Jeff Stark

Business Manager / Secretary-Treasurer, IUPAT District Council 82

There is no place you can go, or conversation you can have, that the political division in this country is not intrusively present. Retail stores, restaurants, workplaces and at home. Families, co-workers, friends and perfect strangers find themselves arguing about politics on a level not seen since the Vietnam War. The support for a political party or a candidate should not stir hate, only discussion or debate. The pros and cons of each candidate are different for everyone, just as the pros and cons are sometimes different for a District Council and the International Union.

District Council 82 has a strong political presence in Minnesota, North Dakota, Western Wisconsin and Montana. The endorsements and financial support from DC 82 to politicians in Washington DC has been given to candidates from both parties.

I want to be clear: We do not throw an endorsement or money at a Republican candidate just so we can say we support both sides of the aisle. We have a STRONG working supportive relationship with Republican Representatives Tom Emmer MN, Brad Finstad MN, Pete Stauber MN, Ryan Zinke MT, Senate Republicans Steve Daines MT, John Hoeven ND, Republican Governor Greg Gianforte MT and Governor Doug Burgum of ND.

Governor Gianforte signed a bill in Montana that included a public-private partnership between the state of Montana and the FTIUM, this included more than $500,000 to help train IUPAT members in Montana, the only such commitment made to a union in the Building Trades. District Council 82 was the only Building Trades Union to step up and support Governor Burgum’s income tax reduction which was signed into law. Minnesota Representative Pete Stauber currently is the lead author on a bill to support Apprenticeship Colleges because of the numerous times he has spent in our training center.

District Council 82 has an equal working and supportive relationship with Democrats covering our footprint, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Tina Smith, Representative Betty McCollum, Representative Angie Craig, Senator Jon Tester, Governor Tim Walz, and more, all of whom have consistently worked to protect wages and benefits.

District Council 82 has a single interest in politics that includes working conditions, wages, benefits and your right to collectively bargain. The names and parties that I mentioned are reflective of our membership percentages. The members of DC 82 are not all Republican and they are not all Democrat, and as your Business Manager / Secretary-Treasurer, I will continue to ensure that every member, regardless of political affiliation, will have their voice heard on both sides of the aisle when it comes to their paycheck.

We are currently pressuring both political parties to give back the tax deductions that were lost due to the Trump Tax Plan. I am not attacking Trump with that statement just as I am not attacking Biden for not doing anything to restore them over the last four years, I just want the ability of our members to deduct work-related and family expenses during tax season. I do not care who restores the deductions, only that they get restored to our members.

As we continue to apply pressure, we will be reaching out to our membership to contact the U.S. House members and Senators to apply pressure as the constituent. We will be developing a form letter to send to the elected official in your area or an elected official of your choice. We can make things happen if we work together and learn to live with divisiveness and use it to our advantage when it comes to both parties.

DC 82 members at March 7, 2024 CTUL action re Solheim.
Uche Photography

We are coming together to demand:
Dignified Work
Good Schools
Stable Housing
Liveable Planet

JORDAN FRY

Director of Servicing, Business Representative for Local 61

Really excited to be working with 617MediaGroup to get news stories and information out to the members again in this new digital newsletter, along with our website that will continue to be a source for member information.

There is a lot to report about at DC 82, and this is a step in the right direction to accomplish our vision plan for 2024. The website has an interactive calendar for events that can be clicked on and added to your personal calendar, which helps you register for volunteer events and attend local meetings. Our hope is to be better organized internally to reinvigorate our members to the core of why we need their help in this fight for the IUPAT in the labor movement.


Since we last released a newsletter, my position has added an extra role. I’m currently the Local 61 Business Representative since June of 2018, and now the Director of Servicing since March 2023.

The Director of Service oversees all of our local representatives and is involved in just about all council negotiations for the many contracts we represent. The role is tasked with putting goals and a plan in place for our reps and field reps to maximize our outcomes in gaining market share, servicing the members, and protecting our crafts. I help the representatives and organizers with questions or issues they may have.

