Clock Ticking on Bilello

Bilello faces possible veto.  

Informed sources say...THAT a pre-action conference is scheduled for Friday April 26, to discuss the "notice of possible veto" issued to Executive Secretary-Treasurer Michael Bilello.

On March 26, 2013 Review Officer (RO) Dennis Walsh slapped Bilello with an eight-count notice of possible veto, Bilello had until April 9, to answer the complaint and to deliver a written submission to the RO stating any facts, law or arguments which might be relevant to consideration of the possible veto.

We reported that Bilello hired a big gun attorney, Guy Petrillo, (Petrillo Klein & Boxer) who requested an extension to April 22nd, to respond, but "due to his travel schedule" has been briefly extended. The RO is expected to receive the response before the conference on Friday.

Despite transparency claims Bilello has failed to informed or give any update to the delegates or membership regarding the notice of possible of action.

At a delegate body meeting last month Bilello said, "I'm not stepping down," when I asked if he would follow past practice and lead by example and voluntarily take a leave of absence until the matter of this veto is cleared up.

During the two-and-a-half year emergency supervision imposed on the District Council by the UBC procedures were put in place for dealing with actions taken by the RO. Past practice by Supervisor Frank Spencer was to temporary suspend any council employee after receiving a notice of possible action from the RO.

In other news...on April 11, Bilello sent an email to all delegates stating, "per the order and direction" of Judge Berman, "the fully executed Wall & Ceiling agreement will be brought before the Delegate Body for ratification" on April 25, 2013.

Rank and file carpenters plan to protest the vote and rally in support of membership ratification of the agreement.

CARPENTERS' RALLY FOR MEMBER RATIFICATION!

Click to enlarge.

 “Delegate Body to Vote on Ratification of Wall & Ceiling Agreement”

When: Thursday April 25, 2013 3PM-5PM!
Where: District Council 395 Hudson Street.

"The District Council is directed, as a matter of "best practices," to seek ratification of the completed Collective Bargaining Agreement, dated March 12, 2013 ("CBA"). Among other reasons, some of the material terms included in the CBA appear not to have been included in the Memorandum of Understanding ratified by the Delegate Body on August 22, 2012. Following ratification, the Court will consider the District Council's application to modify the Final Order and Judgment of Contempt and Remedy, dated May 26, 2009, of United States District Judge Charles S. Haight Jr." ––RICHARD M. BERMAN U.S.D.J, April 11, 2013.

 “As per the order and direction of Judge Berman, the fully executed Wall & Ceiling agreement will be brought before the Delegate Body for ratification at the next Delegate meeting. The next meeting will take place on April 25th at 5:00 p.m.”–– Office of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer, April 11, 2013.

1. The District Council Delegate Body should immediately and fully comply with Section 20 of the District Council Bylaws by formally adopting written rules and procedures governing the method of collective bargaining ratification and should do so before any further collective bargaining matter is taken up by the Delegate Body.

2. All votes relating to collective bargaining ratification should be by roll call of the delegates.

Review Officer 
Dennis M. Walsh
April 15, 2013

Carpenters Nail New Agreement

Delegate meeting, members gallery sits behind caution tape.

Delegates Approve New Contract— 60 to 23

A seemingly never-ending labor saga that has left 25,000 carpenters without a contract for the last 14 months has finally ended.

At tonight's Delegate Body meeting, the executive committee of the New York City District Council of Carpenters recommended a contract proposal by the Association of Wall-Ceiling and Carpentry Industries, that inculdes "Full Mobility," a controversial clause that allows contractors to hire union members without official referrals from the out-of -work list.

The standing order mandated by Federal Judge Haight, dated May 26, 2009 mandated a 67% - 33% Hiring Ratio from the Councils out-of-work list.

The agreement was presented to the union's 100-member delegate body for approval by roll-call vote and passed 60 to 23 in favor of the contract.

The carpenters' contracts expired June 30, 2011, and have been extended numerous times to allow for continued negotiations. Tentative deals were reached at one point, but in March, union members soundly rejected contracts with four industry associations, including Wall-Ceiling, largely because they included the hiring clause, "full mobility."

CONTINUE READING...

RALLY!!!

Click to enlarge.

When: 3PM Thursday August 23, 2012
Where: NYC District Council of Carpenters
(395 Hudson Street on Clarkson Street).

