The New York and Vicinity Carpenters Labor Management Corporation is made up of Labor and Management who work together to secure projects, increase union-sector market share and promote members skills and trade.
Our most important mission is to assist the signatory contractors in winning projects and jobs.It is essential to work with contractors, subcontractors, and workers whom you can count on;people you can trust and who will not let you down. It is for this reason that one should choose to work with the signatory contractors listed in this book.
The contractors in this book know how to do the job right, on time, every time. They are efficient and reliable problem solvers and they know how to work safely.
We are confident that when you look at what our signatory contractors have to offer you will want to work with these well-trained and highly skilled individuals.We hope you find this Directory helpful. If additional copies of the Directory are needed, please contact us at:
New York and Vicinity Carpenters Labor Management Corporation
395 Hudson Street
New York, New York 10014
212.366.7450
212.366.3334
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Financial Accomplishments During Supervision
From: Terrence R. Mooney CPA
To: Mr. Frank Spencer, Supervisor,
I would like to take this opportunity to represent the financial accomplishments made at the New York District Council during the period of August 2009 through November 2011. As noted in my finding report to the members and the International in October of 2009 there were accounting deficiencies that needed to be addressed by this council to ensure the safeguarding of the assets of its members. These following accomplishments are a tribute to the talented employees of this council and the dedication to perform their obligations to the members. Although this list is not all inclusive it will provide the members an overview of the financial steps taken under the supervision as they related to finance.
To: Mr. Frank Spencer, Supervisor,
I would like to take this opportunity to represent the financial accomplishments made at the New York District Council during the period of August 2009 through November 2011. As noted in my finding report to the members and the International in October of 2009 there were accounting deficiencies that needed to be addressed by this council to ensure the safeguarding of the assets of its members. These following accomplishments are a tribute to the talented employees of this council and the dedication to perform their obligations to the members. Although this list is not all inclusive it will provide the members an overview of the financial steps taken under the supervision as they related to finance.
NEW YORK LABOR LEADERS OFFER STRIKE SUPPORT FOR 32BJ
Unions stand together to fight for a fair contract
by New York Real Estate Rama
New York, NY – December 29, 2011— Only two days remain before the contract covering 22,000 building service workers in New York City expires. If the clock runs out at midnight on Dec. 31, 2011 without a fair and equitable deal in place for hardworking 32BJ members, New York’s labor community is prepared to back them in a strike.
“The resources of the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL-CIO are at the full disposal of 32 BJ for as long as it takes to reach a contract agreement. With 3,000 local union affiliates across the state, we will stand side by side with our 32 BJ brothers and sisters throughout these negotiations. This is not just about what happens in the next few days. These negotiations are about the future of our city, and what kind of city we want to leave to the next generation,” says Mario Cilento, President of NY State AFL-CIO.
The top salary of a commercial cleaner in NYC is $22.65 an hour, or $47,000 a year but building owners still say workers are earning too much. The real estate industry wants to rollback salary and benefit packages, while it’s recorded billions in sales activity this year alone.
“Whether it’s for a private sector union like 32BJ, or a public sector or building trades union, the New York City Central Labor Council is always going to stand up for fair wages and contracts,” says Vincent Alvarez, President of the CLC. “The labor community is committed to working together to fight for fairness in the workplace and protecting the wages and benefits of the hardworking men and women of New York City.”
by New York Real Estate Rama
New York, NY – December 29, 2011— Only two days remain before the contract covering 22,000 building service workers in New York City expires. If the clock runs out at midnight on Dec. 31, 2011 without a fair and equitable deal in place for hardworking 32BJ members, New York’s labor community is prepared to back them in a strike.
“The resources of the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL-CIO are at the full disposal of 32 BJ for as long as it takes to reach a contract agreement. With 3,000 local union affiliates across the state, we will stand side by side with our 32 BJ brothers and sisters throughout these negotiations. This is not just about what happens in the next few days. These negotiations are about the future of our city, and what kind of city we want to leave to the next generation,” says Mario Cilento, President of NY State AFL-CIO.
The top salary of a commercial cleaner in NYC is $22.65 an hour, or $47,000 a year but building owners still say workers are earning too much. The real estate industry wants to rollback salary and benefit packages, while it’s recorded billions in sales activity this year alone.
“Whether it’s for a private sector union like 32BJ, or a public sector or building trades union, the New York City Central Labor Council is always going to stand up for fair wages and contracts,” says Vincent Alvarez, President of the CLC. “The labor community is committed to working together to fight for fairness in the workplace and protecting the wages and benefits of the hardworking men and women of New York City.”
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Court Conference Transcripts of December 20, 2011
THE COURT: So, this is one of our regularly scheduled status sessions. Here are the issues that I would like to hear about and then if there is time after that, if there is anything else that people want to talk about, but I would like to hear about the -- let me just list them: The elections. If there is anything new to stay about the bylaws. I would also like to hear about the status of the collective bargaining agreements and if there is also anything, no. four, about the restructuring. And then, Mr. Walsh, I want to hear about the,what you put in -- something that you included in your third interim report dated December 5, 2011 which you mentioned that your office was investigating -- this is a quote from that report, the suspected involvement of members of local unions affiliated with the district council with a new union. We will call that, for want of a better phrase, the amalgamated union, and anybody who wishes to be heard on that subject.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Carpenters union struggles with new contracts
The parent union of the District Council of Carpenters is pushing for ratification of a deal that includes a key reform sought by contractors. But new leaders of the scandal-plagued New York union are resisting.
By Daniel Massey
The 25,000-member District Council of Carpenters, which has been run by its national parent since its chief was jailed following a 2009 racketeering scandal, has elected new leadership as it moves to regain its independence early next year.
But before a new executive secretary treasurer and other leaders are installed Jan. 11, the parent organization, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, is trying to push through the ratification of a half-dozen labor deals that it negotiated with contractor associations.
The new leadership opposes the most controversial element of the deals, a change in hiring practices coveted by contractors. Under the tentative agreements, employers would no longer be required to hire at least one-third of their workers via union referrals, and would instead be free to select any member of the union to work for them.
Contractors have argued that so-called full mobility will save them money by increasing productivity, but union members contend that it will kill important protections like seniority and could lead to discrimination.
“I am against full mobility because I don't believe the union should give up control of the job site,” the union's incoming chief, Michael Bilello, wrote in a questionnaire posted on the District Council website.
By Daniel Massey
 |
| Carpenters Rally Against Full Mobility. |
But before a new executive secretary treasurer and other leaders are installed Jan. 11, the parent organization, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, is trying to push through the ratification of a half-dozen labor deals that it negotiated with contractor associations.
The new leadership opposes the most controversial element of the deals, a change in hiring practices coveted by contractors. Under the tentative agreements, employers would no longer be required to hire at least one-third of their workers via union referrals, and would instead be free to select any member of the union to work for them.
Contractors have argued that so-called full mobility will save them money by increasing productivity, but union members contend that it will kill important protections like seniority and could lead to discrimination.
“I am against full mobility because I don't believe the union should give up control of the job site,” the union's incoming chief, Michael Bilello, wrote in a questionnaire posted on the District Council website.
A Message from General President McCarron: New Year Provides Opportunity to Strengthen Our Brotherhood
 |
| Click to enlarge. |
On behalf of the officers of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, I would like to wish all members and their families the best for the new year.
While 2012 will be another year of economic uncertainty and continued challenges, it also marks a year of opportunity to strengthen our union. It is up to us to keep our skills sharp for the day when the economy turns around. It is also up to us to make our voices heard to ensure that day arrives as soon as possible.
While no one is happy with the pace of recovery, things would be far worse if we returned to the policies that created the mess in the first place. Unfortunately, too many politicians think it is possible to move forward in reverse gear. We must resist this misguided thinking and mobilize the energy of our nearly half-million members on behalf of candidates and political efforts that favor working people.
In the United States, 2012 will see the most important election in decades. With so much at stake, including Davis-Bacon wage protections, members must go beyond voting and volunteer to assist the political operations at their council or local.
REVIEW OFFICER FORUM ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2011
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. Members are encouraged to share their views on the collective bargaining agreements currently posted on the District Council web site.
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
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
Non-U.S. citizens make up 39% of NYC's construction workforce
Non-United States citizens accounted for 39 percent of the total New York City construction industry workforce and 45 percent of all construction trades workers in 2010, according to a New York Building Congress analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 American Community Survey.
Of the 224,500 men and women in the construction industry surveyed, including both white-collar and blue-collar positions in private firms and on government payrolls, white, non-Hispanic men and women accounted for 40 percent, while Hispanics made up 36 percent. Asians made up 9 percent of the workforce, while 1 percent identified as multi-racial.
As for the 168,200 construction labor workers who lived in New York City in 2010, 63,600 were Queens residents. Another 53,700 lived in Brooklyn, followed by 24,200 from the Bronx, 14,400 from Staten Island, and 12,300 who dwelled in Manhattan.
The data, which is based on personal responses to the Census Bureau survey and incorporates both union and non-union labor, as well as management positions, architects, engineers and other service workers, also indicates that construction workers are increasingly going without health insurance. Forty-nine percent of all construction industry workers lacked health insurance in 2010, up from 45 percent in 2009. -- Katherine Clarke
Of the 224,500 men and women in the construction industry surveyed, including both white-collar and blue-collar positions in private firms and on government payrolls, white, non-Hispanic men and women accounted for 40 percent, while Hispanics made up 36 percent. Asians made up 9 percent of the workforce, while 1 percent identified as multi-racial.
As for the 168,200 construction labor workers who lived in New York City in 2010, 63,600 were Queens residents. Another 53,700 lived in Brooklyn, followed by 24,200 from the Bronx, 14,400 from Staten Island, and 12,300 who dwelled in Manhattan.
The data, which is based on personal responses to the Census Bureau survey and incorporates both union and non-union labor, as well as management positions, architects, engineers and other service workers, also indicates that construction workers are increasingly going without health insurance. Forty-nine percent of all construction industry workers lacked health insurance in 2010, up from 45 percent in 2009. -- Katherine Clarke
NYCDC - New Hire Information
The District Council would like to welcome a new representative, Brian McLaughlin, Local 1556, who came on board on Monday, December 12, 2011. Mr. McLaughlin will work out of the Business Representative Centers.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Cornell to build new science campus on Roosevelt Island
 |
| Artists rendering of the two million square feet campus. |
At a press conference on Monday, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Cornell president David J. Skorton, and Technion-Israel president Peretz Lavie announced the partnership between the two leading institutions had beat out competition from around the globe to win the rights to the venture. In addition to the Roosevelt Island site, the City will also provide $100 million in City capital to assist with site infrastructure, construction, and related costs.
This is the first selection announcement for the Applied Sciences NYC initiative. Discussions are ongoing with other respondents — Carnegie Mellon, Columbia and a New York University-led consortium — and the possibility of additional science and engineering partnerships in the City is still open, said the mayor. “Thanks to this outstanding partnership and groundbreaking proposal from Cornell and the Technion, New York City’s goal of becoming the global leader in technological innovation is now within sight,” said Mayor Bloomberg.
NLRB Approves Changes to Union Election Rules, 2 to 1
by Seth Borden
On Wednesday, the NLRB voted 2-to-1 to approve a resolution to amend the rules and regulations related to its election process. Chairman Mark Pearce and Member Craig Becker voted in favor of the changes and Member Brian Hayes voted against them. The amendments that passed were trimmed from a more comprehensive set of proposed changes published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2011. The approved changes are intended to reduce litigation in election cases and will also significantly shorten the time between any pre-election hearing and the election date.
The approved changes will include:
a) giving hearing officers greater discretion to limit the evidence presented at pre-election hearings to evidence that is “relevant to a genuine issue of fact material to whether a question of representation exists”
b) giving hearing officers the discretion to deny requests by parties to submit post-hearing briefs
c) denying the parties the right to file requests for review with the Board challenging the viability of a regional director’s decision and direction of election until after the election
d) eliminating the 25 day period between the issuance of a decision and direction of election by a regional director and the holding of an election
e) clarifying the rules regarding a party’s ability to seek special permission to appeal a hearing officer ruling to the Board
f) giving the Board the discretion to refuse to review a regional director’s resolution of post-election disputes
The Board did not release the final rules that will amend or replace the existing language in the regulations. It also did not indicate when the new rules would become effective. Unless the language is already written and the date is already set, it is reasonable to believe both will be impacted when Member Becker’s recess appointment expires at the end of this month, leaving just two members on the Board.
At roughly the same time as the Board action, Congress passed a bill designed to undo parts of the proposed rule changes. John Kline's (R-MN) "Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act" (H.R. 3094) passed by a vote of 235-188. The bill would guarantee that no representation election is held within 35 days after the filing of a petition, provide for a two-week waiting period before a hearing could be held, and ensure certain preliminary appeal rights.
On Wednesday, the NLRB voted 2-to-1 to approve a resolution to amend the rules and regulations related to its election process. Chairman Mark Pearce and Member Craig Becker voted in favor of the changes and Member Brian Hayes voted against them. The amendments that passed were trimmed from a more comprehensive set of proposed changes published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2011. The approved changes are intended to reduce litigation in election cases and will also significantly shorten the time between any pre-election hearing and the election date.
The approved changes will include:
a) giving hearing officers greater discretion to limit the evidence presented at pre-election hearings to evidence that is “relevant to a genuine issue of fact material to whether a question of representation exists”
b) giving hearing officers the discretion to deny requests by parties to submit post-hearing briefs
c) denying the parties the right to file requests for review with the Board challenging the viability of a regional director’s decision and direction of election until after the election
d) eliminating the 25 day period between the issuance of a decision and direction of election by a regional director and the holding of an election
e) clarifying the rules regarding a party’s ability to seek special permission to appeal a hearing officer ruling to the Board
f) giving the Board the discretion to refuse to review a regional director’s resolution of post-election disputes
The Board did not release the final rules that will amend or replace the existing language in the regulations. It also did not indicate when the new rules would become effective. Unless the language is already written and the date is already set, it is reasonable to believe both will be impacted when Member Becker’s recess appointment expires at the end of this month, leaving just two members on the Board.
At roughly the same time as the Board action, Congress passed a bill designed to undo parts of the proposed rule changes. John Kline's (R-MN) "Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act" (H.R. 3094) passed by a vote of 235-188. The bill would guarantee that no representation election is held within 35 days after the filing of a petition, provide for a two-week waiting period before a hearing could be held, and ensure certain preliminary appeal rights.
Obama Names Two New NLRB Nominees
by Ilyse Schuman
President Obama has announced that he intends to nominate Sharon Block (D) and Richard Griffin (D) to fill two vacancies on the National Labor Relations Board. When Member Craig Becker’s recess appointment expires at the end of this year, the Board will be left with only two members, Chairman Mark Gaston Pearce (D) and Member Brian Hayes (R). As the Supreme Court decided in last year’s New Process Steel decision, the Board must operate with at least three members to exercise its full authority. In January of 2011, Obama nominated Terence Flynn (R) to fill one of the vacant slots on the five-member Board, but the Senate has not yet acted on his nomination. It is expected that the Senate will similarly take no action on the latest nominees. The possibility of the President seating Block and Griffin by recess appointment is also low, as the House will likely take steps to block his ability to do so.
According to information published by the White House, Block has worked as an attorney in both the private and public sectors. She currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor. Her other positions have included Senior Labor and Employment Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), where she worked for the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and senior attorney to former NLRB Chairman Robert Battista.
Griffin is a long-term attorney for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). He is currently the union’s General Counsel, and has served on the board of directors for the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee for the past 17 years. Griffin also has worked as a counsel to NLRB Board Members.
President Obama has announced that he intends to nominate Sharon Block (D) and Richard Griffin (D) to fill two vacancies on the National Labor Relations Board. When Member Craig Becker’s recess appointment expires at the end of this year, the Board will be left with only two members, Chairman Mark Gaston Pearce (D) and Member Brian Hayes (R). As the Supreme Court decided in last year’s New Process Steel decision, the Board must operate with at least three members to exercise its full authority. In January of 2011, Obama nominated Terence Flynn (R) to fill one of the vacant slots on the five-member Board, but the Senate has not yet acted on his nomination. It is expected that the Senate will similarly take no action on the latest nominees. The possibility of the President seating Block and Griffin by recess appointment is also low, as the House will likely take steps to block his ability to do so.
According to information published by the White House, Block has worked as an attorney in both the private and public sectors. She currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor. Her other positions have included Senior Labor and Employment Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), where she worked for the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and senior attorney to former NLRB Chairman Robert Battista.
Griffin is a long-term attorney for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). He is currently the union’s General Counsel, and has served on the board of directors for the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee for the past 17 years. Griffin also has worked as a counsel to NLRB Board Members.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Review Officer Opposes Amalgamated Union
 |
| Click to enlarge. |
Judge Berman requested Bisceglie to respond to Walsh's letter and has put the matter on the agenda for the scheduled December 20th conference with the Court.
The Dockbuilders are seeking to break away from the UBC and form a new carpenter union affiliate with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) and has filed the necessary petitions with the NLRB to conduct a representation election.
In his response, Bisceglie among other things wrote, "the Court should not interfere in any way with the proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board, which is the body with jurisdiction to resolve representation proceedings."
Bilello Wins
The following are the 2011 District Council Officers Election Results.
19711 Ballots mailed-out; 5133 received; 119 "set-aside"; 5014 eligible.
19711 Ballots mailed-out; 5133 received; 119 "set-aside"; 5014 eligible.
- Votes for EST: Mike Bilello 2932, Franco 1739
- Votes for President: Bill Lebo 1939, Paul Tyzner 1829, Greg Kelty 1126
- Votes for Vice President: Michael Cavanaugh 2678, Byron Schuler 2186.
Delegate Vote For Officers.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Contract Update: CBA's Posted For Review By Members
Updated March 1, 2012.
The New York City District Council of Carpenters has negotiated five collective bargaining agreements which are posted below. All members are encouraged to review these agreements and provide feedback to the District Council and your elected delegates from your local union.
Please use the links below to view pertinent changes to each CBA.
Pertinent changes to the Building Construction Agreement
Pertinent changes to The Cement League Agreement
Pertinent changes made to the Association of Wall-Ceiling & Carpentry Industries Inc.
Pertinent changes to the HOSTA CBA: (see page 14 Wage Increase – page 15 Hoist Jumps )
Pertinent changes to the GNYFCA: (see pages 25-26 Wages – pages 27-30 Market Recovery – pages 35-63 Anti-Corruption & Full Mobility – page 67 Pre-Apprentice –pages 95-97 Most Favored Nations Clause)
(John's Note: I posted the Floor Coverers agreement because it contains the "Full Mobility" and the 80% "Market Recovery" language, the other agreements are incomplete.)