One of the goals for 2024 is building a more structured New Member Orientation. I’m happy to say that after a lot of work and planning, this program is up and running. We have orientated over 250 new members to help them understand the benefits, contracts and how the union works overall. The goal is to provide better services for our members and try to engage them right from the start, so they recognize the power we have together.

Another goal of every department at DC 82 is gaining new contractors and having them sign our agreement so we all have more places to work. This will allow us to gain market share, which helps us bargain for better wages etc.

I’m excited that under the Biden administration, the NLRB has changed one rule, often called the Cemex rule, that has allowed three prospective new contractors to be brought to the table for our union. The fact is, changing one simple rule like this has allowed the workers easier chances at organizing their workplace and we need to continue to capitalize on that change wherever possible.

I’d like to finish with mentioning TEAM. TEAM is our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and they offer a wide range of services. Of course, mental health and substance use disorder services, but also many other services around questions that may come up with your personal health or any of your dependents. I think it is vitally important that we help each other be at our best and TEAM is a great resource, paid by our health care fund to help us do just that.

Hope to see everyone at an event or local meeting in the near future!

Craig Peck

Business Representative for Locals 386, 1922, & 1962

It was a crazy start to the year, coming out of winter that wasn’t really a winter. The work took longer than expected to start up.

I talked to a lot of contractors late last year and a lot of them said that they were booked up with work in 2024, and that a lot of projects had been pushed back for numerous reasons.

Drywall has been a roller coaster. It seems like every couple of weeks Jordan and I would get calls from tapers that are off, then we would get calls from the contractors looking for 5-10 tapers, and then they get caught up again.

Paint also took some time to get going, but is busy now. Schools are wrapping up, but there seems to be enough work that their shops are busy, but not calling for anymore help. There are a few painters on the bench.

Industrial work has been busy. A lot is going on at the refinery, and we have put on a few apprentices there and we have some travelers there. Flint Hills has been letting out some maintenance work so Rainbow can gear up for a couple of big turnarounds coming in 2025.

Jordan and I have been able to fill the work request at Prairie Island Nuclear for their fall outage. It can be tough to get people in there because of the background checks. DOT work and other industrial work have been keeping our members working. We are seeing some big data centers starting up and semiconductor jobs coming up that we have had pre-jobs for.

10 DC 82 journeyworkers work under Fred Lane, the General foreman at the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC). 

Their new $250,000 piece of striping equipment, the Roadlazer Roadpak, is used to stripe runways at MSP and surrounding metro airports.

Add your name to the out of work list.
Remember: Call if you are off and get on the out of work list. If you don’t, we have no idea that you’re off and unemployment might call an audit. 

Show up to Local 386 meetings!
Get active in your local. Local 386 meetings are on the third Monday of the month at 6:00 PM.

Jon Pietz

Business Representative for Local 1324

Local 1324 at the IUPAT Convention
In the last week of August, DC 82 and Local 1324 leaders joined thousands of our IUPAT brothers and sisters from across the US and Canada to discuss resolutions to our constitution, to share our biggest wins, and set unified goals for the next five years.

It is always an honor to serve our members and create improvements for years to come.

The DC 82 Picnic
The DC 82 Picnic and Family Day was a tremendous success, filled with fun, activities, and plenty of camaraderie at the State Fairgrounds. It was a great reminder of the strong community spirit within our membership.

PATCH Golf Tournament Success
The PATCH Golf Tournament had a great turnout, offering members a chance to enjoy some friendly competition, connect outside of work, and do it all for a great cause. Everyone had a great time, making it an event to remember.

For those who are unfamiliar with the PATCH Foundation, it serves to support organizations that provide educational and medical services to our youth, as well as support local sports programs. Local IUPAT members collect donations for PATCH  and use those gifts to aid a hometown charity or organization.

Negotiations and Allocations Update
Not much to report on negotiations and allocations at this time, but we’ll keep you posted with any developments.