WHY: AGAINST FULL MOBILITY & SECRET BALLOT VOTES

FOR: DUTY OF FAIR REPRESENTATION & MEMBER RATIFICATION

On August 8, the Executive Committee voted to send the Wall-Ceiling & Carpentry Association proposal, including FULL MOBILITY, but with a nominal increase, to the Delegate Body, for secret ballot ratification.

Crain’s New York Business, March 27, 2012: “Members of the carpenters union have soundly rejected four contracts negotiated with contractor associations last year—a blow to contractors because the deals included a number of work-rule changes that they have long coveted.

The primary one was “full mobility” provision that would have enabled contractors to select any member of the union to work for them; the current system compels them to hire at least one-third of their workers via union referrals [...] The new executive secretary-treasurer of the 25,000-member carpenters union, Mike Bilello, had argued against “full mobility” during his election campaign but did not take a formal position on the deals, except to say they deserved a vote.

“There were some unpopular things [in the agreements], in particular the full mobility,” Mr. Bilello said. “It was really a referendum on full mobility.” Four months later, the Bilello Administration has conceded full mobility to WC&C!

Contractors Urge Carpenters to Vote Yes on Contracts

Click to enlarge.

Contractor members of the Association of Wall-Ceiling and Carpentry Industries (WC&C) are waging a campaign style effort to try to convince carpenters to vote yes on a new five (5) year contract.

On February 24, Ronsco President, Lee R. Zaretzky, included a letter in the weekly pay envelope of all employees. The letter obtain by 157blospot says the "NYC District Council of Carpenters (Council) is submitting the collective bargaining agreement that was negotiated between the WC&C and the Council for ratification by vote of the rank and file members of the union."

"Our company is strongly urging our valued employees to vote Yes to ratify the agreement."

On January 10, a clerical gaffe by leaders of the national carpenters union forced Council Delegates to table a vote on several labor contracts that they had hoped to push through before a new braintrust is installed.

The Council, which has been run by its national parent since its chief was jailed following a 2009 racketeering scandal, has elected new leadership last year as it moves to regain its independence.

On February 8th, the new leadership and delegate body, in an historic vote, voted unanimously to allow the union's members to have final say on a series of five contracts negotiated with contractor associations.

CONTINUE READING...

Occupy Movement Inspires Unions to Embrace Bold Tactics

A recent demonstration outside Sotheby's auction house in Manhattan.

By STEVEN GREENHOUSE 

Organized labor’s early flirtation with Occupy Wall Street is starting to get serious.

Union leaders, who were initially cautious in embracing the Occupy movement, have in recent weeks showered the protesters with help — tents, air mattresses, propane heaters and tons of food. The protesters, for their part, have joined in union marches and picket lines across the nation. About 100 protesters from Occupy Wall Street are expected to join a Teamsters picket line at the Sotheby’s auction house in Manhattan on Wednesday night to back the union in a bitter contract fight.

Labor unions, marveling at how the protesters have fired up the public on traditional labor issues like income inequality, are also starting to embrace some of the bold tactics and social media skills of the Occupy movement.

Last Wednesday, a union transit worker and a retired Teamster were arrested for civil disobedience inside Sotheby’s after sneaking through the entrance to harangue those attending an auction — echoing the lunchtime ruckus that Occupy Wall Street protesters caused weeks earlier at two well-known Manhattan restaurants owned by Danny Meyer, a Sotheby’s board member.

CONTINUE READING...

NYC Carpenters Rat Ruling Regime

Submitted by mnadmin

The giant, snarling, inflatable rat has been widely employed by unions in labor disputes with employers and non-union contractors in recent years, but on the lower west side of Manhattan this past August, the iconic species of rodent bared its teeth at an unusual target: The headquarters of the New York City District Council of Carpenters (NYCDC).

Rank and file protests in the shadow of the District Council building on Hudson Street constitute a new high water mark for a rising tide of membership animus regarding the grip of the international. Opposition to newly enacted bylaws and a restructuring plan which promises to institutionalize top-down governance in the Carpenters union has prompted increased organization among the rank and file, while  dissatisfaction with the McCarron administration's bargaining table results have further galvanized the membership.

