FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 24, 2019)
Contact on behalf of IUPAT: John Doherty at (617) 592-2230 or jdoherty@www.iupat.org
IUPAT Hosts 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate
Amy Klobuchar At Union’s State-of-the-Art Training Facility
IUPAT Hosting Candidates in Run-up to Union’s August Convention
WARREN, MI — Presidential candidate US Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MI) toured the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 1M’s state-of-the-art training center on Wednesday, July 24, and spoke with workers about strengthening the middle class.
“It was an honor to host Amy Klobuchar at our Warren facility. These visits are opportunities for candidates to discuss their policy proposals and hear about the issues that matter to our members, like protecting union apprenticeships and improving the economy,” said IUPAT District Council 1M Business Manager Robert Gonzalez.
“We also want candidates to see the extraordinary work being done collaboratively at our training facilities between industry partners and the union. Our apprentices receive training focused on high-quality, professional craftsmanship and safety, preparing them for great careers and offering an entry into the middle class,” said Gonzalez.
Klobuchar toured the IUPAT’s Finishing Trades Institute training facility in Warren, a state-of-the-art apprenticeship program for industrial application and painting, teaching the proper processes and controls to prevent corrosion.
“Today and every day, I stand with unions like the IUPAT as they offer a path to a better life,” said Senator Klobuchar. “I was grateful to meet with leaders and members of the IUPAT to hear about the issues that matter to their members and families, like preserving union apprenticeships. For decades, the labor movement has improved the lives of the middle class, built up American infrastructure, and protected workers. Unions like the IUPAT are on the front lines advocating for working people, and I will always stand up and fight alongside them.”
“The IUPAT invest in our apprentices and providing rigorous, real-world skills for a high-paying career, paving the way for the success of our workers, our communities, and the public. As the Department of Labor’s misguided Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs now threaten our collaborative programs, we must all stand together to protect our apprentices and our union,” Gonzalez said.
In the run-up to the IUPAT’s August convention, Gonzalez said the IUPAT is looking forward to hearing presidential candidates’ ideas on strengthening the economy, funding infrastructure projects, creating an opportunity for all, and immigration reform, all of which are important for many IUPAT members and tens of thousands of workers in our country.
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Photo Captions:
- Photo 1: Presidential Candidate Amy Klobuchar interacts with members and trainers while touring the IUPAT DC 1M training facility.
- Photo 2: Presidential Candidate Amy Klobuchar speaks to the IUPAT members and families.
- Photo 3: Members of the IUPAT and presidential Candidate Amy Klobuchar gather at the IUPAT training facility.