What’s New!?

It’s a new year and it’s time to get involved. Did you know that the Volunteer Activist Committee (VAC) is a program of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 16 (Northern California and Nevada) designed to engage union members and their families in community service and political advocacy? Members who volunteer at at least three events within a calendar year are invited to the annual VAC Banquet. Last year we recorded an impressive 232 events with 517 members qualified and 490 who didn’t quite make it. The Banquet is scheduled to be held on March 7^th at Casa Real. If you qualified, you should be expecting your invite in about two weeks. Spouses and children are encouraged to participate alongside members and can also qualify for the banquet by attending three events. So lets make this year even better than last year, check the VAC calender on the DC16 website and lets get involved!!!

As you all should know, both the contracts for Painters and Tapers will be expiring in June. Local 3 sent out a Unite message on Tuesday with a questionnaire requesting feedback on what our membership would like to see on this upcoming contract. We are asking that everyone take a few minutes to give us some feedback. We will be presenting all compiled data to BM/ST Williams for negotiations. We would also like to thank everyone that has replied already. If you haven’t received the text, please contact your business rep. As we prepare for the expiration of our contracts, please start preparing for the possibility of a strike by saving some money just in case. Remember that all voices matter and we are stronger together. In solidarity!

Our General President, Jimmy Williams, along with other members of the IUPAT are coming to DC16 to do the Building Union Power campaign from March 9-13^th. This will be an intense week of speaking to our new apprentices, going out to jobs, and talking to members. We are looking to highlight projects that have 3 to 4 of our crafts on site, so if you’re on a job where other DC16 members are, please contact your Business Representative. This will be a great opportunity to speak directly to BM/ST Robert Williams and GP Jimmy Williams with any questions you may have.