The Final Report of the Review Officer

Federal Watchdog Dennis Walsh

My work has been appropriately concluded. I am largely satisfied with the condition of the District Council, even more so with that of the Benefit Funds. I have endeavored to assist both in the pursuit of a prosperous future for their constituents. That is their solemn responsibility.

Let the bells ring. Though there is much good news, there are those for whom my departure is reason enough for celebration. But I hope that there are also those who reflect on what has been wrought, and on the simple question: what now?

To those who will continue to accept the imperative of working hard and meeting the challenges facing the Union with courage, energy and intellect, but most of all with honor, I will say well done.

District Council Officer Election - Preliminary Results

Below are the election results in this year's District Council Officer Elections. Please note that this is not the official posting of the results. We are waiting on the certified election results from the Review Officer. We will post those as soon as we receive that information.

Government Response to Motion for Stay

Plaintiff-appellee the United States submits this opposition to the application by non-party appellants Patrick Nee and Levy Messinetti for a stay of the entry of a consent decree agreed to by the parties (and already entered by the district court), while their appeal of a previous matter is pending. The application should be denied. First, Nee and Messinetti seek to challenge an order of the district court from which they never appealed, and accordingly this Court lacks jurisdiction. Second, their challenge rests on a misconstruction of the district court’s order, and a misreading of a passing remark by the district judge, and is accordingly meritless.

Javits Center Accepting Applications

The Javits Center will be accepting Journey person Applications on Friday December 5th from 3pm – 5pm and Saturday December 6th from 8am – 4pm. You must bring a valid State ID, Social Security Card for payroll purposes and an up to date Union Card. Applicants please enter the Javits Center through the employee entrance at West 34th Street and 12th Avenue.

Memorandum in Support of an Injunction or Stay Pending Appeal or Review

We are objecting to the Monitor having the authority to 'approve' candidates before they are permitted to run for elected office because this authority bars us from running for elected office without ever having been afforded the required process and alters the theory upon which the case was originally decided, (a decision which we are currently appealing).

Before one can stop any union member from running for elected office in their union, other than for nonpayment of dues, that member has to have been provided with a fair hearing and the opportunity to defend themselves. The very minimum that can be afforded to any member is the process contained in their unions constitution.

U.S. v. D.C. Transcript of 11.19.14 Court Conference

THE COURT: I originally thought it was a good idea to meet the staff as it were. I didn't realize at the time how big the staff was. They are certainly welcome. What I thought I would do -- I have gotten your helpful agenda in terms of talking to people -- is use your agenda. So, for example, Mr. Geiger, we'll start with you. I have a couple of questions. I have read everybody's affidavit. If there is some gist or point that each of you wishes to make, do that first. I am happy to hear it. Just that. So how about Mr. Geiger, who is the executive secretary treasurer of the District Council. Nice to meet you. I think we met before.

Stipulation and Order Regarding Appointment of an Independent Monitor

Glen G McCorty

The Court signed an Order appointing a new Independent Monitor, Glen G McCorty of the firm Crowell & Moring on November 18, 2014. Mr. McCorty term is for fifteen months and will begin on January 1, 2015, his compensation and expenses are presume to be $75,000 per month.

Glen G. McGorty is a partner in Crowell & Moring's New York Office and a member of the White Collar & Regulatory Enforcement practice group and the firm's Litigation and Trial Department.

Glen is an experienced trial lawyer and served almost fifteen years as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington, D.C. During his career with the government, Glen prosecuted and supervised a wide range of significant high-profile cases, handling white collar matters such as securities fraud, public corruption, wire and mail fraud, money laundering, tax violations, insider trading, accounting fraud and options backdating cases, and other serious criminal cases, such as RICO enterprises, international narcotics trafficking, and violent crimes including kidnapping and murder.

Cement union funds sue over 'alter ego' companies |

Several funds operated by concrete labor unions allege in two new lawsuits that construction companies have been creating “alter egos” to avoid paying tens of millions of dollars in union benefits.

In one suit, several funds claim that Navillus Tile and sibling owners Donald, Kevin and Helen O’Sullivan hid their interest in two other companies in an effort to get out of labor agreements the firm had previously signed. The O’Sullivans, the suit alleges, “fraudulently schemed” to use Times Square Construction and Advanced Construction Solutions to avoid paying more than $35 million that would have gone to pay for workers pensions, training, education and vacations.

The suit was filed Oct. 17 by funds and members of the Metal Lathers Local 46, Cement Workers, Cement Masons Local 780 and the Carpenters. The unions, which say they all had bargaining agreements with Navillus that mandated fund contributions, are members of the Concrete Industry Coalition.

Most of the 48-page complaint is spent establishing that Times Square and Advanced Construction are directly tied to Navillus and should therefor be subject to the bargaining agreements. It notes all three companies had sent letters to the city Department of Buildings using the exact same language, that that the companies had used trucks that belonged to Navillus and that all shared some of the same key employees.

New York City District Council Of Carpenters, LM2 Report

The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), which is enforced by the Office of Labor-Management Standards, requires labor unions to file annual reports detailing their operations. Contained in those reports are breakdowns of each union's spending, income, salaries and other financial information.

Listed below is the New York City District Council Of Carpenters, LM2 Report filed September 29, 2014.

New York District Council Sued for 8 Million By Minority SignatoryContractor

Creative Construction has sued the NYC Council for 8 million alleging among other things racial discrimination and civil rights violations. The council has also been accused of bypassing the Out Of Work list and violating the new bylaws and thus the consent decree.

Creative Construction has accused the council of forcing substandard uncooperative, unskilled and non productive members who had been laid off by other contractors such as RCC Construction on the same job over to Creative instead of back to the Out Of Work List. The suit also alleges the council is by passing the Out of Work list and violating the consent decree by sending skilled members to non minority companies regardless of where they are on the list.

