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Hey, you senators: Thanks for nothing

A few parting words for the senators who squashed the auto rescue

Do you want to watch us drown? Is that it? Do want to see the last gurgle of economic air spit from our lips? If so, senators, know this: You’ll go down with us. America isn’t America without an auto industry. You can argue whether $14 billion would have saved it, but you surely tried to kill it.

We have grease on our hands.

You have blood.

Read more here...

LMCI Wraps Another Successful Finishing Industries Forum!

On Thursday, November 13, the Painters and Allied Trades Labor Management Cooperation Initiative (LMCI) closed its fourth annual Finishing Industries Forum in Las Vegas. The event was created bring leaders in the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) together with their signatory contractors to attend workshops and hear presentations that provide valuable tools to build a better business partnership.
Read More...

The IUPAT is on a Roll in Florida for the Obama/Biden Ticket!

Washington, DC -- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) General President James Williams and union staff will be traveling the country to meet with local labor leaders and union members to rally support for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama
Read More...

Labor Leader of the Week: Terry Nelson - IUPAT

Terry Nelson got his first union card at age 16 and says, “I have seen the difference union membership makes.” Nelson joined the Minneapolis Painters in 1982 and he has been a Trustee of the local’s Health & Welfare and Pension funds, served as President of Local 386 and as Delegate to the MN Building and Construction Trades Council.

Nelson believes that IUPAT’s success comes from a committed membership and a progressive national leadership team.. He especially appreciates the International’s focus on getting “feet to the street.” Read More...

GOP candidates address key issues in Columbus

Flanked by American flags and a sign proclaiming "Victory in Ohio," Republican state officials spoke to a crowd who later greeted presidential candidate Sen. John McCain and vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin with thunderous applause.

Joe Crytser, a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, said he and a few of his fellow union members were there because of what he described as McCain's dismissive attitude toward the middle class. Bexley resident Judy Scurci was there to remind the Republican candidates that Sen. John Kerry won Franklin County in 2004. Read More...

Shorebound Fisherman Wins Bass Boat in Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Giveaway

Lonnie Tinder, a Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) member in Phoenix, was an avid and dedicated fisherman with a slight problem. He had no boat. Tinder, also a member of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), would cast his lines from the banks and in trout streams. For a day of bass fishing, he had to count on friends with a boat.

But not anymore.Read More...

Union Leaders Confronted by Resistance to Obama

NEENAH, Wis. — When Mike Pyne and other union foot soldiers knock on doors to promote Senator Barack Obama, they often confront a tricky challenge: how to persuade union members to vote on the basis of their wallets rather than on issues like abortion, gun rights and race.
MacDavis Slade, a political activist with the painters’ union, said “some people are having a hard time seeing things for what they are or hearing what he has to say.” Read More...

Viebrock challenges Rodne for 5th District seat

After four years as the 5th District’s representative in Olympia, Republican Jay Rodne has had a chance to make things happen.The North Bend resident said, however, he has been frustrated by the Democratic majority who has overruled many of his suggestions and outweighed his party’s platform and many of his own initiatives that fall on partisan lines.

Viebrock, a Democrat, is challenging Rep. Jay Rodne, R-North Bend, for the House seat. It is the first foray into politics for Viebrock, a 41-year-old ex-Marine, drywall foreman and member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. Read More...

The New IUPAT Election Watch Web Site! UP AND RUNNING!

Videos, articles and links to cutting edge political web sites, click HERE for all the latest news and information to make your choice on Election Day.

Invisible Army
Seattle's Housing Boom Relies on Undocumented "Independent Contractors"

Jeff Kelly, a field representative for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council #5, says, "You've got people building low-income housing who can't even afford to live in low-income housing." If the undocumented workers speak up, Kelly says, they risk losing their jobs—and they won't sue their employers because going to court would mean risking deportation. Read more...

Video: Meet Boss Bigman and Find Out Why We Need Employee Free Choice

The workers’ advocacy group American Rights at Work has launched a campaign to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, which will restore balance in the workplace. This week, the organization teamed up with the award-winning producers at Brave New Films to make a humorous—but, unfortunately, true-to-life—video. (See video here.)

USA to Give Away NASCAR Trip for Two
All USA members through Oct. 15, 2008 are qualified to win Texas Motor Speedway package

NASHVILLE—In November 2008, one lucky member of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and a guest will head to the Lone Star State for a weekend of NASCAR racing at the Texas Motor Speedway, compliments of the USA and Beretta-USA.
The fully-loaded prize package valued at more than $6,000 includes airfare, three nights lodging, two tickets to the fall 2008 Texas Motor Speedway weekend races along with VIP passes to the Beretta private suite and pit passes. Plus, the winner will receive a brand new U.S. made Beretta American Citizen shotgun. Read more...

Palin Acceptance Speech at RNC – Omissions and Facts

We all know that Republican Vice Presidential nominee Governor Sarah Palin made her first big speech to the nation on September 3rd. While there are many applauding her performance, others were struck by something else: omissions and facts . Read More ...

