DC7 Newsletter - November 2021

23 Nov 2021

Update from Jeff Mehrhoff

I will start out by reporting on the recent General President's Advisory Committee meetings that I attended. The meetings were held over three days, and they laid out the agenda and direction of the new General Executive Board of the IUPAT. We received reports from each department in the International and heard from Liz Schuler, the new President of the AFL-CIO, and Sean McGarvey, the President of North American Building Trades Unions. President Schuler discussed a recent resurgence in the labor movement highlighted by all the strikes that are currently happening around the country. The business managers received a status update on the IUPAT pension, and the progress being made to ensure its financial stability. We reviewed upcoming Department of Labor audit triggers and what to be looking out for to make sure we follow financial regulations. The International announced changes coming to the Labor Management Department and the new direction and leadership of that department, along with similar changes to the Communication Department. The Training Department is continuing to focus on glazing certification and a strategic plan for the next few years. Overall, the meetings were very informative, and I feel like we are really headed in a good direction at the International.

DC7 Director of Organizing Dan Martin and I met with the new IUPAT Director of Organizing Shane Smith to lay out a strategic plan for the next year. We have a lot of work to do, and as always, organizing is our primary focus. We have a very solid team and a good plan. Look for more information next month and in January. It all starts with the COMET class—if you have not taken it yet, please consider doing so. COMET training will be key to many organizing efforts and opportunities starting next year.

Work in the council remains good but we are beginning to see some seasonal slowdowns and layoffs with painters and finishers. There are major projects on the books going into next year, but some have not started yet. The tradeshow industry looks to rebound next year as well.

Our Training Department will remain busy throughout the end of the year as we are making sure that as many STAR qualifier classes as possible are able to run, so that members can qualify. We are also getting ready to hold new apprentice classes for our industrial paint program and the glaziers in January.

Thank you to all of you that helped to get your local bylaws approved at your October meetings. They have been submitted to the International and you will be notified when they are approved.

Until next time, have a safe and successful month for the deer hunters and a Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Breakfast with Santa

We hope you'll join us for our 6 ^th annual Breakfast with Santa on one of the following dates:

When:

Saturday, December 4, 2021
9:00 a.m. (Breakfast begins at 9:30)

Where:

District Council 7
S68W22664 National Avenue
Big Bend, WI 53103

*RSVP by Monday, November 22
http://iupatdc7.com/members/event-post/id/169/

When:

Saturday, December 11, 2021
9:00 a.m. (Breakfast begins at 9:30)

Where:

District Council 7
5375 King James Way
Fitchburg, WI 53719

*RSVP by Monday, November 29
http://iupatdc7.com/members/event-post/id/170/

If you're able, please bring an unwrapped toy to donate to those in need to spread some holiday cheer! You can find more information about Breakfast with Santa, including registration information, on our website!