Letter from General President Jimmy Williams Jr.

Sisters, brothers, and siblings,

Our union has never sat on the sidelines—and we won’t start now. As tradespeople, we show up early, we do the work, and we expect 
those in power to do the same. That’s why we’ve launched this new website: to track actions taken by elected officials at the federal level that impact our work, our wages, and our future.

We take President Trump at his word when he says he supports workers. That means we’ll be watching closely. When his administration takes action that protects union jobs, strengthens training programs, and upholds project labor agreements, we’ll give him all due credit. And when it doesn’t—we’ll say that, too.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about accountability. It’s about jobs. It’s about making sure that every painter, glazier, taper, finisher and public employee has a fair shot at the American dream. That means real apprenticeships, fair wages on public projects, and the right to work under a union contract—no exceptions.

We’ve seen what happens when working people are ignored. We’ve also seen what happens when we stand together and fight like hell for what we’ve earned. This website is one more tool in that fight. It’s a place where we’ll shine a light on what’s happening in Washington—and remind the folks in charge that our union is paying attention.

As always, the strength of the IUPAT comes from you—our members. Stay informed. Stay involved. And let’s keep building this movement together.

One Union. One Family. One Fight.

In solidarity,

Jimmy Williams Jr.

General President

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades