All members of local unions affiliated with the District Council, as well as employees of the District Council, Benefit Funds and local unions, are invited to attend the next Review Officer Forum at 395 Hudson Street. I will speak as well as answer questions and hear from those in attendance who wish to share their thoughts on matters relating to the District Council, the Consent Decree and the Stipulation and Order.
The forum will be in the meeting space of the school on the second floor from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Please have your current union or employee identification cards ready for presentation at the door to gain admission.
Dennis M. Walsh
Review Officer
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
REVIEW OFFICER FORUM ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011
City real estate rebounds: City Facts update
What is the most important number in real estate these days? 8%.
When the office vacancy rate is at 8%, the experts say, the market is at equilibrium. Of course, we are never at 8% for long. When the number is higher, then tenants have the upper hand and rents fall. When the number moves below 8%, landlords gain the advantage and rents rise.
As you will discover in the 2011 edition of City Facts, tenants continue to have the advantage. The vacancy rate is 9.4% and the average asking rent for office space in Manhattan is $55.52 a square foot. By comparison, the lowest average vacancy rate in the last boom was 5.3% in 2007 and the next year asking rents hit an average of $71.59 a square foot. The lowest vacancy rate in recent decades was recorded in 2000 when the figure fell to 3.7%.
Nevertheless, the picture City Facts paints is of a recovering market. Net effective rents have fallen sharply even if asking rents have not increased much. Space absorption has turned positive. Office building sales are on the upswing. Media companies are taking more space, helping to offset weakness in financial services. In the retail space markets, tourists are fueling increases in rents as stores compete for space in areas like Times Square. In fact, retail rents hardly declined in the recession.
On the residential side, apartment prices have remained surprisingly strong throughout the housing meltdown elsewhere. Co-ops and condos each comprise 50% of the sales market. Co-ops accounted for two-thirds of sales two-decades ago, a sign of the growing importance of condos in the residential market.
Judge Sides With NYC & Unions on Construction
By ADAM KLASFELD
MANHATTAN (CN) - New York City said it will proceed with $6 billion in
infrastructure updates after a federal judge preserved its project labor
agreements with an organization representing some 50 local unions.
The
agreements with the Building and Construction Trades Council, which aim
to reduce strikes and standardize work rules, outline the construction
of a new police academy and a larger 911 call center.
In 2009,
the city and the council struck a deal for public infrastructure
projects involving a projected 32,000 construction jobs through 2014.
About 1,800 of these are anticipated to be new construction jobs.
The
deal relied on project labor agreements, defined by the White House as
"a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor
organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment
for a specific construction project."
On Feb. 6, 2009, President
Barack Obama issued an executive order encouraging project labor
agreements for federally funded projects costing $25 million or more to
increase efficiency and timely completion of large-scale construction
projects.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Amalgamated Carpenters and Joiners Union
Statement of Building and Construction Trades Department President Mark H. Ayers on the Possible Formation of Amalgamated Carpenters and Joiners Union
Erroneous reports have surfaced that suggest that the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO is directly involved and/or assisting with the formation of the Amalgamated Carpenters and Joiners Union, or working in tandem with agents purporting to represent this new union that is being organized by disaffected members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. To be clear, the Building and Construction Trades Department is not currently, nor has it ever been, involved with the formation of this potential new union.
Having said that, the Department has, and always will, respect and defend the democratic rights of any group of American workers to select collective bargaining representation of their own choosing, including the Amalgamated Carpenters and Joiners of America, provided that such representation is not founded upon a singular desire to "raid" members of another union.
We also harbor concerns over reports that the new Amalgamated Carpenters and Joiners Union is contemplating a shift away from a defined benefit pension structure and towards a defined contribution structure under a 401(k) plan. Defined contribution plans are entirely dependent upon the whims of the stock and bond markets and, as recent events have made abundantly clear, that is not a recipe that spells security for any worker.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Clouds Part, Carpenters Return to Negotiating Table
After having been blown off-course as Friday deadline neared, talks between contractors and 25,000 workers set to resume Tuesday; four of five deals seen near, one not.
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| No Pay-Cuts; hundreds of carpenters protesting union headquarters. Photo courtesy © Patrick J. Shields 2011 |
Hurricane Irene provided a brief reprieve for carpenters and contractors, who faced a deadline Friday night in their ongoing talks to reach a new contract for some 25,000 workers.
With the storm approaching, the two sides decided to extend their deadline into this week. Talks will continue Tuesday in an attempt to bridge what remains a considerable gap between the District Council of Carpenters and several contractor associations.
Deals with four of the associations are believed to be close, but a wide gap remains in talks with the General Contractors Association of New York and the Cement League, sources said.