Roberts Rules of Order Training
Our leadership recently participated in Roberts Rules of Order training, equipping us with essential skills to effectively participate in meetings and maintain order during discussions.

Service Training Hosted by the IU
We were fortunate to have the IU host a comprehensive service training, covering crucial topics such as prevailing wage, Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), and strategies for engaging and servicing our membership. The training also included sessions on public speaking, prepared speeches, and roleplay scenarios that were particularly beneficial for business representatives and directors.

Congratulations to the FTIUM Graduates!
A big congratulations to our FTIUM graduates, especially the glazing group, all of whom are proud members of Local 1324. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring.

Upcoming Project: Rochester Mayo Clinic Expansion
Looking ahead, the Rochester Mayo Clinic expansion is on the horizon. Much like the Essentia project, this endeavor will feature extensive glass work, providing significant opportunities for our skilled members.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s continue working together to build a stronger, more united Local 1324!

JACK CARLSON

Business Representative, Local 106 Duluth and surrounding areas

Work is picking up after a late start this spring/summer. This winter is projected to be very busy and that should continue into 2025.

We have lots of substantial projects slated to start in the next year, these are larger jobs, and those larger jobs mean more working hours for our members. We have been working closely with the city of Duluth and St. Louis County on several other large PLA projects

The incline village will be a 3-4 phase multiyear $500-700 million investment in Duluth. There has also been some progression with the NorthMet complex on the Iron Range. This is going to be a huge boom when the trades get to fully be onsite.

The potential to make our IUPAT grow is in our own hands. When the work is there, we need to grow. This means everyone that is a member of the IUPAT needs to step up and help organize!

If every member told a friend or family member to come down to the office and fill out an application, we could fill every call that comes to my office. With that also comes the place of employment. If you are on a job and are not sure if the painters or glaziers are in our ranks, please call the Hall. Our staff is limited in size, and we depend on the calls we get from you to help us find new contractors.

With more contractors and more market share under our belts comes more openings for new members. From around the area, we have been very active with Job Actions. There have been several projects that have gone the wrong way, and we have been able to inform and teach the owners and the public that cheap labor isn’t the route to go. This is important to keep our market share up where it is at!

I also want to showcase or newest member to the Local 106 family, 218 Style. 218 Style is an embroidery and screen-printing shop that is located in Grand Rapids. With 218 coming on board, it really helps fill the screen-printing void in the northern half of the state. They are also women-owned and operated! I am thrilled to have four new sisters join our ranks!

The final piece to the members who are reading this: It is election time, and we always hear how important it is to vote and participate. My ask of you is to please do your own research and do not believe all the negativity because of a social media post. Those posts are designed to distract you from what really matters, and that is your paycheck! Without our collective bargaining rights, we won’t be where we are today. Don’t be a nail in your own coffin, make a difference and vote for what our interests are as a collective union.

SOLIDARITY brothers and sisters!

Jack Carlson

Scott Parker

Business Representative for Locals 681 & 2002

Work in Rochester is good right now. There are smaller jobs going on, which is good because it keeps our members working. The Anderson Proton Beam is moving right along. There are some big projects coming up, such as a revolutionary organ center.

A Multi-Million-Dollar Pig-to-Human Organ Center in Stewartville

United Therapeutics Corp., renowned for pioneering pig-to-human heart transplants, has announced ambitious plans to establish a cutting-edge pig-to-human organ center in Stewartville. The $14 billion biotech firm recently acquired 32 acres of prime land for this purpose, marking a significant step forward in the field of xenotransplantation.

Rochester’s Bold Construction Plans Transforming the Landscape

Amidst Rochester’s skyline transformations, Mayo Clinic’s monumental “Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester” project stands as a beacon of future development. With a staggering $5 billion investment, Mayo Clinic aims to redefine healthcare infrastructure with innovative facilities, including what’s dubbed the “Hospital of the Future,” and will surely employ all of our trades.

Projected for completion by 2030, this endeavor marks Minnesota’s largest single development initiative to date.

