FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 18, 2019)
Contact on behalf of IUPAT: Roxana Mejia roxanamejia@verizon.net or (301) 918-0182 ext. 107
IUPAT Hosts 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate
Cory Booker At Union’s State-of-the-Art Training Facility
IUPAT Hosting Candidates in Run-up to Union’s August Convention
LANHAM, MD — Presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker toured the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 51’s state-of-the-art training center on Thursday, July 18, and spoke with workers about strengthening the middle class.
“It was an honor to host Cory Booker at our Lanham facility. These visits are opportunities for candidates to discuss their policy proposals and for our union to explain the issues that matter to our members, like protecting union apprenticeships and improving the economy,” said IUPAT District Council 51 Business Manager Lynn Taylor.
“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 Taylor.
Booker toured the IUPAT’s Finishing Trades Institute training facility in Lanham, 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.
“I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with the good people of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades,” said Senator Booker. “I’ve seen firsthand the importance and power of unions in ensuring that dreams of jobs of dignity are a reality. And today, I proudly reiterated my steadfast commitment to continue empowering unions and strengthening worker protecting across the country.”
“Unions are paving the way for the success of our workers, our communities, and the public. By investing in our apprentices and providing rigorous, real-world skills for a high-paying career, the IUPAT ensures that our workers are primed to join the middle class,” Taylor said.
In the run-up to the IUPAT’s August convention, Taylor 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 Cory Booker interacts with members and trainers while touring the DC 51 training facility.
- Photo 2: IUPAT DC 51’s Director of Political Affairs Roxana Mejia speaks to the audience about the priorities of the IUPAT members and families.
- Photo 4: Members of the IUPAT and Presidential Candidate Cory Booker gather at the IUPAT training facility.