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 service to our union. Jeff’s unwavering commitment has been an inspiration to us all, and his legacy will continue to shape the path of IUPAT DC 35. It is with profound appreciation that I reflect on the trust and confidence you have placed in me to lead our union, and I am honored to serve as your Business Manager / Secretary-Treasurer.

This year has been filled with incredible achievements and milestones for our District Council 35 family. It has been a year of hard work, dedication, and progress for all of us, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished.

One of the highlights of this year was our annual event marking our commitment to safety on the job. Our STAR Awards exemplify the dedication and vigilance that we, as union members, bring to our work every day. Promoting safe work practices is not just a goal, but a responsibility, and you have all risen to the occasion. Your dedication to ensuring that every member returns home safely each day is commendable.

In April, we actively participated in National Recovery Week. This national substance use awareness campaign is a testament to our commitment to supporting one another during challenging times. Substance use disorder is a serious issue that affects many in our community, myself included, and by confronting it headon, we are saving lives and prioritizing health and wellbeing. Remember, we have resources available 24 hours a day 7 days a week through Modern Assistance and our Peer Support Programs to help you or a fellow member in need, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

We also made significant strides in promoting green building practices and sustainability through our Green Building Forum. This initiative aimed to educate our members, contractors and the community on the latest technologies and opportunities in the glass and glazing field. By embracing green building practices, we contribute to the betterment of our communities and the environment.

The proposed Vacation Fund was voted on at the Local Unions meetings during the month of September, the vote passed overwhelmingly for the establishment of the new DC 35 Vacation Fund for members working under the DC 35 construction collective bargaining agreement. Deductions to the Vacation Fund will begin in January 2024 and the first fund distributions to the membership will be in the month of December 2024.

This Fall, Women Build Boston brought together more than 1,000 union tradeswomen, including members from DC 35. It was the largest gathering of women construction workers in Boston, and it highlighted the strength and diversity within our industry. I’m proud to see our members taking the lead in shaping the future of the construction trade.

As the year comes to a close, let’s not forget our retirees, who have contributed so much to our union over the years. The retiree events including the annual clambake were moments of celebration and reflection, where we acknowledged the dedication of those who paved the way for our success today. In the spirit of the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families. May this holiday season bring joy, love, and prosperity to each and every one of you.

Looking ahead to the coming year, I am confident that we will continue to make great strides together. Our union is stronger than ever, and I am excited to see what we can achieve in the future. Thank you for your hard work, your dedication to safety, and your commitment to the values of our union. Together, we are making a difference.

In solidarity,
Christian Brennan
Business Manager
IUPAT DC 35