MCCARRON BROTHERS BATTLE OVER THE FUTURE OF THE CARPENTERS UNION

Mike McCarron of the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Files Suit Attacking the Improper Trusteeship Imposed on the Council by his brother and General President Doug McCarron. 

On Friday, October 4, 2013, Mike McCarron and two other members of the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters (SWRCC) filed suit, in Federal Court in the Central District of California [Case no. SACV13‐1559 JVS ANX; 8‐13CV1559 JVS ANX] against the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) seeking to overturn a trusteeship imposed upon the SWRCC and Carpenters Local 1506. The suit also names as defendants, Mike’s brother Doug McCarron, the UBC’s General President and the mastermind of the scheme, Douglas Banes, the UBC’s General Vice President who imposed the trusteeship to provide Doug McCarron with cover, and Michael Draper, a UBC District Vice President who has been appointed as Trustee of the SWRCC. Today, Mike McCarron and the two other members filed an ex parte application for a Temporary Restraining Order and a Preliminary Injunction dissolving the trusteeship and staying any further trusteeship proceeding.

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MIKE MCCARRON SEEKS TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST UBC TO DISSOLVE THE TRUSTEESHIP OF THE SWRCC

Big News! Please read the TRO Application and more importantly the Supporting Declarations by Mike McCarron, Michael Olds, Lindsey Maldoon and Kathy McCarron, which explain the situation in its entirety.

For more information on the supporting Declarations click here.  

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Commentary on the McCarron Video

By Richard Dorrough

When I first saw this video I tried to decide which part was of the most value and importance to the rank and file of the UBC and labor as a whole to view.

Was it Doug McCarron admitting he is collecting his Southwest Pension which it appears according to the Plan Summary he is doing so illegally. Southwest Plan Rule "you cannot work in any employment or activity in the building and construction industry anywhere."

Prohibited work includes,but is not limited to the following "Supervisory and labor relations work in the industry."

Was it the Chairman of the Southwest Pension Douglas McCarron lying with his "retiree working in Alabama story" which was pure BS and a lie according to the Plan Summary. "Southwest Plan Rule""you cannot work in any employment or activity in the building and construction industry anywhere."

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Update From Mike McCarron

Mike McCarron

The internal UBC 14(D) charges filed against Mike McCarron and the Emergency Supervision of the Southwest Regional Council are the direct result of a personal vendetta by General President Doug McCarron against his brother Mike.


Mike and Doug's relationship has been strained since December of 2011 and came to a breaking point after their mother passed away on May 21, 2013.  The 14(D) charges were filed against Mike by Doug because he did not have control over his brother Mike and their mother's estate.  Doug wants to take Mike's union membership away through the 14(D) charges to ensure his re-election as general president in 2015.   When it became apparent to Doug that Mike intended to fight the charges and discuss their personal history at the July 25, 2013 Delegates Meeting, Doug had the SWRCC placed under Emergency Supervision.  The reason was to silence Mike and prevent the true story from coming out.

On October 1, 2013, Mike McCarron posted this message on his website.

Important Update To All My Supporters— I was just informed that I was found guilty on all charges by the UBC Kangaroo Court.

At trial, I introduced 630 pages of documents and had nine witnesses testify on my behalf. In spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary of the charges, Frank Spencer, Jim Smith and Dave Tharpe did what they were told by my loving brother, dictator Doug. Shame on all of you! Shame also on Mike Draper, Justin (the minister) Weidner, and Doug’s director of real estate, Randy Sowell.

I would also like to thank the behind the scenes henchmen for the three documented instances of witness tampering and intimidation, as well as the introduction of falsified documents.

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Democracy in this Brotherhood is Dead!—Don't miss this exchange between Mike and Doug on the floor of Local 1506 on 9.20.2013 fast forward video to 41 minutes into the meeting.

 To learn more visit Stand With Mike McCarron.

The Cement League Strike Is Over!

I would like to sincerely thank the Executive Committee for their hard work during this long and arduous negotiation with The Cement League. We are currently in the process of drafting a Memorandum of Agreement to be signed today, which will be presented to the Executive Committee Monday October 7, and to the Delegates Wednesday October 9 for approval.

