Brothers and Sisters,

Juan Rosales and I just returned from the 33^rd General Convention of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. It was a very productive Convention and there are many Resolutions that we will report out on at our October 2024 regular Union Meeting as there is just not enough time to put it together for our September 2024 meeting. I will report out that the DC16 Local 294 Resolution 10 regarding Strategic Organizing was moved second and carried without opposition and Juan and I were very honored to read a speech from the stage with the DC16 Organizing Team standing behind us in support. Below is the speech we read together. 

Please be sure to attend the October Regular Union Meeting as we will go over the changes in the constitution that affect us all.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the W.M. B Saleh family as William Burton (Bill) Saleh Jr passed away on August 16^th, 2024 at the age of 87.

Speech:

Good [morning/afternoon/evening] Brothers and Sisters,

Today, we stand united under a shared vision: to enhance our union’s strength and expand our reach through strategic organizing and commitment. The IUPAT’s dedication to growing our membership and increasing opportunities is not just a goal—it’s a resolute commitment embedded in our actions and strategies.

Our focus starts with the relationships we build within the industry. From strengthening ties with building trades and engaging with the Central Labor Council to collaborating with signatory employers, these connections form the foundation of our success. Through these relationships, we gain crucial insights and support, which propel our campaigns forward. Engaging with these key stakeholders and transforming our interactions into actionable results will drive our efforts to new heights.

Politically, our influence must match our ambitions. Our policies shape the landscape in which we operate, impacting every aspect of our work. By staying informed about the current officeholders—whether city councils, school boards, county supervisors, or water districts—we ensure that our voice is heard and our interests are represented. Our participation in these political arenas must translate into tangible actions that align with our goals and secure our position.

Today, we celebrate not just our achievements, but the bold vision and tireless work behind them. Over the past four years, our Repaint Campaign has been a testament to our collective strength and strategic acumen. With a remarkable 60% growth in market share, we have demonstrated what’s possible when we unite our efforts and leverage our resources effectively.

To keep up the momentum, we need ongoing, updated research and impactful learning opportunities. This is crucial for both new and seasoned organizers. Our commitment to retaining and developing organizers is reflected in our efforts to create pathways and pipelines for growth within our ranks. By investing in our people and resources, we ensure that our District Councils are equipped to achieve the ambitious goal of a net gain of 10,000 new members by the next convention.

In conclusion, reaffirming our commitment to long-term, strategic organizing investments is not just a resolution—it’s a pledge to every member and every organizer. It is a commitment to growth, development, and unity. By continuing to develop models for shared learning, enhancing our research capacity, and fostering leadership development, we position ourselves for success.

Together, let’s continue to drive these efforts into action, ensuring that our collective strength and determination lead us to a future where our union thrives and our impact is felt across every corner of our industry.

Thank you.