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.
Monday, January 20, 2014
NYC CARPENTERS REACH DEAL WITH MWA THAT RESTORES BENIES AND HEALTHCARE
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Memorandum of Agreement between the NYCDCC and MWA
AGREEMENT made on this 11th day of January 2014 by and between the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York, Inc. ("MWA") and the New York City District Council of Carpenters (the "District Council");
WHEREAS, the parties have negotiated in good faith regarding the terms and conditions of a successor collective bargaining agreement, inasmuch as the predecessor collective bargaining agreement expired on June 30, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the parties agree that all of the terms and conditions of the predecessor agreement shall continue in full force and effect for a ten year period except as specifically modified below;
NOW,
THEREFORE, the MWA and the District Council agree that all terms and conditions of the MWA & District Council Collective Bargaining Agreement ("CBA''), with the exceptions of what are included in this Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA"), shall continue except as modified below.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
MWA Reneges on Deal with District Council
The New York City District Council of Carpenters and the employers of the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA) agreed on Sunday night, July 21, to end the current strike and have Union members return to work Monday morning, July 22.
The District Council signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that provided for wage and benefit increases during the first two years of a ten-year contract. Later wage and benefit increases would be negotiated at the beginning of the third and seventh years, with interest arbitration being used if the two sides couldn't reach an agreement.
But the MWA refused to sign the MOA, demanding that the Union agree to numerous changes to what had been negotiated and agreed. The District Council's leadership has refused to agree to these concessions.
The District Council’s members struck on July 1 after the current contract had expired. They went on strike to resist the MWA’s efforts to eliminate employer benefit funds’ contributions on all hours beyond forty in a week as well as over other issues.
The MWA finally agreed with the Union's position on no 40-hour cap on benefit funds' contributions. In exchange, the District Council agreed to alter arrangements for outside installation of millwork where at least 80 percent of the product is manufactured by the particular MWA employer.
The MWA had tried on June 27 to get a federal court judge to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent the strike when the contract expired. But the federal judge refused. The MWA then went to a hearing on July 8 before federal district judge Richard Berman seeking an injunction ordering the Union members back to work, arguing that the expired contract somehow lived forever and prevented the Union from ever striking. On July 18 Judge Berman issued a stinging opinion and order denying the MWA’s request.
The parties continued to negotiate last week and over the weekend, leading to the agreement on outstanding issues and the return of the striking members to work. It's that agreement on which the MWA has reneged.
On Wednesday, July 24, the District Council and the MWA met with representatives of the District Council benefit funds to discuss a global settlement of several millions of dollars of delinquencies in contributions owed by the MWA employers. Those discussions are continuing, with the Funds and the MWA employers working on resolving those delinquency amounts owed.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Arbitrators Got It Right
Bylaws apply to ALL District Council Delegates!
By email dated February 25, 2013, John Musumeci, a Delegate of the New York City District Council of Carpenters Delegate Body, filed a Complaint and Request for Arbitration with the undersigned Trial Committee Chairpersons pursuant to Section 5(F) of the Bylaws of the New York City District Council of Carpenters. The Request for Arbitration lists the following “Questions to be Decided” and sets forth the requested remedy:
1. Did NYCDCC EST Michael Bilello, in violation of the laws of the UBC, engage in a concerted effort and targeted pattern of harassment, threats, coercion, bullying & intimidation carried out by his assistant and/or others, in a year long campaign which culminated at a July 25, 2012 delegate meeting at approximately 7:30 pm, whereby Bilello, directly engaged in a course of vexatious, personal and indecorous comments or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, which incited UBC members to publicly harass, intimidate and humiliate Delegate John Musumeci by threatening to file; and by filing bogus charges against him, in direct retaliation for exercising his First Amendment freedom of speech, LMRDA & NLRA Section 7 rights as a union member with regard to his having raised multiple serious questions relative to the conduct and handling of the MWA Arbitration?
