A New Year of Strength & Solidarity 

By Mike Pickup 

As we take down the holiday decorations and look ahead to a new year, I want to start by wishing you and your families all the best for 2026. I hope you had a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. 

Stepping into January, it’s natural to wonder what the future holds. I can tell you this: our future is being built, right now, by our own hands, from the heart of the city to the most prestigious college campuses in the region. 

If you look across Boston’s skyline, you’ll see the proof of our work. Our brothers and sisters are shaping the city from the ground up. In Kendall Square, our crew with Massey is setting the glass on 121 Broadway and digging in on 75 Broadway. And in Allston, Midland is beginning work on the new Strider Hotel. These aren’t just buildings; they are monuments to our skill and a powerful signal that when there’s major work to be done, they call the glaziers of Local 1044. 

And the momentum doesn’t stop at the city line. The landscape of our region is being transformed by our work. We are building the future of education itself: 

• At Brandeis University, we’re gearing up for a huge new five-story, 631-room residence hall. The general contractor is Dimeo, and our own JK Glass Co will do the glazing. 
• At Bentley University, the massive $85 million renovation of the Adamian Academic Center is underway. With Consigli as the GC, the glass package will be handled by our signatory contractor, Salem. 
• And now, at Babson University, we have secured the glazing for a new 77,600 square-foot executive Lodge. With Lee Kennedy as the general contractor, our brothers and sisters at Sunrise Erectors will be on the job. 
• This is what a full pipeline looks like. This is the direct result of our union’s reputation for quality and our strong contractor relationships. 

Meanwhile, the political victory we fought for is paying off. Thanks to our labor champion, Mayor Moises Rodrigues, the new Brockton High School will be built under a Project Labor Agreement. This stands as a testament to what we can achieve together. It’s a down payment on years of steady work for our members. That win in Brockton isn’t just a headline; it’s our political power turning into family-sustaining paychecks. 

So as we face the winter, let’s do it with the confidence of a union that is actively building its own destiny. We have members on the tools on major projects today, and we have fought to secure the work of tomorrow. 

Let’s step into this new year together, ready for the work ahead and proud of what we’ve already accomplished. 

Staying Strong Together 

This is also a time of year to remember that our bond doesn’t end at the job site. We are a family. If you or a brother or sister is facing tough times between calls, my door is always open. We have resources, and we will face any challenge together, just as we always have. 

Let’s also resolve to sharpen our skills for the opportunities ahead. We are proud to announce that our new 120,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art training facility is now open at 120 Steadman St. in Lowell. This $20 million investment in our members ensures we remain the most skilled and safest glaziers in the area. Let’s use this incredible new resource to get even better. 

I look forward to seeing you all and sharing more about our plans at the first Union Meeting of the year on Monday, January 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM at 25 Colgate Rd. Your voice is essential as we chart our course for the year. 

Here’s to a year of good work, strong solidarity, and building a future we can all be proud of.