The New York City District Council of Carpenters has negotiated five collective bargaining agreements which are posted below. All members are encouraged to review these agreements and provide feedback to the District Council and your elected delegates from your local union.
Please use the links below to view pertinent changes to each CBA.
Pertinent changes to the Building Construction Agreement
Pertinent changes to The Cement League Agreement
Pertinent changes made to the Association of Wall-Ceiling & Carpentry Industries Inc.
Pertinent changes to the HOSTA CBA: (see page 14 Wage Increase – page 15 Hoist Jumps )
Pertinent changes to the GNYFCA: (see pages 25-26 Wages – pages 27-30 Market Recovery – pages 35-63 Anti-Corruption & Full Mobility – page 67 Pre-Apprentice –pages 95-97 Most Favored Nations Clause)
(John's Note: I posted the Floor Coverers agreement because it contains the "Full Mobility" and the 80% "Market Recovery" language, the other agreements are incomplete.)
Monday, December 12, 2011
Union big: Not guilty, just stoned
 |
| MICHAEL FORDE Blames cocaine. |
Maybe this crooked carpenter should have been cutting up pieces of lumber instead of lines of cocaine.
Fallen labor leader Michael Forde wants his 11-year prison term tossed due to his illegal drug habit.
In Manhattan federal court papers, the former head of the carpenters union claims his guilty plea to labor racketeering was “not voluntary” because he “was in an anxious and depressed state . . . contributed to by his history of substance abuse.”
“He was not able to fully comprehend the ramifications of his decision,” lawyer Joseph DiBlasi wrote.
But Forde — who tested positive for cocaine and pot after his arrest for racketeering in 2009 — doesn’t blame only the drugs.
He says Judge Victor Marrero should have recused himself from the case because he earlier presided over civil suits involving Forde and the union.
A court spokeswoman said Marrero wouldn’t comment.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Law firm may have double-billed carpenters union
By BRUCE GOLDING
A law firm hired by the crooked ex-chief of the carpenters’ union may have double-billed for its services, according to a preliminary probe by the court-appointed monitor of the long-corrupt labor organization.
A report filed yesterday by review officer Dennis Walsh says the union paid the firm of O’Dwyer & Bernstein a retainer of up to $20,000 a month from at least January 2008 through the fall of last year, when former leader Michael Forde was sentenced to 11 years in the slammer.
But Walsh said it’s “unclear whether the retainer was used to offset fees accumulated by the District Council” of Carpenters, which Forde ran before his downfall for taking bribes to let contractors hire illegal aliens off the books.
According to Walsh’s Manhattan federal court filing, senior partner Brian O’Dwyer sent Forde a “bare bones engagement letter” dated Jan. 19, 2000, that said his firm would provide legal services at the rate of $250 an hour for lawyers and $100 an hour for paralegals.
A second letter, dated July 24, 2008, raised the “composite” rate for the lawyers to $300 an hour, “in addition to the regular retainer,” court papers say.
“No further detail is provided about this retainer, not the frequency, not the amount and not how it will be utilized,” Walsh wrote.
But Walsh said his staff found bills for a $20,000-a-month retainer between January 2008 and March of 2009 listed on “a separate invoice from the invoice with specific time entries for the work performed and the monthly total legal fees.”
“From March 2009 on, (O’Dwyer & Bernstein) invoiced the District Council for a $10,000 monthly retainer, also on a separate invoice from the general invoice,” he wrote.
Walsh noted that “the District Council is exploring why this retainer was initially paid and why it was reduced and I will further address this in my next report.”
O’Dwyer didn’t return a phone message and email seeking comment last night.
A law firm hired by the crooked ex-chief of the carpenters’ union may have double-billed for its services, according to a preliminary probe by the court-appointed monitor of the long-corrupt labor organization.
A report filed yesterday by review officer Dennis Walsh says the union paid the firm of O’Dwyer & Bernstein a retainer of up to $20,000 a month from at least January 2008 through the fall of last year, when former leader Michael Forde was sentenced to 11 years in the slammer.
But Walsh said it’s “unclear whether the retainer was used to offset fees accumulated by the District Council” of Carpenters, which Forde ran before his downfall for taking bribes to let contractors hire illegal aliens off the books.
According to Walsh’s Manhattan federal court filing, senior partner Brian O’Dwyer sent Forde a “bare bones engagement letter” dated Jan. 19, 2000, that said his firm would provide legal services at the rate of $250 an hour for lawyers and $100 an hour for paralegals.
A second letter, dated July 24, 2008, raised the “composite” rate for the lawyers to $300 an hour, “in addition to the regular retainer,” court papers say.
“No further detail is provided about this retainer, not the frequency, not the amount and not how it will be utilized,” Walsh wrote.
But Walsh said his staff found bills for a $20,000-a-month retainer between January 2008 and March of 2009 listed on “a separate invoice from the invoice with specific time entries for the work performed and the monthly total legal fees.”
“From March 2009 on, (O’Dwyer & Bernstein) invoiced the District Council for a $10,000 monthly retainer, also on a separate invoice from the general invoice,” he wrote.
Walsh noted that “the District Council is exploring why this retainer was initially paid and why it was reduced and I will further address this in my next report.”
O’Dwyer didn’t return a phone message and email seeking comment last night.
New York City District Council of Carpenters Benefit Funds Newsletter
Message from the Executive Director
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Benefit Funds News. It is a privilege to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Benefit Funds. I came on board on July 1, 2011, and I have spent the last few months getting familiar with all of the Funds’ operations and working with the Boards of Trustees and the Fund Office staff to institute various changes. Our goal is to improve all facets of the Funds’ operations so that the Fund Office can best serve you and your families.
