Coming Together: 2025 Membership Meeting
On a bright August morning in Cranston, Rhode Island, members from across our District Council 11 gathered in person for the Annual Membership Meeting, a time to reconnect, reflect on our shared progress, and look ahead to the work still to come.
With powerful remarks from national IUPAT leadership, department directors, and Congressman Gabe Amo, the meeting brought union members together in celebration and solidarity.
From heartfelt updates to hard numbers, the message was clear: DC 11 is strong and getting stronger.
From the Podium: Voices of Leadership
BMST Jason Werthmann opened the meeting by outlining his vision for a more unified and resilient Council. He shared department goals for 2025 and emphasized the need for interdepartmental coordination, stronger organizing, and continued growth in membership and signatory contractors.
Paul Canning, IUPAT General Vice President, Eastern Region
“This Council is doing everything right, you’ve got the programs, you’ve got the training, and you’ve got the fight. That’s what it takes.”
Canning emphasized that DC 11 is a model for strength through unity and challenged members to stay visible and vocal.
Mark Komaromi, IUPAT General Vice President of Service & Local 1274 Member
“I started just like many of you—in the field. Every decision I make is rooted in what it means to be a worker in this union.”
Komaromi praised DC 11 for its transparency and communication and encouraged members to stay engaged in shaping their future—from the shop floor to the State House.
Congressman Gabe Amo, RI-1
“When I walk into a union hall like this, I know I’m in a room full of people who know what it means to show up, to work hard, and to fight for what’s right.”
Congressman Gabo Amo shaking hands with IUPAT General VP of the Eastern Region, Paul Canning and BMST Jason Werthman.
Amo acknowledged the essential role of union labor in building infrastructure and called for continued federal investment in workforce development.
“We can pass the bills in Washington—but it’s your hands that turn it into reality.”
John LaChapelle, Director of Organizing
“We’re not just out here adding contractors. We’re fighting for safe working conditions, for fair pay, and for the future of our trades.”
He highlighted recent organizing wins and stressed the importance of grassroots worker engagement and holding bad actors accountable.
Mike Komaromi, Director of Training
“Our work is changing, and we’re preparing our members to lead that change—not follow it.”
He reported on the Council’s evolving training programs, including STAR participation, new apprenticeship standards, and pre-apprenticeship development.
Mark Verity, Director of Service
“We’re here to protect your rights, enforce your contracts, and make sure the job gets done right—for you.”
Verity emphasized ongoing work to improve member contact, apprenticeship ratios, and contractor engagement through the 30-60-90-day plan.
Justin Kelley, Political Director
“What happens in the statehouse affects what happens on the jobsite. We need to make sure our voices are being heard—loud and clear.”
He spoke about recent wins protecting prevailing wage laws and urged members to stay politically active to defend union standards and rights.
One Union. One Family. One Fight.
Throughout the meeting, the atmosphere was one of connection and pride. Members caught up over coffee, took photos with fellow tradespeople, and heard directly from the leaders shaping their contracts, training, and future.
Every speaker echoed a simple truth: we are stronger when we stand together.
Stay Involved
Whether you're new to the union or a longtime member, there's always a way to plug in:
📍 Attend your Local’s meetings
💪 Join the Volunteer Organizing Committee (VOC)
📸 Upload jobsite photos and certifications on our website
📱 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook [@iupatdc11]
📧 Contact Communications Director Jesse Komaromi at jessek@iupatdc11.com
Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 Annual Membership Meeting a success and we already cannot wait for next year!