Council Reps Rambo and Betlewicz are accused of threats such as telling creative owner to “Lets go outside and settle this” and racists remarks such as. "You just hire your own kind” and “You minority’s take food out of my mouth.” There is also sexist remarks alleged by the Council against a Creative female project manger.

The Council is also accused of providing a non certified shop steward and harassing, threatening and intimidating any member not sent from the hall or placed on site by the council. The suit was filed on September 19, 2014.

UBC Lawyer DeCarlo Blows Another One: Mike McCarron Case Moves Forward

THE UBC TRIAL SYSTEM IS ON TRIAL—SECTION 52 AND SECTION 14D WILL BE JUDGED.

An attempt to get the Mike McCarron case tossed on a technicality has failed. A federal judge TODAY DECIDED HE WILL hear the counter claim and allegations against Doug McCarron and his fellow UBC defendants. The Judge struck an early version of the counter claim and accepted a newer version with more ass to it. The Judge also declared his intent to allow the Bloom firm to amend if a dismissal request is filed.

Mike McCarron and the Bloom law firm fight for the Rank & File

Mike McMarron

A new website has been created to discuss and expose the ongoing persecution of UBC union member Mike McCarron. It was created to detail his battle to fight back against the tyrannical practices of the present leadership of the UBC. Click here or visit http://brothermikemccarron.blogspot.com to find out the truth about our United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Mike's fight.

September 30, 2014 Status Hearing Transcript and Court Order

A Status Hearing for the District Council of Carpenters was held on September 30, 2014 at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse, 500 Pearl Street, 17th Floor, New York, New York, 10007. Please see the below document for the transcript of the proceedings and court order.

Mike McCarron and Bloom fight for Rank And File: Like it or Not

Mike McCarron and Lisa Bloom File Secondary Case With Los Angeles County Superior Court

By Silence Dogood

In another blow to the Big Bad Doug McCarron has crushed Mike McCarron story the Bloom law firm has filed a second case against Doug McCarron and his cronies in Los Angeles Superior court. I should not use the word cronies but after reading this brief, especially the absurd and vulgar tale of one Dan McDonald or the Phil Newkirk DOL letters I am at a loss as how else to describe them. This filing also includes a request for a TRO and Injunction. This brief further describes and details the persecution tactics of the UBC and Doug McCarron against anybody who tells him no. An experience an ever growing number of members of the UBC have in common.

Despite the stories declaring Mike McCarron the same Douglas McCarron because they carry the same last name the FACTS show otherwise. Recently a rather foolish and erroneous statement was made that Mike McCarron was the number two man at the UBC and as such was equally involved and equally liable for the Douglas McCarron rape of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters democracy, the abuse of the rank and file membership and the persecution of all and any who tell the UBC no.

Judge Berman OPINION & ORDER

After considering all of the relevant evidence and the arguments advanced by Nee, Messinetti,and the RO,the Court concluded that RO Walsh's decision to remove Nee and Messinetti from their positions as delegates and officers of the Local 157 was not "arbitrary or capricious," did not exceed the authority granted to him under the 2010 Stipulation and Order, and was supported by substantial evidence.

Brief Of Patrick Nee And Levy Messenetti In Response To Courts Request For Submissions

We write in response to the Court's Order dated July 25, 2014, issued following the Second Circuit's Summary Order dated July 23,2014 in this matter. The Circuit vacated the Court's decision of October 23, 2012 upholding the Review Officer's veto of Patrick Nee and Levy Messinetti as officers and delegates of Local 157 and remanded the matter for further proceedings.

Who is the Bloom Law Firm and Why Is Lisa Bloom Suing Douglas McCarron and His Cronies For $50 Million Dollars

General President Douglas J. McCarron

By Silence Dogood

Despite erroneous misinformation being spread that Mike McCarron has taken a dive and made a deal with UBC General President Doug McCarron. Despite erroneous misinformation being spread by Doug McCarron that he has over $600 million of rank and file members money to persecute Mike McCarron while Mike has nothing. Despite erroneous misinformation being spread that Douglas McCarron has silenced little brother Mike McCarron, it appears these are blatant lies.

It appears Mike Mccarron is far from done fighting and has made no deals. It appears we will see if Doug McCarron and his cronies will be allowed to abuse any more of rank and file members money to continue this persecution of Mike McCarron .

We will see if rank and file members money will be abused in defense of the counter lawsuit for 10 causes of action at $50 million each filed by Mike McCarrons new lawyer Lisa Bloom of the prestigious Bloom Law Firm of NYC.

The Bloom law firms Lisa Bloom, is known as a prominent attorney, author and legal analyst. She has appeared as a legal expert on networks such as CBS and CNN. Attorney Bloom is The Today Show’s legal analyst and appears frequently on NBC Nightly News, Morning Joe and The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell. She is also now the attorney on record for Mike McCarron in his attempt to defend himself against the persecution from Douglas McCarron and his cronies as individuals and as United Brotherhood of Carpenters Officers.

Response to Judge Berman relating to Veto of Patrick Nee and Levy Messinetti as officers and delegates of Local 157

We write in response to the Court's Order dated July 25, 2014, issued following the Second Circuit's Summary Order dated July 23,2014 in this matter. The Circuit vacated the Court's decision of October 23, 2012 upholding the Review Officer's veto of Patrick Nee and Levy Messinetti as officers and delegates of Local 157 and remanded the matter for further proceedings.

We write specifically to address the issues identified by the Court in its July 25 Order, i.e., whether the issues raised by Messrs. Nee and Messinetti in their July 2012 applications"remain ripe for consideration"and whether the RO's June 26, 2012 Notice of Veto was within his authority under the June 2010 Stipulation and Order, with citation to "appropriate background, context, and authority which may help to resolve any 'ambiguity' perceived by the Second Circuit."

Unions, Activists Align on Affordable Housing

A group of New York City construction unions have forged a coalition with affordable housing activists to ratchet up pressure on Mayor Bill de Blasio to require organized labor in the building of 80,000 lower-cost apartment units over the next decade.

The unions say they will begin supporting a call for 50% of the new units to be set aside for lower- and middle-income residents, a key tenet of the housing advocates' agenda and a departure from past practice in the city.

Unions are also willing to make an unusual concession, accepting wages that are 40% lower than normal union pay on affordable-housing projects in certain neighborhoods in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and upper Manhattan for a new class of workers with less experience than existing members, many of them drawn from local communities.

The coalition would bring together two powerful interest groups who have traditionally been at odds. Much affordable housing has traditionally been built without union labor because developers, advocates and policy makers say that higher wages means fewer units.

Letter to Judge Berman from the Review Officer

Dear Judge Berman: I write as requested by the Court in its Order of June 6”‘ to comment on the proposed Stipulation and Order and Independent Monitor.

I said in the conclusion to my Fifth Interim Report that the shared goal of all concerned with the District Council “is an autonomous District Council, governed wisely by members who flourish in a sound democratic system.” I cited Emerson’s guidance that “bolts and bars are not the best of our institutions” and said “that which will serve the members best” will be the product of their intellect and hard work, integrity and courage.” Fifth Interim Report at 42. The difficulty in this regard is of course devising a method to determine when the leaders of the District Council and its Benefit Funds are capable of meeting the responsibility to prudently conduct the business of the Union and the Funds in a continually compliant manner. Though that time may be near, I believe that some mechanism must be in place to insure that the investment of time, money and intellect made by the parties, the Court and my office is protected.

NYCDCC vs. Assn of Wall-Ceiling and Carpentry Industries of NY, Inc.

This dispute arises out of the WCC’s claim that the International Agreement executed between it and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (“UBC”) the parent of the WCC, supersedes the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the WCC and the DCC. The DCC seeks to set aside an arbitration award issued on July 22, 2014 in favor of the WCC.

Office of Dennis M. Walsh The Review Officer 90 Civil 5722 (SDNY) (RMB)

NOTICE OF NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DISTRICT COUNCIL OFFICERS

Supervision and Conduct of Elections 

Pursuant to Paragraph 5.k of the Stipulation and Order entered on June 3, 2010, in the matter of United States v. District Council, et al., 90 Civ. 5722 (SDNY) (RMB) and the Court’s Order of July 7, 2014, the elections referenced herein are being supervised by the Review Officer.

The nomination and election of officers of the District Council of New York City and Vicinity of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (the “District Council”), specifically, the Executive Secretary-Treasurer, President, Vice President, Warden, Conductor and three Trustees, will take place as follows:

Arbitrator Rules on Wall and Ceiling Association International Agreements

This dispute arises out of the WCC’s claim that the International Agreement executed between it and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (“UBC”) the parent of the WCC, supersedes the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the WCC and the DCC. It seeks a declaration to that effect. The DCC asserts that the local contract is not superseded by the International Agreement.

Picket Duty Opportunity - Join Build Up NYC

Let's join BUNYC next Wednesday August 6 at the City Planning Commission's hearing regarding Astoria Cove! We want to call on Brooklyn Bridge Park to make a strong commitment to good, safe jobs and affordable housing in Brooklyn and having Union workers would benefit our cause greatly! Come show your support and do your part to help secure good middle class construction, building services, and security jobs in Brooklyn!


*OFFICIAL PICKET DUTY OPPORTUNITY

Benefits Toolbox July Newsletter

For more info visit the Benefit Funds website.

Judge Berman seeks submmision in Nee Messinetti matter

In light of the July 23, 2014 Summary Order of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacating this Court's October 23, 2012 Order (while expressing "no opinion regarding the propriety of the RO's action"), the Court hereby requests (simultaneous) briefing from the parties (including Mssrs. Nee and Messinetti, the Review Officer, and the Government) on the following issues:

(I) Whether, as a matter ofjurisdiction, the issues raised by the applications ofMssrs. Nee and Messinetti, dated July 23, 2012 and July 24, 2012, respectively, remain ripe for consideration, given the events and passage of time between the Court's October 23,2012 Order and the Court of Appeals' July 23,2014 Summary Order; and

(2) Whether the Review Officer's June 26,2012 "Notice of Veto" was within the Review Officer's authority under the June 2010 Stipulation and Order, and citing to appropriate background, context, and authority which may help to resolve any "ambiguity" perceived by the Second Circuit.

The parties' respective submissions should be no longer than twenty pages, double- spaced and should be served and filed on or before August 25, 2014.

Nee and Messinetti Win on Appeal

VACATE the district court’s October 23, 2012 order and REMAND the matter for further proceedings not inconsistent with this order. 

 

On June 26, 2012 Review Officer, (RO) Dennis Walsh vetoed Local 157 President Patrick Nee as president and delegate; Peter Corrigan as financial secretary and delegate; Levy Messinetti as recording secretary and delegate; Gauntlett Holness as trustee.

Nee, Messinetti and Holmes filed pro se letters in July 2012 to Judge Berman seeking review of the Notice of Veto.

On October 23, 2012, Judge Berman issued his decision and order: "the court finds that the RO's determinations with respect to Nee, Messinetti and Holmes was supported by substantial evidence and were not arbitrary or capricious. Accordingly the application for review are denied."

Nee and Messinetti appealed Judge Berman's decision to the UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT, argueing that the RO’s veto authority is limited to “actions” under 5(b)(iii).

The Second Circuit said that the language in the Stipulation and Order was "ambiguous" as to whether the authority applied to the veto of an elected official and remanded the matter to the District Court to determine the intentions of the District Council and the government in this regard.

Retirees and New York City District Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund Reach Settlement

On May 23, 2012, a group of retirees, by and through their attorney, The Law Office of Harvey S. Mars LLC, filed a lawsuit against the New York City District Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund, which they allege among other things, that the retiree class will be required to pay substantial monthly and other co-payments for what were previously free benefits and their participation in the plan will be terminated unless such premiums are paid.

On July 17, 2014 without mention of the lawsuit, the Board of Trustees, the NYCDCC Welfare Fund announce that a plan has been approved for the restoration of dental coverage, as well as a fifty percent reduction in retiree premiums.

Below is a letter dated July 18, 2014, from the attorneys representing the Welfare Fund to Judge Paul Oetken stating that the parties have reached a settlement of this matter in its entirety.

Union Rally: Monday July 21, 2014 at 8:00

Join us on Monday and lets make some noise and turn this job UNION!

There is a rally scheduled on Monday July 21, 2014 at 8:00, at 25 Broadway, Manhattan, across from the Financial Bull downtown.

Tribeca Floors is the target. They are installing wood flooring and sub flooring, paying their top guy $21/hr cash and no benefits and a regular worker gets $15 to $18 dollars/hr no benefits.

The Coordinator is Gerry Matthews, stop bye and show your support and receive your picket duty credit.

Breaking News

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the NYCDCC Welfare Fund is pleased to announce that a plan has been approved for the restoration of dental coverage, as well as a fifty percent reduction in retiree premiums. The reduction of retiree premiums will take effect September 1, 2014, while the restoration of dental coverage will be effective October 1, 2014.

While the Benefit Funds Office is currently working on the implementation of these changes, what we can now report is that the new dental coverage will be through Aetna Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO), effective October 1, 2014. The plan will have no deductible and no annual limits, and will provide one hundred percent coverage for “preventive” and “basic” dental procedures. “Major” dental procedures will be covered at eighty percent. As we work through the implementation process and get closer to the effective date, we will be sure to provide you a full update and explanation of the plan changes, as well as contact information for Aetna.

Additionally, effective September 1, 2014, retiree premiums will be reduced by fifty percent. The reduced payments for retirees will be reflected in retiree statements once the reduction is officially implemented.

Lastly, it is important to note that the Board of Trustees also approved the implementation of a “Reserve Trigger Point.” To avoid financial issues in the future, it was decided that if the assets of the Fund drop below a certain level, the benefits reinstated under this agreement will be rescinded and only restored when the assets rise back to another predetermined level. The agreement states that, if reserves drop below seven (7) months, the dental benefits and the fifty percent reduction in retiree premiums will be rescinded on the first day of the next month. However, if the reserve then rises back to nine (9) months, the benefits will be restored on the first day of the following month. The current reserve level of the NYCDCC Welfare Fund is approximately twelve (12) months. The Benefit Funds Office will report the Welfare Fund Reserve number on an annual basis, or more frequently if required, on the NYCDCCBF website and in the Benefits Toolbox newsletter.

If you have any questions about these benefit changes, please feel free to contact the Benefit Funds’ Member Services Department at (800) 529-FUND (3863) or (212) 366-7373.

PLA's Approved: Delegate Body Meeting July 9, 2014

PLA's Approved: $7.54 Off A Rate B12A  

 

525 West 52nd St: 14 Story and 22 Story, 450,000 SF, 80% Market Rate, 20 % Affordable Housing, Approximately 200,000 Man Hours

225 East 39th St: 36 Story, 380,000 SF, 80% Market Rate, 20% Affordable Housing, Approximately 130,000 Man Hours

138 East 50th St: 50 Story, 257,000 SF, Hotel, Approximately 115,000 Man Hours

$4.00 Off A Rate B12A  

 

53 West 53rd St: 70 Story, 728,000 SF, Residential, Approximately 235,000 Man Hours

The recommendation of the Executive Committee was to approve the following Project Labor Agreements and to amend the future Manhattan Residential/Hospitality PLA's addendums to reflect a $4.00 deduction going forward from the current $7.54 deduction.

Court Order from Judge Berman granting the Review Officers application for DC elections.

In anticipation of the 2014 District Council Ofiicer Election, pursuant to his responsibility for supervising and conducting elections under paragraph 5.}: of the June 3, 2010 Stipulation and Order, the Review Officer has made ministerial changes to the 2011 Final Election Rules, changing dates to reflect the timing of election procedures in 2014 (rather than in 2011) and eliminating the unnecessary position of Election Officer (which was held by a former member of the Review Offic'cr’s staff. The Review Officer seeks the Court's approval of these new Election Rules (“ERs") in advance of the commencement of the 20l4 election cycle on August 4, 2014.

New York City District Council of Carpenters Board of Trustee's Restore Full benefits for All Active and Retired Members With NO DEDUCTIBLES!!!

UBC brother William Kane of Local 2287 started a petition "NYC District Council of Carpenters Board of Trustee's: New York City District Council of Carpenters Board of Trustee's Restore Full benefits for All Active and Retired Members With NO DEDUCTIBLES!!!" and invites you to help get our benefits back by adding your name to the petition.

Our goal is to reach 25,000 signatures and we need your support. You can read more and sign the petition by clicking here.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy birthday to the United States of America! It's been 238 years since the founding fathers declared independence from Great Britain and formed a country of 13 colonies.

Carpenters Receive Wage & Benefit Increase

The New York City District Council of Carpenters’ Delegate Body ratified by a roll call vote a $2.40 per hour contract wage and benefit increase to begin July 1, 2014 for the members working under the following collective bargaining agreements.

Arch Metal Glass, Building Contractors Association (BCA), Independent Building and Construction Agreement, The Association of Wall-Ceiling and Carpentry Industries (WC&C) and Floor Coverers.

The $2.40 per hour wage and benefit allocations are as follows:

• $1.00 Increase to Hourly Wages 
• $0.44 Increase to Pension Fund 
• $0.96 Increase to Annuity  Fund

President Mitch Sonntag Re-Elected

Don’t forget to vote today

Polls are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today for the Local 157 Officer Election, so don’t forget to vote.

Members Voice

Article temporary taken down for updating

A Message from Local 157 President Mitch Sonntage

President’s Agenda for Change

Brother and Sisters:

In construction, if you don’t produce you’re down the road. When a carpenter is given a job to do, and there is no change, you are out the door. Since I was elected as President of Local 157, I thank you for your confidence, I thank you for your support, I thank you for the opportunity to work for you, to produce for you and make positive changes for you. Brothers and Sisters, change began in March 2013 and I want to tell you about it.

RFP FOR POLITICAL ACTION COMPLIANCE ATTORNEY

The New York City District Council of Carpenters, a non-profit, unincorporated labor organization with its main offices in lower Manhattan, seeks a political action Compliance Counsel.

Retained Counsel will provide written and oral reports to the Executive Secretary-Treasurer, President, Political Director, and Executive Committee regarding the District Council’s, and its Political Action Committee’s compliance with Federal, New York State, and New York City legislative and election laws and regulations. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, all Federal Campaign Finance laws, the New York State Lobbying Act (Legislative Law §1-a), NYC Lobbying Law (Administrative Code, Sections 3-211-223 and Title 51 of the Rules of the City of New York Sections 1-01-08), and New York State Election Law Article 14. Accordingly, this position will oversee and assist with all necessary filings before the New York State Board of Elections, New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics, New York City Board of Elections, New York City Clerk’s Office, and any that may be required with the Federal Election Commission. Familiarity with these laws is required, including those rules and regulations dealing with campaign finance expenditures and receipts, including independent expenditures. JD and admission to New York State Bar are required.

All proposals should be sent by June 20, 2014, to Daniel Walcott, Director of Political Action, New York City District Council of Carpenters, 395 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014. Responses may also be emailed to dwalcott@nycdistrictcouncil.org, or faxed to 212.366.7497.

WC&C 2014 Scholarship Program

The Association of Wall Ceiling & Carpentry Industries of New York, Inc. values education from grade school to apprenticeship and beyond and is committed again this year to helping families of UBC Carpenters access the high-quality college education they deserve.

Accordingly, the Association is proud to sponsor the 2014 WC&C Scholarship Program and is offering twelve (12) $3,000 scholarships to students with at least one parent who is a NYCDCC Carpenter.

Scholarship is open to students at any level of their studies (not just entering freshmen) and scholarship award is paid directly to the student to use as they choose. Deadline is June 30, 2014.

Application can be downloaded from the WC&C website at www.wcc-ny.com or can be obtained by calling the Association at (516) 478-5600. The application can also be found on the NYCDCC Funds website, or you can click here to download Application.

Real Members Voice

Members Voice

Court order issued yesterday by Judge Berman

Below is a Court order issued yesterday by Judge Berman in response to the letter sent to him on June 4th by the U.S. Attorney, the District Council and the Benefit Funds.

Given the significance of the proposed changes in governance and oversight of the District Council (i.e.,a proposed new Independent Monitor and proposed amended Stipulation and Order), a public hearing with a full opportunity for everyone to be heard on all the issues is both necessary and desirable. That hearing will take place in September.

The September hearing will be held on September 10, 2014 at 11:30a.m. Written comments regarding the proposed Stipulation and Order and Independent Monitor should be served and filed any time on or before August 11, 2014. The Court would appreciate and expect written comments from,among others, Mr.Walsh.

The Eight Interim Report Of The Review Officer

Review Officer Dennis Walsh has issued his Eight Interim Report, (with exhibits) the report contains numerous items of interest and is a must read for all members.

This is my Eighth Interim Report as Review Officer in this matter. It endeavors to inform the Court and the parties of the scope and substance of my activities for the past six months and to convey my impressions of certain aspects of the undertaking. As of this writing, the Court has been asked by the District Council, Benefit Funds and the government to approve a new stipulation and order designed to give the District Council and the Benefit Funds increased control over their affairs while being subject to the authority of a new official, referred to as the “Independent Monitor,” with less authority than the Review Officer (as set forth in the Stipulation and Order entered in this matter on June 3, 2010). The document was negotiated and drafted by the parties after I informed them that I would not serve as Review Officer after the conclusion of this year.

Update on Government, District Council, and Funds Joint Application for a new Stipulation & Order

On Tuesday, May 27, the District Council together with the Government and the District Council Benefits Funds submitted a joint application to Judge Berman of US District Court for the Southern District of New York seeking entry of a new Stipulation and Order to replace the one entered by the Court in 2010. The new Stipulation and Order would provide for the appointment of an Independent Monitor to succeed the District Council’s current Review Officer, Dennis Walsh. The next day, Judge Berman entered an Interim Order allowing the current Stipulation and Order Regarding Appointment of a Review Officer, which is scheduled to expire on June 3, 2014, to continue until the Court is able to reach on a decision on the joint application to appoint a new Independent Monitor. In his Interim Order, Judge Berman noted that “We’ll get to it as soon as feasible.” A copy of Judge Berman’s interim order is available here: [link docket # 1521]. A copy of the proposed Stipulation Regarding Appointment of an Independent Monitor is available here: [link docket #1512-1].


Also on Tuesday, May 27, District Council members that had been vetoed by Mr. Walsh as local union officers wrote to Judge Berman explaining that they were appealing Judge’s Berman’s earlier decision upholding those vetoes to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The members’ believed that the proposed Stipulation and Order Regarding Appointment of an Independent Monitor may have an adverse impact on matters in their appeal. Judge Berman entered the letter on the Court’s docket and noted that: “The Court anticipates conducting a hearing (public) so that interested parties can be heard -- well before any modifications to the Stipulation & Order. The hearing is likely to be held after Labor Day but has not yet been scheduled. (Signed by Judge Richard M. Berman on 5/29/2014)” A copy of the letter is available here: [link docket # 1530]. Judge Berman’s original 2012 decision on the members’ vetoes is available here: [link docket # 1197].

