote speaker for thenight. Receiving special accolades wasBrother Carlo Henningsen who, with over50 years of membership, is the longest“good standing” member in the local.www.IUPAT.orgDC 7 members and signatory contractorsalike are applauding the latestadvancements incorporated intothe DC 7 Web site. With the recentimplementation of the council’s CardSmart Identification and TrackingSystem (obtained in part through agrant from the LMCI) used to updatemember safety class certifications,members and contractors can nowobtain accurate information “24/7”with this added technology.In addition, members can alsoaccess their personal dues status informationon the DC 7 Web site, andadvise of address changes on line.BM/ST John Jorgensen noted thatfeedback on the overall program andeasy accessibility has been wellreceived and utilized. “As more andmore members surf the web, theyappreciate the added convenience,”he said.JULY-SEPTEMBER 2007 • JOURNAL13

I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N O FP A I N T E R S A N D A L L I E D T R A D E SUNION NEWS &EVENTSDISTRICT COUNCIL 78—FLORIDAWelcome to the Rank and File!Pictured L to R: Kneeling: Tracey Ringer, Duhite Farrington, Alberto Perez, Robert Jenkins, Everado Saenz, Marcos Fuentes and SeymoreEverett. Middle Row: Todd Roberts, James McClung, Lisa Holt, Lazaro Curbelo, Joseph Martinelli, Xavia Jones, John Bennett, Alba Curbelo,Adam Cantrel, Valerie Oliver, Manuel Guerra, Robert Mursell, Linda Steinberg, Paul Ambroise, Jose Cruz, Ramon Martinez and BernardOrtiz. Top Row: Frank Roberto, John Defreese, James Cassie , Sheldon Ferguson, Franz Guerrier, Rock Russek, Nicholas Gongora, ManuelCaban and Steven Wyatt.On July 14, 2007, the FloridaFinishing Trades Institute ofDistrict Council 78 proudlywelcomed the graduating class of2007. Florida FTI trustees Don Weschlerof Buena Vista Construction Company,Paul Williams of Avalotis Painting andDistrict Council 78 BM/ST Tim Maitlandthanked the 47 graduates for the dedicationand commitment they haveshown. They also challenged them toincrease their leadership roles with theirunion, and with their employers. BM/STMaitland said, “The companies we representare in high demand for yourskills. You are our future leaders.”Florida Department of Education representativeJohn Goins also congratulatedthem for their efforts. “The careerpath you have chosen is a healthy one.You have all dedicated as much time asyour college counterparts, but you havefar more career opportunities in front ofyou,” Goins said.DISTRICT COUNCIL 15—ARIZONA, SOUTHERN NEVADA, SOUTHERN UTAHCONGRATULATIONSTO NICOLE BARNESNicole is the Rafteryscholarship winner out ofDistrict Council 15. She isheading to Nebraska forschool this year. Herfather, Kenneth, is anorganizer out of LocalUnion 2001.From left to right, BM/ST John Smirk, DC 15 Organizer Kenneth Barnes, Scholarship RecipientNicole Barnes, Julie Barnes, DC 15 President Jack Mallory, DC 15 Business Representative BillSwanson.14 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2007 • JOURNAL

DISTRICT COUNCIL 3—MISSOURIFore!Members of DC 3 gathered in Julyto play in the council’s first annualPATCH Golf Tournament. Theinaugural event was a greatsuccess and Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Mike Williamslooks forward to more membersparticipating next year for thisworthy cause. Find out when thenext event will be held at yourupcoming local union meetings.…and Fun!Members of LocalUnion 203 gatheredon a summer day tocelebrate the local’s75th anniversary.There was plenty offood and fun for thewhole family.Congratulations toall on keeping LocalUnion 203 strongfor 75 years andcounting!DISTRICT COUNCIL 88—TEXAS AND OKLAHOMAApprenticeship GraduationOn Saturday, August 11,2007, Finishing TaradesInstitute Director Dan Penski(back row, third from theleft) paid a visit to Texas tocongratulate the latest classof graduating apprentices.Graduate Jason Flores (backrow, fifth from the left) wasnamed Apprentice of theYear and received a plaquecommemorating the event.www.IUPAT.orgJULY-SEPTEMBER 2007 • JOURNAL15

