Office of the Inspector General: Operation “GOTCHA”

Members’ complaints lead to Inspector General uncovering contract and OSHA violations threatening safety of Dockbuilder divers. The Office of the Inspector General, upon receiving multiple complaints pertaining to saftey conditions of Dockbuilders diving operations, began investigating numerous worksites where work was being performed by Signatory Contractors.

This investigation was narrowed down to various active jobsites. Grievances were filed against the Signatory Contractors that violated District Council Collective Bargaining Agreements (“CBAs”). In addition, 17 members were found to be in violation of the Constitution of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the Bylaws of the District Council.

The investigation stemmed from Hotline calls received by the Office of the Inspector General reporting that numerous Signatory Contractors invovled in diving operations covered under CBAs and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) regulations, were not following the correct procedures when conducting the diving operations.

The grievances that were filed by the Office of the Inspector General will be followed up by the District Council Grievance Committee, which is headed by the Director of Operations, Matt Walker. The charges that will be filed by this office will be referred to the Chair and Co-chair of the District Council Trial Committee, Walter Mack and Jim Zazzeli, respectfully.

The grievances filed and the charges to be filed in connection to this investigation are based merely upon accusations. All contractors and members are considered innocent until proven guilty by the Grievance Committee or the Trial Committee.

The Office of the Inspector General would like to extend its gratitude to the Labor Technical College and OSHA, which were both consulted during this investigation, for their cooperation in this matter.

The Office of the Inspector General would like to thank all the members that contacted this office to report these violations. The safety of all members is a concern of the Office of the Inspector General and of this District Council.

At this time, the investigation is still open and ongoing.