FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 15, 2019)
Contact on behalf of IUPAT: Ryan Schweizer (317) 999-5188 or rschweizer@iupatdc91.org
IUPAT Hosts 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg to Discuss Policies for the Working Class
IUPAT Hosting Candidates in Run-up to Union’s August Convention
HOUSTON– Presidential candidate Mayor Pete Buttigieg spoke with leaders and members of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 91 on Monday, July 15 about protecting union apprenticeships and strengthening the middle class.
“It was an honor to host Pete Buttigieg, the only presidential candidate from our District Council’s region, at South Bend’s Labor Temple. 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 91 Business Manager Shawn Solner.
“We also want them to see the extraordinary work being done collaboratively between industry partners and the union. IUPAT DC 91 represents workers from all backgrounds and is proud to provide a career path for them to join the middle class,” said Solner.
Buttigieg met with IUPAT leaders and answered questions from members regarding his policy platform, including his plans to help immigrant communities, his concerns about a destabilizing era of automation in US industries and his support of registered apprenticeship programs.
Thank you to IUPAT DC 91 for inviting me to sit down and talk about issues that matter to working families in the Midwest and across the country. Organized labor made the middle-class lifestyle possible. The 40-hour work week, basic labor protections, safety, and child labor protections all came to be because groups like IUPAT DC 91 stood up and demanded them. Today more than ever it’s important for us to stand up for organized labor and the quality union apprenticeships at the heart of these organizations.
“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,” Solner said.
In the run-up to the IUPAT’s August convention, Solner 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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