News
News
News
FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT
As the end of the year approaches, I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our Brothers and Sisters. It has been an honor to serve our membership alongside a great team of labor [...]
NEW WORK AND POTENTIAL NEW MEMBERS ON THE HORIZON
It’s hard to believe that the holidays are already upon us, but it’s been a great and exciting year for DC 35! Anyone who knows me knows that I love this Union, so it was an honor to be nominated [...]
APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT – LILY KERR
In an effort to educate local municipal leaders about the many labor-related provisions included in new federal laws, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, [...]
UNITING FOR JOBS, BENEFITS, AND A PROSPEROUS FUTURE
Seasons change but the goals remain the same here at District Council 35. Jobs, jobs, jobs continue to be the driving force of your Leadership Team here at DC 35 and improving work opportunities [...]
REFLECTING ON A YEAR OF UNITY AND PROGRESS
Dear Brothers and Sisters, As we approach the end of another year, I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Jeff Sullivan for his outstanding leadership and 43 years of dedicated [...]
Democratic Attorneys General, painters union recognize effective partnerships to fight wage theft and worker exploitation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 15, 2023 IUPAT DC 35 CONTACT: Libby Smelker, Libby@617MediaGroup.com, 617-485-4801 Mass. Attorney General Campbell, IUPAT DC 35 highlight lessons from [...]
TURNING CAMPAIGN POETRY INTO PRO-WORKER PROSE
It was once noted by former New York Governor Mario Cuomo that elected officials “campaign in poetry, and govern in prose.” The oft-used quote is typically meant to convey that the big ideas and [...]
HITTING THE GROUND AS A NEW ORGANIZER BY BILLY LANG
As my first entry in the DC 35 Newsletter, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the Brothers and Sisters whom I may not have met yet but have the privilege of representing. [...]
ALWAYS REMEMBER THE MEMBERS BY RODRIGO BADARO
“In all you do, ALWAYS remember the members.” I heard this phrase multiple times from retired BM/ST Jeff Sullivan since I joined the staff of DC 35 in January of 2022. After 26 years in the [...]
ORGANIZING OUR INDUSTRY BY JORGE RIVERA
The Organizing Department is going through transitions with a few of the organizers becoming Business Reps/Organizers. This is a testament to the department doing a great job evolving our [...]
ACTIVITY IN THE GLASS AND GLAZING WORLD BY JOE NARDELLI
I would like to start off by saying thank you to the new Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer Chris Brennan for giving me the opportunity to represent and work for the men and women of District [...]
MEMBERS WITH BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS REACH NEW CONTRACT BY MICHAEL LAFFERTY
We finally reached an agreement with the Boston Public Schools in December on a new contract. It was a long and exhausting process with the school department. The contract is split into two [...]
KEEPING UP THE PRESSURE BY RAY PICKUP
To say the team at District Council 35 has hit the ground running would be an understatement. Over the last six months, our entire team has punched above their weight class. We have added key [...]
Distinguished Leadership Award: John Drinkwater
This June, our Director of Government Affairs John Drinkwater was honored at the Massachusetts AFL-CIO’s 2023 Richard L. Trumka Educational Conference alongside former Secretary of Labor Marty [...]
THE BEAT OF OUR DISTRICT COUNCIL BY CHARLES FOGELL
The beat goes on and we continue to build on the foundation of this District Council. Our Business Manager Christian Brennan now has several months of experience weighing in on the day-to-day [...]
MEETING THE CHANGES OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BY CHRISTIAN BRENNAN
In the labor movement, our mission is simple: to fight for the wellbeing of working families everywhere. We are constantly adapting to a changing industry to ensure our members have what they [...]
THE WINDS OF CHANGE BY ERIC REDDING
No matter what, tomorrow always comes, and things are always changing. Our Business Manager Jeff Sullivan has decided to make a change in his life, too. He has celebrated an incredible career of [...]
A FOND FAREWELL BY TONY HERNANDEZ
Thank you, DC 35 members. It was an honor and a privilege to work and represent you for the past 21 years. My career as a Bridge/Industrial Painter began on June 4, 1979, with George Campbell [...]
ORGANIZING OUR INDUSTRY BY JORGE RIVERA
Our department has been infused with new blood, and every single organizer is eager to be involved in this labor movement. We are a very diverse group, and everyone brings something different to [...]
PASSING THE TORCH BY RAY PICKUP
We have had an incredible run the last 13 years with Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Sullivan and our team. Incredible things have been accomplished for our members under the direction of [...]
A FOND FAREWELL BY JEFF SULLIVAN
After 42 years with IUPAT District Council 35, I am proud to have been a part of an organization that fights for workers’ rights every single day, never shies away from a challenge, and takes [...]
NEW BEGINNINGS BY CHRISTIAN BRENNAN
As District Council 35 moves into a new year with many new opportunities, we have much to be thankful for in the past year. I would like to start with congratulating and thanking Jeff Sullivan on [...]
Maura Healey, Our Next Governor!
Jorge Rivera, Director of Organizing As an attorney general, Maura Healey has been a champion for all workers. She has been a partner when we need help standing up to the big bully corporations [...]
