Meet John Bunce: An 80% drywall apprentice with DC 57
This month, we’re spotlighting John Bunce, an 80% drywall apprentice here at DC 57. John first learned about DC 57 through a family member who happens to be an employer. He let John know that joining the union is a career opportunity that gives back – with insurance packages and a livable wage. John was […]
PA Unemployment Claims Filing Tips
New Claim Claims are effective for 1 year (from the BYB date of your claim – Benefit Year Begin date). Say no to being a seasonal worker. A “seasonal worker” is a very specific agricultural job in unemployment law. When choosing your union from a drop-down list, if it is not listed, there is a […]
We’re thinking about immigration reform during Apprenticeship Week 2021
To many, apprenticeship and immigraiton may appear to be two separate issues, but the fact is that the two intersect in many ways. Just like many colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions, training centers like IUPAT District 57’s at FTI of Western PA places a high value on recruiting a diverse group of students […]
DC 57 Welcomes New IUPAT Leadership
This past summer, the IUPAT General Executive Board elected a new Executive Board of leadership. Jimmy Williams, Jr. is our new General President – and the youngest president of any building trades union in the United States to date. The new era of presidency came alongside the succession of Gregg Smith as the new General […]
Mon Valley Independent: Veteran’s home repaired as Patriot Day project
Veteran’s home repaired as Patriot Day project Union members volunteer their services to aid McKeesport resident John Joseph. By JEFF STITT A local veteran who was getting rained on while he slept in his bed can now rest more comfortably thanks to a Patriot Day service project in McKeesport. Saturday marked the 20th anniversary of […]
Winning STAR Event ticket numbers
The Safety Training Awards Recognition (STAR) program rewards members who take safety courses. With STAR Training, you can build your skills and get recognized and rewarded for your achievement. Here are our 2020 & 2021 awards & recipients:• Polaris Ranger 1000 side X side with an Appalachian trailer | Winning Ticket: #129• Yamaha EXR Jetski with […]
DC 57 Members Kick Off Labor Day Weekend with A Parade in Erie
Labor Day brings much to celebrate: the progress we’ve made as a workforce, the uplifting of workers across the United States through our Union mission, and of course, the parties and parades that coincide with our day off! This year, Local 549 will host their own parade. Please note that the Pittsburgh and Altoona parades […]
Member Spotlight: Brandon Biernacki
After hanging out in a glass shop throughout his childhood, Brandon Biernacki’s path was carved out even before he worked as a landscaper and a cook right out of high school. Today, Brandon is a fourth-year Glazing Apprentice who enjoys the challenge that working in a rapidly-evolving industry brings. At the FTI of Western Pennsylvania, […]
DC 57 Donates 33 Customized Chromebooks to Dyslexic Graduates of Provident Charter School
Provident Charter School is a tuition-free public school based in Southwestern Pennsylvania, designed specifically for students with language-related learning differences like dyslexia. IUPAT District Council 57 wanted to support the local school by donating 33 Chromebooks to each member of the 2021 graduating class before they head off to high school. Chris Geronimos, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer […]
Why Contractors Want to Hire Union Workers
Union workers vs. non-union workers: everyone has an opinion, but why are increasingly more employers reaching out to unions for employee training and for finding more skilled workers? Let’s start with why job seekers are often drawn to unions: Joining a union is so much more than the pay rate per hour. With our union, […]