The Road to Self-Governance "One Step Closer"

Delegate Body Approval of New Stipulation and Order

 

On Thursday, May 22, 2014, a Special Meeting of the Delegate Body was called to consider and vote on a new Stipulation and Order in United States v. District Council, 90-cv-5722. It was approved unanimously by the Executive Committee and recommended to the Delegate Body. The new Independent Monitor, who will be appointed if and when the Stipulation is approved by the Court, Glen McGorty, attended the meeting and spoke to the Delegates. Then, Barbara Jones, the Council’s attorney, described the important provisions to the Delegate Body. After questions, the Delegate Body voted overwhelmingly, with only one no vote, to approve the Stipulation and Order, and to allow the current Stipulation if the Court is unable to approve the new Stipulation by the time the current Stipulation expires on June 4, 2014.

The DC's Latest 30-Day Report Prepared by Zuckerman Spaeder

This report covers the period from March 1, 2014 to March 31, 2014 and sets forth statistics regarding electronic job reporting and related anti-corruption compliance measures established by the District Council’s collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”) with the Wall-Ceiling and Carpentry Industries of New York, Inc. (“WC&C”), the Building Contractors Association, Inc. (“BCA”), the General Contractors Association of New York, Inc. (“GCA”), the Floor Coverers Association of Greater New York, Inc. (“FCA”), the Contractors Association of Greater New York (“CAGNY”), the Cement League, Inc. (“CLI”), and the Association of Concrete Contractors of New York, Inc. (“ACCNY”).

Job Posting: 1556 Council Representative Wanted

The New York City District Council of Carpenters is seeking to hire Dockbuilders and Timbermen from Local 1556 to be Council Representatives. The selected candidates will have had direct and substantial experience in the jurisdiction and work of the Dockbuilders and/or Timbermen and be knowledgeable about 1556’s main Dockbuilding and Timbermen CBAs.

To be considered, candidates must be Dockbuilders or Timbermen and members in good standing of 1556 and be a member since at least March 21, 2004. Successful candidates will have strong working knowledge of the trade, including the Collective Bargaining Agreement, job site safety, and the grievance filing process. Council Representatives who work in the Business Center are responsible for:

1.  Ensuring that members and contractors are in full compliance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. 
2. Visiting job sites regularly, representing the District Council, evaluating job sites and the work being conducted, and ensuring that the Collective Bargaining Agreement and all relevant federal and local laws are being followed. 
3. Receiving and responding to job site complaints, Collective Bargaining Agreement issues and grievances. 
4. Providing member services, both in person and over the phone. 
5. Reviewing Shop Steward Reports, ensuring the manning provision is correct and that the hours are properly recorded.
6. Other duties as assigned.

Interested candidates should send their resumes to Dana Brownstein, Human Resources Director at dbrownstein@nycdistrictcouncil.org or drop them off at the 9th floor desk in the reception area. Resumes are only being considered up until April 18th at 5pm.

TEN YEARS AND GOING STRONG!!

You are cordially invited to join the F.O.W. Tenth Anniversary Party on April 24, 2014, Three Sheets Saloon West 3rd and Sixth Avenue @ 4:30.

Over the last ten years, the F.O.W. has been merging devoted Union Carpenters who hold woodworking in high regard and proven a commitment to the craft. Participate in celebrating ten years of uniting hundreds of dedicated union woodworkers and raising the standard of Architectural Woodworking in New York City.

Our meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month. New meeting location pending. Our next will be on March 27, 2014 at the above address.

We have many exciting things planned for the upcoming New Year. Up-date your membership & inquire information about the F.O.W. Certified Out Of Work list.

Please contribute to our fundraiser by purchasing a F.O.W. 10th Anniversary T-Shirt!! 

Click here! Made in the U.S.A.

Tuer Frater!

Court Order from Judge Berman re Removal of Specific Prior Notice Requirements

Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 5(b)(i)(l), (2), (3) and (4), and paragraph 5(c)(i), of the June 3, 2010 Stipulation and Order, the Court hereby authorizes the District Council to take the actions specified in the aforementioned paragraphs without (if it elects) giving prior notice to the Review Officer. This Order applies until further notice by the Court and is issued on consent of the District Council, the Government, and the Review Officer.

Order from Judge Berman Approving Tradeshow CBA

Having reviewed the record herein, including, without limitation, (i) the May 26, 2009 Court Order determining that "[t]he percentage of the total carpenter workforce on a job site selected by a contractor shall not exceed 67%" with "[t]he remaining 33% of the total carpenter workforce on a jobsite ... assigned by the District Council from the Out of Work List," (Final Order and Judgment of Contempt and Remedy, filed May 27, 2009 ("2009 Order"), at 3(b)(iv), (v)); (ii) the Court's May 8, 2013 Decision and Order stating that "it is ordered that the Court's May 26, 2009 Order (Haight, J.) is hereby modified and superseded to permit the parties forthwith to implement the full mobility job hiring and compliance procedures specified in the [collective bargaining agreement ("CBA")] between the District Council and the [Wall-Ceiling and Carpentry Industries of New York, Inc. ("WC&C")] approved on April25, 2013"; (iii) the District Council's February 14, 2014letter which: enclosed a copy of a new CBA between the District Council and the New York Trade Show Contractors Association (the "NYTSCA CBAs" or "Agreements"); noted that "[a]s with the other collective bargaining agreements submitted to Your Honor for review and approval, this CBA provides for full mobility, electronic reporting of jobs and hours, and the anti-corruption compliance features of those earlier agreements;" stated that the NYTSCA CBA "was ratified by the District Council's Delegate Body at its regularly scheduled meeting on February 12, 2014 by a roll call vote of 85 yes and 1 no;" and requested that the Court issue an order "similar to those earlier Orders with respect to collective bargaining agreements providing for full mobility, electronic reporting of jobs and hours, [and] anti-corruption compliance features."

