2025: A Year of Growth, Service, and Union Strength!

In 2025, District Council 16 continued to prove that when members, staff, and leadership move together, real results follow. Across organizing, service, communications, political advocacy, training, and community outreach, DC16 delivered measurable gains that protected work, expanded opportunity, and strengthened our union for the future.

2025 by the Numbers

• 22+ Project Labor Agreements executed
• 19 New signatory contractors
• 575 Apprentices initiated
• 230+ VAC events supported
• 100+ members assisted through Helping Hand
• Record-breaking fundraising for the PATCH Foundation donating to over 18 children’s organizations.

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Organizing

2025 was a banner year for organizing, reflecting continued momentum and long-term strategy.

Key Wins:

• Signed 19 new contractors, expanding union market share
• Brought union standards to both private and public sector projects
• Continued strategic outreach to grow signatory participation
• Secured millions in damages assessed against low-road contractors for prevailing wage and labor law violations

These efforts directly increased work opportunities and strengthened collective bargaining power for our members.

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Apprenticeship & Training (FTI)

Training remained a top priority in 2025, with major investments made to prepare the next generation of skilled workers.

Highlights:

• 575 new apprentices initiated into DC16 programs
• Transitioned into a new FTI training facility in Tracy, three times larger than the previous location
• Expanded hands-on training capacity to meet growing workforce demand
• Enhanced classroom and shop space to support modern trade instruction

This expansion ensures DC16 apprentices receive industry-leading training in a state-of-the-art environment.

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Service

The Service Department continued to support members in the field while maintaining strong relationships with contractors.

2025 Accomplishments:

• Executed 22 Project Labor Agreements (PLA’s) across Northern California

• Responded to hundreds of member service requests
• Supported jobsite issue resolution and contract enforcement
• Strengthened communication between members, contractors, and the Council
• Played a key role in retaining work and supporting ongoing employment

The Service team remains on the front lines, advocating for members every day.

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Member Support: Helping Hand Program

DC16 continued its commitment to supporting members beyond the jobsite.

Helping Hand Impact:

• Assisted over 100 members in accessing programs for addiction recovery and mental health support
• Expanded awareness of available resources
• Helped members take critical steps toward stability and long-term success

This program reflects our belief that a strong union supports the whole member.

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Communications

The Communications Department focused on transparency, engagement, and storytelling in 2025.

Key Achievements:

• Published consistent website content highlighting member wins and projects
• Promoted over 231 VAC (Volunteer Activist Committee) events
• Supported organizing, political, and training initiatives through targeted messaging
• Increased visibility of DC16 accomplishments across digital platforms

These efforts ensured members stayed informed, connected, and engaged.

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Political & Legislative

Political engagement remained critical to protecting union jobs and labor standards.

2025 Highlights:

• Mobilized members for key legislative and electoral efforts
• Supported pro-labor candidates and ballot initiatives
• Strengthened partnerships with labor allies and community leaders
• Continued advocacy for prevailing wage and worker protections
• Drafted and initiated multiple pieces of legislation that protect workers rights

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Public Works & Industry Advancement

DC16 remained focused on protecting union work and expanding access to public projects.

Notable Results:

• Secured union labor on major public works projects
• Advanced strategies to remain competitive in our industries
• Protected prevailing wage standards
• Ensured quality workmanship through trained union labor

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Looking Ahead

2025 set the foundation for continued growth. With expanded training facilities, increased organizing success, and a renewed commitment to member support, District Council 16 is positioned to move forward stronger than ever. Together, we are building opportunity, protecting standards, and investing in the future of our trades.