Announcing the FTI-NE Website Launch!
IUPAT DC 35 is proud to announce the Finishing Trades Institute of New England’s website launch! Now, all your course registration, apprenticeship and continuing education program needs are [...]
PENSION BENEFIT IMPROVEMENT BY DEBORAH COTTER
The Board of Trustees of the Painters & Allied Trades D.C. 35 Pension Fund is pleased to announce an increase in the pension accrual rate effective July 1, 2020. These improvements are [...]
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: BRYAN O’SULLIVAN, ORGANIZER & PRESIDENT, IUPAT DC 35
Bryan O’Sullivan’s time with District Council 35 started in 1979, when his father called up the stairs to him: “You’re going into the glaziers union.” Back then, Bryan didn’t even know what a [...]
STILL BOOMING ALONG BY JOSEPH ITRI
Here are some of the upcoming projects in the Boston area: Back Bay South End Gateway A transformational air rights development in Back Bay that will be constructed above the existing Back Bay [...]
ORGANIZING OUR INDUSTRY BY JORGE RIVERA
I would like to begin by congratulating our very own Bryan O’Sullivan on his well-deserved retirement. I have learned a lot from your cool, level-headed approach to all situations and all of our [...]
LOOKING FORWARD BY ERIC REDDING
Looking back at 2020, last year put unheard of challenges in our path, yet our District Council and the Training Department continued a steady forward progression. COVID–19 set us back in a way [...]
HELPING OUR AREA SCHOOLS BY MICHAEL LAFFERTY
As a result of the ongoing pandemic, the District Council 35 members in Boston and Quincy have been working extra hours sanitizing and wiping down all the common area in the schools, restocking [...]
PROJECTS IN BOSTON AND BEYOND BY BILL LEGRAND
Sisters and Brothers, I hope the delivery of this newsletter finds you and your family doing well. Projects and jobs continue despite the challenges of COVID-19. Safety and health guidelines are [...]
A SENSE OF NORMALCY BY RAY PICKUP
This past year has challenged each of us personally, in our homes and on the job sites. It has not been easy by any stretch of the imagination, but we can finally see the path that leads us out [...]
BRIGHTER DAYS ARE AHEAD BY JOE GUARINO
It’s important not to let our guard down. We must continue safety measures like wearing masks, social distancing and washing your hands until the majority of our state’s population is [...]
KEEPING OUR MEMBERS SAFE AND INVOLVED BY CHARLES FOGELL
Since my last message to our members, we have all encountered many changes in our lifestyle and the way we go about normal business in a working environment. Since we have been gripped by this [...]
SPRING BRINGS NEW PROJECTS TO OUR MEMBERS BY TONY HERNANDEZ
As reported on the previous newsletter, due to COVID-19 restrictions, some of the aforementioned projects had been stopped in December and are now getting back to work in mid-March to early [...]
WHEN THERE’S A GOOD FIGHT TO BE HAD, GET IN IT! BY CHRIS BRENNAN
On the north side of Boston, DC 35 has been fighting the good fight for our members and their families, creating work opportunities for our members where we can and exposing greedy contractors [...]
ES UN NUEVO DÍA BY JEFF SULLIVAN
Ha sido un año duro para todos. Acabamos de marcar el aniversario de un año desde que la pandemia de COVID-19 arrasó en nuestras ciudades, pueblos y comunidades. Nos trastocó a cada uno de [...]
IT’S A NEW DAY BY JEFF SULLIVAN
It has been a tough year for all of us. We have just hit the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic which has ravaged through our cities, towns, and communities. It has touched each of us [...]
MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES BY WAYNE MURPHY
Good luck is not lucky; it is a combination of preparation and opportunity. District Council 35 does the small stuff, every day, to seize an opportunity when the time arrives. The Government [...]
RESETTING THE SCALES OF WORKER POWER BY ROGER BRUNELLE
“Right to Work” – for less – was filed in New Hampshire, as expected, in the State Senate, as S.B. 61. The New Hampshire Building Trades was ready and prepared to launch their campaign against [...]
IUPAT DC 35 Congratulates Marty Walsh on his Confirmation as U.S. Labor Secretary Under President Joe Biden’s Administration
IUPAT DC 35 Congratulates Marty Walsh on his Confirmation as U.S. Labor Secretary Under President Joe Biden’s Administration Boston — IUPAT District Council 35 congratulates Martin J. Walsh on [...]
Do Your Best Today by Jeff Sullivan
The world has certainly changed since the last District Council 35 newsletter. Just before we were ready to go to print with the spring edition, COVID-19 hit, and since then all of us have been [...]
Hoy, Haz Tu Mejor Esfuerzo by BMST Jeff Sullivan
Es cierto que el mundo ha cambiado desde la ultima edición de nuestra revista del Concilio del Distrito #35. Justo antes de estar listos para distribuir nuestra edición de primavera, comenzó el [...]
Our Members Are Essential, Not Expendable by Paul Canning
With the unprecedented times we are now living in, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to climb around the country. However, here in the Northeast, we luckily seem to be seeing a [...]