Petition to Demand Hudson Related Hire Companies with Safer Safety Records on Roosevelt Island

Many of you may have noticed ongoing demonstrations on Roosevelt Island and might have wondered about the reasons behind them.  Here’s some context: six of Riverwalk’s nine buildings have already been built with few if any affordable housing units available to the general public.  Three Riverwalk buildings are remaining to be built which should include the affordable housing mandate of at least 40% required by the Roosevelt Island General Development Plan.  After all these years, construction has finally begun on Riverwalk 7, the first of these with the potential for affordable housing.  However, protesters are raising concerns that this construction is being completed by workers who are not being paid a living wage, health benefits, disability benefits, or retirement benefits and who may not have the apprenticeship training and years of on the job experience that they need for construction to be safer for both themselves and the residents of Roosevelt Island.

Transcript from March 10, 2014 Court Conference

THE COURT: It seems like there are several topics on the agenda. I had said we have some, and is this overall theme here somehow which is puzzling to me, which I guess the way to describe it would be that the parties -- or some are seeking a substantial modification of the RO's role in this proceeding. That's one that's -- I don't know if it's surprising is the term, but I'm not quite understanding the dynamic in particular between I think the district council and the RO. So, at the appropriate time if you want to explore that I'd be happy to hear a little bit more about that. That colors and impacts several of the items on the agenda.

Response to the Court’s order dated March 4, 2014

Response to the Court’s order dated March 4, 2014, to express support for the Review Officer’s proposal to (1) waive enforcement of all prior notice requirements placed upon the District Council and local unions by the Stipulation and Order of June 3, 2010, as set forth in paragraphs 5.b and 5.c of the Stipulation and Order, and (2) to eliminate the veto authority given to the Review Officer by paragraph 5.b.iii of the Stipulation and Order, in favor of enforcement proceedings instituted by the Review Officer in this Court.

Pat Nee letter to Judge Berman

I write in regards to the Review Officer’s March 3 2014 letter to the court. On pg.3 ¶1 of his submission the Review Officer states that in the absence of an agreement from the District Council to extend his term prior to the March 10th Court Conference he will move the Court to extend his tenure at that Conference. Since nothing has ever been presented to the Delegate Body in regards to granting the Review Officer another extension to his tenure, and with no scheduled Delegate Body meeting until March 13th , there is no possibility of any agreement being in place prior to the March 10th Court Conference, which means that what the Review Officer is attempting to do is to bypass the District Councils governing body in his petition to the Court.

I believe that this attempt to invoke the Courts authority without ever making any attempt to bring the matter in front of the Delegate Body is improper and contrary to the Stipulations stated intent of creating a democratic self-governing District Council. I find it difficult to reconcile any attempt to bypass the District Councils governing body with being a purported step towards self-governance.

RO Letter to Judge Berman

As part of an initiative to afford the District Council (including its eight affiliated local unions) the opportunity to demonstrate that it can sustain the reform measures that have been implemented and that it can conduct its affairs without prior approvals and the threat of veto, the Review Officer ("RO") seeks the Court's consent (l) to waive enforcement of all prior notice requirements placed upon the District Council and local unions by the Stipulation and Order, as set forth in paragraphs 5.b and 5.c, and (2) to eliminate the veto authority given to the RO by paragraph 5.b.iii of the Stipulation and Order, in favor of the ability of the RO to initiate civil contempt or other enforcement proceedings in this Court.

The proposed changes would build upon the waiver of the prior notice requirement for local union expenditures under paragraph 5.b.i.(l) of the Stipulation and Order, which the Court previously approved. The changes are sought as the first step in developing a means to test the ability of the District Council to conduct its affairs on a permanent basis in a lawful manner and would include the extension of the RO's tenure through 2014. The gradual reduction of oversight by the RO will facilitate an objective assessment of the sustainability of a compliant District Council. The RO requests that this important proposition be placed on the agenda for the conference scheduled to be held on March 10,2014.

On Vacation

Notice of Billing Changes for Working Dues Assessments

Message from the District Council: Brothers and Sisters,

Please be informed, starting with your (4th) Fourth Quarter 2013 vacation check, the New York City District Council working dues and assessment invoice will no longer be included with the mailing of your vacation check. Due to the new upgraded Benefit Funds System and the use of separate vendors, the New York City District Council will no longer have the ability to combine the working dues invoice with your vacation check. Please be aware that you will receive a separate working dues assessment invoice directly from the New York City District Council, and it is your responsibility to remit payment prior to the due date.

If you have not yet completed a working dues/assessment Deduction Authorization Form, or if you have any questions, please contact the New York City District Council Assessment Department at (212) 366-7375.

BREAKING NEWS

Local157blogspot has learned that... Review Officer (RO) Dennis Walsh has informed the District Council that he will ask the U.S. Attorney's office on Monday to agree to a plan to modify the Stipulation and Order by removing all provisions requiring that he be given prior notice of all District Council and local union expenditures, appointments, contracts, rules and procedures and other matters.

The RO believes that the District Council and local unions should be given the opportunity - based on their consistently compliant practices - to demonstrate that their compliance is sustainable. He recently recommended and the District Court approved a plan to remove the requirement of the Stipulation and Order that local unions give him prior notice of all expenditures.

The RO has also informed the District Council that the veto authority of the RO might be dissolved in favor of the RO bringing motions in the District Court for contempt should the Consent Decree or Stipulation and Order be violated by the District Council, local union, or any member of a local union.

RO Walsh has stated that his office must become less visible to allow the District Council and local unions the opportunity to demonstrate their good faith and the sustainability of the reform measures implemented over the last three years.

As part of the plan, the Review Officer would not have to exercise his right to file a motion with the District Court to extend his tenure - with no alteration of the Stipulation and Order - by six months, and would continue to serve with a modified Stipulation and Order through at least 2014.

