Union Rank-and-File Organized Rally to Protest the BTEA

Time: Tuesday, May 24 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: BTEA Leadership Dinner, Cipriani Wall Street
55 Wall Street (Between William St. and Hanover St.)

On December 29, 2010, Louis J. Coletti, President of the Building Trades Employers' Association sent a letter to Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building Construction Trades Council, referring to the 30 collective bargaining agreements to be re-negotiated on June 30, 2011. This document, "Roadmap to Recovery," presents the BTEA's "Framework for Reducing Union Costs," a 26 point list of demands calling for 20% reductions in the... wage/benefit package, and other unprecedented concessions.

March 7, the BTEA launched a campaign called "Build Union Jobs," consisting of subway advertisements, a website, and op-eds in the press, designed to scare union construction workers into accepting the bosses' draconian agenda.

March 18, the BTEA announced its annual gala Leadership Dinner ($750 a plate) at Cipriani Wall Street, May 24.

In response, rank-and-file construction workers, opposing organized crime influence, corrupt union bureaucracy, corporate greed, mismanagement, autocracy, and United Brotherhood of Carpenters President Douglas J. McCarron's union raiding tactics, put out an industry wide call for a rally to protest the BTEA Leadership Dinner.

April 28, and May 3, we organized sidewalk demonstrations in front of the BTEA offices in Times Square, coinciding with their Executive Board, and Association Executives meetings.

May 4 began the application process for a sound device permit, 5-8P.M. Tuesday, May 24, at 55 Wall Street, as Construction Workers Rank and File Organized.

We have been advised, whether or not a sound device permit is issued, it is our legal right to hold this event.

BTEA Rally Organizational Meeting:

Time: Tuesday, May 17 - 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Location: New Valentino Market
(dining room in back, up stairway)
74 5th Ave # 1 (between 14th and 13th Street)

All rank and file construction workers and stewards welcome; (no bosses or union officials, please.)

Mission:

•  rank and file organization
•  industrial solidarity
•  municipal service wholly divorced from partisan politics
• We recognize that the interests of labor are identical regardless of occupation, sex, nationality, religion, or color, for a wrong done to one is a wrong done to all.

Also on the agenda:
BTEA Board of Governors Meeting
Thursday, May19th, 2011, 8:00 A.M.
Le Parker Meridien
118 West 57th Street
(Between 6th & 7th)

For more info visit our website or email: Demian Schroeder