A Period of Progress, Pushing, and Power

Posted January 5, 2026

By Richard Cabral

Across our jurisdiction, from Brockton to Boston, Taunton to the Cape, DC 35 has moved with purpose. Jurisdiction defended. Work secured. Voices united. Projects influenced. Standards protected. Futures shaped.

This wasn’t just a season of routine business, it was a period where the Council acted more like an engine firing on every cylinder, driving progress, building relationships, and opening doors that didn’t exist before.

The “Show Up” Factor: The New DC 35 Identity

Over the last six months one theme was unmistakable:

The Council that shows up, wins.

When developers call, we show up.
When a non-union outfit crosses the line, we show up.
When a steward needs support, we show up.
When the community calls for solidarity, we show up.
When politics put our standards at risk, we show up.
Six months ago, DC 35 was already strong.

Today, we are louder, sharper, more coordinated, and more present than ever before.

Jurisdiction Protected And Proven: FM Global – A Real-Time Example of Union Power.

One of the defining moments of this period came when we blocked non-union line striping at FM Global. Before the paint even hit the pavement, DC 35 coordinated a meeting between the steward, the general contractor, and our signatory subcontractor. The work went to our members, and they got the hours. This wasn’t luck. This was organization, presence, and teamwork.

FM Global was one of many interventions over the past six months:

Walking jobs to identify issues early.
Stopping problems before they escalate.
Pushing for compliance and best practices.
Strengthening relationships across the region.

Our presence is a deterrent. Our coordination is a strategy. Our reputation is leverage.

The PLA Push: Building Tomorrow’s Work Today

If the last months had a headline, it would be, “Pushing A PLA Momentum Across the Region.” We had multiple major projects where our advocacy is helping to shape the future:

Mashed Wampanoag Casino in Taunton, where PLA discussions are gaining traction.
Brockton High School, where work with Building Trades and political leaders is ongoing.
Vineyard Wind, protecting union jurisdiction amid political challenges.
Brockton Fairgrounds, early-stage development with major potential.
Mass Pike Plaza Redevelopment, a $750 million overhaul of 18 service plazas.
35–75 Morrissey Blvd in Dorchester, with hundreds of units and major community space.

PLAs aren’t paperwork. They’re long-term economic engines for our members, and DC 35 has been in every room where these decisions are being shaped.

Brockton: a Blueprint for Political Power

Brockton emerged as one of the most important regions this period. Why?

Because political partnerships plus community engagement equals work for our members.

Meetings with city leaders
Conversations with candidates
PLA commitments secured
Building Trades unity strengthened
Member outreach expanded

DC 35 didn’t just participate in political discussions; we helped define them.

Major Developments on the Horizon

The BPDA pipeline is full of major projects representing millions of square feet of work opportunities. Many already carry PLAs, and many more are being pushed toward them.

A look at the biggest developments:

Dorchester Bay City (PLA) – 6 million sq. ft.
Mary Ellen McCormack Redevelopment (PLA)
Edison Power Plant Redevelopment (PLA)
Dana Farber Cancer Institute expansion (PLA)
391 D Street – PLA potential
Northeastern University – Matthews Arena renovation and new dorm
Reserved Channel at 300 West First – 1.75 million sq. ft. of development

Training: Preparing Members for the Next Era

The last six months pushed us into a new phase of training and development.

DC 35 advanced:

GWO (Global Wind Organization) training
Rope Access training (SPRAT/IRATA)
HUET offshore training
Cutting-edge craft development
IUPAT commercial Paint Craft meeting talking about Participation in discussions on robotics, AI, and advanced technologies

We aren’t waiting for renewable energy and new technologies to reach our doorstep. We’re preparing our members right now.

Community, Culture & Commitment

If the work we do is the muscle, our community engagement is the heartbeat.

This period saw DC 35 participate in:

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute 10th Anniversary Celebration
Boston’s first Labor Day Parade
Mental health and Peer Program initiatives
Community outreach walks
Steward training
Craft committee meetings
Education and member support events

We didn’t just show up for jobs we showed up for people.

Contract Enforcement: Respecting the Standard

One major storyline involved the Joint Trade Board reviewing five serious charges against a signatory contractor. After a full review, the contractor was found guilty on all counts.

This was not about punishment, it was about principle.

The CBA is the backbone of our work. If we don’t defend it, it weakens. If we do, it strengthens the entire trade. DC 35 chose strength.

A New Four-Year CBA: A Contract That Speaks for Itself.

The newly ratified contract delivered:

Higher compensation
Stronger steward protections
Improved foreman and tank work rates
A defined apprentice ratio
Higher staging pay for Glaziers
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is recognized as an official holiday

This agreement represents unity, engagement, and member commitment.

A Look Ahead: Build, Defend, Expand, Elevate

DC 35 isn’t waiting for the future; we are building it.

PLA by PLA, jobsite by jobsite, contractor by contractor, member by member.

The foundation has been poured.

Now it’s time to rise.

My Holiday Message to the Membership, Retirees, Staff, and Everyone in Between

As we finish this stretch and look toward a new year, I want to express my sincere gratitude to every member of District Council 35:

Your skill
Your pride
Your unity
Your professionalism
Your willingness to stand together

This is the force behind every victory we’ve achieved.