Jim Black Elected DC 6 Interim BM/ST
On April 1, Jim Sherwood retired as Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 6.
The following evening, Jim Black, who was serving as DC 6 Director of Service and as Business Representative for Glaziers Local 181, was voted interim BM/ST to fill the expiring term, which ends on June 13.
The jurisdiction of IUPAT District Council 6 covers most of Ohio, including the entire C/COBCTC territory, and parts of Central Kentucky.
A 40-Year Legacy
When Jim Sherwood became a Glazier apprentice with Local 181 in 1985, he joined the union as a third-generation member. After completing his apprenticeship, he spent time in the field before transitioning to the training side, where he served as Glazing Apprentice Coordinator/Instructor for 10 years.
In 2005, he became a second-generation Business Representative/Organizer and that same year received his associate’s degree in Labor Studies from Marshall University’s George Meany Center for Labor Studies. He also served DC 6 as Political Director.
Sherwood became a second-generation IUPAT Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer in 2014, following in his father’s footsteps when he was elected to lead the District Council.
“Jim Sherwood dedicated 40 years of his life to the union, including the past 12 years as the Business Manager of District Council 6,” said Black. “He worked tirelessly to put this Council in a position to be successful. Under his tenure, we increased membership, and the Council’s finances are strong.”
“Jim Sherwood built DC 6 into a solid, financially strong and respected Council,” said Nichole McCarthy, IUPAT DC 6 Director of Administration and Communications. “He shouldered the workload of three terms as BM/ST, and what he established allowed this Council to seamlessly progress after this transition, not fumble and figure it out.”
Jim Black Steps In
Black credited Sherwood with preparing him for the role ahead.
“I learned financial knowledge, how systems operate, how to negotiate contracts and our obligations as an officer,” Black said. “He (Sherwood) also taught me the importance of building off relationships that matter.”
Black has been a member of Glaziers Local 181 for 28 years, having completed the four-year glazier apprenticeship. During that time, he served the Local in multiple Executive Board positions, including Warden, Vice President and President. He is continuing in his roles as Local 181 Business Representative and Local 181 Delegate to DC 6.
“I have been active within the union for the past 28 years,” he said. “I love working for the members and I feel there is no better way to give back to the membership than by being BM/ST.”
McCarthy sees Black as the right person to move DC 6 forward.
“He can help us get the tools to keep members informed in real time, create stronger communication and build real connections with members,” she said. “It’s about restoring solidarity, moving forward to ‘Be the Union We Say We Are.’”
Modernization Is a Priority
One of Black’s primary goals as interim BM/ST is to modernize how DC 6 operates.
“One of our main goals is to allow members to be able to pay their union dues electronically,” Black said. “We are going to an app-based system which will give the members all their pertinent information at the touch of their fingertips. We are also setting the contractors up to be able to pay electronically as well. It’s a huge benefit for all members.”
Black stressed that his commitment to members is to lead with transparency, accountability and a strong focus on protecting their interests, wages and working conditions.
“I will work hard to ensure your voices are heard and that our council remains strong and united moving forward,” he said. “We will continue to build on our strengths and face any challenges ahead – united as one.”
DC 6 Election on June 13
On June 13, DC 6 members in good standing will be eligible to vote for IUPAT DC 6 Business Manager and 11 Business Representatives at one of nine polling locations. Members will have the opportunity to vote for either John Kintyhtt or Black to be the next BM/ST for District Council 6.