BY GINGER ADAMS OTIS / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
The NYC District Council of Carpenters’ strike against woodworking companies has turned into a real pounding for nonunion staff members who’ve lost their health insurance.
The New York union terminated health coverage for about 120 secretaries, draftsmen, administrative assistants and other nonunion workers on Monday — the day it declared a strike against the woodworking companies that employ them.
That’s left the 12 cabinet- and furniture-making companies that comprise the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association scrambling to find private coverage.
“For almost 10 years the union has enabled us buy health care coverage for our private employees that is similar to what the carpenters get,” said Anthony Rizzo, co-owner of the family-run Rimmi Woodcraft Corporation and president of MWA.
RELATED: CARPENTERS’ STRIKE WOULD AFFECT NYC CONSTRUCTION SITES
“They surprised us with a letter two days before the strike. I’ve had to rush to find a way to cover my workers. It costs more, but I can’t leave them without.”
Rizzo is challenging the union’s action in court — including its position that none of the 120 workers are eligible for COBRA benefits under the union’s terminated deal. COBRA is a federal program that extends health insurance for temporarily jobless workers.
“We feel it’s illegal for the union to deny COBRA. We will challenge it but it takes time. I have an employee in the hospital who was denied coverage and that can’t happen,” Rizzo said.
They’re also challenging the legality of the union’s strike, he said, and will be in federal court Monday looking for an injunction.
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District Council of Carpenters represents the 350 woodworkers and wood installers in Local 2790 who walked off the job Monday in protest over stalled contract negotiations.
The MWA wants to cap benefit contributions at 40 hours a week so it would no longer have to make pension, vacation and health care contributions on overtime pay.
It’s a deal that Stephen McInnis, president of the District Council of Carpenters, says he “has to refuse.”
But Rizzo, who said there used to be about 70 woodmaking companies in the region — now down to about 12 — said the union’s demands were driving employers into bankruptcy.
“We’re not asking for lower wages, just to lower some of the benefits. It’s not even a major concession,” Rizzo said.
But Rizzo, who said there used to be about 70 woodmaking companies in the region — now down to about 12 — said the union’s demands were driving employers into bankruptcy.
ReplyDeleteAnd the dirty Shiel/UBC orchestrated MFN claims haven't done the same to the working carp's.
Screw both the DC & MWA dirty dozen
DC - showing how to really look after rank and file
DeleteDC who may want us all off of healthcare and tested it out with those working with MWA companies
what about all the carpenters and there families who lost there Health Benefits!!! Does that not matter!! only the office staff should have it. What nobody else has health issues and needs insurance only the MWA staff needs them! Rizzo says its not a major concession for us to take then its not a major concession for them to take!
ReplyDeletemembership does not care about them and what DC did to them
Deletenow they trot out this ?
two-faced bastards all - DC and other members not hit by MWA contract DC signed off on
GOOD as stated above- let the office people (MANAGEMENT included) have no health insurance. Hopefully one of them (management) will need hospitalization then you'll see them start to make concessions.
ReplyDeleteguess you are good with DC putting members in this mess
DeleteIts time the MEMBERS TAKE BACK THEIR UNION!!!!!
ReplyDeleteStand firm Steve, no compromise with these thieves. NO 10-YEAR CONTRACT (CBA) EITHER; THREE YEAR MAX!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if any contributing member thought about the fact that these people pay a flat rate for their coverage,and dont contribute as members do. So we probably subsidize theses non union members as well. I think its high time to get rid of any outside people who dont hold a card. Think about you paying 2200 hrs in thats about 28,600.00 dollars a year.I bet that arent paying that much but recieving the same benefits as we get. That is CRAZY and no one from the Corporate District Council can say different if they do youll know just how full of shit they are. Labor Conquers All
ReplyDeleteDon't worry - it may be that DC is looking to get ALL members off of the health care plan. Look at what was done with the MWA "contract" that DC accepted.
DeleteSome looking out for the rank and file.
How can the Gilbert Displays Contract be valid if Dennis Shiel had no authority to sign it. He crossed out Pete Thommasen name and signed it. Is anybody listening!!! Please Help us!!
ReplyDeleteNYDCC membership not caught in what DC did there do NOT care.
DeleteSome brotherhood.
Nunc pro tunc, Dude! Did you not sign the Veto Counsel Murphy petition? The lawyers rule the Universe, and Judge Berman is a hack; they chuckle at your pathetic cries for help...
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ReplyDeleteThere's something to catch from how they protested.
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