The protests on August 19th and August 25th were organized by Demian Schroeder, and were under the auspices of NYC Carpenter Rank and File Organized. In true democratic fashion, newly minted apprentices and long suffering journeymen alike talked with one another about the state of their union, with many bristling as fiercely as the rat they rallied under. The grievances presented were as diverse as the members attending, but each was understood to be symptomatic of ailing democracy in their union.

CONTINUE READING...

COURT HOUSE RALLY!!!

Click to print and enlarge.

Union Carpenters Stand Up For Your Rights!

Where: 500 PEARL STREET
When: 3pm Monday September 26, 2011
Why: Protest UBC Full Mobility

Sound permits are in place for a protest rally outside 500 Pearl Street (US Courthouse) to send a message to federal judge Richard Berman, that the rank and file are against full mobility.

Carpenters will be be gathering outside 500 Pearl Street starting at 7:30 am. There is a status conference scheduled at 9:00 am in courtroom 21B if you would like to attend and voice your concerns to judge Berman. The protest rally will begin at 3:00 pm.

For more information go to nyccrfo.blogspot.com

CONTINUE READING...

Rally To Protest UBC's Restructuring Plan

What: Rally 
Where: 395 Hudson Street
When: Monday June 27, 3pm
Why: Protest UBC Restructuring Plan

On Monday June 27, at 3 pm Local 2287 will rally in front of 395 Hudson Street to protest the UBC's proposed "Restructuring Plan" to limit the geographic jurisdiction of the local to the five boroughs of New York City. This proposal will take away half of the locals jurisdiction and will decrease the work hours to the District Council and Benefit Funds.

The members of LU 2287 adamantly oppose this proposed "Restructuring Plan" and will continue to fight and protest to make sure that the plan does not happen.

Brother Bill Kane from LU 2287 has ask that all local members stand in solidarity and show their support by attending this rally to protect the livelihood of LU 2287 members.

For more information you can email Bill Kane at enakllib@yahoo.com

Tensions Rise Among NYC Union Carpenters

Rally For Solidarity Members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters gathered to protest proposed changes to wages and mobility rules.

ENR New York

New York City union carpenters' rank and file members rallied at union headquarters in Manhattan on April 12, protesting proposed changes to wages and mobility rules and calling for reform of council leadership. The “Rally for Solidarity” came as heated bargaining continues between local unions and contractor groups.

John Musumeci, Local 157, likened the conflict to the union battle in Wisconsin earlier this year. “We are in that same fight, only our fight is not with the governor; our fight is with [United Brotherhood of Carpenters'] General President Douglas McCarron and his sock puppet [New York City District Council of Carpenters Supervisor] Frank Spencer,” he told protesters.

Musumeci accused McCarron of “cozying up to” contractors. He also called for reform of union bylaws to “empower membership.”

The carpenters union is still reeling following a series of federal investigations into alleged wrongdoings by past council leaders. The alleged infractions included fraud, kickbacks, illegal drug use and credit card abuse. U.S. attorneys appointed Spencer as emergency supervisor in 2009.

CONTINUE READING...

Update on Monthly Delegate Meeting Held on April 13, 2011

From NYCDC 

(John's Note: Do you think the "Rally 4 Solidarity" had anything to do with the council's sudden attempt of keeping you informed?)

Your District Council leadership is committed to keeping you informed of developments and activities affecting our members. Below is a brief summary of the issues raised during the recent NYCDC Delegate meeting on April 13, 2011:

Increased Transparency

In response to suggestions from the Delegates to be more transparent, the Council now provides on the website updated names and contact information on Council staff, including email addresses.

Contract Discussions

The District Council leadership has been meeting with the Employers regarding our upcoming contracts. We have been clear with the Employers that the District Council will not consider any proposal that includes a reduction in wages. We are about increasing market share and man hours. If we are successful in our discussions with Employers regarding contract language that doesn’t impede productivity, it will be a win for both sides. The Employers also raised the issue of an 8-hour work day. We have already led the industry in addressing the current downturn in the economy. However, we will not address the 8-hour work day issue until we have an opportunity to review what the other crafts and subtrades have committed. We want to work on a level playing field.

CONTINUE READING...

NYC Union Carpenters Anti-Corruption Rally Draws Response From District Council Supervisor

By Carolina Worrell

New York City Union Carpenters rank and file members staged a rally at union headquarters in Manhattan April 12 protesting corruption within council leadership and proposed changes to wages and mobility rules. Following the “Rally for Solidarity,” New York City District Council of Carpenters Supervisor Frank Spencer countered that the council is reforming itself.