The support of the members has been overwhelming and much appreciated.

More details will follow as they become available.

Fraternally,
Stephen McInnis
Executive Secretary Treasurer Pro Tem

Court Transcript of 9/30/2013

On September 16, 2013 Review Officer Dennis Walsh petitioned the Court requiring the District Council to "Implement Updated Business and IT Operations Plan." The upgrade was previously rejected by the Executive Committee and Delegate Body.

Judge Richard Berman scheduled a hearing for September 30, 2013 at 11 a.m. on the RO's petition to enforce his recommendations regarding upgrading the DC’s IT platform and business practices.

Below is the Court Transcript of that hearing.

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Carpenters declare strike against Cement League

The New York City District Council of Carpenters went on strike yesterday Wednesday against The Cement League, a building trades employers association.

The two sides have been bargaining for 30 months, but have been unable to come to an agreement, according to the union. "The Cement League is demanding 20% wage reductions in all outer borough construction jobs," while workers have not seen a raise in four years, Stephen McInnis, executive secretary treasurer of the Council, said in a statement.

The Cement League employs more than 500 carpenter members of the union, which represents more than 25,000 skilled carpenters, millwrights, dock builders, cabinetmakers, timbermen and floor coverers, said the Council.

The Cement League did not respond to a request for comment.

Who are the The Cement League

Carpenters across New York City are fighting back against a little known but powerful group of concrete contractors known as The Cement League. The Cement League of New York dominates the Concrete Industry in New York City. Their ambiguous website shares little information about who they are or what they do.

The Carpenters working on New York’s hi-rise hotels and apartment buildings have sacrificed, year after year, in all weather, working without a raise since June of 2010 while real estate prices have skyrocketed.

Each week we read another article of record setting prices for apartments and penthouses while The Cement League seeks to drive down wages and benefits for Carpenters building wealth. The New York Real Estate Industry and its dubious partners in The Cement League have taken greed to a new level. The Cement League and its member contractors are determined to wipe out middle class New Yorkers.

While all other Contractor Associations in New York City’s vast Construction Industry have negotiated fair contracts for their workforce, one organization, The Cement League has moved to betray & undermine their employees  in a greedy stab for more money.

New York City: Carpenters Strike at World Trade Center

NEW YORK—Carpenters lined up around the World Trade Center construction site at 7 a.m. on Oct. 2 to support colleagues that could be facing a pay cut who work on the underground transportation hub.

Negotiations between the Cement League and transportation hub workers broke down yesterday, but another meeting is scheduled for today at 2:30 p.m.

Jeremy Milin, a business agent for New York City District Council of Carpenters, said the carpenters have worked for the last two years without a new contract.

“They [The Cement League] want workers to take a 20 percent pay cut,” Milin said.

John Brunetti from the Cement League said the breakdown in negotiations Tuesday was over a 20 percent reduction in wages for carpenters in the outer boroughs, and not the workers at the transportation hub at the World Trade Center site.

According to Milin, the Vehicular Security Center parking garage across the street was paying their carpenters the normal rate.

“The company has no problem paying our guys what they are worth,” Milin said.

Only at the transportation hub were there problems, according to the workers.

The workers could be back at work tomorrow if negotiations today are successful.

About 200 workers lined up in three locations around the World Trade Center at 9 a.m. Most of them do not work on the transportation hub, but wanted to show their support for their colleagues.

John Arcese, who works on the Cortlandt Street subway station, and is a member of Local 157, said he wanted to support his brothers.

“We want the prevailing wages, because they are gypping them out of wages,” Arcese said.

Cement League Strike Update

At this time The District Council and the Cement League have failed to reach an agreement. The District Council in accordance with the strike vote authorized by the Delegate Body is on strike against Cement League contractors on non-PLA jobs. The position and past practice of the New York City Building and Construction Trades Council is that other trades will NOT honor economic picket lines of another Trade. In the unlikely scenario that contractors attempt to replace union trades people with non-union workers this position will be revisited.