Building Relationships In The Community Creates Work Hours For Our Members by Joe Guarino
Local work hours continue to be strong for our District Council crafts. Our staff works day and night to try to increase work opportunities for our members by attending local community public [...]
We’re Building A Strong Union by Charles Fogell
A quick look back at the start of 2020 tells a story of accomplishment here at District Council 35. Many of our members have and continue to work on large projects since the start of the new [...]
Announcing My Retirement by Wayne Cummings
In 2004, I started teaching both commercial and industrial classes for the FTI. Two years later, I came on full time and was asked to develop an industrial/bridge painting program. Luckily, the [...]
You Are The Union by Bill Legrand
The most important asset in this union is YOU, never forget that. I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well. Every one of us has been impacted by this terrible pandemic, but to ensure [...]
Working To Keep You Safe by Chris Brennan
With the COVID outbreak upon us, along restrictions not seen in over 100 years, all of our members must adhere to strict protocol when working so we can all get back home safely to our families [...]
We Are Second To None by Joseph Itri
My dad, who had just turned 93, passed away in February. Between the hospital stay, rehab, and hospice, my brothers and sisters and I were never really sure how his bills would be paid and by [...]
We’re Building New England by Tony Hernandez
Infrastructure work is considered by the federal government essential work at bridge, water treatment plants, MBTA stations and garages, military and naval facilities. We had members working [...]
What Does Being Union Mean To You? — By Ray Pickup
My earliest memory I can remember is my family talking about the “UNION” — a monolithic entity that everyone in my South Boston neighborhood seemed to be involved in. I knew my family members [...]
Updates In Western Massachusetts And Announcing My Retirement by Vern Gaylor
Worcester inserted a Community Betterment Agreement into the new ballpark, which means all contractors must meet the requirements for Worcester’s residents, women, minorities and veterans. The [...]
Organizing Our Industry by Jorge Rivera
District Council 35 is proud to welcome South Side Tees, and owner, Sean Conroy, as our contractor partner. South Side Tees is our newest full-service screen print company with DC 35. The [...]
We Have To Be All In by Wayne Murphy
2020 has seen continued attacks on working families, but hope remains. The deck is stacked against us, but if history is instructive, organized labor won’t fold. It will brace for the fights [...]
Restart by Roger Brunelle
2020 began full of new possibilities and DC 35 hit the ground running with a number of things on the agenda. In January, we completed the filming of the third party certification video commercial [...]
We’re Back To Work by Michael Lafferty
Since the second week of March, Boston and Quincy schools closed their buildings to students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, the members in Boston and Quincy have deep cleaned and [...]
Finishing Trades Institute Of New England Challenges by Eric Redding
COVID-19 Saying 2020 did not get off to a good start is a bit of an understatement; COVID-19 hit us hard, but, as usual, DC 35 and your training department hit back. First, we had to postpone all [...]
Member Spotlight: Paul Sullivan, Vice President, IUPAT DC 35
Most young apprentices or journeymen don’t give a lot of thought to what’s going to happen 35 or 40 years down the road. Understandably, most live in the present and are focused on doing their [...]
Fund Office Changes by Debbie Cotter
It is with a mixture of joy and sorrow that the Board of Trustees of the Painters & Allied Trades DC 35 Benefit Funds announces the retirement of William McDevitt. Mr. McDevitt has served [...]
BM/ST Jeff Sullivan’s statement on the current climate unfolding in the wake of events in Minnesota surrounding the death of George Floyd
Today, BM/ST Jeff Sullivan issued the following statement on the current climate unfolding in the wake of events in Minnesota surrounding the death of George Floyd. #BlackLivesMatter Recent [...]
Shutdown of Boston Construction Sites
As you may have heard, Mayor Marty Walsh announced today that all Boston construction sites will be shut down starting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17. This is in response to the coronavirus pandemic [...]
Op-ed in Medford Transcript: Local partnerships are vital for Medford’s development by Jeff Sullivan
Partnerships between labor unions and local communities are quintessential to development. As a leading building trades union in the region, Painters Union District Council 35 is committed to the [...]
Quincy Sun: Local Painters Union Repaints YMCA’s Germantown Neighborhood Center
In the holiday spirit, members of Painters Union District Council 35 donated their time, supplies, and skills to repaint the South Shore YMCA’s Germantown Neighborhood Center, a key community [...]
Dorchester Reporter: Unions to help Madison Park students create and maintain their own business
It was all business at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School last month when union representatives from District Council 35 and The Paint and Glass Association of New England joined with [...]
Dorchester Reporter: Unions Join Forces To Support BGCD
Painters Union District Council 35 and Painting and Glass Employers Association of New England donated $2,500 and multiple bags of toys for the children of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester [...]
Painters Union Repaints South Shore YMCA’s Germantown Neighborhood Center
In the holiday spirit, members of Painters Union District Council 35 donated their time, supplies, and skills to repaint the South Shore YMCA’s Germantown Neighborhood Center, a key community [...]