Estimates suggest a demand for thousands of skilled workers, with peak requirements expected in late 2027 or early 2028.

Teresa Ellis

Business Representative for Local 880

Minnesota print shops are experiencing a surge in demand thanks to political campaigns like those of Harris and Walz who have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in signage. The DFL’s support for local printers, including Senator Klobuchar’s decision to print locally, highlights the party’s commitment to supporting labor and union shops.

Process Display in New Hope, MN, is one such business benefiting from this boom and is currently seeking digital operators and dye cutters. The sign industry remains strong, with upcoming projects at the airport, Twins Stadium, and Wells Fargo, creating steady work opportunities. Companies are also looking for experienced sign installers, and those interested should reach out to business reps.

Recent tradeshows, including the UNFI food show, have connected members with major retailers like Target and Walmart, showcasing a range of products. After the event, our members donated thousands of pounds of food to homeless shelters. It was an honor to help serve our community.

The industry has also ramped up training efforts, with recent classes on floor marking and trade show basics, preparing workers before they hit the field. As Minnesota continues to host major events like the Olympic gymnastics tryouts, the sign industry is poised for ongoing growth, driven by quality craftsmanship and strong community ties.

Arthur Hill

CORE Director

As the CORE Director for District Council 82, our vision is clear: to create a more inclusive, equitable, and engaged union community that reflects the diversity of our membership and the broader society we serve.

The journey toward this vision begins with our commitment to supporting and empowering the Women’s, Black, Latino, Young Worker, and LGBTQ+ CORE Committees. These committees are not just groups, but are the lifeblood of our union, bringing forward the voices of often underrepresented members and bridging the gap between our union and the communities we serve.

Our vision is to foster a culture within District Council 82 that is not only inclusive, but actively works to dismantle barriers to participation and leadership for marginalized groups. We aim to build strong, interconnected committees that can serve as platforms for advocacy, support, and leadership development. These committees will play an important role in connecting with the broader community, promoting union values, and organizing the unorganized.

By focusing on member-to-community engagement, we aim to create a powerful and united front that can address the needs of our members while also advocating for justice and equality within our communities. This involves not just participation, but active leadership in community events, solidarity actions, and social justice initiatives.

The Women’s CORE Committee will continue its essential work of advocating for gender equality within our union and the workplace. We will expand our efforts by partnering with local organizations that support women in trades and other traditionally male-dominated industries. An emphasis will be placed on mentorship programs, where seasoned members can guide and support newer members, helping them navigate challenges and grow within their careers. Furthermore, we will focus on outreach to young women in schools and communities, introducing them to the opportunities available within our trades.

The Black CORE Committee will spearhead initiatives aimed at addressing racial disparities within our union and the industry at large. We will work to establish stronger ties with Black community organizations, churches, and educational institutions to promote the benefits of union membership. The committee will also lead efforts in cultural competence training for all members, ensuring that our workplaces are welcoming and respectful for all. Additionally, we will focus on developing leadership programs specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by Black members in the union.

The Latino CORE Committee will focus on outreach to Latino communities, particularly in areas with high concentrations of unorganized workers. We will work to create bilingual resources and workshops that address the specific needs of Latino workers, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent anyone from accessing the benefits of union membership. The committee will also play a crucial role in advocating for immigrant rights and providing support for members who may be facing challenges related to their immigration status.

The Young Workers CORE Committee will be at the forefront of efforts to engage the next generation of union members. We will develop programs that highlight the benefits of union membership to young workers, particularly those in precarious or non-traditional employment situations. The committee will also focus on leadership development, providing young workers with the skills and opportunities they need to take on active roles within the union. We will also leverage social media and digital platforms to reach and engage young workers in new and innovative ways.

The LGBTQ+ CORE Committee will advocate for the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ members within our union and workplaces. We will work to create safe spaces where members can share their experiences and challenges. The committee will also lead efforts in educating all members about LGBTQ+ issues, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment. Additionally, we will work to establish partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations and advocate for policies that protect and support LGBTQ+ workers in our communities.