I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N O FP A I N T E R S A N D A L L I E D T R A D E SUNION NEWS &EVENTSDISTRICT COUNCIL 4—BUFFALO, NEW YORKBrush-Up BuffaloDistrict Council 4Business Manager/Secretary-TreasurerDan Boody (far left)and fellow volunteerstake a moment topose for a pictureafter havingbreakfast and gettingready for some hardwork benefiting theless fortunate in theircommunity.Avolunteer program created inDetroit, Michigan eleven yearsago has made a big impact inBuffalo for the last decade. IUPATJourneypersons and apprentices alike volunteertheir time on the Saturday of everyFather’s Day weekend to paint the homesof those who cannot afford to do so themselves.The program is a result of GeneralMotors and labor and business leadersfrom the Detroit community searching fora way to give back to those less fortunate.In Buffalo, twelve homes werepainted this year by District Council 4 volunteersand several other businessgroups. DC 4 extends its thanks to allthose who worked that day.SCHOLARSHIPWINNERDistrict Council 4 isvery pleased to announcethat the daughter of oneof our members is therecipient of the S. Frank“Bud” Raftery ScholarshipAward. Congratulationsand best of luck, KatieCoyle!Katie with her father (right), Kevin Coyle ofGlaziers Local 660, and Jeff Carroll, regionalrepresentative for District Council 4.DISTRICTCOUNCIL 9—NEW YORKCITYPoliticalAction inthe BigAppleDC 9 hosted a New York City CentralLabor Council Press Conference urgingcongressional action on the EmployeeFree Choice Act. Pictured is DC 9 BusinessManager/Secretary-Treasurer JosephRamaglia (at podium) flanked by CongressmanJerrold Nadler and CongresswomanNydia Velazquez. The legislation passed inthe House of Representatives but wasblocked in the Senate despite majoritysupport by a procedural maneuver.However, labor will not rest until workers’rights to organize are reinstated. Alsopictured on the far left is Stuart Appelbaum,president of the Retail, Wholesale andDepartment Store Union.16 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2007 • JOURNAL

DISTRICT COUNCIL 11—CONNECTICUTBringing Safetyto the TableThe First Annual District Council 11STAR (Safety Training AwardRecognition) Banquet was a fantasticsuccess. All of the qualified membersand their families enjoyed an upliftingday filled with food, children’sactivities, raffle prizes and aheightened sense of union pride andcamaraderie. Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer Dominick Cieripledged to all those assembled that“Next year’s event will be bigger andbetter. And, with increased attendanceand participation, District Council 11will bear the fruits of higher safetystandards and increased levels ofcraftsmanship.”DISTRICT COUNCIL 2—MISSOURIAN IMPRESSIVECELEBRATIONAT DISTRICTCOUNCIL 2/LOCAL UNION 115IUPAT members in St.Louis, Missouri recentlygathered to celebrateBrother Larry Raftery’s90th birthday. He is nowofficially THE seniormember of not only LocalUnion 115, but of theentire District Council.Congratulations to BrotherRaftery and we lookforward to celebratingmany more.Friends and family gathered to honor Brother Larry Raftery (sitting, front row, third from the right)on his 90th birthday.www.IUPAT.orgJULY-SEPTEMBER 2007 • JOURNAL17

P A I N T E R S & A L L I E D T R A D E SI N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O NUNION NEWS &EVENTSDISTRICT COUNCIL 80—LOUISIANACongratulations!Member John M. McElroyJr.’s family joined him ina recent retirement ceremonyon his behalf. BrotherMcElroy is one of the members inDC 80 that was fortunate enoughto get his home repaired by IUPATvolunteers from throughout the U.S.and Canada after it was nearlydestroyed by Hurricane Katrina.He wants all to know that he isvery grateful to those volunteerswho helped him and his family getback into their home.SECRETARY OF LABOR ELAINE CHAO PAYS A VISITTO IUPAT TRAINING CENTER IN NEW ORLEANSOn August 21, 2007, Secretary ofLabor Elaine Chao visited the DistrictCouncil 80 training center in NewOrleans. The facility is still underconstruction and did not have airconditioning that day, yet the secretaryspent an hour and a half speaking withapprentices as well as participating in alittle training herself on an extremely hotNew Orleans day. She got an up-closeview of our students honing their skills indrywall finishing, painting and glazing,among other crafts.“Everyone was thrilled to meet her thatday and grateful that she took the time tolearn more about how valuable uniontraining is to our industry,” said JamesWilliams, IUPAT general president. “Ourthanks to the secretary for taking on theheat and shaking the hands of our futureworkforce in New Orleans.”Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao visited with apprentices and instructorson a recent trip to New Orleans.www.IUPAT.org18JULY-SEPTEMBER 2007 • JOURNAL