Local Painters Union and Employers Association Makes Third Annual Donation to Dorchester Boys and Girls Club
To support the outstanding work and efforts of the Dorchester Boys and Girls Club towards the community, Painters Union District Council 35 and Painting and Glass Employers Association of New [...]
Painters Union and Contractors Association Announce Hands-On Training Opportunities for Madison Park Students
IUPAT DC 35 and PFEANE/GEANE donated $10,000 at the grand opening of the Madison Park Vocational High School’s Cardinal Gift Shop. This new gift shop will provide the business and marketing [...]
Worked Up by Jeff Sullivan
The end of a calendar year is always a good time to assess accomplishments, set new short and long-term goals and determine the path forward. Our work hours for the past twelve months have been [...]
Agitados by Jeff Sullivan
El fin de un año natural es siempre un buen momento para evaluar logros, establecer metas nuevas de corto y largo plazo y determinar el camino por delante. Nuestras horas de trabajo estos últimos [...]
The Road Ahead by Paul Canning
Looking back at this year’s General Convention — the issues, initiatives, and the strategy — it would be an understatement to say that it can be a challenge to digest such an overload of [...]
Strong Economy Building Our Future by Joe Guarino
A strong economy here in the Northeast continues to drive development and growth in all the areas represented by our District Council. All crafts represented by our union have been busy over the [...]
Member Spotlight: Alex Colonna from Local 1138
“Too good to be true” – that was Alex Colonna’s first thought when her friend told her about the union life. She dreamed of earning enough to support herself and her wife, and eventually [...]
New and Upcoming Projects on Our Radar by Charles Fogell
Work opportunities for all the crafts that we represent here at our District Council have continued to be strong over the past few months. At the forefront, we will see some jobs affected by [...]
Prosperity in the Building Trades by Bill Legrand
I hope 2019 has been very fulfilling and prosperous. I can’t think of a better time to be a union member in the Building and Construction Trades. We have been experiencing numerous ground [...]
Tackling the Tough Issues by Chris Brennan
DC 35 continues to be a leader among the Building Trades when it comes to issues affecting our members. No industry has been more affected by the opioid epidemic than the construction industry. [...]
New Contractors, Big and Small by Joe Itri
Boston’s iconic One Post Office Square is getting a makeover! First completed in 1981, this massive project’s 41-story structure redesign will feature 775,000 square feet of available [...]
A Look to the North by Ray Pickup
The construction boom has been on a significant run and there seems to be no end in sight. Boston gets all the high-profile projects, but let’s take a closer look at some projects that will break [...]
Organizing into the New Year by Tony Hernandez
I am grateful; it is an honor and a privilege to work for all our members. 2019 brought more work opportunities for our members and opportunities to organize new members. Our opportunities have [...]
Staying Busy into the New Year by Vern Gaylor
The Worcester area is going to be busy for the next year or so with several upcoming projects. There are two jobs at Holy Cross College, as well as the YWCA’s renovation and addition, and the [...]
Organizing Our Industry by Justin Desmond
The District Council 35 Organizing Department would like to congratulate all members on another successful STAR rally and offer a special congrats to all the grand prize winners. Moving into the [...]
It’s Not One Day that Changes Your Life—It’s Every Day by Wayne Murphy
The Government Affairs Department continues its support of each of the other District Council Departments in realizing increases in work opportunities, job hours and improved quality of life for [...]
A Sustained Effort By All Pays Off by Roger Brunnelle
A couple of years ago, when word came down that the City of Lowell was awarded approval by the Massachusetts School Building Authority to build a $350 million high school, it was all hands on [...]
School’s Out, DC 35 is In by Michael Lafferty
With the Endicott school vacant, we will be using the school for our training program this upcoming year. The members will have the opportunity to learn how to drum sand, diamond-cut terrazzo [...]
Exciting Updates from FTI New England by Eric Redding
AGMT Certification Program One thing is certain– 2019 was a busy year. When we started it was busy and by all accounts, we’re still busy. 12 months ago, we looked across the Boston skyline and we [...]
Health News by Bill McDevitt
Prescription Provider Change: January 1, 2020 OptumRx is replacing Express Scripts as our pharmacy provider effective January 1, 2020. OptumRx will become your pharmacy provider for your retail, [...]
Patriot Ledger: When feeding city’s homeless on Thanksgiving, a little goes a long way
Two days earlier, local painters gathered on a Saturday to touch up the dining room walls at Father Bill’s Place to get it ready for tomorrow’s big meal. And while the painters were working, [...]
Labor Leader Award presented to Business Manager Jeff Sullivan for Outstanding Work Addressing Substance Use Disorder in the Construction Industry
Business Manager Jeff Sullivan was presented the Labor Leader Award by the Labor Assistance Professionals (LAP) at their annual awards event on Friday. He received this award for his unwavering [...]
We Are Here For Each Other by Jeff Sullivan
We recently held our annual retirees’ cookout. Without a doubt, it is one of my favorite events on our calendar and I look forward to it every year. It gives the staff here at District Council 35 [...]