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Benefit Funds News. It is a privilege to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Benefit Funds. I came on board on July 1, 2011, and I have spent the last few months getting familiar with all of the Funds’ operations and working with the Boards of Trustees and the Fund Office staff to institute various changes. Our goal is to improve all facets of the Funds’ operations so that the Fund Office can best serve you and your families.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Updated: The Third Interim Report of the Review Officer
Excerpt from the report, The Organized Crime Threat
Organized crime, predominantly through the Genovese family (though other families continue to have interests and "turf") remains active in its efforts to corruptly influence the District Council and particularly some of its local unions. My office spends considerable time addressing this threat and I employ a broad range of investigative techniques. My staff and I have gathered significant evidence of criminal conduct engaged in by persons affiliated with the Genovese family, some of whom are members of the Union. I and members of my staff meet and confer regularly with law enforcement authorities in this regard. As the investigation is ongoing, I am constrained to say nothing further on the subject.
Organized crime, predominantly through the Genovese family (though other families continue to have interests and "turf") remains active in its efforts to corruptly influence the District Council and particularly some of its local unions. My office spends considerable time addressing this threat and I employ a broad range of investigative techniques. My staff and I have gathered significant evidence of criminal conduct engaged in by persons affiliated with the Genovese family, some of whom are members of the Union. I and members of my staff meet and confer regularly with law enforcement authorities in this regard. As the investigation is ongoing, I am constrained to say nothing further on the subject.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Union Transparency
In an effort to better educate our members on union finances and provide
much needed transparency, Local157.blogspot.com is providing you with
one click, free access to the latest LM-2 Reports filed by the New York District Council of Carpenters. Under the law you have a right to this information.
UBC Reinstates Carpenter who was expelled and fined $25k
Informed sources say that former UBC member Brian Brennan has settled his lawsuit (see below) with the New York City District Council of Carpenters and will be reinstated back into the UBC.
Brennan a 26-year veteran carpenter was ordered expelled and fined $25,000 by the trial committee on March 25, 2010 "for causing dissension among the members of the Brotherhood and violating the Obligation."
Brennan's trouble started back on May 14, 2009 when he participated in a small demonstration outside the District Council's Hudson Street offices against union leadership over a plan to withhold quarterly benefits checks from members who refuse to sign the "Blue Card" and grant the trustees of their welfare fund a new power to levy fines against them.
About 1,000 of the union’s 18,000 or so working members did not signed the "Blue Card."
Carpenters being a vocal lot staged the demonstration and Brennan, one of the few who sticks his neck out brought a sack of flour as a heavy-handed prop as a sign of Mike Fordes cocaine habit.
"We called it 'Mike's coke.' Everyone knew he had a big habit."
A fracas broke out when Brennan tried to go inside to confront benefit-fund officials. He was arrested, accused of hitting a security guard. "I didn't hit anybody," he said. "I'm the one got hit." The district attorney declined criminal charges, but Forde's lieutenants (Pete Thomassen, Lawrence D'Errico, Charles Harkin and Dennis Sheil) filed charges against him.
Disgraced former Carpenter head Michael Forde, pleaded guilty in 2010 to federal racketeering and bribery charges, and was sentenced to 11 years in a federal lockup.
Brennan's attorney, Robert Felix, filed a lawsuit on March 16, 2011 against the Council requesting a jury trial seeking reinstatement and recover back pay.
At a court conference last month, Review Officer Dennis Walsh stated, "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.....[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."
The settlement has not been made public, "we don’t know exactly how much the settlement is, but they did settle and Brain Brennan will be reinstated," the source said.
Brennan a 26-year veteran carpenter was ordered expelled and fined $25,000 by the trial committee on March 25, 2010 "for causing dissension among the members of the Brotherhood and violating the Obligation."
Brennan's trouble started back on May 14, 2009 when he participated in a small demonstration outside the District Council's Hudson Street offices against union leadership over a plan to withhold quarterly benefits checks from members who refuse to sign the "Blue Card" and grant the trustees of their welfare fund a new power to levy fines against them.
About 1,000 of the union’s 18,000 or so working members did not signed the "Blue Card."
Carpenters being a vocal lot staged the demonstration and Brennan, one of the few who sticks his neck out brought a sack of flour as a heavy-handed prop as a sign of Mike Fordes cocaine habit.
"We called it 'Mike's coke.' Everyone knew he had a big habit."
A fracas broke out when Brennan tried to go inside to confront benefit-fund officials. He was arrested, accused of hitting a security guard. "I didn't hit anybody," he said. "I'm the one got hit." The district attorney declined criminal charges, but Forde's lieutenants (Pete Thomassen, Lawrence D'Errico, Charles Harkin and Dennis Sheil) filed charges against him.
Disgraced former Carpenter head Michael Forde, pleaded guilty in 2010 to federal racketeering and bribery charges, and was sentenced to 11 years in a federal lockup.
Brennan's attorney, Robert Felix, filed a lawsuit on March 16, 2011 against the Council requesting a jury trial seeking reinstatement and recover back pay.
At a court conference last month, Review Officer Dennis Walsh stated, "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.....[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."
The settlement has not been made public, "we don’t know exactly how much the settlement is, but they did settle and Brain Brennan will be reinstated," the source said.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Unions Display Strength and Unity along Broadway
By Marc Bussanich
 |
| President Alvarez with UBC brother Bill Walsh |
Members from multiple unions, such as SEIU 32BJ, DC 37, Teamster Locals 282 and 814, IBEW, Carpenters and UFT, as well as students and community- and faith-based organizations, made up the diverse assembly.
According to Vinny Alvarez, President of the New York Central Labor Council, the council called for the march not just for the labor movement, but for everybody frustrated by the staggering rise in income inequality.
“The economic policies of the past 30 years have caused the current situation where we have 20 percent of the population owning 85 percent of the country’s wealth,” said Alvarez.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Civil Service Carpenters loose NYCDC prescription plan unless they pay $1,500 a yr out of pocket
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!!
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!!
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
 |
| 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. |
After all the political debates, protests, lawsuits and economic
setbacks since 2003, Barclays Center is real now, rising from Brooklyn
where Atlantic Ave. meets Flatbush Ave.
At long last a professional sports venue nears completion in my native
Brooklyn, where there hasn’t been one — except for the minor-league
Cyclones stadium in Coney Island — since the Dodgers cakewalked in 1957.
Expect the first Brooklyn Nets’ tip-off by fall, 2012.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Latest Poll Puts Franco in First-place
 |
| 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
 |
| 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
 |
| 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.
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.
And, finally that Thou wilt graciously be pleased to dispose us all
to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with that charity,
humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of
the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without an humble
imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a
happy nation. Amen.
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
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.
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
BY Reuven Blau
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.
 |
| 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
 |
| 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.
