InC.O.R.Eporating ourselves into Community Activism
The C.O.R.E Committees kicked off summer with a July barbecue at the hall. In true American fashion, we had hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, watermelon, and, of course, ice cream to beat the heat. We had guest speakers from the Massachusetts Building Trades who led an interactive presentation on the community meeting process—including how to speak in favor/opposition of a project in order to support good union jobs. Members jumped right in to volunteer to practice public comments and learn how to make their voices heard.
Fighting for Our Industries
That training paid off immediately. Dozens of our C.O.R.E members joined Zoom hearings and other remote public meetings, on lunch breaks and in the evening, to help DC 35 and other trades. One of our most critical issues was the Somerville prevailing wage fight: whether offsite fabrication work on modular construction projects should be covered under the ruling already in place. Business Representative Rod Badaro led the effort to uncover widespread wage theft at both the fabrication and job sites. Our members were the only rank-and-file union members in that meeting out of all the Building Trades. A few months later, the decision came down in favor of workers: offsite workers performing prefabrication must be paid the prevailing wage.
In Salem, over 60 members participated in a rally organized by Business Representative Rod Badaro after the city rejected a PLA for a new high school project. Our members peacefully shut down the street, showing the Salem City Council and the School Building Authority their disappointment. After the rally, our members filled the city council chamber, Salem residents among them, speaking out about the decision, and some of our members who live in Salem voiced their opposition and disappointment at the meeting. Although the fight isn’t over, many officials seem to have heard us loud and clear, and we expect they will respect the labor voice on future projects.
Women in Action
Our Women in Action went to Tradeswomen Build Nations. This event continues to grow and empower even more women across the United States. More than 5,000 women, and over 400 IUPAT members, took part this year. The theme, “She’s Not Waiting, She’s Leading,” resonated especially with the new attendees, who left inspired and ready to do more.
Latino C.O.R.E
Latino C.O.R.E members attended the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) convention under the theme “United We Stand.” Members connected with folks from across the country on building power, solidarity, leadership, and driving change in a challenging time for members with immigrant backgrounds and families. All things we believe in and strive to achieve at home in DC 35.
Labor Day
The Labor Day Parade in Boston also had a strong turnout, with many members marching proudly through the streets of Boston! It was a great day, and we look forward to that event growing yearly, and celebrating Labor Day and the laws and rights working people fought and died for, protections we now consider basic, but were won through struggle.
Young Lions
The QR Code hard hat stickers that the Young Lions proposed were printed and have been handed out at a few meetings so far. These QR Code stickers, when scanned, will bring you directly to our DC 35 webpage. Many of our members take public transportation, and often get asked how to join a Union, and now they can have the individual scan the sticker for a better career opportunity.
Giving Back to Our Communities
When our communities faced food insecurity during the government shutdown, C.O.R.E members stepped up and proposed a food drive. DC 35 collected donations during the first two weeks of November and delivered contributions to Rose’s Bounty in West Roxbury and Many Hands Food Pantry in Roslindale. All told, members donated roughly $1,500 worth of food. Even though the shutdown has since lifted, the uncertainty it created for vulnerable families remains a serious concern.
Business Representative Rich Cabral invited Women in Action members to share their stories with Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell—powerful testimonies about how the IUPAT has changed their lives and helped them build stable careers. Highlighting our members and the diversity of our union helps open doors to more work opportunities in the community. Rich also supported the Veterans Committee in securing a $3,000 donation to Veterans Inc., which provides food, clothing, and shelter to veterans in need. Work is also underway with Sunrise Erectors to donate labor on 40 large archway windows for the same organization.
At STAR this year, we raffled seven C.O.R.E gifts to activists. These members didn’t just sign up; they showed up. They are putting the action back in activism. As C.O.R.E grows, DC 35 plans to celebrate these leaders with an annual end-of-year dinner. To fill that room like we do at the Delegates’ Christmas Party, we need members to not only join, but also participate. Leadership will continue tracking attendance for future raffles, dinners, and exclusive swag.
The C.O.R.E meetings are on the first Tuesday of every other month, at 25 Colgate Rd, Roslindale, from 4:30 PM–6:00 PM. Food is served, and all are welcome to attend! To get involved in the C.O.R.E Committees, please reach out to Organizer Alex Colonna.
C.O.R.E MEETING DATES FOR 2026:
- Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- Tuesday, July 7, 2026
- Tuesday, September 1, 2026
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
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