If you feel your values and culture align with the LGBTQ+ movement and if you’d like to assist your union in allyship, this is an invitation for you to help us with that. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me, CORE Director Art Hill, at [email protected] or at 612-443-1050.

District Council 82 is committed to building a union that is reflective of the diverse communities we serve. By empowering our CORE Committees, we are taking concrete steps toward achieving our vision of an inclusive, engaged, and powerful union. Through these actions, we will not only strengthen our union but also make a meaningful impact in our communities, ensuring that all workers have a voice and a place in our movement.

Your Brother in Solidarity,
Art Hill

DC 82 Joins United Way Action Day to Support Students in Need

Six dedicated members from DC 82 participated in the United Way Action Day, contributing to an extraordinary effort that resulted in over 40,000 backpacks being packed in just four hours. This event, held annually, mobilizes volunteers to support students in need across Minnesota by providing essential school supplies.

The DC 82 team focused on getting the backpacks ready for distribution, ensuring that each one was carefully packed and prepared to be shipped off. Their hard work was part of a larger logistical effort that saw 150 semi truck loads of backpacks delivered to schools throughout the state.

The Action Day was a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. With just four hours of dedicated time, DC 82 members helped make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of students, ensuring they have the tools needed to start the school year off right. The success of the event highlights the importance of community involvement in supporting education and shows what can be accomplished when people come together for a common cause.

Want to be a part of amazing volunteer opportunities like this? Sign up to become a volunteer!

SHAWN THEIS

Director of Organizing

Layoffs are a normal part of our industry. Here’s how we can get back to work.

Even though it can feel like the end of the world, it’s a normal part of our industry to be let go as work slows down. Most of our members have unfortunately experienced this firsthand, and it can be a really tough experience, especially the first time. But rest assured that when you’re let go, you’ll have a team of organizers eager to get you back on the job site as soon as work picks up again.

Anti-union employers use young workers’ inexperience with layoffs to their advantage – if a young worker is laid off for the first time and is desperately searching for a new job, they often tell that worker, “Yeah, that’s how the union works. They take your money and then let you go.” The worker might get hired by that anti-union employer and get steady work outside of their union, but their hourly rate and their benefits will decrease dramatically.

Our advice to those who have been laid off

Be patient. It’s not your fault you were laid off! That’s just the nature of the industry. Don’t rush to get a job outside the union – you could close the door that would have led you to a much higher-earning job with a union contractor doing the exact same work.

What happens behind closed doors

What anti-union contractors don’t want you to know is what happens during the project bidding process. When anti-union contractors win bids on jobs, they often cut corners by lowering the cost of labor. That means the employers are making a lot more money while the worker is making only a percentage of what a union worker would, and isn’t getting the benefits, or the safety, or the included training either.

The bottom line: With an anti-union contractor, you could be working just as hard for whole lot less.

What can we do to get more work?

This past year, three groups of workers on non-union job sites were able to educate their coworkers and their employers on the union advantage. Thanks to them, we’ll have a new signatory paint contractor in November, we’re in negotiations with a new glass shop, and we have another potential paint shop in the works. All of those employers’ market shares will increase, and everyone involved  will be making more money.

We have more places to work if we have more signatory contractors. Without organizing more contractors, we are fighting to stay the same as we are now, and not growing. Help us organize by talking with workers on your jobsite and the non-union employers you cross paths with!

Tony McGarvey

Director of Government Affairs

Patriot?

I’ve always considered myself to be one, but what is the definition of a patriot?

The 2001 film Black Hawk Down is a recounting of the events that took place during the October 3, 1993, attempt to capture the warlord Mohammed Farah Aidid, in Mogadishu, Somalia. The raid became a two-day battle in which 19 US service members were killed, and 73 wounded.

In October of 1993 I was a Specialist (E-4) in the US Army stationed in Baumholder, Germany. My buddies and I were “glued” to the TV wondering if we were going to be deployed to Mogadishu. We were not, but we were ready.