Estamos Aquí Los Unos Por Los Otros by Jeff Sullivan
Recientemente llevamos a cabo nuestra barbacoa anual para jubilados. Es sin duda uno de mis eventos favoritos en nuestro calendario, y cada año lo anticipo con entusiasmo. Le da al personal aquí [...]
Time To Look Ahead To 2020 by Paul Canning
Even at such an early start to the 2020 presidential election, it’s clear that workers’ rights are front and center. Democratic presidential hopefuls are flocking to picket lines to support [...]
Encore Opens, Pilgrim Closes, And DC 35 Is There by Charles Fogell
Summer is here, and the work keeps rolling along with an economy that has stood strong for some time now. All the crafts represented by your District Council have seen ample work opportunities [...]
Construction Continues To Drive This Economy And It’s Great To See by Joe Guarino
Ground has broken on an iconic tower rising at One Congress Street in Government Center, the million square foot tower that will house State Street’s new corporate headquarters. The tower is the [...]
Updates On Projects In The Pipeline by Joseph Itri
Fenway Center Developers Meredith Management, Gerding Edlen, and TH Real Estate officially broke ground in late January 2018 on the five-building, 1.1 million-square-foot Fenway Center at the [...]
Friend or Fraud? It’s All In The Vote by Chris Brennan
Business and politics go hand in hand. Public work is the bread and butter of many of our contractors, and prevailing wage law protections are the only thing standing between success and failure. [...]
Polar Park’s Ceremonial Ground Breaking by Vern Gaylor
Polar Park’s Ceremonial Ground Breaking: the new home of the AAA Red Sox in Worcester. The Worcester Building Trades was not able to get a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) on the project, but we [...]
We Are All In by Ray Pickup
The last few months have been contentious in the great City of Lowell. Representative Chris Brennan, multiple building trades partners, and I educated the Lowell City Council, City Manager, and [...]
Bridging Communities by Tony Hernandez
Two major projects started in Spring of 2019! The first is a replacement of the 118-year-old N. Washington Street Bridge. J.F. White Contracting Co. is the general contractor, and Prime Coating [...]
Organizing Our Industry by Justin Desmond
District Council 35 is proud to welcome Trust One Building Co. as our newest Drywall Finish Company, and to welcome Trust One Building Co. President David Villanueva as our new partner. DC 35 [...]
These Are Our Times by Wayne Murphy
The alternate universe continues at Pennsylvania Avenue. When our current president was elected, he promised a massive infrastructure investment that would stem the tide of the country’s [...]
The Long Game Pays Off by Roger Brunelle
Over the last several years, I have written a number of articles about Union members running for office, and I have made the case that we can control our own destiny if we elect more of our own [...]
School’s Out, We’re In by Michael Lafferty
We have started training the members of Local 1952 on the installation of hardwood floors, and the repairing, replacing, and cutting of acoustic ceiling tiles. The members who are trained will be [...]
FTI New England by Eric Redding
District Council 35’s annual commencement of graduating apprentices shows enormous achievement and is one of the most exciting events of the year. In May, we witnessed 45 apprentices start the [...]
Are You Thinking About Retirement by Bill McDevitt
Did you know Age 55 is the earliest retirement age for an Early or Service age pension? Below is a brief list of the Types of Pension and applicable ages. Each type of pension may have additional [...]
FTI NE hosted its 2019 Graduation Ceremony; Added 42 highly-trained tradesmen and women to the New England construction industry
To meet the increasing demand for skilled labor in Boston and across New England, the Finishing Trades Institute of New England (FTI-NE) has trained 42 graduating apprentices with the skills and [...]
Wounded Warriors Project
IUPAT DC 35 APPRENTICES HELP BUILD NEW, ACCESSIBLE HOME FOR HANSON WOUNDED WAR VETERAN Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors, several Massachusetts building trades unions including IUPAT DC [...]
NH Voices: Jeff Sullivan — Prevailing wage: Working families prevail
MR. REAP’S RECENT commentary on SB 271 (An Act to Require Prevailing Wages on State-Funded Public Works Projects) misses the mark and distorts the reality. Trying to turn the debate to a union [...]
Nuestro Trabajo Continúa by Jeff Sullivan
En todos los sectores, su Concejo de Distrito trabaja todos los días para aumentar las oportunidades laborales para nuestras hermanas y hermanos miembros. Nuestro Departamento de Servicios, [...]
Our Work Continues by Jeff Sullivan
Across all departments, your District Council works every day to increase work opportunities for our sister and brother members. Our Servicing, Organizing and Government Affairs Departments [...]
Mega Projects In The Making by Paul Canning
Suffolk Downs Redevelopment The HYM Investment Group, LLC announced that it has completed the purchase of Suffolk Downs, a site located adjacent to two stops on the MBTA’s Blue Line. HYM’s vision [...]
Boston Development Projects To Watch In 2019 by Joe Guarino
After several years of what is possibly the biggest building construction boom in the city’s history, Boston remarkably remains poised to keep the momentum going with several significant projects [...]
Growing Opportunities by Bill Legrand
I am very humbled to have the honor of speaking with all classes of our apprenticeship, whether you’re a brand new first year with a bunch of questions and eager to learn or a well-rounded third [...]
