As the North America’s Building Trades Unions Legislative Conference comes to an end this week, hundreds of delegates representing the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers on issues important to our members.
The day began with some remarks from IUPAT General President Kenneth Rigmaiden on what’s at stake in this election and how members of the IUPAT can make a difference. “I want to recognize the dedication of each and every one of you in this room this morning,” said Rigmaiden. “Because of you and your leadership, we have made an impact on the political process because of our political activism.
“We have made tremendous strides in advancing a legislative agenda that is directly tied to the organizational goals I and the IUPAT General Executive Board have set, as well as on the organizing campaigns we are currently waging.
“From getting a grant program included in the energy bill so that our glazing training programs can be outfitted to meet the glazier certifications that are currently in the process of being completed, to passing language requiring the Army Corps of Engineers to release new bidding guidelines that promote the utilization of industrial coatings industry standards.
“While we have a great team that is working these halls every day for us, your efforts on the local level and your visits here are critical to our success.”
It is an election year and the Army of Black and Gold has gone into high gear to elect pro-labor leaders and rally for the laws and initiatives that will support working families.