On April 19, 2013, Respondent New York City District Council of Carpenters filed a
Motion to Dismiss the Complainant’s Complaint and Request for Arbitration.
A hearing on the Motion was held before the Trial Committee Chairpersons on June 18,
2013, at the offices of the New York District Council of Carpenters, on the limited issue of
jurisdiction of the Trial Committee Chairpersons to decide each of the questions posed in the
Request for Arbitration tiled by the Complainant, John Musumeci. Mr. Musumeci and James
Murphy, Esq., on behalf of the New York City District Council of Carpenters, appeared at the
hearing and were given the opportunity to be heard. The record establishes that Respondent
Michael Bilello was given proper notice of the hearing, but did not appear.
"Based on a review of all the evidence and the arguments made by both parties and the answers offered to the above questions, we find that by the plain meaning of the language of Section 5(F), written by experienced counsel, the Bylaws provision in question applies to all Delegates of the Council Delegate Body, not just those who are employed by the District Council."
Santo Barravecchio, Esq.
Barbara C. Deinhardt, Esq.
Carol Moran, Esq.
Trial Committee Chairpersons
Saturday, July 20, 2013
MWA Injunction Request Denied
Federal District Judge Richard M. Berman on Thursday denied an injunction request made by the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA) against the New York City District Council of Carpenters. Judge Berman had held a hearing on July 8 on the MWA's injunction motion.
The July 18, 2013 opinion and order ruled in favor of the District Council, denying the MWA’s application for an injunction that would require council representatives and members to “cease and desist from engaging in any job action or any other activity that interferes in the business activities of the Plaintiff (MWA).” Another federal district Judge had rejected on June 28 an application by the MWA for a temporary restraining order to prevent a Union strike for a new contract.
Judge Berman denied the request on the grounds that the federal courts did not have jurisdiction to intervene in a strike over the union’s efforts to come to a new collective bargaining agreement. Judge Berman also found that the no-strike language in the expired collective bargaining agreement didn't continue after June 30 when the contract expired.
The District Council has been on strike since July 1, 2013 after months of stalled negotiations with the MWA, which employs some 350 union members from various District Council locals. The previous six-year agreement between the MWA and the District Council was effective from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2012 and extended for an additional year to June 30, 2013.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
MWA Strike Day 12 at the Somerville Company facility
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| For more MWA Strike coverage see Facebook |
Letter to Judge Berman from MWA
ENDORSED LETTER addressed to Judge Richard M. Berman from Scott Trivella dated 7/3/13 re: For the reasons herein, and to prevent delaying the MWA's pending application for injunctive relief, the MWA requests that this Court immediately return 13cv4473 to Judge Nathan.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Union Carpenters Strike Over Wage Freeze Demands
By Esther D'Amico
The New York City District Council of Carpenters entered its third day of a strike on July 3 after negotiations broke down with the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA). The association is seeking an across-the-board wage freeze and a second-tier employee system with lower wages and benefits, "while locking members into a 10-year agreement," the council says.
"Nobody wants a strike, especially during the celebration of our country's independence, but if we concede any further it would be detrimental to all our members and their families," Stephen McInnis, the council's executive secretary treasurer, said in a July 1 statement.
Some 350 members of the union are on strike. Members covered by the MWA contract earn an average of about $31 per hour with benefits, the council says. It adds that it has established a strike fund and an assistance hotline to help those on strike.
At press time, the council did not respond to calls for further comment, and attempts to reach MWA were unsuccessful.
For more MWA Strike coverage see Facebook
Friday, July 5, 2013
NYC carpenters’ strike leaves nonunion workers stuck without health insurance
The District Council of Carpenters terminated health coverage for 120 secretaries, draftsmen and other nonunion workers Monday — the day it declared a strike against the woodworking companies that employ them. That’s left 12 companies that comprise the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association scrambling to find private coverage.
