District Council 38


About

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 38 (IUPAT DC38), has members working in painting and  decorating, glazing and architectural metal work, drywall finishing, interior systems mechanics/lathing, hazardous materials workers, and allied trades, including inside glass, sign and display workers, and waterblasters.

Whether you have enjoyed a hockey game at BC Place, checked out a bestseller from the Surrey Public Library in Central City, driven over bridges such as Pattullo in the Lower Mainland, Hagwilget in Northern BC, or Lower Liard River on the Alaska Highway, or stayed a night in the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel in Downtown Vancouver, the work of our members can be experienced all throughout British Columbia.

The history of DC38 dates back to 1889 when a handful of painters joined the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America. Today IUPAT DC38 is an organization representing tradespeople in most facets of the finishing trades sector.

As technology in the finishing trades industry advances, IUPAT DC38 is committed to making sure its members have up-to-date training. In order to do this, IUPAT DC38 also runs the Finishing Trades Institute of BC, which is a state-of-the-art, 40,000 sq. ft facility located in Surrey. At the FTI we provide training and upgrading for our members at no cost. FTI also offers apprenticeships in painting, glazing, drywall finishing, and lathing.

Why Join Us?

DC38 offers competitive wage packages, health benefits (coverage for prescription medication, vision care, etc.) pension benefits. DC38 also provides free training and upgrading to our membership through our training school, The Finishing Trades Institute of BC.

Our Trades

Are you interested in working in the finishing trades? Read more about our trades by following the links below.

  • Painting (more)
  • Wall & Ceiling Installing & Finishing (more)
  • Glazing (more)
  • Hazardous Materials Abatement (more)