Developer Bruce Ratner plans to use prefabricated steel to build the 15
residential buildings he plans to construct at Atlantic Yards,
according to a report in The New York Times.
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%.
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.
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!
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
 |
| 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
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.
 |
| 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.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Contract Negotiations Update: Agreements Reached
 |
| Letter to judge Berman, click to enlar |
In response to a question posed by federal judge Richard M. Berman at the status conference on November 7, (see transcript below) Review Officer, Dennis Walsh and counsel to the District Council, Brian Quinn submitted a letter on November 10 to judge Berman (see right) outlining the schedule for finalization of collective bargaining agreements, including publication of draft agreements to the membership.
The District Council circulated the agreements to relevant contractors associations last week and the Council has ask contractors' associations to respond in writing by the close of business Monday, November 14, regarding any changes to the agreements.
It is expected that final changes to the agreements will be made the week of November 14, allowing for the agreements to be posted on the District Councils website for review by the membership by Friday, November 18, 2011.
A vote by the newly elected delegates to the District Council is expected to be scheduled for no shorter than two weeks later, or not before December 2, to facilitate review of the agreements by the membership as well as any comments the membership wishes to make to the delegates.
Carpenters Help Bring Vietnam Wall Replica to New York for Veterans Day
 |
| Click to view more photos. |
In honor of Veterans Day, our members helped to build a memorial to the soldiers whose lives were lost during the Vietnam War. Leading this effort and donating their time and skills, the carpenter team played a key role in erecting the Vietnam Wall replica at the Intrepid Museum.
The travelling memorial, a replica of the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C., arrived at Manhattan’s Intrepid Museum on November 7th and is now open and free to the public. The three-quarter-scale replica stands 8-feet tall, 240-feet long and has the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died during the war or are listed as missing.
Members of the Carpenters Union, many of them Vietnam Veterans and apprentices who joined through the Helmets to Hardhats program, devoted two days to put together the wall, which will be on display at the Intrepid until November 20.
Thanks to all of our members who volunteered their time and skill in memory of those who served.
Court Conference Transcripts of November 7, 2011
THE COURT: So this I think is the date we scheduled the last time for an update as to where things stand. The issues that are typically on the table are elections, delegate and district council, perhaps we can hear about that; bylaws, I don't know if there's much to say about that; the CBA negotiations, probably something to say about that; restructuring perhaps and funds perhaps. But I guess the elections probably we'd start with and see where things are standing with that.
Local 157 President Faces Possible Veto
 |
| Nee faces possible veto. |
The facts and circumstances under review by the RO DOES NOT involve organized crime associations, violations of the District Council’s Job Referral Rules, giving false answer to questions posed by the RO or lavish and/or improper spending of union members money.
The suspected violation under review involves violations of procedure to Paragraph 5.b of the Stipulation and Order; to wit: President Nee "knowingly and willfully failed to provide notice" to the RO of routine "stipends paid to local union officers" (for executive board meetings) and stipends paid to "election committee members" (for committee duties) and failing to "seek required approval from the membership of Local 157, as well as expenditures for election notices mailed to the membership on September 9th and 14th."
Pursuant to procedures promulgated by the RO, Nee has until November 21, to respond to the notice and suspected violations. Nee was elected president of local 157 on June 22, 2011.
Engineers signal construction rise is coming
 |
| More than 60% of the 93 engineering firms in New York that responded to The American Council of Engineering Cos. survey said are optimistic or somewhat optimistic about prospects for 2012. |
Twenty out of the Top 25 New York area engineering firms say they've added staff in the last year, and 15 of them have picked up new contracts, in a harbinger of happier times for building industry.
By
Things may be looking up soon for the construction industry. Engineering firms, widely seen as the bellwethers of the building industry, are showing gains in employment and in the number of their projects. The numbers posted by these outfits, which land contracts on new projects and begin the design work long before the construction industry breaks ground, are surprisingly good.
Out of the Top 25 firms on Crain's list of the New York area's largest engineering firms, no less than 20 reported increases in employment here from 2010 to 2011, and 15 reported an increase in the number of their projects here.
“I think engineering will see some uptick next year and this will translate into more construction projects much later in the year,” said Cyrus Izzo, co-president of No. 23-ranked Syska Hennessy Group Inc.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Labor Technical College Employment Opportunities
DIRECTOR OF THE LABOR TECHNICAL COLLEGE
NEW YORK CITY DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS LABOR TECHNICAL COLLEGE
The Director of the Labor Technical College, reporting to the Executive Director of the New York District Council of Carpenters Benefits Funds is responsible for overseeing the operation of the Labor Technical College. He or she is responsible for ensuring that the school meets the requirements for training as established by the National Joint Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Committee, the United States Department of Labor, the New York State Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship, the New York City Department of Buildings, the New York State Department of Transportation and all other government agencies. The Director is also responsible for the oversight of the Grants Department to secure and administer funds received to be used to further the training of pre-apprentices, apprentices and journeymen.
The Director of the Labor Technical College, reporting to the Executive Director of the New York District Council of Carpenters Benefits Funds is responsible for overseeing the operation of the Labor Technical College. He or she is responsible for ensuring that the school meets the requirements for training as established by the National Joint Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Committee, the United States Department of Labor, the New York State Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship, the New York City Department of Buildings, the New York State Department of Transportation and all other government agencies. The Director is also responsible for the oversight of the Grants Department to secure and administer funds received to be used to further the training of pre-apprentices, apprentices and journeymen.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Occupy Movement Inspires Unions to Embrace Bold Tactics
 |
| A recent demonstration outside Sotheby's auction house in Manhattan. |
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.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Five Workers Injured in Brighton Beach Building Collapse
By ANDY NEWMAN and TIM STELLOH
Five construction workers
were rescued from a five-story apartment building under construction in
Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, that collapsed on Tuesday afternoon, trapping
them beneath debris.
One worker was in critical condition and two were in serious condition, the Fire Department said.
There were no workers missing.
The building, at 2929 Brighton Fifth Street, near Neptune Avenue, fell just before 2:30 p.m.
A concrete worker on the site, Robert Approbato, 53, said the collapse happened immediately after concrete from his truck was pumped up onto the second and third floors of the building.
“Before you know it, it just collapsed,” said Mr. Approbato, whose truck read “Stillwell Ready Mix.” “It sounded like the second floor collapsed and the third floor followed.”