Near the end of that movie, SFC “Hoot” Gibson is talking to another soldier about why he’s going back into the city on a rescue mission. He says:

“…When I go home, [and] people ask me, ‘why’d you do it, man? Why? You some kind of war junkie?’ I won’t say a goddamn word. Why? They won’t understand. They won’t understand why we do it. They won’t understand it’s about the man next to you… and that’s it. That’s all it is”.

Yes, it’s a scripted line for an actor in a movie, but “SFC Gibson” provides the answer.

To consider the well-being of others and act accordingly, that is patriotism. A patriot is someone who considers the needs of the people around them to be as important as their own. It is not someone who’s only looking out for themselves.

The Constitution of the United States embodies that spirit and the 26 amendments to the Constitution are evidence that when needed, our system allows us to make changes to secure the well-being of the majority. But nothing in the constitution is “guaranteed.” It is only “secured”… until it’s not.

If you are familiar with transporting horses, or boats or a load of any kind, you know that anything that is “secured” can become “unsecured.”

We each have issues that are important to us, but nothing is more important than securing the liberty to negotiate for the paycheck and benefits that strengthen the well-being of our families?

As working-class people, people who have bills to pay and must worry about the cost of gas, food, and health insurance, to look out for each other’s well-being, we must continue to elect representatives who prioritize the needs of the working-class.

Everything we have as Americans & union members is made possible by laws that align with the Constitution because the patriots that came before us considered “the others’” well-being as important as their own, then took the action needed to secure it.

None of what they left us is guaranteed… unless we are patriots.

Then, we are that guarantee.

In the 2024 election, be a patriot and use your vote to secure the same opportunity for well-being that we have enjoyed for those who come after us.

“It’s about the man next to you… and that’s it. That’s all it is.”

JOHN BURCAW

Director of Academic Education, FTIUM

The FTI of the Upper Midwest: Then, Now, and Beyond

The FTI of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM) is celebrating its 20th year at its Little Canada, MN campus! Over the last two decades, the FTIUM has undergone significant changes and accomplished many new and exciting milestones. Let’s look at how they got there!

Humble beginnings, a powerful vision

Before 2003, the idea of a centralized registered apprenticeship program that provided programming for commercial painters, drywall finishers, glaziers, and glassworkers wasn’t much more than an idea that soon turned into a reality with the construction and opening of the new, over 50,000-square-foot IUPAT District Council 82 headquarters and, at that time, FTIUM predecessor, the Minnesota Finishing Trades (“MFT”).

Apprenticeship has always been a central focus of IUPAT and DC 82, with training and organizing the unorganized going together. With new leadership under then-Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Terry Nelson, a new vision of apprentice and journey worker training began to unfold as a once empty new building transformed into a state-of-the-art training center. But this did not happen simply overnight.

Under the leadership of their Board Trustee, the MFT envisioned a day when IUPAT apprentices would participate in the most advanced and capable program in the Midwest, if not beyond. Then, a new trajectory was set, and the soon-to-be FTIUM prepared to become academically accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

A big step in this journey was much more significant than merging several JATCs into one fund: creating a second-to-none source of craft education for all members of DC 82.

Bold moves

FTIUM leadership understood the need to separate the traditional painting craft into two distinguishable occupations: commercial painter and, in 2010, the new occupation of Coating Application Specialist, more simply known as industrial painter. This decision, one of the first in the nation, was a bold move to capture more of the industrial coatings market.

In 2014, FTIUM was accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). This multifaceted move to an accredited institution was intended to improve programming, third-party scrutiny and oversight, and elevate the institute’s public profile, hoping to attract grants and other new sources of revenue.

In 2015, another new apprentice-able occupation was created for Sign Technician. This new occupation was designed to best support IUPAT members and signatory employers like the others.