This is especially important on Project Labor Agreements or PLA jobs. While we recognize individual member’s rights in regards to picket lines, the District Council is contractually bound by a “no-strike” provision on these projects. If the District Council was found to be in violation of this provision we would be subject to potentially catastrophic damages in court or through arbitration. Therefore, while we recognize individual members have a right not to cross a picket line the District Council is legally obligated to keep these jobs running without interruption.

It is our intention to conclude our negotiations as quickly as possible. Please refer to our website nycdistrictcouncil.com for continuing updates and a list of PLA jobs with “no strike” provisions.

Notice of New Meeting location for all Local 157 members

Local 157 “On the Rise”

Please come down and participate at your monthly Local 157 Meeting.

There have been many positive changes going on with Local 157 and the new leadership is firmly committed to continue to rebuild the solidarity.

With the innovative addition of the Local 157 pre-meeting gatherings, one has the opportunity to connect with your elected delegates about your concerns and hold your representative accountable for their input, on your behalf. Please come down and be a part of the proven resurgence into your local! Reunite with friends, receive “sound” information and help to protect your future!

Meetings are held at the Church of St. Anthony of Padua 154 Sullivan Street N.Y.C. Our next three meetings will held on October 16th, November 20th and December 18th. Delegate Committee Forum @ 4:00 pm, Local Meeting starts at 4:30 pm.

There are Beverages, Food, Tee Shirts, Gift Card Raffles, 157 Stickers and Union Camaraderie. We are planning to have De Walt, Milwaukee, Hilti and other tool companies with their new tools at our up-coming meetings.

Local 157 Fishing Trip

When: October 19th, 2013, Set Sail at 7:00 am till 3:00 pm
Cost: Approximately $60.00 w/Bait & Pole Included.

Welcome aboard the Brooklyn VI All friends, kids and spouses are welcome to join in on a day of good times and camaraderie on the open seas!! The Brooklyn VI is a modern super-fast 110' long 26' wide super cruiser. Be a part of Local 157’s first annual fishing trip! Bring food and beverages (suggested) or purchase on board.

Contact: Jimmy Hogan @ 718-916-5858 Bill Walsh 646-247-4380

EST Pro Tem September TownHall

Findings by The Review Officer Regarding Required Approval of Candidates for EST

Pursuant to Paragraph 5.k.iv of the Stipulation and Order entered in this matter on June 3, 2010, any candidate seeking to run for a position as an officer of the District Council during the Review Officer’s tenure must first be approved by the Review Officer, who will determine whether in light of the terms and objectives of the Consent Decree the candidate is qualified to run for office and represent the union membership.

By Order entered August 15, 2013, the District Court approved implementation of modified election rules (“the rules”) to be applied by this office in a special election for the term of the District Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer (“EST”) expiring on January ll, 2015.

Five members, Gregory Kelty, Stephen McInnis, Pat Nee, James Noonan, and Salvatore Tagliaferro, submitted petitions pursuant to the rules. Each met the threshold requirement of submitting petitions with the signatures of at least 150 members in good standing. Mr. Tagliaferro confirmed the withdrawal of his candidacy via email on September 21, 2013. I (and two staff investigators, Jack Mitchell and Bill O’Flahelty) formally interviewed the other four members.

I found all of the members in question to be members in good standing eligible to run for office pursuant to Section 3 1 .D of the Constitution of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. After completing the vetting and interview process contemplated by the rules, the candidacy of Gregory Kelty is approved. The candidacies of Messrs. Mclrmis, Nee and Noonan are not.

Mindful of the Court’s Decision and Order filed in this matter on October 26, 20ll, which serves as the law of the case in this regard, I record the following observations to document the record in this matter.

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RO's Petition to Judge Berman to Enforce Recommendations

On September 16, 2013 Review Officer Dennis Walsh petitioned the Court requiring the District Council to "Implement Updated Business and IT Operations Plan." The upgrade was previously rejected by the Executive Committee and Delegate Body.

Judge Richard Berman has scheduled a hearing for September 30, 2013 at 11 a.m. on the RO's petition to enforce his recommendations regarding upgrading the DC’s IT platform and business practices.

