Innovation and Community Commitment

By Justin Desmond

Happy New Year, Brothers and Sisters. We had a busy year here at DC 35, with so much to share. 

Groundbreaking CBA Ratification

One key accomplishment was the negotiation and ratification of our CBA. Throughout the beginning of the year, we negotiated a new four-year CBA that will greatly benefit our members and the sanctity of our union. In June, this CBA went up for ratification, and you, our members, voted in favor of it. This new contract brings promising changes, including a wage increase of $11.60 over four years in zones 1 & 2, stronger steward protections that provide the ability to automatically appoint a steward on certain jobs, a defined apprentice ratio to ensure the ability for growth in apprentice trainings, improvement in swing stage and wastewater tank rates, and the recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official holiday. 

The ratification of this CBA demonstrates the strength of our collective commitment to this industry and workers’ rights. We came together to create an agreement that speaks for our community, demonstrating powerful cohesion, commitment, and impact. 

Connecting with our Community 

A true highlight was our annual STAR event, which gave us the opportunity to connect as a union. We celebrated our members’ commitment to continued education in safety and excellence with their families and friends. With one of the biggest turnouts in years, the day was a great success. We look forward to another year of great commitment to safety and precision ahead of us. 

We are committed to solidarity with all our members, including those no longer on the work sites. Events like our retiree luncheons are important reminders of the strength of our community as a whole. Once a member, always a member. 

Looking Ahead

As successful as this year has been, it is important to remain prepared for the upcoming year and other obstacles we will have to face together.

We must not forget the importance of local elections when it comes to protecting our work. Together, we can fight for pro-worker candidates to take office, both at the local and national levels. At the local level, 2026 brings the opportunity to help elect one of our own as the next Governor of Maine, fifth-generation logger and DC 35 member, Troy Jackson. Throughout his political career, serving as a State Representative, State Senator, and President of the Maine State Senate, Brother Jackson has remained loyal to our causes, supporting workers and their families throughout the state. As the new year begins, new opportunities to support those who support us will arise. Stay alert.  

Despite impending federal cuts impacting work in 2026, DC 35 is committed to supporting our membership and will continue fighting for new projects and opportunities to keep our members working, even when conditions are tough. Together, we are strong, and together, we persist.