BY GINGER ADAMS OTIS / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
The NYC District Council of Carpenters’ strike against woodworking companies has turned into a real pounding for nonunion staff members who’ve lost their health insurance.
The New York union terminated health coverage for about 120 secretaries, draftsmen, administrative assistants and other nonunion workers on Monday — the day it declared a strike against the woodworking companies that employ them.
That’s left the 12 cabinet- and furniture-making companies that comprise the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association scrambling to find private coverage.
“For almost 10 years the union has enabled us buy health care coverage for our private employees that is similar to what the carpenters get,” said Anthony Rizzo, co-owner of the family-run Rimmi Woodcraft Corporation and president of MWA.
RELATED: CARPENTERS’ STRIKE WOULD AFFECT NYC CONSTRUCTION SITES
“They surprised us with a letter two days before the strike. I’ve had to rush to find a way to cover my workers. It costs more, but I can’t leave them without.”
Rizzo is challenging the union’s action in court — including its position that none of the 120 workers are eligible for COBRA benefits under the union’s terminated deal. COBRA is a federal program that extends health insurance for temporarily jobless workers.
“We feel it’s illegal for the union to deny COBRA. We will challenge it but it takes time. I have an employee in the hospital who was denied coverage and that can’t happen,” Rizzo said.
They’re also challenging the legality of the union’s strike, he said, and will be in federal court Monday looking for an injunction.
RELATED: MOB GUY'S REMOTE CONTROL
District Council of Carpenters represents the 350 woodworkers and wood installers in Local 2790 who walked off the job Monday in protest over stalled contract negotiations.
The MWA wants to cap benefit contributions at 40 hours a week so it would no longer have to make pension, vacation and health care contributions on overtime pay.
It’s a deal that Stephen McInnis, president of the District Council of Carpenters, says he “has to refuse.”
But Rizzo, who said there used to be about 70 woodmaking companies in the region — now down to about 12 — said the union’s demands were driving employers into bankruptcy.
“We’re not asking for lower wages, just to lower some of the benefits. It’s not even a major concession,” Rizzo said.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Neither side budging in carpenters strike
By TESSA BERENSON
Hundreds of union carpenters went on strike this week over a contract dispute in a move that threatens a number of ongoing projects in the city.
The strike comes after over a year of contentious contract negotiations between the New York City District Council of Carpenters and the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York, an association of contractors. The carpenters' contract expired June 30, and they have balked at the association's request for a 10-year deal with lower benefits and a wage freeze on the cabinetmakers and wood installers, 350 of whom stopped working Monday to protest.
Stephen McInnis, president of the District Council of Carpenters, has said the union would agree to a 10-year contract with wage negotiations possible, but won't compromise on benefits.
"We feel we've made a number of concessions throughout these negotiations, and we just can't concede any more," said Kwame Patterson, a spokesperson for the carpenters. "There's no more to give."
The contractors, however, believe the district council prematurely halted discussion. "They called a strike immediately when the contract expired," said Catherine Condon, an advocate for their association. "We were in negotiations and they just took a hard line."
Ms. Condon said settling on a contract is crucial to the survival of the unionized woodworking industry in New York, and blamed the industry's loss of market share on union workers doing jobs for nonunion contractors. "One of the reasons for the [industry's] decline is that union installers have been installing work in Manhattan that is made by nonunion shops," she said. "We are constantly competing with nonunion workers so at the moment we're just trying to get a contract that will make for fair competition in New York."
A consultant to developers in the city said as nonunion contractors have taken on more complicated jobs in the last several years, the carpenters have become increasingly desperate for work, causing some to resort to nonunion gigs, thereby accelerating the trend.
"The union guys have been unable to hold out. They’ve had to put bread on the table, and they’re taking more and more nonunion jobs," said the consultant, who requested anonymity to protect relationships in the industry. "The nonunion labor pool is starting to be very competitive in terms of skills with the union workforce because in many respects, it’s one and the same. It overlaps tremendously now."