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MICHELLE McCARRON PREVENTED FROM JOINING THE CARPENTERS UNION FOR A SECOND TIME

A messy public feud between carpenters' union General President Douglas J. McCarron and his brother, Southwest regional council chief Mike McCarron, that resulted in an executive management shake-up and finger-pointing charges with legal implications, has rocked the 500,000-member union and related building trades.

The carpenters' union placed the Los Angeles-based council, which includes six states and 31 locals, under emergency supervision amid non-specific charges of financial irregularities, malpractice, intimidation and wrongful conduct noted in a July 19 letter to Mike McCarron. The international removed the younger brother as executive secretary-treasurer.

Michael V. Draper, the national union's western district vice president, was named acting council supervisor pending an internal union trial, set to start on Sept. 9 at the union's Las Vegas training center. Eastern District Vice President Frank G. Spencer will hear the charges.

Michelle McCarron who is an attorney and daughter of Mike McCarron, attempted to join the Carpenters Union for the second time on September 4, to help her father, but was prevented by two staffers from the International.

Why are the men on the 9th and 10th floors of the Carpetner’s Freemont Street building so afraid of having Michelle join?

To learn more visit Stand With Mike McCarron.

McCarron Brothers Are at Center of Carpenters' Union Leadership Fight

By Tony Illia

A messy public feud between carpenters' union General President Douglas J. McCarron and his brother, Southwest regional council chief Mike McCarron, that resulted in an executive management shake-up and finger-pointing charges with legal implications, has rocked the 500,000-member union and related building trades.

The carpenters' union placed the Los Angeles-based council, which includes six states and 31 locals, under emergency supervision amid non-specific charges of financial irregularities, malpractice, intimidation and wrongful conduct noted in a July 19 letter to Mike McCarron, which ENR obtained.The international removed the younger brother as executive secretary-treasurer.

Michael V. Draper, the national union's western district vice president, was named acting council supervisor pending an internal union trial, set to start on Sept. 9 at the union's Las Vegas training center. Eastern District Vice President Frank G. Spencer will hear the charges.

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Midday Rally at Pace

Their is a midday Rally tomorrow at 33 Beekman street, the site of a new 34 story Pace University Dormitory Tower.

Picket Duty Credit will be granted for this Rally. Contact Ruben Colon: Representative NYCDC Area Standards Dept. Rcolon@nycdistrictcouncil.org - Cell # ( 917 ) 376 - 5537

The Carpenters Union Lottery Offers a Shot at the Middle Class

By Tessa Stuart

At the corner of Houston and Hudson, six blocks from the Soho bakery where ladies in expensive sandals queued up before the crack of dawnall summer to taste the Cronut, a different kind of line was forming. At first it was just a couple of burly men planted in lawn chairs outside the New York City District Council of Carpenters. A week later more than 1,000 others—security guards, welders, construction workers, and baby-faced kids fresh out of high school—had pitched tents and unfurled sleeping bags next to them. A passerby surveyed the crowd and guessed it was some sort of mixed martial arts ticket giveaway.
It wasn't.

Welcome to post-recession New York, where a middle-class job is a lottery prize and folks will camp out on the street just for a chance to play.

The carpenters union apprenticeship lottery only comes around once every few years. Anyone can submit his or her name. You just have to show up, fill out a card, and drop it in a box.

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A Labor Day Message

Life of Peter McGuire, 'Father' Of Labor Day

Labor Day is different from the other holidays of the year. Most holidays are to some degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation or another.

Labor Day is a time to honor the strength, commitment, and dedication of the millions of hardworking men and women who fuel America’s labor force. Our union’s founder, Peter J. McGuire, established this day in 1882 to shine a light on the critical role American workers play in creating and sustaining the wealth and prosperity of their country.

Peter J. McGuire, a young carpenter, stood before the New York Central Labor Union on May 12, 1882, to suggest an idea of setting aside one day a year to honor labor. His idea was simple. The day should "be celebrated by a street parade which would publicly show the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations."

The trade unionists, enthusiastic about the idea, quickly established a committee to plan the event. The committee chose the first Monday in September because, "it would come at the most pleasant season of the year, nearly midway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving and would fill a wide gap in the chronology of legal holidays."

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