FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 10, 2019)
Contact on behalf of IUPAT: Jennifer Hernandez Jennifer.Hernandez@Iupatdc88.com or 832-229-9211
IUPAT Hosts 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders At Union’s State-of-the-Art Training Facility
IUPAT Hosting Candidates in Run-up to Union’s August Convention
HOUSTON– Presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders toured the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 88’s state-of-the-art training center on Friday, July 5, and spoke with workers about strengthening the middle class.
“It was an honor to host Bernie Sanders at our Houston facility. The visits are opportunities for the candidates to discuss their values and proposals to improve the economy and strengthen the middle class,” said IUPAT District Council 88 Business Manager Eric Porter.
“We also want them to see the extraordinary work being done collaboratively at our training facilities between industry partners and the union. IUPAT DC 88 represents workers from all background and is proud to provide a career path for them to join the middle class,” said Porter.
Sanders toured the IUPAT’s Houston Finishing Trades Institute training facility in Houston, a first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art apprenticeship program for industrial coating and painting, teaching the proper processes and controls to prevent corrosion.
“IUPAT is leading the way on building and fighting for apprentice training facilities, like the one I had the pleasure of visiting in Houston,” said Senator Sanders. “We need job training that focuses on long-term quality, safety, and longevity – not on short-term profits and hastiness.
We must fight alongside our union brothers and sisters to protect such institutions. I thank IUPAT for bringing attention to Mick Mulvaney’s misguided ‘Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs’ that will prioritize poor training standards and increased work pace over the safety of workers and the public. Pro-worker, union-led apprenticeship programs are the backbone of our nation’s economy and infrastructure. Together we will build an economy and infrastructure that puts people over profits, and helps everyone get the training they need.”
“Unions are paving the way for workers to join the middle class through apprenticeship programs that provide rigorous, real-world skills for a high-paying career. Future employers can be confident that IUPAT apprentices receive training focused on high-quality, professional craftsmanship and safety,” Porter said.
In the run-up to the IUPAT’s August convention, Porter 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 Bernie Sanders speaks to the IUPAT members and families.
- Photo 2: Members of IUPAT DC 88 and Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders gather at the DC 88 training facility.
- Photo 3: Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders is welcomed by IUPAT DC 88’s Director of Training Dena Owens.
- Photo 4: Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders and IUPAT DC 88’s Business Manager Eric Porter tour the DC 88 training facility.