Towards A Stronger Economy by Charles Fogell
Our strong economy continues to be the driver for many of the projects that are underway but future projects as well. We did see a slight decrease in consumer confidence in the later stages of [...]
The Upward Trend Continues by Chris Brennan
Encore Boston Harbor is coming into the stretch run at the brand new $2.5B project. The project continues to employ roughly 200 members with still many smaller contracts yet to be awarded. Since [...]
Upcoming Worcester Construction by Vern Gaylor
The Worcester Red Sox’ new stadium should be starting construction in July or August with either Consigli Construction or Gilbane Construction as the General Contractor. The stadium will seat [...]
Woman. Mother. Mentor. Leader. Union. by Ray Pickup
Before 1978, women in the construction industry seemed like an afterthought. Women participating in the building trades were 3% nationwide. It gradually increased over the years at a snail’s [...]
New Development by Tony Hernandez
The new calendar year looks good with work opportunity throughout our jurisdiction. Tobin Bridge Viaduct Improvement in Chelsea, a $169,371,939 project was awarded to Skanska-McCourt joint [...]
Organizing Our Industry by Justin Desmond
District Council 35 is proud to welcome, Sutton Painting LLC and President Sean Sutton Local 939 member to the contractor ranks at DC 35. DC 35 is also happy to welcome Brett Pettis, owner of New [...]
Put The Work In by Wayne Murphy
The Government Affairs Department continues its work in the legislative and political arenas in support of the critical initiatives being pursued by the Council’s various departments throughout [...]
This Union Is You by Roger Brunelle
DC 35 has always been a very active union. During the political season, staff and members are known among elected officials and candidates as a union that can mobilize the membership for sign [...]
Funds Office Update by Bill McDevitt
UPDATE FUND OFFICE WHEN YOU MOVE The Fund Office in Roslindale sends out over 100,0000 pieces of mail every year. This includes your health, pension, annuity statements, medical claim payments, [...]
FTI New England by Eric Redding
Change is inevitable and your training department is once again experiencing that change. A decade ago, Tom Falter joined the department and brought with him over 20 years of working knowledge in [...]
Lynn Journal: Getting the Word out about Wage Theft
Quite simply, wage theft happens when someone does work and is not paid for it. “Immigrants are easy targets, most don’t realize it’s a crime,” said Kathleen Santora, a member of the recently [...]
WickedLocal Roslindale: Rosindale Painters Union gives to Dorchester Boys & Girls Club
In an annual effort to support and sustain the services of the Dorchester Boys & Girls Club, Roslindale-based Painters Union District Council 35 made a $2,500 donation to the club and [...]
Let’s Speak Our Truth by Jeff Sullivan
As I write this article, we have just seen voters hand control of the U.S. House of Representatives back to the Democratic Party. This session’s class of congressional members will be the most [...]
Membership Voting Power: How Midterm Elections Affect Labor by Paul Canning
As we prepare to turn the calendar to 2019, we must look ahead to the next wave of labor and employment issues and the legislation that will impact them. The power of OUR MEMBERSHIP casting a [...]
Protecting Our Work by Joe Guarino
The construction, healthcare and technology sectors continue to grow. In the upcoming year, local work continues to be strong. Our district council business representatives and organizers [...]
Starting 2019 Strong by Charles Fogell
A strong economy here in the northeast continues to drive development and growth in all the areas represented by our District Council. All the trades represented by our union have been busy over [...]
Expanding Our Share by Bill Legrand
The calendar year is coming to an end, but not the construction and renovation boom that our signatory contractors are experiencing around the Boston metropolitan area. This boom has provided [...]
An Active Membership Makes All the Difference by Chris Brennan
As work continues to boom and many members are working late days and weekends, you would think the last thing most would want to do is march in the cold. Such is not the case with DC 35. Time and [...]
Creating Opportunity by Vern Gaylor
Holy Cross College in Worcester is in fundraising mode. They aim to raise $400 million dollars by 2020 for construction projects. They have already put the ball in motion with the Worcester [...]
Ensuring Workers’ Safety by Tony Hernandez
My family and I would like to wish all our DC 35 members and their families a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2019. Happy Holidays! (Mi familia y yo queremos desearles a todos los [...]
Building Boston by Joseph Itri
I want to report on several new projects slated for the South Boston Waterfront. The first is the St. Regis Residences at 150 Seaport Avenue. St. Regis will be a $260-million project that will be [...]
Welcome to Our New Members by Ray Pickup
Local 1044 Glaziers and Glassworkers is quickly closing in on the coveted 1,000 members local. It’s been a hectic year for both the Organizing and Servicing departments. We have been putting in a [...]
Build Up Boston Public Schools by Michael Lafferty
At the October 17th School Committee meeting, the Boston Public School district presented Phase II of the Build BPS plan to the committee. This plan calls for reconfigurations of the grade levels [...]
Organizing Our Industry by Justin Desmond
District Council 35 is proud to welcome 617MediaGroup and 617 President Jeff Hall as a new signatory company and to welcome 18 new members employed by 617 to our union. DC 35 is also happy to [...]