Ms. Condon urged the district council to resume contract negotiations and end the strike. "Let the men go back to work," she said. "Let them get paid."
But Mr. Patterson said the strike is necessary despite the financial toll it takes on the workers. "This really hurts [the carpenters'] pockets, but this is the only recourse we have at this point," he said. "We're standing by the phones waiting for [an acceptable contract], but that hasn't come in yet."
For now, both sides are hopeful that the strike will end soon, but neither appears willing to make the next concession. The union said many large construction projects around the city could be halted by the strike, including 4 World Trade Center, General Motors' building on Fifth Avenue and the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle.
"The carpenters walking off can easily shut down an entire contract, because they have so much responsibility, especially with interior work," the consultant said.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Daily Strike Report
From Local 2790
At Island Architectural & Midhattan Woodworking, there are union carpenters who are members of the North East Regional Council who refuse to honor the picket line!
At William Sommerville, there are members of Local 157 & Local 1556 who are installing woodwork from Sommerville right around the corner!
Actions like this only serve to weaken our union and should be frowned upon by every brother and sister member!
Monday, July 1, 2013
NYC Carpenters Strike for Fair Contract
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, July 1, 2013
Hundreds of New York City District Council (DC) carpenters went on strike Monday after months of stalled negotiations with one of its largest contractor associations. This strike of more than 350 members will affect major construction projects around New York City and New Jersey.
“Nobody wants a strike, especially during the celebration of our country’s independence, but if we concede any further it would be detrimental to all of our members and their families,” said Stephen McInnis, Executive Secretary Treasurer of the New York City District Council of Carpenters.
The tipping point was the association’s demand for drastic wage and benefit cuts.
The Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA), which employs union members from various District Council locals, demands a wage freeze and a second-tier employee system with lower wages and benefits.
The DC made a number of concessions to the MWA, both before and during negotiations.
The MWA’s unreasonable position isn’t good faith bargaining, according to union officials. “It’s bleeding a turnip.”
This work stoppage directly impacts more than 350 hard working New Yorkers and their families. Their work includes constructing and installing architectural woodwork and cabinetry, store interiors and fixtures, display and exhibit equipment, and architectural metal products.
Certain construction projects at 4 World Trade Center, the General Motors building on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street and the Time Warner building at Columbus Circle could be potentially halted if the workers remain on strike.
On average, members covered by this MWA contract make approximately $31 per hour with benefits. The council has started a strike fund and an assistance hotline to help its members who are now out of work.
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.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Nailing down a contract: Carpenters’ strike would affect WTC, other construction sites
Unless a last-minute breakthrough occurs in stalled contract talks, 350 cabinetmakers and wood installers will go on strike — affecting about a dozen commercial construction sites around New York City.
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Stephen McInnis, president of the District Council of Carpenters, which represents Local 2790, said the union agreed to a 10-year-deal with wage negotiations possible in the third and seventh years, but that it wouldn’t budge on benefits. He said it was not fair to retroactively change the benefits structure for workers already on the job for 15, 20 or 30 years. |
The carpenters union in New York plans to put the screws to a group of construction contractors by walking off job sites Monday, the Daily News has learned.
Unless a last-minute breakthrough occurs in stalled contract talks, 350 cabinetmakers and wood installers will go on strike — affecting about a dozen commercial construction sites around the city.
“We made them an offer they can live with, and they made us an offer we have to refuse,” said Stephen McInnis, president of the District Council of Carpenters, which represents Local 2790.
Projects at 4 World Trade Center, the General Motors building on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street and the Time Warner building at Columbus Circle will halt if the workers go on strike, along with many others.
The union’s been trying to hammer out a deal with the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association for more than a year, McInniss said.
The Association wants the high-end cabinetmakers and wood installers of Local 2790 to agree to a 10-year wage freeze at the current rate of $31.24, as well as greatly reduced benefits.
McInnis said the union agreed to a 10-year-deal with wage negotiations possible in the third and seventh years — but it wouldn’t budge on benefits.
