The Southern New Jersey Central Labor Council is accepting applications for their scholarship. To qualify, you must be a high school graduate planning to continue your education at a college, Camden County College, Rutgers Camden, Rowen Glassboro and Rowen of South Jersey. You must be an active union member in good standing or the spouse or dependent of an active union member in good standing. To apply you must the completed application on this page along with a copy of your grades for the current school year 2024-2025 and your researched essay. Applications are due by April 30, 2024, and all applications and required documents must be postmarked on or before April 30, 2024.
Contractor Spotlight: Mike Thurman and Schnoll Painting
Mike Thurman has worked in the painting and building trades for almost 50 years, starting out as a rank-and-file member of IUPAT DC 21 Local 703. He trained as a union apprentice and took night classes in construction management. He began working with union contractor Schnoll Painting in 1980 and was soon given the opportunity to run two high-rise building projects, eventually becoming general superintendent. After years of hard work, Mike became a partner at Schnoll in 1997, and in 2022, he purchased the company outright. He is also active on several industry committees and DC 21 funds. Mike is a current AMPD board member and President, a trustee for the DC 21 Health & Welfare Fund, a trustee for the Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid-Atlantic Region Trustee, co-chair of the DC 21 Labor Management Fund, and a member of the DC 21 Commercial Paint Craft Committee.
Schnoll Painting is highly successful not only in the local market, but they are also one of the most successful subcontractors on the East Coast. Partnering with IUPAT DC 21 for skilled labor, the company has played a leading role in the construction of now-iconic buildings in Philadelphia, including the Betsy Ross House, Marriott Courtyard, and Comcast Center. Mike feels fortunate to have been able to work his way up from union painter to business owner and is proud to be a union contractor. He knows firsthand the benefits unions bring to workers and contractors.
Mike brings his union background and values — including first-class training, inclusivity, commitment to safety, and exceptional results — to every project. Mike and Schnoll Painting have become industry leaders in supporting our diverse membership and encouraging inclusion, especially of women and people of color, throughout the industry. Every day, Mike is proud to continue Schnoll Painting’s tradition of great work with his talented and dedicated team of employees.
Mike Thurman and Schnoll Painting’s success is a prime example of the mobility and opportunities union membership can offer. We’re proud to work with contractors like Schnoll Painting that align with our values and know firsthand the value of union partnerships.
Announcing the winners of the 2023 District Council 21 Ralph Williams Scholarship
DC 21 would like to congratulate the 2023 Recipients of the District Council 21 Ralph Williams Scholarship!
James Seibert Memorial Award in the amount of $5000
Olivia Reynolds, daughter of LU252 member William Reynolds
The Top 4 Recipients in the amount of $4000
Sarah Duksta, daughter of LU2018 member Mark Duksta
Madeline Simon, daughter of LU2011 member Travis Simon
Michael Tepper, son of LU1955 member Mike Tepper
Jacob Shaeffer, son of LU252 member Michael Shaeffer
All other recipients will receive an award amount of $3500. Good luck this year to all of our students!
Local 2011 Shows L.O.V.E to the Community
Members of DC 21 Local 2011 have spent the past three years working with L.O.V.E. Is The Answer, a national movement working to bridge the police-community divide and foster trust and understanding. L.O.V.E. Is The Answer achieves this goal by implementing its “L.O.V.E.” framework – Learn, Open, Volunteer, and Empower – in all aspects of their work. L.O.V.E. Is The Answer is dedicated to improving police-community relations and corporate diversity & inclusion, providing anti-bias training, and facilitating community reconciliation.
This year, Local 2011 collaborated with L.O.V.E. Is The Answer, The Bucks County Office of Diversity and Inclusion, The Peace Center, Bristol Township and their police department, Central Bucks SD students, and local artists, volunteers, and community partners on a mural representing the L.O.V.E. Is The Answer movement. Local 2011 helped prepare a building for painting, and covered the finished mural with anti-graffiti coating.
Local 2011 is proud to volunteer their time and skills to help create a powerful piece of artwork that represents a great cause. To learn more about L.O.V.E. Is The Answer, visit https://loveistheanswermovement.com/lita-day/.
The Deadline to Qualify for STAR is September 30
For New Jersey members, the deadline to qualify for the STAR Awards is September 30th. In order to qualify for STAR, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You must be a member of a New Jersey local (277, 694, 1009, 1047, 1331, or 1976)
- You must be a member in good standing
- You need to have worked 500 safe hours
- You must take an 8-hour class
- You must fulfill these requirements by September 30
If you need more courses to qualify, you can sign up for health and safety classes at one of our three facilities:
Atlantic City: https://unite.iupat.org/public/classes/22866
Springfield: https://unite.iupat.org/public/classes/20793
Philadelphia: https://unite.iupat.org/public/classes/20232
Sign up now to ensure you can participate in this year’s awards.
