Hermanos y Hermanas,

I hope this article finds you ready for Christmas and the New Year. I want to take the time to do a cleaning up so to say, I would like to close out the year 2024. We started the year with 246 members, and we are closing out the year with 296 members. We also have a new female member, Trenika Sandidge. Trenika is a 50% apprentice who is working for BT Mancini and loves the work. This year has been one of the busiest for floor covering in the 10 years that I have been your Business Rep. With more work, it brings a need for more apprentices and journeyman. 2025 looks to be another busy year, if you know someone who is looking to get into the trade, please have them call me. 

This time of year can be a happy time for most, and for others a time of depression and sorrow. If you are feeling the stress of the holidays as a member of DC16/Local 1237 you have the Helping Hands Program:

Did you know that the Construction Industry has the second highest rate of suicide in the country? Our jobs are stressful and there has always been a stigma around asking for help. We need to change that for ourselves and our family’s sake. 

DC16 offers the helping hands program. You can reach out directly to James Boster with any mental health or substance abuse issues you or a family member might be having. It is all confidential. Our insurance also covers the Beat It program. Reaching out to James at jamesb@dc16iupat.org is the best way to get the services that best suit you. If you do not need this information, pass it on to someone who does.

Fraternalmente,

Randy Rojas