Union Spotlight: IUPAT District Council 82

IUPAT District Council 82, based out of Little Canada, MN is stepping up to the plate for Labor 2008!

IUPAT District Council 82 brings together approximately 3,500 members in the Painting and Allied Trades. Volunteerism and community service projects are a strong part of this District’s activities. For “Christmas in May,” twelve of their members volunteered to build a deck and paint houses for community members who are low income; elderly and disabled.

From left: Paul Richards, IUPAT 880, DC 82 ;Rod Hogetvedt, IUPAT 386, DC 82; Jim Hodenfield, IUPAT 681, DC 82. / Photo credit: Casie Yoder

IUPAT recognizes its member activists who participate in political activities at least three times throughout the year with a “Member to Remember” banquet. Tom Stich IUPAT 132 of Shakopee, Minnesota is a “Member to Remember.” He says, “any time I can, I lend a hand. I like to volunteering and ensuring that we elect worker friendly candidates.” For example, he was recently at the Marathon Oil “gas price event protests” and participating in member to member phone-banks during his time off. He says, “I want to be active and get our union brothers more work.” Carrie Robles IUPAT 132 is also getting active in Labor 2008. She feels a stronger urgency with the elections coming and will be at the State Fair talking to members and the public about working families’ issues.

IUPAT District Council 82 just released Tony McGarvey to the labor movement's political program! IUPAT’s Labor 2008 program includes an active phone-bank and Labor Walking. Their internal worksite leaflet program is an effective way of engaging membership as well. IUPAT has joined the Minneapolis Building Trades’ hardhat sticker program, well-received by its members. The stickers are mailed out to members through Local Union Mail.

IUPAT District Council 82 is truly leading the charge in union volunteerism and the Labor 2008 program – congratulations and keep up the good work!