Today In Labor History

Former Carpenter Boss Forde leaves court after making guilty plea.

On August 10, 2009, Mike Forde was fired from his position of Executive Secretary Treasurer of the New York City District Council of Carpenters, and the Council was placed under "emergency supervision." Shortly after Forde was indicted and fired, a cache of drugs (Oxycontin) and a stun gun were found hidden in the offices of the Labor Technical College of the District Council. Forde tested positive for both cocaine and marijuana at the time of his arrest.


Update:

On Wednesday, July 28, at 12:00 p.m Michael Forde, pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to participating in a 15-year racketeering scheme.

Forde admitted that from approximately 1994 through 2004, he received cash bribes from multiple contractors (including On Par Contracting, Turbo Construction, Pyramid Associates Construction, New York City Acoustics, and KAFCI) in return for allowing these contractors to violate the terms of their collective bargaining agreements with the District Council.

Among other things, Forde admitted that he let these contractors use undocumented workers and avoid making required payments to the District Council benefit funds of which he was the Chairman.

Forde also admitted to committing perjury in a January 2009 deposition he gave in a civil action brought by the District Council against one of the contractors from whom his co-conspirators had accepted bribes. Forde further admitted to obstructing efforts to investigate his conduct.