Representatives for the two associations did not return calls seeking comment. A spokesman for the union confirmed that talks would resume tomorrow, but could not say how long officials would extend them in an effort to forge a deal. Hundreds of rank and file carpenters rallied last week at their union's Lower Manhattan headquarters chanting “no pay-cuts” in an attempt to pressure union officials not to make concessions.
Their contracts expired June 30, but negotiating deadlines have been extended several times as contractors and the union have tried to hammer out a deal. Delegates voted earlier this month to authorize a strike, but it appeared on Monday as if further talks would come before any job action.
Negotiations for the carpenters are being led by Frank Spencer, who was appointed in 2009 by the general president of United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America to oversee the local union after several of its officials were indicted for bribery.
Among the key issues in the negotiations is full mobility, or contractors' insistence on the right to hire 100% of workers they choose. Presently, as per a federal judge's order, they must hire a third of their workers through the union's hiring hall.
Contractors argue that the system is inefficient and results in productivity losses because they end up with workers who may not have the particular skills needed on specific job sites.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Contract Update: Bigger Storm Brewing
Forget Irene; Carpenters Union Prepared To Strike
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| Hundreds of Carpenters protesting union headquarters. |
Carpenters have been unable to hammer out new deals with several contractor associations. The carpenters' contracts expired June 30th and deadlines have been extended several times.
"At this time all seven contractor associations are continuing to negotiate and have contract extensions," the council posted on their website.
On Thursday August, 25 the union put their final proposal on the table, "we are willing to stay at the bargaining table until midnight if necessary and negotiate in good faith and hope to reach an agreement with our contractors," the union source said.
"We are also making preparations and plans for a possible strike, we have given the contractors until Friday to respond," as the clock ticked down to a potential work stoppage.
Late Friday afternoon, after several discussions with contractors, a decision was made to put the strike on hold due to Hurricane Irene and an agreement was reach to extend the contract. "We are in a holding pattern until early next week," the source said.
Contractors advised the council that construction crews are needed around the city to secure scaffolding and at the World Trade Center site where steps are being taken to protect 10 huge tower cranes from the battering winds, securing some with cables, while allowing others to safely swing free.
Earlier this month, concrete laborers walked off the job at One and Two World Trade Center, the new transit hub and a handful of other construction sites in the city amid a push by contractors to reduce their wages and benefits for residential and hotel construction by 20%. The union reached a deal earlier this week that included an 8% raise over three years.
Last Friday rank-and-file carpenters mobilized into action after learning the District Council and the contractor associations had tentatively agreed to a new five-year contract calling for five percent pay cuts in the first year, after already given up two scheduled pay increases.
Hundreds of hard working rank and fliers staged an impromptu rally at union headquarters protesting the tentative agreement. Two carpenters were arrested, as hundreds broke through the police barricade set up across the street from the council and charged the building with signs chanting, "This is our building, This is our building"..."Rats in the building, Rats go home, Rats in the building, Rats go home"...and "No Pay-Cuts, No-Pay-Cuts."
Contract Negotiations are being led by Supervisor Frank Spencer, who was appointed in 2009 by UBC President Douglas J. McCarron to oversee the District Council after several of its officials were indicted for bribery.
Union officials pulled back and withdrew the agreement for a pay-cut after members of the advisory committee and delegates, who will cast ratification votes felt pressure from the rank and file and objected to the agreement.
On Thursday one day before the Friday extended contract deadline, hundreds of rank and filers again kept the pressure on union leaders by participating in a second protest rally, this time setting up a large rat outside union headquarters, demanding a new contract that includes wage increases.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Contract Negotiations Update
From NYCDCC
At this time all seven contractor associations are continuing to negotiate and have contract extensions. In the event the District Council chooses not to extend the contract with any or all of these associations and a job action is taken, members on affected projects will be contacted by District Council Representatives, shop stewards and local union officials. Members are encouraged to continue to monitor the District Council Website for up to date contract information.
****Please remember that the District Council is legally bound to by “no-strike” provisions on Project Labor Agreement (PLA) jobs. If you have a question regarding whether the project you are working on is covered by such a provision please ask you shop steward or the District Council Representative assigned to that project.****
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Despite Weather Rally Shines
(John's note: Here is some video of the Rally. I will post more speakers as time allows, this clip features myself, Bill Walsh and Donny Arana...enjoy)
Rank-and-file Carpenters mobilized into action for the second time sending a loud and clear message to union officials demanding a new contract that includes wage increases.
We had a great time, we had fantastic rank and file speakers and a special guest appearance by Frankie the Rat.
Members were fired up with chants of "No Pay Cuts," "Rats in the building, Rats go Home" and "Send McCarron Home."
Unfortunately overcast skies, light rain and threat of heavy rain; kept many members from attending, the weather held and the sun started to break through the clouds towards the end of the rally.
Thank you to all the members who participated and especially the rally organizers who made this rally a huge success. Click here for rally pictures.