Barack Obama – “I Believe in Unions.”

Watch Senator Barack Obama talk about how he believes unions make for a better America. Watch two televised speeches HERE and HERE.


AFL-CIO Labor 2008

Local Union Spotlight: IUPAT District Council 82 IUPAT District Council 82, based out of Little Canada, MN is stepping up to the plate for Labor 2008! IUPAT District Council 82 brings together approximately 3,500 members in the Painting and Allied Trades. Volunteerism and community service projects are a strong part of this District’s activities. For “Christmas in May,” twelve of their members volunteered to build a deck and paint houses for community members who are low income; elderly and disabled. Read More...
		From left: Paul Richards, IUPAT 880, DC 82 ;Rod Hogetvedt, IUPAT 386, DC 82; Jim Hodenfield, IUPAT 681, DC 82. / Photo credit: Casie Yoder

AFL-CIO Forms New Union Veterans Council
The men and women who served our country in the military deserve more than lip service. They deserve the best.

Some 2.1 million union members, or 14 percent of all union members, are veterans of military service. The AFL-CIO is bringing together union leaders and members who are veterans to speak out to and hold government officials and candidates accountable to the needs of our returning heroes—not only for Labor 2008, but beyond. Read More...

White Plains drivers seek fare increase

Richard Liebson - The Journal News
August 10, 2008

WHITE PLAINS - Taxi drivers faced with increased fuel, insurance and maintenance costs are lobbying the city for a fare increase, more taxi stands and better enforcement of rules governing out-of-town "gypsy" cabs. Read More...

Local union questions O’Reilly’s working class credentials, calls for tax returns
By Jeremy P. Jacobs

A local union has questioned Ed O'Reilly's "working class guy" campaign persona, charging that O'Reilly has neglected to hire unionized workers.

In a letter to O'Reilly (D-Gloucester) earlier this week obtained by PolitickerMA.com on Friday, the local chapter of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, a branch of the AFL-CIO, sharply criticized O'Reilly for not hiring unionized painters to paint his campaign office. Read More...

IUPAT on YouTube

Calling all IUPAT members who are YouTube video makers! The IUPAT now has its own channel on YouTube. If you've made a video and posted it on YouTube, email gmcdonald@iupat.org with the video link. We'll post it as a favorite on our YouTube channel for all of your fellow members to see.

Visit the new channel at www.YouTube.com/GoIUPAT!

Action in Alaska
A report from IUPAT Local Union 1959

You may have noticed some changes at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades this summer. On July 1, 2008 Local 1140 in Anchorage merged with Local 1555 in Fairbanks to create Local 1959. The 360 members of this new local are industrial, commercial and residential painters, as well as drywall finishers, floor coverers, and glaziers. Read more...

Despite downturn, unions seek to organize residential builders
By Alexandra Berzon - Las Vegas Sun
Mon, Aug 4, 2008

Last week a wooden plank fell on Eduardo Acevedo and badly injured his finger while he was building houses for the construction company SelectBuild.

Then, he says, his boss tried to fire him. Read more...

Attention IUPAT Sportsmen!

Did you know there's a premier hunting and fishing club that is exclusively for union members?
Click HERE to learn more about the Union Sportsmen Alliance and what membership can mean for you when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors.

Sargent secures key union endorsement in 81st Assembly race
The Capital Times - Madison, Wisconsin
John Nichols — 7/17/2008 3:38 pm

The Painters union does not have so large a membership as some other labor groups, but it has established a reputation in recent years as one of the savviest and most effective unions in the country when it comes to playing the political game. Read more...

Mid Rivers Newsmagazine
Cottleville City Center set to open later this year
By Mary Ann O'Toole Holley

It’s been more than a year in the making, but the new Cottleville City Center is taking shape as carpenters, bricklayers, electricians, glaziers, plumbers and more work together to create what Cottleville Mayor Don Yarber calls “a dream come true.” Read more...

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Endorses Obama for President
Washington, DC – June 19, 2008 – The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades today endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States. The union, which represents more than 140,000 skilled construction and design workers, cited Obama's leadership on labor issues, workers' rights and strengthening the economy for hardworking Americans. Read more...

Building and Construction Trades Department Endorses Senator Barack Obama for President
Vote by Governing Board of Presidents is Unanimous…All 13 Affiliated Unions Vow Unprecedented Political Education and Mobilization Effort

WASHINGTON, DC - The Building and Construction Trades Department today (Wednesday, June 18) announced its endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. The endorsement was made official after the Department’s Governing Board of Presidents approved the endorsement by unanimous vote. Read more...

IUPAT Appoints Organizing Chief
General President James A. Williams has tasked Greg Raftery to head the organizing department for the International as a special assistant to the general president.   Although the general president will continue to act as the director of organizing (as mandated by the IUPAT General Constitution), brother Raftery is now responsible for coordinating and driving organizing efforts on the International level. Click here to read more...

