NYC CARPENTERS REACH DEAL WITH MWA THAT RESTORES BENIES AND HEALTHCARE

New York, NY- After months of heated negotiations and a strike, the New York City District Council of Carpenters’ Delegate Body on Thursday, January 16, 2014 ratified by roll call vote a new 10-year collective bargaining agreement with the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA), the multi-employer association that represents a dozen employers that operate shops that manufacture and install custom furniture and interior millwork.

“This has been a long, hard fight,” said Stephen McInnis, President and Executive Secretary-Treasurer Pro Tem. “But it was well worth it, given that this contract finally gives these members security and peace of mind.”

The approximately 350 members, who work for MWA employers, have been without benefits and healthcare since July 2013. The new contract retroactively returns their benefits and healthcare, plus settles existing financial obligations.

This 10-year agreement comes on the heels of stalled negotiations and a 3-week-long strike in July against the MWA. As part of this contract, the delegates also approved a settlement between the District Council, the Benefit Funds, the MWA, and the twelve MWA member-employers that resolves all outstanding benefits’ funds employer contribution delinquencies, three pending federal lawsuits, and contested arbitration awards.

By entering into these agreements the District Council aims to make its members whole for all the delinquent benefits earned during this period. Members who qualify under the plan rules will also be given retroactive medical coverage back from July 1, 2013 and going forward. With more than 20,000 members in eight locals, the New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters is one of the largest, most powerful trade unions in the construction industry.

Ratification and Approval for MWA Memorandum of Agreement Global Settlement Agreement