On March 17, 2005, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York effectively ended an ongoing jurisdictional dispute over drywall finishing between the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades – Local Union 1974 (IUPAT) and The Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association – Local 530 (OPCMIA). His decision made it clear the IUPAT is THE union that does drywall work in New York City.

It has been a long road, nearly 30 years, and this dispute has taken its toll on both international unions. It’s been bad for the city, it’s been bad for each union, and it was definitely bad for the overall labor movement. We are grateful that this fight to protect the work of IUPAT members has ended successfully, and we congratulate the officers and members of IUPAT District Council 9 and Local 1974. Their perseverance and skill throughout this struggle made it possible for this organization to preserve our membership’s livelihood.

This is not only a new day for our Local Union 1974, but it is also a new start for many former members of the OPCMIA in New York City. The IUPAT welcomes those who formerly worked in drywall finishing through Local 530 to continue their career in our union. We pledge to fulfill the deciding judge’s prediction that you will be better off in a local union that considers its members’ interests its top priority.

In Washington, D.C., the leadership of the IUPAT and the OPCMIA met and pledged that the transition will be handled fairly, honestly and honorably. We thank our brothers in the OPCMIA for their commitment to the betterment of all Building Trades and AFL-CIO members, and we pledge that we will respond in kind.

I promise that there is more news to come, I will keep you all updated as it develops.

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