“I fully respect the concerns expressed by our membership,” said Spencer in a prepared statement. “The leadership of the District Council has offered a strong proposal to amend its bylaws that expand democracy within the New York City operation and provide further financial transparency. We are working with the Review Officer and the U.S. Attorney’s office to develop these bylaws and to ensure our membership has the opportunity to provide more into the operations of their union.” “I want to ensure our members that their concerns and opinions are being heard and that pertains to changes going forward in the out of work list as well.”

Spencer was appointed by the U.S. Attorney as an emergency supervisor in August 2009 following a series of federal investigations into the wrongdoings of previous council leaders including fraud, kickbacks, illegal drug use and credit card abuse. Spencer who also serves as International Vice President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters said that over the last year, the council has begun the process of “righting a lot of wrongs.”

“Our goal is to make this council a textbook example of how a labor should function in the 21st Century,” said Scott Widmeyer, a spokesperson for the New York City District Council of Carpenters.

More Rally Video

Video By David Buccola

Another clip from the rally for solidarity, featuring brother Bill Walsh. Also I added more photos, the album now has 107 photos. Keep sending me your pictures and video, email me at jmusumeci157@gmail.com or send me a link to your coverage of the rally and I will include it on this blog. Thank you.

Respect Our Rights! Rally 4 Solidarity

Over 1000 members turn out for Rally.

Brothers and Sisters congratulations on showing your support by participating in Wednesday's "Rally 4 Solidarity." Over 1000 members came out in an incredible show of solidarity standing up for our rights as union members.

Last week we proved that rank and file carpenters are united and want meaningful reform in our union. We will forever stand up against these fierce attacks to our fundamental rights to participate in collective bargaining and how our union is to be governed.

It is our job now, as a rank and file labor movement, to take that energy and passion of Wednesday's Rally and turn it into action!

The rally organizing committee will be working with various rank and file groups to make sure our voice is heard as we fight for a Better and Stronger Union for All.

As our contract expiration quickly approaches on June 30th, we will be meeting to ensure our members that their concerns and opinions are being heard. We will also be working with Review Officer Dennis Walsh and the U.S. Attorney’s office to develop new bylaws ensuring our membership has a say and is empowered in how our union is to be governed. We will also be asking for your help once again with member turnout for upcoming rallies.

We proved that in standing together with a common purpose in protecting members rights, the members of the Carpenter Union will never be divided!

Let’s keep up the fight for our members of the New York City District Council of Carpenters!

PS: Keep sending me your pictures and video of the rally, email me at jmusumeci157@gmail.com or send me a link to your coverage of the rally and I will include it on this blog. Thank you.

Rally Photo's

Updated April 18th, I added more photos, the album now has 107 photos. Keep sending me your pictures and video, email me at jmusumeci157@gmail.com or send me a link to your coverage of the rally and I will include it on this blog. Thank you.

iPad, iPhone users click here to see photos.

NYC Carpenters Rally 4 Solidarity

By njwoodbutcher

New York City Union Carpenters rally in front of NYC District Council of Carpenters Headquarters at 395 Hudson St., NYC on April 13, 2011, to protest against past corrupt council leaders & forecasted changes to local unions, wages, mobility rules, PLAs & CBAs. All of which they claim are being forced upon them from the UBC leadership without any input or a vote of the "rank & file" NYC Carpenters.



Part 2 Computer users.


Part 2 iPad and iPhone users.



(John's Note: Here is the full transcript of my Rally Speech)

Lets make some noise!

Thank you so much, thank You this is a beautiful, beautiful showing of support.

This is what being a Union is all about.

We are proud to be Union Carpenters!

God bless you!

The epic showdown in Wisconsin over collective bargaining rights, made that state, Ground Zero in the nationwide war against union workers and members rights.

The public service employees in Wisconsin have been fighting a governor over the right to sit down at the bargaining table and have a say about their pay and working conditions.

CONTINUE READING...

Video of The Rally 4 Solidarity

By David Buccola

Videos, Photos, Community, News - CNN iReport

www.ireport.com

Some video from today's rally. I'll be posting more soon. It was great meeting folks. I definitely want to get more involved with this. The video is still processing but should be available soon.