Electing Our Values by Wayne Murphy
Let me begin by wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. This time of year we should consider all we have been blessed with, both personally and professionally, and also look [...]
The Black and Gold Wave by Roger Brunelle
Before the November 2018 election, there was much talk about the “Blue Wave” that was coming in the midterm elections. What occurred for DC 35 was a “Black and Gold Wave!” Across our [...]
FTI New England by Eric Redding
When September rolled in, we experienced the largest first-year class in memory: 115 apprentices from four trades. With a class this large, we were forced to think outside of the box. On day one, [...]
Know Your Benefits by Bill McDevitt
Your Annuity Plan The Annuity Plan was established in 1983 as a retirement savings benefits program for members and is intended to provide a source of retirement income in addition to your [...]
IUPAT DC 35 makes annual donation to support Dorchester Boys and Girls Club
In an annual effort to support and sustain the services of the Dorchester Boys and Girls Club, Painters Union District Council 35 made a $2,500 donation to the club and provided dozens of toys [...]
Contractor TJ McCartney and Painters Union honored for their volunteer efforts to renovate Boston Harbor Islands
In an ongoing partnership between industry leader TJ McCartney and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35, countless hours have been devoted towards the [...]
Dorchester Reporter: Painters’ union helps make a difference at St. Mary’s Center
Dorchester IUPAT DC 35 Painter’s Union has worked to refurbish St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children, adding a fresh appearance to the Jones Hill facility. IUPAT DC 35 is a local chapter of [...]
WickedLocal Roslindale: Roslindale painters union gives $10K to Holocaust Memorial
On Nov. 13, members of the Roslindale-based painters union and representatives from their union contractor employers furthered their commitment to the Holocaust Memorial and their stewardship of [...]
Boston Herald: Ensuring future memorial
Painters’ union IUPAT District Council 35 and the Painter and Glazier Contractors’ Association of New England, who helped build the New England Holocaust Memorial and have donated time for [...]
Channel 7: New England Holocaust Memorial receives large donation for maintenance
The New England Holocaust Memorial is receiving a big donation from two unions who helped build the site over a decade ago. Union leaders say they hope the city will use the $10,000 check to [...]
City of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh honors painters union for their support of the New England Holocaust Memorial
Twenty-three years ago, the painters union (IUPAT District Council 35) and the Painter and Glazier Contractors’ Association of New England (PFEANE / GEANE) helped construct the New England [...]
WickedLocal West Roxbury: Roslindale Painters Union DC gives $1K to Helmets to Hardhats vet group
In recognition of Veteran’s Day, Massachusetts building trades unions, including Roslindale-based Painters Union DC 35, honored local veterans recently and raised more than $50,000 for [...]
My Union My Vote
TODAY is Election Day! And we’re ready to fight for what we believe in. Are YOU? It’s time to #GOTV #FeetOnTheStreet #GroundGame is everything. Vote for candidates who will fight for [...]
IUPAT DC 35 Hosts 2018 STAR Event
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35 Annual Star Event draws over 2,500 union members and their families, including special guest speakers like Senator Elizabeth [...]
The Medford Transcript: Workers recover stolen wages from construction company
As many as 60 area employees are eligible for the settlement money, according to Jorge Rivera, a labor organizer with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35 [...]
Lynn Action TV: Beyond Walls Mural Festival 2018
Public beatification projects like Beyond Walls in Lynn have the power to transform cities into thriving spaces for residents. That’s why we partner with them. We’re proud of everything our [...]
The Brockton Enterprise: Brockton workers reclaim ‘wage theft’ funds in settlement
Two Brockton men received more than $1,500 each as a result of the claims of tax misclassification and failing to pay overtime, which were filed with the Department of Labor against Quest [...]
Organizing Our Industry
Justin Desmond Director of Organizing 617-898-7969 Our District Council 35 Organizing Department continues to work on multiple short-term and long-term campaigns. Our outreach to open shop [...]
Preparing for School Openings
Michael Lafferty Business Representative 617-828-5131 The City of Boston is getting ready to hand off the new Dearborn STEM Academy to the Boston School Department by the middle of July. The [...]
Some Odds and Ends
Joseph Itri Business Representative 617-592-2405 Hello brothers and sisters, Work is still booming and the hours are pouring in. I recently sat in on a corrective meeting for a contractor that [...]
Ready…Set…Engage!
Ray Pickup Business Representative 617-840-9742 The original idea is great, but it’s the follow through that really matters. Our council has made a commitment and we are not about to take this [...]
The Present is Great and the Future is Bright
Tony Hernandez Representative/Organizer 617-592-2227 The future looks bright in Chelsea, thanks to several large infrastructure projects that will likely run for six years. A $17 million project [...]
Golf Classic 2018
Bill Doherty Memorial Golf Classic Raised $30,000 for Scholarship Fund. On June 18, DC35 members, friends, families and partners gathered at the 5th Annual Bill Doherty Memorial Golf Classic to [...]