Becoming the new model in higher education

With this now behind them, it was time to tackle a goal outlined in 2005: for the FTIUM to become a degree-granting institution. In 2017, that dream became a reality. COE accredited the FTIUM to award an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technologies by combining a student’s registered apprenticeship with six general education courses taught by its adjunct faculty.

Then, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the institute faced an uncertain future. It had to take the bold, necessary steps to continue its work, even while the rest of the nation was closed for business. It was then that they started the work and, in 2021, received institutional distance education approval from the COE to hold classes online to effectively offer the Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technologies degree to all District Council members.

Also, in 2021, the FTIUM partnered with Helena College in Helena, Montana, to offer FTIUM apprenticeships and degrees for DC 82 members employed in Montana. Working with DC 82, the FTIUM participated in constructing a new accredited Instructional Service Center where they can now instruct their commercial painting, Coating Application Specialist, and Glazing occupations with the approval of the Council on Occupational Education.

A path for high schoolers

Understanding that recruiting new apprentices to replace the soon-to-be-retired, FTIUM took one of their boldest leaps yet, the creation of the Finishing Trades Academy (FTA) for high school students in 2022. This new program allows high school seniors from metro area high schools to explore careers in the finishing trades while learning how to live independently and manage their finances while receiving four elective credits over the 15-week semester.  

With increased apprentice-able crafts and opportunities, the FTIUM has continued flourishing and growing enrollment and graduates.

Changing the culture of construction

In late 2023, the FTIUM created its Care Team. The FTIUM Care Team consists of licensed behavioral health clinicians and care coordinators who are on site any day there are students in the building. This effort is designed to address the high number of suicides in construction and to ensure students have the wrap-around services they need to become the best version of themselves. The FTIUM Care Team provides on-site counseling services, crisis intervention, education, and student advocacy.

A lot has transpired over the past twenty years, and the FTIUM has a long list of those involved to thank, including BMST Jeff Stark and the current Board of Trustees.

Stay tuned as the FTIUM continues to expand opportunities, create and deliver new continuing education classes, and opportunities to help them recruit as an FTIUM Ambassador.

Cheers to the next 20 years! They are bound to be even more exciting!

Start getting care with TEAM

the FTIUM Care Team

In our first year, the FTIUM Care Team received hundreds of visits. We are proud to offer our members free mental health services and much more.

None of us have to go it alone.

We’re so pleased many members and staff used the Care Team this past winter. 

Depression, anxiety, and relationship issues are still the most common topics on Care Team calls, but the program offers many other services, and we want to make sure you know about them. 

Some of the counseling that’s lesser-used but just as critical include:

  • Anger management
  • Alcohol- and other substance-related issues
  • Workplace stress
  • Medical-related stress
  • Gambling help
  • Financial issues
  • Emotional regulation

We also have a nurse case manager who can help you with non-mental health-related issues, such as:

  • Provider questions
  • Musculoskeletal issues
  • Neurological issues
  • Patient representative

If you want nutrition and wellness services, we have you covered there, too. The FTIUM Care Team can help connect you with eating disorder specialists and general help if you’re looking for a healthier diet or lifestyle.

Our Care Coordinators can help you with:

  • Substance-related provider resources
  • Coverage claim concerns
  • Domestic violence resources
  • Housing/homelessness resources
  • Legal resource referrals in collaboration with CLC
  • Medical records assistance
  • Transportation resources
  • And much more.

The FTIUM Care Team is 100% confidential, completely free, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you see a DC 82 brother or sister struggling or behaving outside their norm, please contact the FTIUM Care Team. We look out for each other. That’s the union difference – that’s solidarity.

Update Your Contact Information

Welcome, New Members!

