By Donny Arana
I'm a NYC Civil Service
Carpenter for 3 years now and last week I received this in the mail. This is from the same union (157) I pay my dues, do my picket
duty and get assessed like everybody else. We just lost our prescription
coverage, I'd like to personally thank the trustees that are on the top
left hand corner of the letter below. And also, I'd like to thank the
two Business Reps for the Civil Service Carpenters - Bill Lacey &
Martin Lydon. This will also be happening to all NYCDCC Carpenters as well in the new year coming. They just wont announce it or deliver the
bad news to the membership until after the District Council elections. If
they did this will lessen the chances of the incumbents getting
re-elected and loosing control of the District Council. Make sure you
take a look at the names of the trustees at the top left hand corner of
the page. THAT SAYS IT ALL!!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Civil Service Carpenters loose NYCDC prescription plan unless they pay $1,500 a yr out of pocket
Denis Hamill tells why there is so much union pride in building Barclays Center in Brooklyn
Construction boss Bob Sanna is behind the Nets new basketball arena
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| Bob Sanna, a Brooklyn native, is in charge of construction for the new Barclays Center for the Nets in Downtown Brooklyn. Also various photos of construction. |
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Latest Poll Puts Franco in First-place
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| Click to enlarge. |
Last week we conducted a poll and surveyed one hundred members asking: "Who do you plan on voting for as the Executive Secretary Treasurer (EST) of the New York City District Council of Carpenters?"
Twenty-seven percent (27) of members polled said they are backing Franco, twenty-five percent (25) said they are backing Bilello, and forty-eight percent (48) said they were undecided.
Members have until December 15, 2011 to return the mail in ballot by mail to the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in order for their vote to be counted.
Message From the Rank and File Team
Brothers and sisters you have an opportunity with these elections to shape the future of your Union. Now is the time to send a clear message that you will no longer stand for being cheated out of your money, your jobs, your benefits, your democratic rights, and your dignity.
Friday, November 25, 2011
A Message From Dan Franco & Greg Kelty
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| Click to enlarge. |
The important thing is to fill out your mail ballot and Vote!
This is a very important election, the issues and challenges we face today are real and crucial to both your future, your families future and the future of this union.
The officers you elect to the New York City District Council of Carpenters will have an enormous responsibility to address the issues and find solutions to the problems of rising health care cost, underfunded pensions, over assessed membership, making sure our contracts are fair and being enforced, hold cheating contractors accountable, improve communications and transparency and find ways to increase man-hours and better job opportunities for all our members.
We've got serious problems, and we need serious people to solve them. We are counting on members and friends like you to give us your all out support and Vote!
The mail in ballots from American Arbitration Association (AAA) will arrive this week, when you receive your ballot, immediately check off Daniel J. Franco for Executive Secretary Treasurer and Greg Kelty President and your choice for Vice President, put the ballot into the addressed envelope and send it back in the mail. All ballots must be returned by mail to the AAA by 5:00 p.m. on December 15, 2011.
God bless you and God bless our Union.
In solidarity,
Dan Franco
Greg Kelty
A Messsage From Dan Franco
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| Dan Franco for EST. |
My name is Dan Franco. I am running for Executive Secretary-Treasurer (EST) to the District Council of NYC and Vicinity (NYCDCC), United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA).
I joined Local Union 257 in October of 1989 at the age of 19. I enrolled in the NYCDCC Labor Technical College (LTC) as a first-year apprentice and subsequently completed my four-year apprenticeship.
I would not be running for EST if I did not assuredly know that I could perform the duties of the position competently, honestly, openly, and fairly. I am the EST candidate free of corrupt influence and willing to call-out anyone who I have witnessed or have evidence of subverting our union's laws, rules and principles. My over-all goal is to inform, educate, and train all the membership so that we can all be empowered to work collectively and independently to achieve our organization's goals and to live by the principles of organized labor; to renew and reaffirm our solidarity and that labor conquers all.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving Brothers and Sisters
The first Thanksgiving in the New World was celebrated in
mid-October 1621, nearly a year after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in
the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Much later, George Washington was the
first of many US presidents to formally proclaim a day of thanks. The
following prayer was offered in 1789, in appreciation of the hard-earned
independence of the United States of America:
Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the
United States in thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts
of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to
government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another
and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
City Council Debates Revised 'Living Wage' Bill
CITY HALL — The City Council faced off on controversial legislation Tuesday that would force developers who receive big city grants to pay their workers a so-called "living wage.”
The proposed law, which has been significantly watered down in recent months, has deep support across the largely Democratic Council. But it has been slammed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who panned it as a job killer that would drive developers out of New York.
That debate has put all eyes on City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who has yet to take a public stand on the bill, which has deeply divided many of those she will have to court in her presumptive run for mayor.