Dozens of firefighters swarmed the scene, digging frantically at the rubble. One man pulled from the debris on a stretcher around 3:10 p.m. was conscious and moving.
The critically injured man was taken to Lutheran Medical Center.
One worker was in critical condition and two were in serious condition, the Fire Department said.
There were no workers missing.
The building, at 2929 Brighton Fifth Street, near Neptune Avenue, fell just before 2:30 p.m.
A concrete worker on the site, Robert Approbato, 53, said the collapse happened immediately after concrete from his truck was pumped up onto the second and third floors of the building.
“Before you know it, it just collapsed,” said Mr. Approbato, whose truck read “Stillwell Ready Mix.” “It sounded like the second floor collapsed and the third floor followed.”
Dozens of firefighters swarmed the scene, digging frantically at the rubble. One man pulled from the debris on a stretcher around 3:10 p.m. was conscious and moving.
The critically injured man was taken to Lutheran Medical Center.
Winning West Side story
Nearly a full square block on the far West Side of Manhattan is being transformed into 1,200 units of housing that will be the largest new construction project in the borough under the city’s affordable-housing program, Mayor Bloomberg announced yesterday.
The $555 million project includes 682 apartments reserved for families earning between $32,720 and $134,970, as well as a new PS 51, replacing a smaller existing public school on the property.
Completion of the residential portion, including a 31-story tower, is scheduled for 2014. The project will create 2,900 desperately needed construction jobs. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said the four-acre property at 45th Street between 10th and 11th avenues had been condemned in 1975 and, luckily, was rezoned for residential use in 2005 after plans for a sound stage and studio complex were scrapped.
The Gotham Organization, the developer, is bracing for 5,000 to 10,000 applications once they become available next year. (visit source article)
The $555 million project includes 682 apartments reserved for families earning between $32,720 and $134,970, as well as a new PS 51, replacing a smaller existing public school on the property.
Completion of the residential portion, including a 31-story tower, is scheduled for 2014. The project will create 2,900 desperately needed construction jobs. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said the four-acre property at 45th Street between 10th and 11th avenues had been condemned in 1975 and, luckily, was rezoned for residential use in 2005 after plans for a sound stage and studio complex were scrapped.
The Gotham Organization, the developer, is bracing for 5,000 to 10,000 applications once they become available next year. (visit source article)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Subcontractor accused of underpaying union workers during job at Staten Island's New York Container Terminal
By Eddie DAnna
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The subcontractor providing asbestos abatement services on a project to demolish buildings at New York Container Terminal in Mariners Harbor is accused of swindling union workers out of approximately $120,000 in benefits.
Richard Efferen, 53, a Bronx resident and the owner and operator of Atlas Engineering & Maintenance Co., was arrested this afternoon, after an investigation revealed he falsified payroll records and failed to pay the legally-required prevailing wages for 25 union workers, authorities say.
From January to July 2009, Efferen reported he was paying the wage to the workers.
While he did pay them their hourly rate, he pocketed approximately $120,000 that was supposed to be sent to the Mason Tenders District Council for benefits, authorities allege.
The prevalent wage consists of two components -- the hourly salary, which his paid directly to workers, and the component for fringe benefits to be remitted to the Mason Tenders.
The investigation was conducted by the Port Authority Inspector General, in conjunction with the office of District Attorney Daniel Donovan.
Efferen has been charged with second-degree grand larceny, and six counts of making a punishable false written statement.
He is expected to be arraigned in Stapleton Criminal Court this afternoon.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The subcontractor providing asbestos abatement services on a project to demolish buildings at New York Container Terminal in Mariners Harbor is accused of swindling union workers out of approximately $120,000 in benefits.
Richard Efferen, 53, a Bronx resident and the owner and operator of Atlas Engineering & Maintenance Co., was arrested this afternoon, after an investigation revealed he falsified payroll records and failed to pay the legally-required prevailing wages for 25 union workers, authorities say.
From January to July 2009, Efferen reported he was paying the wage to the workers.
While he did pay them their hourly rate, he pocketed approximately $120,000 that was supposed to be sent to the Mason Tenders District Council for benefits, authorities allege.
The prevalent wage consists of two components -- the hourly salary, which his paid directly to workers, and the component for fringe benefits to be remitted to the Mason Tenders.
The investigation was conducted by the Port Authority Inspector General, in conjunction with the office of District Attorney Daniel Donovan.
Efferen has been charged with second-degree grand larceny, and six counts of making a punishable false written statement.
He is expected to be arraigned in Stapleton Criminal Court this afternoon.
Infractions against Prevailing Wages Endure
by Marc Bussanich
Assemblyman Keith Wright, who represents District 70 in Harlem, told the audience of building trade union leaders and employers gathered for a meeting of the Prevailing Wage Council that “we have to make sure that the building trades is truly reflective of New York’s diversity.” He noted that when he walks the streets of his district, “where the unemployment of black men in low-income areas can be as high as 50 percent,” people walk up to him and tell him they need work. But the majority of faces listening to him from their seats were white.
Wright said the Prevailing Wage Council is the only forum that exists in the state for pay equity. New York is one of 32 states, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., which feature a prevailing wage law for publicly-financed projects. The law, according to the city’s Comptroller’s Office, “requires that any company or organization that has a contract with a New York City government agency cannot pay less than the rate of pay set by the New York City Comptroller’s Office.”
For construction workers, the state’s Building and Construction Trades Council notes that “prevailing wage laws help to ensure a decent standard of living for union and non-union workers alike.”
Assemblyman Keith Wright, who represents District 70 in Harlem, told the audience of building trade union leaders and employers gathered for a meeting of the Prevailing Wage Council that “we have to make sure that the building trades is truly reflective of New York’s diversity.” He noted that when he walks the streets of his district, “where the unemployment of black men in low-income areas can be as high as 50 percent,” people walk up to him and tell him they need work. But the majority of faces listening to him from their seats were white.
Wright said the Prevailing Wage Council is the only forum that exists in the state for pay equity. New York is one of 32 states, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., which feature a prevailing wage law for publicly-financed projects. The law, according to the city’s Comptroller’s Office, “requires that any company or organization that has a contract with a New York City government agency cannot pay less than the rate of pay set by the New York City Comptroller’s Office.”
