DC16 General Membership Meeting: Creating Opportunities for All Generations

District Council 16 recently held a General Membership Meeting, bringing together members from every craft. BM/ST Robert Williams opened the meeting by introducing each department and highlighting their accomplishments, goals, and ongoing commitment to strengthening our Union and the labor movement. As Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, Robert oversees all operations of District Council 16 and ensures that every department is focused on serving our members.

A Painter by trade, Robert has been a proud dues-paying member of Local Union 741 since 1998. He completed the Painter’s Apprenticeship Program in 2002 and went on to run work on major commercial and industrial painting projects. Since 2012, Robert has had the honor of serving the membership in several leadership roles, including Business Representative, Director of Service, and now BM/ST of District Council 16 of the IUPAT.

The evening carried a powerful theme: creating opportunities for all generations to come.

Training and Education: Building Stronger Careers

Director of Training Alex Beltran shared exciting news about the move from our San Leandro facility to the brand-new apprenticeship building in Tracy. The new space is four times larger, giving us the room and resources to expand training opportunities and provide state-of-the-art classes for our members. He highlighted the upcoming Concrete Polishing A, B, and C courses, a step-by-step program launching January 1, designed to ensure no member misses critical skills. From floor covering to painting, these programs aim to make our trades stronger and our members’ lives better.

He thanked instructors and administrative staff for their tireless work. He reminded members that even instructors continue their own training to ensure the highest standards. “None of us are perfect, but we always strive for the best,” Alex said.

Organizing: Raising Standards Across the Industry

The DC16 Organizing Department, led by Director Lance Ryken, works tirelessly to protect members, grow market share, and hold dishonest contractors accountable. Overseeing Compliance, Market Recovery, and Organizing, Lance’s team ensures fair competition by enforcing prevailing wage laws, recovering stolen wages, and holding low-road contractors accountable—over $4.4 million in damages assessed since 2023 alone. As Lance says, “Living-wage jobs are the foundation of dignity in the workplace. Together, we must fight for fair contracting and protect workers’ rights.” Through enforcement, investment, and relentless organizing, the department is strengthening opportunities and stability for all DC16 members.

Communications and Politics: Behind-the-Scenes Advocacy

The DC16 Communications and Political Department, led by Director Michael Greenlee, keeps members informed, connected, and recognized while also advancing pro-labor policies across California and Nevada. His team manages the Volunteer Activist Committee, the Walter Cantrell Scholarship, the PATCH Foundation, career fairs, social media, IT, and the DC16 website—all while growing outreach and raising record funds for community programs. They’ve expanded VAC participation by over 215%, nearly doubled PATCH fundraising, and increased member engagement online by 35%. On the political front, the department has passed landmark bills to expand skilled-and-trained language, protect workers, and secure millions for apprenticeship training. As Michael says, “Every VAC hour, every PATCH donation, every conversation with an elected official is an investment in our future—our work hours, our wages, and our families.”

Service: Members First

The DC16 Service Department, led by Director of Service Brett Davis, is dedicated to supporting members by guiding business agents, enforcing contracts, and expanding job opportunities. Over the past year, the department has signed dozens of new painting, drywall, flooring, and glazing shops, secured 16 new Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), and fought to protect jurisdictional work for our trades. Teams across the region have delivered record-setting contract increases, won millions in back wages and benefits, resolved key grievances, and built strong political relationships to keep PLAs in place. As Brett puts it, “Our members are our top priority, and we must expand our presence within the council and local unions to strengthen our union.” With training, recruitment, and organizing efforts on the rise, the Service Department continues to put members first and strengthen the union’s presence throughout District Council 16.

Mental Health and Addiction: No Member Left Behind

Director of Mental Health and Addiction James Boster spoke passionately about supporting members through recovery.

“If you’re struggling—or if your child or loved one is—there is no judgment. We will do anything to help you,” James said.

To date, 99 members have been helped, with the next Spanish-speaking Recovery Night scheduled for February. James reminded members that this program exists because DC16 is committed to saving lives and building a culture of care.

IUPAT Leadership: Fighting for Our Future

IUPAT President Jimmy Williams Jr. closed the meeting with a powerful address. He praised the work of DC16’s directors, while also warning of the challenges facing unions across the country.

“Politics matter. Legislation matters. But most importantly, our members must know what’s going on,” Williams said.

“It’s getting harder and harder for working families to survive in this economy without a union. We must re-educate ourselves on what it means to be union and live those values every day.”

He reminded members that healthcare costs, political division, and attacks on workers’ rights are at historic highs—but that unity, education, and commitment to the mission will see us through.

“Our mission is to better people’s lives. From the bottom of my heart, we are going to give it our all—fighting like hell for our future.”

Moving Forward Together

From training programs to compliance victories, recovery support to political advocacy, every department of DC16 is working relentlessly—often 12 to 14 hours a day, seven days a week—to serve the membership.

The meeting underscored a simple truth: We are stronger together. DC16 remains dedicated to protecting our members, raising industry standards, and creating opportunities for future generations.