(Click continue reading for a transcript of my Rally Speech)
IT'S HERE, RALLY TODAY: Special Guest Appearance
On Thursday August 25, Bring your whistles, Bring your signs and Bring your voice to the Biggest Rally in the history of this Union!
YOU ARE NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!
YOU ARE NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!
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| "Frankie The Rat" |
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Rally Update: MEMBERS TO PROTEST UBC LEADERSHIP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: NYC CARPENTERS RANK-AND-FILE ORGANIZED (NYCCRFO)
Contact: Demian Schroeder
(646) 321-3274
rally524@yahoo.com
MEMBERS TO PROTEST UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS LEADERSHIP (UBC)
BY RALLYING AT NYC HEADQUARTERS ON EVE OF CONTRACT EXPIRATION
-- Union Members Demonstrate Against Despotic McCarron Regime, Wage and Benefit Cuts, Forced Bylaws and Restructuring –
New York, August 23, 2011 – An organization of union members have announced a protest of United Brotherhood of Carpenters officials, Thursday, August 25th 3:30, at 395 Hudson, headquarters of the NYC District Council of Carpenters—the largest trade union in the city-- known for its history of leadership tied to organized crime, and decades of government supervision.
On June 31, NYC Carpenters agreements with the contractor associations expired, and deadlines have been extended several times. Talks reportedly were set to resume on Monday, August 22.
Rank-and-file Carpenters mobilized into action last week after learning the District Council and the employers associations had tentatively agreed to a new five-year contract calling for five percent pay cuts in the first year, after already for-going two scheduled pay increases. (Every other union in the NYC building trades has reached deals that include cost of living raises.)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Permit has been Approved For The Biggest Rally This Council Has Ever Seen!
Bring your whistles, Bring your signs and Bring your voice to the Biggest Rally in the history of this Union!
YOU ARE NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!
|
| Hundreds of Carpenters protesting union headquarters. NEW RALLY PHOTOS ADDED courtesy © Patrick J. Shields 2011 |
 |
| Click to enlarge and print |
Contract Negotiations Update
From NYCDC
The District Council continues to negotiate with the following contractor associations: The Cement League, The General Contractors Association, the Greater New York Floor Coverers Association, the Hoist Trade Association of New York, the Contractors Association of Greater New York, the Association of Wall Ceiling and Carpentry and the Concrete Contractors of New York.
On August 3rd the District Council presented the Delegates and local union officers with a status report on negotiations. Since then we have met individually with the associations in the hope of reaching a fair and equitable agreement. As of today Wednesday August 24th the conditions and financial terms offered by the associations have been deemed unacceptable.
As ratified at the August 3rd meeting the District Council reserves the right to strike if that becomes necessary in the near future. In order for a potential job action to be successful the utmost cooperation from the membership is imperative. Members will be advised of strike locations and actions through communications from the District Council. We will use numerous methods to do this including but not limited to utilizing District Council Representatives, shop stewards, notification to local unions, direct member phone calls and through the District Council website.
The decision to go on strike is not one to be taken lightly but remains an option at our disposal. We will continue to keep you updated as things progress.
Be advised that for all work performed under the jurisdiction of the New York City District Council of Carpenters the terms, conditions, wage and benefit rates will continue through August 26, 2011.
The Influentials
By City Hall
Real power doesn’t always show its face in New York City.
Behind the scenes in government, business, labor and the nonprofit world, the forces that propel the city are often marshaled by people who rarely rise to public prominence. While politicians, top executives and other leaders may be the faces outsiders see of major initiatives, insiders know better.
City Hall’s second annual list of 20 influential non-elected officials profiles those people with deep contacts, long institutional memories and sterling reputations for getting things done.
In these pages, you’ll meet the people who can build skyscrapers and rezone neighborhoods, who can steer elections and guide City Hall, who can mobilize tens of thousands of people and millions of dollars, who can quietly build a consensus before most New Yorkers even know what’s at issue.
We recognize them to honor their ability to drive the agenda in a city as complicated as New York—and to provide a guide to New Yorkers who want to know how the city really works.
(Johns Note: Scroll down to read about Steve McInnis, Political Director, New York City District Council of Carpenters.)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Contract Update: Message to the Negotiating Committee and Delegates
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| Hundreds of Carpenters broke thru the police barricade and charged union headquarters. |
That was the underlying message of Fridays afternoon rally attended by hundreds of hardworking rank and filers.
Carpenters mobilized into action after learning on Saturday, that the District Council of Carpenters and the Contractors Associations have tentatively agreed to a new five-year contract that calls for a 5-percent pay-cut in the first year. (Every other trade union reached deals that include pay raises).
