Legends of Labor
Hall of Fame
Legends of Labor
Hall of Fame
Bio details
Joe Ashdale
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)
Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer (2013-2023)
Joe Ashdale began his apprenticeship in 1979 the Son of A Union Glazier.
His Career spanned 40 + years
Joe worked his way up the ranks of Council, serving on numerous committees, holding political action positions, and co-chairing jointly trusted funds, culminating in serving for over a decade as the Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer and what a career he had during his time in leadership.
After calling Joe his mentor, Jimmy Williams, Jr., General President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), recently said, “I still get chills anytime I’m around DC 21’s Hall, with hundreds of people coming together – the pride, passion, and history this [union] has is what truly makes [us] great.”
Jimmy’s feelings are a testament to the years of stewardship Joe has carefully undertaken on behalf of the thousands of craftworkers and hundreds of signatory employers.
Joe Ashdale was a committed leader in the areas of diversity and equity ensuring equal opportunities for minorities and women to be a part of (IUPAT) including in leadership roles.
Joe’s leadership helped unite the unions of IUPAT into one of the premier union organizations in the country.
Joe also played an integral part of developing the finishing trades training programs into one of the premier training programs in the country.
During his career Joe Ashdale was also elected Chairman of the Board of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Among Joe’s Greatest Honors and Accomplishments have been representing and served the members of DC 21 as well as his dedication to the community including being active for decades with his alma mater, Father Judge High School, as well as his late wife Arlene’s alma mater, St. Hubert’s High School (to name only two) to ensure those in need have tuition, food to eat, even prom dresses available to make young people feel as special as they are.
Joe is also a great family man who loves spending time with his three children, his four bonus children, their spouses, and his eleven grandchildren, nieces, and nephews – Joe also loves to fish.