“I need a proposal I can get ratified. If I went to the membership with this, it wouldn’t pass,” he said.
The MWA wants to cap benefit contributions at 40 hours a week so it would no longer have to make pension, vacation and health care contributions on overtime pay.
McInnis said it was not fair to retroactively change the benefits structure for workers already on the job — although the union is open to making changes for new hires.
“Some of these guys have 15, 20 or 30 years on the job, you can’t go in now and fundamentally change how their benefits accrue,” he said.
The 350 members of Local 2790 voted Thursday night to go out on strike if necessary.
Lawyers for the MWA tried to obtain an emergency temporary restraining order against the union over the weekend, but a judge denied their request.
The District Council said it would alert its other construction locals to the problems with MWA.
“This will be an economic strike, and I anticipate a very favorable response among our members,” McInnis said.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Important Message from the EST
Be advised, the New York City District Council of Carpenters have authorized a strike against the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA). Unless the MWA management agrees to a new, fair contract on or before June 30, 2013, the strike will start on Monday morning, July 1, 2013. All MWA shops will be struck, which cover half our Local 2790 members as well as MWA install jobs in Locals 20, 45, 157, and 926's jurisdiction.
These hard working members have already endured cuts to contract terms for a year due to an arbitration ruling. Now the MWA is asking to cut even deeper. We are still hoping for an acceptable agreement, but if one is not reached the DC will be on strike on July 1, against the MWA.
Attached you will find Shops locations.
Stay informed and look for more updates at www.nycdistrictcouncil.com.
Letters to BCA & CAGNY regarding Strike July 1 2013
List of companies we’re striking
List of picket locations and Biz rep contacts
Monday, June 24, 2013
Emergency Local Meeting MWA Update!
At the local meeting tonight, EST Steven McInnis and Vice President Michael Cavanaugh will be in attendance to address the 2790 Membership on the current MWA negotiation status. Current contract expires June 30, 2013. This meeting is extremely important so we recommend attending if you can.
Meeting starts at 6pm
Knights of Columbus,
4918 Queens Blvd.
Woodside, NY 11377.
Monday, April 1, 2013
New MWA Agreement to Provide Healthcare for Workers
District Council News...An interim settlement agreement has been reached to provide 500 hours of medical coverage to all those affected by the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA) arbitration, including those who lost coverage in recent months and those who were in danger of losing it as of April 1, 2013. The money for coverage will be allocated from contributions already made by participating employers that has been held in escrow up to this point.
Final approval among the management trustees of the NYCDCC welfare fund; the MWA and the Hollow Metal Trust Fund was finalized on Sunday, March 31, 2013 . This agreement is to address the immediate concern of healthcare coverage for the affected members. This is the first step in reaching an overall agreement between the District Council and the MWA.
For more information, contact Council Reps:
Andrew Mucaria (917) 376-5542
Robert Villalta (347) 491-0739
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Complete Update on the Current MWA Situation
Here is the latest on the current situation involving the MWA, the arbitration, and the members working for MWA contractors.
Right now
As we all know, the arbitrator decided that she can not rule on issues regarding benefits and also awarded the MWA $8,000,000 for past wages paid compared to the Gilbert wage package. So as it stands right now, the District Council owes the MWA $8,000,000, and the MWA owes the Benefit Funds for all the hours worked. Also the original decision regarding wages stands. The MWA can pay it's shop workers the lower Gilbert pay rate, but most shops will not lower wages because they know most skilled craftsman will not work for $21 per hour (as opposed to $31). Tobin and Bauerschmidt are the only known shops that have lowered their wages (to approx. $28 per hour).
What's next?