Under the proposed legislation, developers who received more than $1 million in city subsidies would be forced to pay workers at least $10 an hour, plus benefits, or $11.50 without — significantly higher than current minimum wage.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
2011 District Council Election Costs
The following is a breakdown of approximate costs for the
Election Forum at the Jacob Javits Center on November 16, 2011 and the
election mailings consisting of campaign literature for each candidate
and the Special Edition of the Carpenter Magazine.
The Javits Center was prepared to seat 3,000 members. The contract
required security which was provided by the District Council. The
video of the Election Forum is available for viewing on the District
Council website.
The Election Rules required the forum and mailings, the special
edition of The Carpenter magazine and campaign literature mailing
provided by each candidate. The specific costs are as follows:
Election Forum at Jacob Javits Center - $14,500
Election Forum required security as per Javits contract - $5,137.50
Video of Election Forum - $21,500.00 (posted on the DC website)
Special Election Edition of The Carpenter – printing - $9,850.00
Special Election Edition of The Carpenter - postage - $13,905.00
Campaign Literature Special Mailing - printing - $13,380.00
Campaign Literature Special Mailing - postage - $16,632.00
Total - $94,904.50
Source NYCDC
Monday, November 21, 2011
157 Blog Announces Endorsement of Daniel J. Franco for EST
This week the rank and file will be receiving their mail in ballots from the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and will vote for new leaders of the New York City District Council of Carpenters and finally end the UBC's 833 day supervision.
In the race for Executive Secretary Treasurer, (the top spot that pays $220000 a year) we have the unprecedented choice between two inexperienced rank and filers, Daniel J. Franco and Michael Bilello (see video).
In evaluating both men, it all comes down to the issues of character, integrity and loyalty.
Remember back in March 2011, when newly nominated Local 157 President pro tem Bilello, refused to accept a motion for a copy of the meeting minutes saying, “I am done with this issue, it's been beaten to death.”
Because Bilello disagrees with a motion is not justification for blocking the members from voting on it. In the seconds it took him to make that statement, Bilello defined who he really is.
Trade unions say living wage bill will kill jobs
City Council to review legislation on Tuesday
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| Mayor Bloomberg says a hike in minimum wage would cripple small businesses |
Three city trade unions are bucking their labor colleagues and trying to crush a bill that would bump the minimum wage at some companies to $10 an hour.
The unions representing private-sector carpenters, painters and masons are urging lawmakers to reject the controversial measure that they say will kill jobs.
“This legislation is short-sighted and will make it more difficult for New York City to attract new businesses and jobs,” said Jack Kittle, political director of District Council No. 9 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.
The politically charged, so-called “living-wage” proposal would obligate companies that get city tax breaks to pay employees $10 an hour, plus benefits — up from the current $7.25 minimum hourly wage.
The city’s largest unions have strenuously backed the legislation.
The bill’s supporters include the powerful 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Worker union and the Working Families Party.
“The reality is that the vast majority of New Yorkers support the living wage bill and want the City Council to pass it,” said Dan Morris, a spokesman for the Living Wage NYC Coalition.
Mayor Bloomberg contends the boosted minimum wage would cripple small businesses.
“The last time people tried to set rates, basically, was in the Soviet Union. And that didn’t work out very well,” he said last month.
Still, the bill’s backers point to other big cities that have adopted similar measures, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Jose. A rally in support of the higher wage is set for Monday night at Riverside Church.
Council Speaker Christine Quinn has ducked taking a position on the contentious issue for weeks.
A Council hearing set to review the bill is set for Tuesday.
That hearing may be as far the legislation goes: Quinn nixed a similarly controversial measure requiring paid sick leave after first allowing it to be debated at a hearing.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
NYCDC Election Update: Franco vs Bilello
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| Candidates speak to an empty room at Javits center. |
Only about 100 members were in attendance, (most were paid staff) in a room that could accommodate 5000.
There is not a lot of excitement within the rank and file for the two candidates for EST, especially after Walsh disqualified 16 of the 34 candidates at the nomination meeting on Wednesday October 12.
I put together the opening and closing statements of Daniel J. Franco and Michael Bilello, candidates for Executive Secretary Treasurer.
The American Arbitration Association will mail ballots on November 21, 2011, to all eligible members to vote for District Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer, President and Vice President. All ballots must be returned by mail to the AAA by 5:00 p.m. on December 15, 2011.
To view more video of the forum including candidates for President, Vice President, Conductor, Warden and Trustee click here.
iPhone and iPad users click here to view video.
EST Debate from John Musumeci on Vimeo.
Important Contract Negotiations Update
Below is the Association of Wall-Ceiling and Carpentry Industries response to the letter to Judge Berman dated November 10, regarding the collective bargaining agreements.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Low-cost construction set for 15 Atlantic Yards towers
Developer Bruce Ratner will use prefabricated steel to
build the residential properties, one of which will be 32-stories—the
tallest structure ever using that method of construction.
