Brothers and Sisters,
This union was not built by silence, comfort, or people looking the other way. It was built by working men and women who understood that solidarity is not just a word—it is a responsibility. When we allow division, intimidation, or disrespect to take root among us, we weaken everything generations before us fought to build. There is nothing neutral about standing by while a brother or sister is attacked, harassed, or pushed aside. Inaction is a choice, and complacency is complicity.
We are at a moment where we must decide who we are and what we stand for. This Council will not tolerate behavior that fractures our ranks, poisons our jobsites, or drives members away from participation in their own union. We either live our Mission and Values every day, or we surrender them. There is no middle ground.
One Union means all of us. That principle is not optional, and it is not situational. It is the foundation of Painters District Council #14 and the standard by which all members will adhere to.
Painters District Council #14 is issuing this Zero-Tolerance Policy to make our expectations absolutely clear.
Harassment, intimidation, threats, bullying, verbal abuse, and divisive conduct toward members will union not be tolerated — period. This includes behavior on the jobsite, in union halls, at meetings, during union activities, and on social media.
Any member who intimidates, fights with, insults, berates, or targets another member—especially members who are officers and delegates who are active in their local unions, committees, or District Council #14—is acting in direct violation of our Mission and Values and undermining the strength of our union.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Political affiliation, personal beliefs, or opinions do not excuse this behavior.
Your obligation as a member of Painters District Council #14 is first to your union brothers and sisters.
The treatment of apprentices is not negotiable.
Apprentices are to be mentored, trained, supported, and encouraged. Any journeyman who discourages apprentices from learning the trade, attending training, participating in meetings, or becoming involved in their union is acting against the future of our crafts and this Council.
Crushing the spirit of an apprentice is not a sign of power or strength—it is failure. Apprentices are our future workforce, future leaders, and the key to maintaining strong benefits, strong funds, and secure retirements for all members.
Our Mission is to better the lives of each and every member by being the strongest and most powerful voice in our industries.
Our Values are clear:
There is no place in Painters District Council #14 for behavior that contradicts these principles.
This is not symbolic language. Violations of this policy will be taken seriously and addressed. Conduct that threatens solidarity, safety, or the well-being of members will be investigated and acted upon through appropriate union processes.
I have been in this union for 38 years, and I can say this without hesitation: I have never heard so much hate directed at union brothers and sisters from within our own ranks. That is not who we are. That is not what built this union. And that is not what will sustain it.
So here is where I stand.
If you are experiencing this kind of behavior—on the job, in the hall, or online—or if you simply want to have an honest conversation about what we are doing at the District Council, call me directly.
My cell number is 708-710-8590.
We can meet face to face, or we can talk on the phone.
ONE UNION. ONE FAMILY. ONE FIGHT.
In Solidarity,
Joseph Rinehart
Business Manager / Secretary-Treasurer
Painters District Council #14
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Chicago’s hotel industry is more than just tourism—it’s a pathway to strong careers for our members. Business Manager Joe Rinehart highlights the essential work of our painters and tradespeople in a new feature by Crain’s Content Studio.
Check out the full article, "Inside Chicago's hotel career pipeline, where opportunity runs deep," to see how PDC14 is making an impact.