Casino Updates
Vern Gaylor Business Representative 617-592-2298 With the grand opening of the MGM Casino on August 24, our members working for Mid-West Pro Painting, KHS+S, Skyline Drywall, H Carr, and First [...]
Growing Our Union
Chris Brennan Business Representative 617-971-7736 Encore Boston Harbor is living up to the hype. District Council 35 contractors are currently employing upwards of 125 members between paint, [...]
Upcoming Building Development Opportunities
Bill Legrand Business Representative 617-592-2224 Brothers and sisters, I hope this edition finds everyone well and in full employment. DC35 has, and always will be committed to gaining more [...]
Boston building construction continues to surge forward
Joe Guarino Director of Servicing – Metropolitan Boston 617-592-2228 The Boston metropolitan area is in the midst of one of the largest construction booms we’ve seen in years. There’s no [...]
Strong Economy and Jobs
Charles Fogell Contract Administrator/ Business Representative 617-592-2221 We continue to ride the economic wave here in the Northeast. Boston has continued to pave the way for our economy [...]
We stand with somerville
Rising rents, stagnant wages, irresponsible development, and the City’s failure to negotiate fair contracts with the women and men who protect and serve Somerville inspired the community to join [...]
DC35 Sponsored 2018 Beyond Walls in Lynn
Last year, the Beyond Walls festival left an incredible mark on Lynn when twenty artists from around the globe converged in historic downtown Lynn to install 15 murals in just 10 days. Covering [...]
Hotel Boom Still Going Strong
Paul Canning Executive Assistant to BM/ST 617-592-2229 In recent years, the increased building of hotels in Boston and the surrounding area has created amazing work opportunities for our [...]
THE FUTURE IS OURS
Jeff Sullivan Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer No court has ever stopped us from improving the lives of working families. No politician, however crafty, has ever forced us to cease existing. [...]
Know your Benefits
Bill McDevitt Administrator 617-524-1240 The Board of Trustees of the Painters & Allied Trades DC35 Pension Fund is pleased to announce increases in pension accrual rates as of July 1, 2018. [...]
Congratulations 2018 Apprentices
Eric Redding Director of Training 617-524-0248 On May 10, 2018, we celebrated a special occasion, the commencement of more than 50 apprentices from all four apprentice programs. There was an [...]
When we vote, We Win!
Roger Brunelle Government Affairs 617-593-0670 Election season is here and District Council 35 has always commanded a large amount of respect because of the work we do during the election cycle. [...]
LET’S GO
Wayne Murphy Director of Government Affairs 617-522-0520 The United States Supreme Court dealt two blows to working people at the end of its 2018 term. Make no mistake, these decisions are [...]
Madison Park High School Free College and Apprenticeship Program
Earlier this year, we announced a new partnership between IUPAT DC35, the Painters and Glaziers Employers Association of New England and the City of Boston for an exciting new program at Boston’s [...]
Preparations are underway in Lynn for Beyond Walls Second Mural Festival
The murals that come out of the Beyond Walls Festival don’t just show up. There’s a team behind prepping the walls before their colorful revitalization. Painters & Allied Trades District [...]
There is no “I” in Beyond Walls
An army of helping hands is exactly what’s been physically shaping the downtown cultural district. From more than 25 members from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District [...]
North Shore Magazine: Beyond Walls 2018
For the second time, IUPAT DC35 is proud to partner with Beyond Walls, an arts organization in Lynn. The initiative is important to us because it helps to transform spaces into places to bring [...]
WCVB: Hundreds march in Boston over dispute between locked-out workers, National Grid
On Wednesday, July 18, IUPATDC35 marched in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of United Steelworkers, the Building Trades, and hundred others to send a clear message that National Grid [...]
Bay State Banner: Protestors press Legislature on wage theft bill
Roger Brunelle, Financial Secretary of the Painters and Allied Trades Union Local 691, shared his thoughts on the state of the S.2546 bill. “The legislators are receptive, but I don’t know where [...]
Wicked Local: Rockland resident named Apprentice of the Year by FTI NE
On May 10, more than 50 apprentices, including Rockland resident Kevin O’Connell, graduated from a rigorous program offered by the Finishing Trades Institute of New England. These skilled [...]
The Lowell Sun: Painters union welcomes new beginning in Lowell
New beginnings can make a big difference not just for individuals, but also for communities. In the building trades we see a lot of people looking for just that — a chance for a better life [...]
Painters’s union and Urban League team up to revitalize facility ahead of 100th Anniversary
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35 are donating time and talent to help revitalize the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts’s worker training facility [...]
The Boston Globe: Madison Park Technical Vocational High School offers college credits in painters’ program
IUPATDC35 and the Painters and Glaziers Employers Association of New England were joined by Mayor Martin J. Walsh, community leaders and state and local officials to announce an exciting new [...]
IUPAT DC35 donates $10,000 to Dorchester Girls and Boys Club
IUPAT District Council 35 leadership was joined by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh in presenting the Dorchester Boys & Girls Club a $10,000 donation and toys. Dorchester, MA – On Thursday, December [...]