When the Jones family purchased Pacific Printing in 2003, the company employed three workers and enjoyed modest success in the San Jose area. Today, it is the largest union printing shop in the Bay Area with 28 employees who are represented by the GCIU and Allied Trades and UFCW Local 5.

The growth came through expansion and innovation, says current co-owner and Labor Council officer Troy Jones.

“By purchasing three previously non-union print and mail companies, we were not only able to expand the business, but we were able to bring the benefits of union representation to a new group of workers.”

Pacific Printing provides design, printing, and mailing services to clients in the Bay Area and beyond. Thanks to state-of-the-art equipment including an 8-color “Perfector” Printing Press and in-house binding capability, the Monterey Road shop has the capability to print more than one million pieces a day. 

The company’s biggest clients are Northern California unions and political candidates, but it also does work for national clients including political consultants and union trust funds. For the November election, it will print and mail approximately 30 million campaign pieces, says Troy.

While the company has enjoyed great success, it’s philosophy includes more than just providing a service to customers, says Troy, who is a UFCW Local 5 member.

“I don’t consider Pacific Printing to be just another vendor. We see ourselves as an extension of the labor movement. What I enjoy the most is the ability to help the movement grow by not only helping unions communicate with their members and the public, but by also getting personally involved in campaigns and causes that build worker power.”

Troy serves as the Labor Council’s Recording Secretary and participates in the COPE process and other Council activities. His company provides the inevitably requested rush printing services particularly around election season and when needed, offers discount pro bono work to union-related campaigns and activities.

Last year, Pacific Printing opened a shop and became the only major union printer in the Dallas, Texas area, providing printing and mailing services for the Texas AFL-CIO, the Dallas Democratic Party, and a growing list of additional clients.

“Our goal is to replicate what we have done here in San Jose and take on the challenge of building up the labor movement in a right-to-work state,” says Troy