Francisco Andrade
Santos Argueta
Adrian Arizaga
Donald Beguhl
Cristhian Cabrera
Maria Suyapa Cardona Gamez
Shirley Chango Rosero
Angel Gil-martinez
Maria Guevara
Jacob Howley
Joseph Kendall
Lucas Koosmann
Tara Lavanway
Eric Leon
Blayne Maciain-lee
Matthew Mckenzie
Jose Guillermo Mendoza Ruiz
Christopher Moen
Jaime Morales Navarrete
Miguel Ramirez
Roman Rivas
Francisco Rodriguez
Jose Alfredo Rodriguez Gaspar
Eduardo Romero Hernandez
Eduardo Ruelas
Mason Sherman
Cody Smith
Taw Taw
Aaron Thigpen
Camilo Valenzuela

Cody Anderson
James Braunworth
Michael Childs
Amanda Daniel
Diego Escamilla
Johnathan Firebaugh
Chet Hart
Benjamin Jones
Amanda Mallum Benson
Monte Mayberry
Joseph Mercier
Austin Mooers
Johnny Otero
Bruce Perron
Raymond Petersen
Caleb Peterson
Morgan Quinn
Miguel Rodriguez-rodriguez
Kayle St Marie
Christopher Vandyke
Donald Wanquist

Chad Bahe
Edward Barber
Joseph Bliss
Robert Brooks
Ryan Cimmerer
Skylie Condon (Eisel)
Skyler Cross
Allan Davis
Jersahi Garcia-castaneda
Francisco Hernandez
Dustin Howard
Nevaeh Hull
Landon Keller
Alexandra Laine
Francisco Lopez Ortiz
Bryant (Blaire) Niesen
Pablo Ulises Olmedo Lopez
Tristen Olson
Nicholas Oman
Jesus Padilla Zavaleta
Autumn Peterson
Jonathan Rodriguez
Joseph Rodriguez Colon
Alexander Rojesky
Viviana Samaniego Espana
Jacob Schwartz
Bridgette Sharp
Jevontia Skjonsberg-jackson
Scott Snabb
Chandelier Valley
John Vang
Ronal Vazquez-carrera
Maximo Gustavo Vazquez Rojas
Jackson Walker

Arturo Arellano
Jesus Arellano
Olegario Castelan
Chad Crowson
Daniel Hasher
Travis Kahlow
Jesse Sanchez
Richard Streiff
Tremaine Williams

Veronica Bodinski
Matthew Boley
David Buenano
Tristan Conlin
Derrick Drumgoole
Nikoli Fitzgerald
Hayden Heffner
Christopher Jester
Anthony Lazar
Daniel Maximo
Mushin Muhammad
Joshua Peterson
Michael Rodriguez
Julio Romero
Keith Strozier
Jerris Torgerson
Xia Vang

Zachary Bartlett-maul
Jacob Bochmann
Mike Dralle
Luke Ehoff
Shawn Giusto
Brad Grecula
Alex Hall
Darren Hanson
Jonathan Macias
Gabriel Mata
Jason Meixner
Paul Miller
Michael Moos
Chase Neiger
Antonio Pardini
Eric Peterson
Scott Reagan
Shawn Rodriguez
Tyler Schreifels
Eric Smith
Damon Thompson
Joseph Vadnais
David Yang

Marco Ezequiel Alulema Alvarez
Fredy Hernandez
Edwin Roberto
Cashton Young

Aleksander Nikulin
Elijah Swanson
Toua Xiong

Congratulations on Your Retirement

John Foster
Mike Nelson
John Tellin
Jason Wertman
Kyle Engelstad
Barry Ives
Scott Dvorak
Patrick Kendle
Kurt Seaberg
Anthony Wilczek
Mark Meyer
Steven Puetz
Michael Bennett
James Metcalf
Marco Miller
Thomas Adams
Gregory Renne
Andreas Spiess
Louis Talbot

2024: In Memoriam

Bobby Hanson
Michael Hill
Hermann Klaas
Bernard Lee
Michael Parendo
Donald Wallin
Robert Berg
Douglas Duden
Dean Freeberg
Terry Peterson
Richard Schmit
Lee Stangl
John Wolff
Steven Norgren
Jimmy Sorensen
Duane Strain
Gary Boxmeyer
Thomas Thoresen
Roger Freeman
Robert Kedik
Patrick Villalpando
Robert Christopherson

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