Ontario Painters Council & IUPAT District Council 46 Elect New Business Manager

Toronto, Canada, October 06, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Joseph Russo, an 18 year member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) in Ontario, was recently elected as the new Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of District Council 46 as well as President of the Ontario Painters Council. In his new role, Mr. Russo will guide the organizations in recruiting of new Union members, creating a strong foundation for solidarity and providing a significant support for political activism for rights of Union members. Russo replaces long time Business Manager Wm. (Bill) Nicholls who resigned from his positions in July 2012.

Russo is enthusiastic about his new position and mentions, “A key priority is attracting new members into the union by recruiting young people and by organizing workers who are currently earning sub-standard wages working non-union.” He continued, “We have to do a better job of showing young people that working as a tradesperson is a viable, respectful and financially rewarding career option.” He also pointed out that some people have absolutely no interest in carrying a briefcase and working eight hours sitting behind a desk. They would much rather carry a tool box and work outdoors building or creating something with their hands. The fact that tradespeople routinely earn more than some recent university graduates is simply a bonus and something that should be better promoted.

Additionally, Russo plans to focus “in house” by fostering a renewed sense of solidarity amongst the IUPAT’s members. “Our members are at the very heart of the IUPAT. They are hard working women and men who take great pride in their craft and a job well done.” Likewise, the IUPAT’s staff and representatives take great pride in servicing the members and doing everything they can to help improve their lives. That is why such things as advocating for workers’ rights, political activism, and community involvement are important to the IUPAT and at the top of Russo’s agenda for the group. “They all work tandem to ensure that the best interests of our members are always at the forefront of our organization.”

For more information on Joseph Russo or IUPAT District Council 46, please call 1-800-668-1823 or visit online at http://www.iupat.on.ca, via Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.