March 7, 1860: Several thousand shoemakers in Lynn, Massachusetts begin a strike that soon spreads to 20,000 shoe workers all over New England. The strikers, who include men and women, eventually win higher wages, but not the recognition of their union. March 15, 1887: Founding of the Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators of America, which […]

We’d like to thank Kanawha County Schools for allowing us to be a part of their Career Quest, providing seniors from all schools in the county with career opportunities in our area at the South Charleston Community Center today.

This week at the FTI Training Center, our 2nd-year commercial and drywall finishing apprentices are focusing on layout, design, and sign painting. They’re also getting hands-on with floor preparation and coating—grinding edges and corners after shot blasting, applying a leveling coat, and finishing with a topcoat. This comprehensive training will give them the real-world skills […]

This Women in Construction Week, we recognize the women of IUPAT DC 53 for their hard work and dedication to the trade. Since 1960, this week has highlighted the important role of women in the industry and the progress made in creating more opportunities. Thank you to the women in construction who help build our […]

This Month in Union History Feb. 16-17, 1936 – Rubber workers at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Akron, Ohio, launch a sit-down strike to protest wage cuts and speed-ups. By staying inside the factory, they prevented non-union workers from taking their jobs and forced management to negotiate. Feb. 4, 1937 – 37,000 maritime workers […]

This week at the FTI Training Center: Industrial members are here for their C3 Lead Supervisors Training, taught with help from Jim McAlister (DC 77) and Alan Speck (DC 77), while Drywall Finishers are taking their AMES tool certification. These certifications and hands on training will help them out on the job site!!

Over the past 18 months, we have lost several valued members of IUPAT DC 53. We honor their memory, their dedication to the trade, and their impact on our union family. Tim ShawTed ReffittMichael KingGary HuppJames BerryPaul GriffenburgKolten ThompsonBruce RileyGeorge BenaGary StarkeyCasey NowlingRobert ParrishRobert HarmonBill PattersonHerbert Siller Their hard work and dedication will not be […]

Feb. 11, 1913 – Firestone workers walk off the job in protest of a new piece-rate scale. Within days, nearly 15,000 workers joined the strike. Feb. 25, 1913 – 25,000 immigrant textile workers go on strike against unfair conditions in Paterson, NJ silk factories, fighting for better wages and hours. Feb. 6, 1919 – The […]

Thank you to IUPAT DC 53 members Caleb Skaggs, Greg Grimes, Josh Sparks, Austin Parsons, and Duane Jones from Local 1072 for their work at the Keith Albee Theater in Huntington.

Feb. 14, 1903 – President Theodore Roosevelt signs the law creating the Department of Commerce and Labor. Feb. 11, 1913 – Firestone workers walk off the job over a new piece-rate scale, leading to a major strike. Feb. 6, 1919 – The Seattle General Strike begins, with union members shutting down the city in support […]