The MWA has been in talks with the District Council on hammering out a new MWA Agreement in addition to settling all other issues. The MWA can still take the DC to arbitration again if they want, this time over the benefits. This could result in a ruling against the DC upwards of approx. $30,000,000 in addition to what has already been awarded if they decide to go that route. However, the MWA is interested in signing a new agreement, and in return agree not to bring up arbitration again towards the DC. This proposed global settlement will resolve everything, and the MWA and DC can move forward.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Arbitrator Drastically Limits Remedy Available to MWA Employers
Breaking News...The labor arbitrator in the MWA case rejected the employer associations’ demand for an award from the District Council and Funds of more than $60 million. Arbitrator Rosemary Townley, in issuing her remedy award, rejected most of the MWA employers’ demands and instead awarded a retroactive wage amount of $8 million.
She also ruled that she doesn’t have jurisdiction under the MWA collective bargaining agreement to hear claims related to benefit fund contributions because such claims have to be determined by a different arbitrator under different procedures. That means that the Funds are owed more than $3 million in delinquent contributions from those MWA employers dating back to May 2012 and that any employees whose medical coverage was reduced should have coverage fully restored.
The original grievance was filed by the MWA, which moved it to arbitration. The grievance involved the MWA’s claim that its employers in the architectural millwork industry are competitors with a District Council signatory shop that does work for trade show displays.
Nevertheless, the arbitrator had determined back in May 2012 that the MWA millwork employers were competitors of the trade show shop and its agreement with the Distinct Council should apply to the MWA. The remedy award that was just issued was to settle disputes between the District Council and the MWA regarding the full scope of the remedy available to the MWA employers.
The District Council’s officers and staff leadership, along with legal counsel, are reviewing all options based upon the arbitrator’s remedy award.
Read the Arbitrator's Official Decision below.
Democracy and Free Speech Triumphs
Score a big one for Democracy and Free Speech.
In a resounding victory for democracy and members free speech rights, Review Officer Dennis Walsh, today issued a veto of the charges filed by former District Council President Bill Lebo against me.
While pursuing "perfectly legitimate questions" regarding the MWA arbitration, during a delegate body meeting on July 25, 2012, District Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Michael Bilello and then President Bill Lebo, in appalling failure of decorum and procedure, became unhinged, bullied, harassed and improperly incited members of the delegate body to infringe on my speech. The two council leaders also incited members of the delegate body to harass, intimidate and file charges against me, (Lebo wrote the charges up on behalf of the delegates) in retaliation for allegedly revealing "strategy," by publishing an article about the retention of three attorneys to represent the council in an ongoing dispute and arbitration with the MWA. (click for exclusive audio and transcript).
In characterizing the charges against me, Walsh wrote, that the charges are "impossibly vague." "The idea that the publication of
an accurate news article by a member -- for members -- which reveals
nothing previously and timely identified by the District Council as
confidential business could be conduct that might be punished, perhaps
even by expulsion, should be abhorrent to all members."
Citing the objectives of both the Consent Decree and Stipulation and Order, of fostering democracy and maintaining and running the District Council democratically, Walsh said, "such objectives cannot be achieved without an informed
membership capable of engaging in enlightened debate on issues relevant
to their rights, monies and membership in the District Council."
Walsh criticized the District Council saying, "Democracy at the District Council must be more than a concept and
hortatory platitude. The District Council has repeatedly shown it is
incapable of supporting a key component in this process: adequately
informing its members of news that affects their Union and their
livelihoods."
And Walsh had high praise for this blog, "local157.blogspot.com has become the go-to source for union members to find the latest news regarding District Council matters.""Mr. Musumeci, to the contrary, has made informing the
membership his singular and zealous avocation, which has benefited
thousands of members over the years."
The message is clear. Rank and file carpenters are free to exercise their protected right of free speech within their union without fear of reprisal. Indeed, Walsh said it best, "Democracy and the free exchange of ideas that informs it must not be
stifled by the District Council or its surrogates expansively
interpreting UBC constitutional terms and bringing charges based thereon
in order to quash dissent."
Kudos to Review Officer Dennis Walsh.
Read the Notice of Veto below.