For construction workers, the state’s Building and Construction Trades Council notes that “prevailing wage laws help to ensure a decent standard of living for union and non-union workers alike.”
Sunday, November 6, 2011
NYC District Council Election Update
Updated 11.07.11
Per the Election Rules, prepared and promulgated by Review Officer Dennis Walsh (RO), the New York City District Council of Carpenters will be holding an election forum at the Javits Center on Wednesday November 16, 2011 at 5:00 pm.
The Forum will start at 5 pm and is being professionally videotaped for viewing on the District Councils web site within 48 hours of the event. DVDs may also be made available.
The RO will be the moderator and will be posing questions. Candidates will be allowed opening and closing statements and also be able to pose questions to each other. The RO will likely take written questions from the audience.
On November 21, 2011, the American Arbitration Association will mail ballots to all eligible members of local unions affiliated with the District Council 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.
District Council delegates will vote for District Council Warden, Conductor and three Trustees by secret ballot at a meeting to be held at the District Council on December 15, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The AAA will tabulate the votes by December 17, 2011 and provide the results to the Review Officer for announcement and certification.
Candidates for Executive Secretary Treasurer are: Michael Bilello and Daniel J. Franco.
Candidates for President are: Greg Kelty, Paul Tyznar and Bill Lebo.
Candidates for Vice President are: Byron Schuler and Michael Cavanaugh.
Per the Election Rules, prepared and promulgated by Review Officer Dennis Walsh (RO), the New York City District Council of Carpenters will be holding an election forum at the Javits Center on Wednesday November 16, 2011 at 5:00 pm.
The Forum will start at 5 pm and is being professionally videotaped for viewing on the District Councils web site within 48 hours of the event. DVDs may also be made available.
The RO will be the moderator and will be posing questions. Candidates will be allowed opening and closing statements and also be able to pose questions to each other. The RO will likely take written questions from the audience.
On November 21, 2011, the American Arbitration Association will mail ballots to all eligible members of local unions affiliated with the District Council 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.
District Council delegates will vote for District Council Warden, Conductor and three Trustees by secret ballot at a meeting to be held at the District Council on December 15, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The AAA will tabulate the votes by December 17, 2011 and provide the results to the Review Officer for announcement and certification.
Candidates for Executive Secretary Treasurer are: Michael Bilello and Daniel J. Franco.
Candidates for President are: Greg Kelty, Paul Tyznar and Bill Lebo.
Candidates for Vice President are: Byron Schuler and Michael Cavanaugh.
A Message from Bill Lebo
I am a 26 year rank and file member who has a long history of fighting for membership rights!
Brothers and sisters now is the time for all members to decide on change!You have a voice, this is your union, be sure to use that voice when you get your ballot in the mail. Your ballots will be sent to you by the American Arbitration Association on November 21st so you should be receiving them shortly thereafter. Please use you’re your voice, when you get your ballot, be sure to fill it out properly and send it in right away, the ballots must be received by the Council by 5pm December 15th, so don’t let them sit around the house or they will get lost or forgotten and your voice will fall silent.
Friday, November 4, 2011
A Message From Greg Kelty
VOTE GREG KELTY FOR PRESIDENT OF THE NYC DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS
ABOUT GREG KELTY
BACKGROUND: I am a veteran of the United States Army; I was Honorably Discharged under Honorable Conditions in 1978 at the rank of E-5. I earned an Associate in Arts degree from Mt San Antonio College in June of 1983. I earned a Bachelor in Science degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in August of 1985. I have also held a NASD Series 6 securities license and an insurance license. I joined Local Union 257 in June of 1984. I am presently the Treasurer of Local Union 157. I have been a Certified Steward since the program was started in the 1990’s. My family has been involved in construction in NYC since the early 1900’s. I have five brothers and two nephews that are union carpenters.
Greg On The Issues
ABOUT GREG KELTY
BACKGROUND: I am a veteran of the United States Army; I was Honorably Discharged under Honorable Conditions in 1978 at the rank of E-5. I earned an Associate in Arts degree from Mt San Antonio College in June of 1983. I earned a Bachelor in Science degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in August of 1985. I have also held a NASD Series 6 securities license and an insurance license. I joined Local Union 257 in June of 1984. I am presently the Treasurer of Local Union 157. I have been a Certified Steward since the program was started in the 1990’s. My family has been involved in construction in NYC since the early 1900’s. I have five brothers and two nephews that are union carpenters.Greg On The Issues
Overworked, underpaid Flatbush market workers sue and win big
Settlement nets Master Food employees $300,000 and a union contract
BY Erin Durkin
Workers at Flatbush supermarket Master Food. Workers at a Flatbush supermarket who charged they were illegally stiffed on their wages for years settled a lawsuit for $300,000 - and a union contract.
The 30 workers at Master Food on Church Ave. charged they worked 12 hour days, six or seven days a week, for as little as $3.93 an hour, and never got required overtime pay.
"It was a sad situation. We knew we weren't being paid what was right, but we needed to work," said Enoc Figueroa, 26, of Flatbush, who was helping support his mother, five brothers, and three nephews in Honduras. "I have my family that I have to support and with that amount of money it was difficult."
The workers sued earlier this year - and getting a union contract instead of just back pay to settle the suit represents a new tactic for unions and advocacy groups. It's the first deal reached in a campaign launched earlier this year to organize low-wage workers, which has been targeting several Brooklyn supermarkets.
 |
| Workers at Flatbush supermarket Master Food. |
BY Erin Durkin
Workers at Flatbush supermarket Master Food. Workers at a Flatbush supermarket who charged they were illegally stiffed on their wages for years settled a lawsuit for $300,000 - and a union contract.
The 30 workers at Master Food on Church Ave. charged they worked 12 hour days, six or seven days a week, for as little as $3.93 an hour, and never got required overtime pay.
"It was a sad situation. We knew we weren't being paid what was right, but we needed to work," said Enoc Figueroa, 26, of Flatbush, who was helping support his mother, five brothers, and three nephews in Honduras. "I have my family that I have to support and with that amount of money it was difficult."
The workers sued earlier this year - and getting a union contract instead of just back pay to settle the suit represents a new tactic for unions and advocacy groups. It's the first deal reached in a campaign launched earlier this year to organize low-wage workers, which has been targeting several Brooklyn supermarkets.