The first apartment house, a 32-story, 350-unit residential building at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Dean Street will be the world's tallest prefabricated steel structure. Construction is slated to begin next year. Construction of the tower, however, has been delayed along with many other elements of the contested $4.9 billion Atlantic Yards project. Meanwhile, construction work on the centerpiece of the project, the Barclays Center arena that will be home to the Nets basketball team, is well under way, with an opening set for next September.
Mr. Ratner told The Times that using prefabricated or modular construction can cut time and costs by as much as 25%.
More Like a Bank Than a Union
Douglass McCarron: Union Boss or Ponzi Schemer?
by DAVID CORREIA
In the aftermath of the police blitzkrieg that returned Zucotti Park to the bankers and brokers it may be useful to consider the
alliances forged and enemies revealed during the short occupation of
Liberty Park. If Occupy Wall Street has done anything in its relentless
critique of the human costs of the financialization of capital, it has
been to force the mainstream left to declare which side it is on. In
mid-October more than a dozen locals of various unions marched in
solidarity with Occupy Wall Street protestors to condemn a financial
system that has drained worker’s pensions while filling the pockets of
Wall Street bankers. AFSCME, Communication Workers of American, SEIU,
the United Auto Workers, United Federation of Teachers, National Nurses
United, and the Professional Staff Congress of CUNY among other unions
showed support and marched in solidarity with the protestors.
But one notable absence from the Occupy/organized labor alliance, the
Carpenters Union, offers another reminder that some leaders in the
labor movement are on the side of the bankers against working people.
While many rank and file carpenters have shown support, the union,
particularly Carpenter’s President Douglass McCarron has been silent.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Carpenter- Special Election Edition
Please click continue reading to view the Special Election Edition of the Carpenter, for 2011 District Council Election of Officers.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Important Contract Negotiations Update
Request to call special meeting before delegate vote.
Under Section 33(B) of the UBC Constitution, the Local President has the power to order the Recording Secretary to "call special meetings
when requested in writing by five members in good standing."
After several contract extensions, the New York City District Council of Carpenters has reached collective bargaining agreements with all contractor associations.
It is expected that final changes to
the agreements will be made by the close of
business TODAY, and the agreements will be posted on the District Councils website for review by
the membership by Friday, November 18, 2011.
UBC supervisor Frank Spencer,
is expected to call for a vote on the agreements by the newly elected delegates to the District Council sometime during the week of December 5th.
Time is of the essence, if you care about your future, and want to have your voice heard, we urge ALL members to write, email and call their respective local union presidents TODAY and request a "special meeting" on or before December 2nd, in order for the membership to review, discuss and comment on
these agreements before the delegates vote.
You can email Local 157 at localunion157@gmail.com , subject: "Special Meeting" and write, Dear President Pat Nee: I respectfully request you call a "special meeting" on or before December 2nd, for the purpose of discussing the collective bargaining agreements before a delegate vote is taken (include your name and UBC number). Do not wait, DO IT NOW!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Letter To Review Officer Dennis Walsh
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| Click to enlarge. |
Excerpt from the Court Transcript, dated November 7, 2011
THE COURT: Mr. Walsh, could you comment on that blue card? I'm not sure I understand that issue.
REVIEW OFFICER WALSH: It's been a long-running issue with many of the members. It was a program instituted by the Forde regime which at least in theory sought to compel one to do one's picket duty and that if you did your picket duty, some $500 that was withheld would then be paid to you. There was a demonstration a couple years ago, which was well-attended, which did get out of hand and led to the arrest of one of the members who did jump up on the security desk. He was brought up on charges and, in essence, turned into a poster boy for the authority of the Forde regime. He was convicted, he was heavily fined, and he was expelled from the union. I've always been very sympathetic to Mr. Brennan's plight, and I have told the UBC that I thought it was a situation that they should revisit, perhaps in the general president's office. Mr. Brennan has since filed a lawsuit, which I believe is active here in the Southern District under the LMRDA, and I also let my opinion be known to the UBC that I think that is a lawsuit that should be settled rather than district council moneys being expended going forward. But the program is very controversial. It is very unpopular amongst a significant percentage of the membership.
To learn more, see BLUE CARD BOY LIVES topic in the forum.
Engineer in charge of condo construction slams contractors in fatal Brooklyn building collapse
Cheap steel, nails and clamps caused collapse: engineer
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| Engineer Steve Schneider blames contractor’s actions for Brooklyn building collapse. |
BY Brian Kates
The engineer overseeing construction of a Brooklyn condo that collapsed in a deadly heap last week says the contractor on the job was using procedures that “were not even vaguely correct.”
Engineer Steve Schneider, who was responsible for certifying the safety of concrete work at the doomed site, told the Daily News he was not on-site to inspect the setup when the concrete was poured.
City officials believe the contractor’s decision to pour concrete from the top floors down may have caused the half-built condo to collapse, killing one worker and injuring four others.
Schneider said the contractor, SP&K Construction, didn’t notify him that the concrete pour was about to begin.
“I didn’t have any idea what stage they were at,” Schneider said. “The last time I was there was when they poured the foundation about 3 ½ weeks before.