On Tuesday, rally fliers were posted on local157.blogspot.com, by Wednesday and Thursday rally organizers were distributing fliers to shop stewards at the District Council. Word of mouth immediately spread on job-sites and by text message and cell phones. On Friday, just days after learning of the pay-cut over 600 hundred carpenters responded and supported the impromptu rally.
At least two carpenters were arrested, as hundreds broke thru the police barricade set up across the street from the council and charged the building with their signs chanting, "This is our building, This is our building"..."Rats in the building, Rats go home, Rats in the building, Rats go home"...and "No Pay-Cuts, No-Pay-Cuts."
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Contract Negotiations Update
Hundreds of hard working union Carpenters in New York City staged an impromptu rally Friday afternoon at union headquarters protesting rumored pay cuts and lack of information about contract negotiations.
The Friday deadline to reach new contracts for 25,000 carpenters has again been extended, this time until August 26, as the District Council of Carpenters has been unable to hammer out new deals with half a dozen contractor associations.
Talks have broke down, and sources say that the tentative agreement we reported between the District Council and Contractors Associations that called for a 5-percent ($4.25 per hour) pay cut is “off the table.”
Contract Rally Photo's
I want to thank all the brothers and sisters who came out and supported this impromptu rally. Rally organizers say we have the sound permits for our next rally scheduled on Thursday August 25, at 3:30pm - the day before our contract deadline. This is expected to be the largest rally in the history of the Carpenters Union! Start spreading the word, rally updates and printable fliers will be posted soon.
Send 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.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Contract Negotiations Update: Extension puts off potential carpenters' strike
Unionized contractors and carpenters remain far apart in negotiations for a new contract, nearly two months after the old one expired. The latest in a series of extensions buys some more time.
By Daniel Massey
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| Hundreds of Carpenters rally protesting wage givebacks. |
The extension came as carpenters prepared for a Friday afternoon rally in front of their union's lower Manhattan headquarters to protest rumored givebacks.
The carpenters' contracts expired June 30 and deadlines have been extended several times. Agreements with four of the associations were thought to be close, and a rank-and-file blog reported that some tentative deals including wage cuts were in place. But the author of the blog, John Musumeci, said those agreements are no longer on the table.
Mr. Musumeci said union officials pulled back after delegates, who will cast nonbinding ratification votes, objected and after concrete workers reached a deal earlier this week that included an 8% raise over three years. Sources said discussions are furthest apart between the Cement League, which negotiated the concrete deal, and the General Contractors Association of New York, which represents heavy construction contractors.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Contract Negotiations Update
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| Most expensive apartment |
John Note: Keep the pressure on, CALL YOUR DELEGATES, have all your buddies call their delegates, flood them with phone calls and emails. Your voice WILL make a difference! Tell them do not vote for any proposal that includes a reduction in wages.
The UBC has promised Manhattan Federal Judge Richard Berman, that the council delegates will vote and ratify the final version of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Please read Conboys May 26, letter page 5. Do not let anyone tell you different, the UBC could be held in contempt of court if the delegates do not vote on the contract.
PS: The Rank-and-file carpenters will rally Friday afternoon outside union headquarters on 395 Hudson Street at 3:30 pm to protest among other things, the rumored wage givebacks.
We urge all members to stand together and make their voice heard!
You'll need $98M to live up here
Now this is sky-high.
Two penthouses at a luxury building next to Carnegie Hall are being shopped around by the city's biggest brokers for a stunning $98.5 million each -- and not a single brick has been laid!
The swanky pads at ONE57 (pictured) -- slated to be the city's largest residential tower at 90 floors -- are the most expensive preconstruction condos ever, real-estate sources said.
The one on the 90th floor will clock in at 10,923 square feet and the one on the 75th floor will be 13,554 square feet.
Construction will be finished in two years.
A Park Hyatt hotel will occupy the bottom half of the building.
The penthouse price tags are lower than those selling at 15 Central Park West -- but are expected to jump 25 to 50 percent after the building is completed, said Gary Barnett of Extell Development.
By JENNIFER GOULD KEIL
Judge Deems NYC Project Labor Agreements Legal
By Carolina Worrell
U.S. District Judge Robert Patterson, Jr. ruled last week that project labor agreements (PLAs) between New York City and the Building and Construction Trades Council, an umbrella group that represents about 50 local trades unions, do not violate the federal National Labor Relations Act. The agreements, first reached in 2009 to “improve efficiency by preventing strikes and standardizing work rules,” include the construction of a new police academy and a 911 call center, both part of $6 billion worth of city infrastructure projects.
To back up its decision, the court referred to a U.S. Supreme Court decision, which determined that PLAs used to expedite a Boston Harbor clean-up project were lawful.
However, the Building Industry Electrical Contractors Association and United Electrical Contractors Association contend that PLAs are unlawful under the National Labor Relations Act. They claim that “by entering into the PLAs, the city was acting as a regulator and not a market participant, allegedly favoring unions.”
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