Rally a Huge Success

Approximately 1000 members of the New York City District Council of Carpenters participated in the "Rally 4 Solidarity" at 395 Hudson Street. Chants of "Reform Now!,"  "Send McCarron Home!" and sent "McCarron to Jail!" rang out amid signs reading, "Democracy Now, "No to McCarron!" and No to "Local 395!"

I will have full coverage of the rally with pictures and video very soon. I just got home from the after party and I want to thank all the members who participated and the organizing committee who made this rally a huge success.

PS: Many members were taking pictures and video, please email me at jmusumeci157@gmail.com or send me a link to your coverage of the rally. Thank you.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL NY DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS MEMBERS

Click to enlarge.

In recent days, we have received a number of questions about a planned “Rally for Solidarity” scheduled to take place on April 13.  To clarify, this event is not sponsored by the NYDCC.  The leadership of the Council respects the rights of our members to engage in this rally, and we will continue to hear the voices of all of our members as we work to rebuild the New York District Council in to an operation that is free of the rampant corruption that plagued it for too many years.

STATEMENT BY FRANK SPENCER

NEW YORK – Statement by Frank Spencer, Supervisor, New York City District Council of Carpenters, released the below statement on the Rally For Solidarity which took place today.

“The New York District Council and its locals have been living through troubled times in recent years, brought on by corruption of its previous leaders and a downturn in the nation’s economy.

“Over the past year or so, we have begun to make progress in righting a lot of wrongs that have crippled the Council and our members. I fully respect the concerns expressed by our membership.

“The leadership of the District Council has offered a strong proposal to amend its bylaws that expand democracy within the New York City operation and provide for further financial transparency. We are working with the Review Officer and the U.S. Attorney’s office to develop these bylaws and to ensure our membership has the opportunity to provide more input into the operations of their union.

“As we move into collective bargaining talks and contract negotiations, I want to ensure our members that their concerns and opinions are being heard and that pertains to changes going forward in the out of work list as well.”

It's Here, So Be There: "Rally 4 Solidarity"

Rain or Shine, The Rank and File will be Heard! 

Bring your whistles, Bring your signs and Bring your voice to the Biggest Rally in the history of this Union!


***Featured Guest Speakers***

Father Brian Jordan: Chaplin for the Building Trades, defender of members rights.
UBC Member Kevin Price: who won a freedom of speech case against the UBC!
New York City Council Member Eric Ulrich - Republican - District 32.
Retired UBC Member Gene Clark - veteran union activist.
Active UBC Members: Mike Bilello, Bill Lebo, Peter Corrigan, John Musumeci, Pat Nee, Olga Aguilar, Greg Butler, Donny Arana, Levi, Mike Connor, Dan Franco, Gerry Gausman, Robert Makowski, Calyx Wellington, Bill Walsh and more...

Also Special Guest Appearance by 608 Pipe and Drum Band!

You won't want to miss this historic rally, GET THERE & GET INVOLVED!!!

Click Button for latest Rally Flier.

Brothers and Sisters today we will come together standing in solidarity in front of 395 Hudson Street in the biggest Rally this District Council has ever seen. By standing in solidarity for our guaranteed democratic rights, we are going to send a loud and clear message to the UBC.

The Carpenters Union Belongs To It's Members!

Grab everyone you know and attend the biggest rally in Union history on Wednesday, April 13, at 3:30 pm!

Today's Forecast.

Join us in Saying:

YES TO One Member One Vote, In All UBC Elections
YES TO In Person, Mail In, & Internet Voting In All UBC Elections
YES TO Rank & File Elected Council Delegates Only
YES TO Rank & File Having An Effective Voice In Our Contracts
YES TO Rank & File Debating & Ratifying All Contracts
YES TO Rank & File Voting On All Dues & Assessments
YES TO Rank & File Election For Council Representatives
YES TO Freedom of Speech and Assembly Within The Union
YES TO Promoting Union Democracy
YES TO Full Financial Disclosure, Transparency & Accountability
YES TO Out-Of-Work List For NYCDC Members Only
YES TO Ending The Imposed Supplemental Pension Fund
NO TO 100% Mobility (no out of townerʼs on the OWL)
NO TO UBC Selling 395 Hudson Street
NO TO UBC Negotiating Our Contract
NO TO UBC Reducing Wages & Benefits
NO TO UBC Interior Local # 395

CONTINUE READING...