Union Members: It's Time to Unite in Atlantic City!
On June 21, thousands of union members will descend on Atlantic City and its famous boardwalk to demand justice Story Continued HERE...

Attention Women of the IUPAT!
Not very long ago, our mothers (sisters, aunts, cousins and ourselves) brought forth on this continent, a new notion, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that when it comes to earning a paycheck, all women were created equal to men. Story Continued HERE..

IUPAT Employers and Union Leaders Meet in Atlantic City
On May 28, 2008, the Painter and Allied Trades Labor Management Cooperation Initiative (LMCI) hosted a Round Table Meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Story Continued HERE...

Labor volunteers assist 'Christmas in May' home fix-up event
CHASKA?-?Painters Local 61 member Jim Fleischhacker cautioned a community volunteer high on a ladder, her paintbrush in hand: "Don't reach out too far?" Story Continued HERE...

Member to Remember in St. Louis
IUPAT Executive General Vice President Kenneth Rigmaiden addresses members of IUPAT District Council 2 in St. Louis about the union's new Member to Remember program and issues such as the Employee Free Choice Act. Story Continued HERE...

District Council 3 Kicks Off Labor 2008 Campaign
Activist members of District Council 3 in Missouri recently gathered to be briefed on political issues IUPAT families need to know about in the 2008 election. Story Continued HERE...

IUPAT Rallies in the Hoosier State
Members of the Black and Gold Army of the IUPAT have been working hard to win Indiana for Senator Hillary Clinton. Story Continued HERE...

IUPAT Provides Momentum in Pennsylvania for Hillary!
The Army of Black and Gold made its presence known in Pennsylvania on its election day April 22, 2008.  Members from throughout the state donned their IUPAT for Hillary shirts and carried signs to rallies, get out the vote efforts and phone banks. Story Continued HERE...

New Jersey Drywall Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Remain with the International Union of
Painters and Allied Trades
Vote result ends attempted raid by the Carpenters Union

April 24, 2008 - New Jersey --- The National Labor Relations Board Announced today that the members of International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 711 overwhelmingly voted to remain in the IUPAT rather than join the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBC) this week in New Jersey.  Of those eligible to vote in the drywall finishing unit, 94 percent chose the IUPAT. Story Continued HERE...

IUPAT Wraps Up a Strong Presence at National Legislative Conference
On the week of April 14, 2008, the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department held its annual legislative conference with much fanfare and success.  In addition to hosting numerous influential lawmakers, including the contenders for the Democratic nominee for president, the BCTD was celebrating its 100th Anniversary as well. Story Continued HERE...

'On the Job Site' with Sign Display and Allied Crafts Local Union 510 The Show Must Go On
By Richard Bermack Contributing Writer "Organized Labor"

The cyberworld of online shopping was predicted to be the end of trade shows, but just the opposite happened. In the last few years, trade shows have blossomed into a major Bay Area industry. The larger shows attract between 50,000 to 100,000 visitors. Many of the shows feature theatrical performances with major stars. Over a million people attend trade shows in the Bay Area each year, according to Sign Display and Allied Crafts Local Union 510 Representative Mike Hardeman. "People are hungry for the touch and feel of products, and the company of other people with similar interests," he explains.

Each week Local 510 members transform huge empty halls at convention centers and hotels into small metropolises with hundreds of booths and flashing lights. The booths feature state-of-the-art technology, including 5-foot video screens, and an array of glitzy gizmos to showcase new products, from electronics to transportation to medicine. And when it's over, they take it back down and get ready to set up the next show. Click HERE to read more...

Look Out, Hollywood!
The AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department recently announced an amateur video contest that invited union members in all of the Building Trades to create a video message about the organized labor movement. Unfortunately, that contest was cancelled. However, the your International wants to make certain that the hard work of several of our members is seen by as many as possible. So, click on on the links below and watch some impressive videos produced by our members as they tell us all what it means to be UNION! Click here to see our members videos!

Report: Construction Defects Common in Pulte and Del Webb Homes
A report out today details construction defects in Pulte and Del Webb homes—and traces them to the poor working conditions of the major homebuilders’ low-wage workforce. Katrina Blomdahl, AFL-CIO Voice@Work communications specialist, has more here.

The IUPAT Endorses Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Governor Mike Huckabee
In a landmark ballot vote, members and retirees of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades voted to endorse the campaigns of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Governor Mike Huckabee to become the presidential nominee of their respective parties.

Want to know more about these candidates and others? Click HERE to read the Election Issue of the Journal.

IUPAT District Council 36 has established a fund to help provide for the families of our fallen members. Click here to find out how you can help.

Ask the General President
Upon taking office the General President Williams promised to always listen to the needs, questions and comments of his fellow members. He has decided to take advantage of this web site as a way to stay in constant contact with the members of the IUPAT. Read more...