A Little Rebellion Now and Then Is A Good Thing

"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical....It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government." – Thomas Jefferson

Here's a breaking news alert for all Carpenters: High level union politics and power is at the heart of the "emergency supervision" over the New York City District Council Of Carpenters.

The depth of the district council corruption is much greater than you are being told. Mike Fordes ten year reign of corruption, rewarded lax ethics, corrupt behavior and drug use. In this “culture of corruption,” a toxic work environment was created where the more willfully ignorant of corrupt conduct an individual is, the more you advance in position and power.

Brothers and Sisters, We cannot remain silent any longer! This is our union; these are our employees, taking bribes and narcotics, hiding illegal weapons and drugs on our property, while Supervisor, Frank Spencer installs Pete Thomassen, the person who cover-up corruption and failed to protect our financial interest, as his assistant. Spencer, has also kept all of Fordes handpicked yes-men in their positions of power.

What the hell is going on here? Why are we standing for this? Why are we not standing at 395 Hudson Street with "torches and pitch forks", demanding involvement in the supervision? Who is protecting our financial interest including our pension and health benefits?

Thomas Jefferson, that revolutionary patriot, advocated rebellion every 20 years or so in order to remind the government that a spirit of resistance flourished among the people.

In that sprite, Union Carpenters must take the time to voice their concerns at union meetings and the UBC Hearing on October 15, 16, and that's as it should be.

This is what is known:

August 5, Mike Forde and nine others, were arrested charged in a 29-count indictment, in a $1 million scheme for corruption, racketeering, bribery and perjury, in a conspiracy that stretches over a decade, involving six contractors, business agents, business manager, benefit fund trustees, shop stewards, mob associates and council employees.

August 13, UBC General President Douglas McCarron fired council EST Mike Forde, local 608 business manager, John Greaney, local 608 business agent, Brian Hayes, and ordered an “emergency supervision” of the district council and appointed Vice President Frank Spencer, supervisor.

September 24, Federal agents armed with a search warrant seized drugs, said to include large quantities of the highly addictive prescription painkiller OxyContin, and a stun gun hidden inside a secret wall at the council.

Forde, long rumored to have thrown drug-fueled parties in the council, tested positive for cocaine and marijuana when he was arrested. Seven of his nine co-defendants also tested positive for drugs. Two refused to be tested.

In recent weeks, at least seven more high level council employees have either been fired, suspended or still employed for failing drug tests ordered by Frank Spencer. Several employees shaved off the hair on their heads and removed all body hair to avoid detection of drug use.

Independent Investigator, Walter Mack who’s work led to the charges in the indictment wrote,Thomassen and district council officers "engaged in, at least, willful ignorance" of the corrupt conduct by companies like Tri-Built and On Par, which are believed to be two of the six unnamed contractors in the indictment and were notoriously known among carpenters as "cash" companies, “yet permitted to work corrupt for years.”

Once again the membership who pays the salaries of these so-called leaders have been kept in the dark. There has been a virtual news blackout and members questions unanswered by Supervisor, Frank Spencer.

Print out the flyer below, take it with you to the hearing, post it on the job, voice your concerns to Chairman Draper! Its your union!
Rebellion