A Message from the Director of Servicing

Posted January 16, 2026

By Joe Nardelli

Happy Holidays from DC 35!

As we wrap up the year, I want to extend warm holiday wishes to all our members and their families. Thank you for your hard work, solidarity, and dedication. Your commitment strengthens our union and positions us for a strong year ahead.

Highlights from the Field, Servicing, & Organizing

Growing Membership Engagement

This fall, we held our first General Membership Meeting at Florian Hall, where General Vice President Paul Canning spoke about our industry’s challenges and our shared vision for the future. With hundreds of members in attendance, the event was a powerful show of unity and renewed momentum across the district.

Our Volunteer Action Committee continues to expand, with new sign-ups at every event. Recent wins – including Somernova in Somerville and The Sophia in Everett – demonstrate how member engagement directly strengthens our ability to secure union-built projects.

Servicing, Job Actions, & Protecting Our Market Share

DC 35 remained active across the region, engaging in job actions, displaying banners, and holding pickets to expose predatory contractors and non-union practices. Actions at Merrimack College (Greystar) and IBA La Casa helped spark productive conversations with owners and general contractors,in several cases flipping work back to signatory contractors.

Despite ongoing challenges, including high interest rates, tariffs, and inconsistent federal funding, our organizing team continues sweeping hundreds of job sites to protect our market share, defend our standards, and generate new work opportunities.

This year’s master agreement delivered strong wage increases, improved apprentice ratios, and added long-awaited Steward language and Holiday language. Our rank-and-file Negotiation Committee played a crucial role, ensuring transparency and member involvement throughout the process.

Expanding Our Market Share

DC 35 continues building strength in Division 10, interior glass systems, and demountable furniture. Partnerships with Beacon Office Installations, Arch Street Glass, and Integrated at Work are expanding opportunities for our members. Additionally, renewed conversations with Colonial Systems show promise for further growth in this sector.

Major PLA Wins

Several major Project Labor Agreements were secured with strong DC 35 involvement:

$1B Somernova inSomerville
$1B Dorchester Bay Development Project
$1B PLA for nine Massachusetts rest areas
$500M The Sophia in Everett
$500M New Revolution Soccer Stadium in Everett

Additional PLA efforts are underway, including Brockton’s new high school and the first public-school PLA under Massachusetts’ new PLA law, currently being presented in Salem.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has also approved PLAs for all upcoming Boston public schools, strengthening long-term opportunities for union labor.

Current & Upcoming Projects

Boston’s work picture has improved slightly, but the out-of-work list remains elevated due to major projects being awarded to out-of-area contractors. We are working closely with developers and union funding partners to secure work for 2026 and 2027.

Projects currently active or under review include:

Boston Museum of Science – Vetro
Seaport Parcel H – Perma
Fan Pier – FNG/Metro Glass
FM Global Norwood – Midland Tech
LINC Lowell – $1B public/private development
King Street redevelopment (Littleton, MA) – in discussions
Hampton Beach redevelopment (NH) – in discussions
Midland Tech – four upcoming Massachusetts projects
Allston Multimodal Project – on hold after federal funding withdrawal

Additional notes:

Midland is replacing 100+ failed photovoltaic glass units at 10 WTC.
Lupoli Company’s major portfolio is currently under review by multiple union funding sources.

Member Programs & Reminders

Pension Fund Improvement

The pension credit value has increased by $20, now totaling $207.50 –a significant enhancement for members and retirees.

Record-Breaking STAR Event

This year’s STAR event at Franklin Park Zoo saw record-breaking attendance. Thank you to everyone who contributed to its success.

Mandatory Member Orientation

The next session is on December 2. Members who have not yet attended should register with their Business Agent.

Vacation Checks

To avoid delays during processing season, members are strongly encouraged to set up direct deposit.

A Message of Thanks

As we enter a new year, I want to thank every member for the work you do—on the job, in your communities, and within this union. Your professionalism and pride define who we are. Together, we will continue to expand our market, protect our standards, and ensure that every member has access to good union work. I wish you and your families a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.