Local Union 157 - Delegate Elections Results

Local Union 157 - Delegate Elections Results

Judge Approves Agreements with the Association of Concrete Contractors of New York

Having reviewed the record herein, including, without limitation, (i) the May 26, 2009 Court Order determining that "[t]he percentage of the total carpenter workforce on a job site selected by a contractor shall not exceed 67%" with "[t]he remaining 33% of the total carpenter workforce on a jobsite ... assigned by the District Council from the Out of Work List," (Final Order and Judgment of Contempt and Remedy, filed May 27,2009 ("2009 Order"), at 3(b)(iv), (v»; (ii) the Court's May 8,2013 Decision and Order stating that "it is ordered that the Court's May 26,2009 Order (Haight, 1) is hereby modified and superseded to permit the parties forthwith to implement the full mobility job hiring and compliance procedures specified in the [collective bargaining agreement ("CBA")] between the District Council and the [Wall-Ceiling and Carpentry Industries of New York, Inc. ("WC&C")] approved on April 25, 2013"; (iii) the District Council's December 12,2013 letter which: enclosed copies of two new CBAs between the District Council and the Association of Concrete Contractors of New York, Inc. ("ACCNY") (the "ACCNY CBAs" or "Agreements"); noted that "[w]hile certain terms and conditions of the ACCNY CBAs submitted here differ slightly from those in the GCA CBA and The Cement League CBA, all provide for full mobility, electronic reporting of jobs and hours...

Job Openings - NY State Carpenters Labor Management Corporation:Executive Director

New York State Carpenters (incorporated as the "Labor Management Corporation") is seeking an Executive Director with proven management and leadership skills to help further the mutual goals of the New York City District Council of Carpenters and the City's unionized contractors, construction managers and developers.

With over 12,000 active members, the New York State Carpenters workforce includes skilled carpenters, millwrights, dockbuilders, timbermen, cabinetmakers and floor coverers. New York State Carpenters formed the Labor Management Corporation under their several collective bargaining agreements and it is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of an equal number of union and management representatives.

Vote Memebers Voice 157—Local 157 Delegate Election

When: Wednesday February 5; 6am to 6pm. Electronic voting machines will be set up at the Labor Technical College to cast your vote.

Where: 395 Hudson St. New York, NY 10014 (Labor Technical College – Clarkson St. entrance)

Votes will be counted upon the closing of the polls at 6pm. The hall will also be open from 6am - 6pm for members who wish to pay union dues.

Transcript from January 28, 2014 Court Conference

THE COURT: So first off, congratulations to the new EST. Is he here?

MR. GEIGER: Yes, your Honor.

THE COURT: Congratulations.

MR. GEIGER: Thank you.

THE COURT: And how was the vote? What was the process? Did you win by.

MR. GEIGER: It was slightly more than a two-to-one margin. The vote was held Friday, and the votes were tallied on Friday.

THE COURT: Nice to have you here.

MR. GEIGER: Thank you.

THE COURT: So I received a letter from Judge Jones yesterday evening or so, and it's very helpful. What I would like to do today is deal with these -- the following issues in the following order. First, in Judge Jones' letter she raises at the end of the letter this issue about international agreements, and frankly, I would like to hear about that first. I'm curious as to know what that's about and where that's leading us. So perhaps on that issue I might hear from Mr. Walsh and also then the district council and anybody else that wants to add anything to that. So that would be the first thing I would like to hear about.

The second I would like to talk about the two pending CBAs. I'm aware that they had -- you are too, that they had been earlier submitted but never acted upon by me, and that is because of my concern that they contain provisions that -- this may be too strong, but on their face are not being complied with. That's the whole point of the other discussion that we're having here is that the so-called anti-fraud provisions in all the CBAs do not appear to be -- well, that may be too strong, but you understand my point about that. It's kind of odd to go forward and approve an agreement, which I probably would not have done incidentally historically had I known at the time that the provisions that are mandatory in the agreements, they use the word "shall," were not or could not or were not adequately being complied with. That would be the second issue.

Then I would like to talk about the proposed new amendment of the stipulation and order, what that's about, why people feel that's important and necessary, then to talk about the status of electronic reporting. I did note that one of the consultant, I don't know if that's what it's called, that District Council retained, one of its early recommendations was that there be in-house IT capability. That's something that I have been thinking about and talking about for several months now, and frankly I have been surprised that that issue hadn't been taken care of a long time ago.But anyway, I'm all for that. And then we can talk more about electronic reporting, where that stands.

And then there's an issue about Mr. Walsh. Is he here today? Not the RO Walsh, but -- well, maybe that issue will not be pursued, but we'll see. So yeah, with that in mind, then of course we can hear about if anybody has any other issues that they want to discuss.

So let's hear about this, Mr. Walsh, if we might, this international agreements issue. It's somewhat of a concern to me because it suggests, at least from Judge Jones' letter that -- maybe this is too strong, but somebody is trying to evade the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement, at least in spirit, and that is a problem, in my opinion.

Benefit Fund Trustees Establish Welfare Benefit-Restoration Committee

The NYCDCC Benefit Funds’ Labor and Management Trustees have agreed to establish a committee that will explore the possibility of restoring some of the 2012 reductions in Welfare Fund Benefits.

“With the Welfare Fund running a surplus and an increase in our reserves, we’re in a good position to begin talking about returning vital benefits,” said Stephen McInnis, President and Executive Secretary-Treasurer Pro Tem.

McInnis added that dental, vision and lowering retirement premiums are all on the table for discussion.

A number of reasons make it the right time to begin the discussion, according to the Council. They include the settlement of master contracts; the allocations from the new contracts to the Welfare Fund; an increase in work hours coupled with the reduction of hours being reciprocated out of the Fund to out-of-towners; and the settlement of MWA litigation.

“We’d like to restore everything, but we need to do this in a fiscally responsible way to ensure the Welfare Fund stays healthy and will be there for our members and their families for decades to come. With that being said, a partial restoration is possible,” McInnis said.

The committee of trustees will work in conjunction with the Funds’ actuary, Segal Co., to ensure this is done in a sustainable manner.

Source: NYCDC

Geiger Wins Election

Joe Geiger

With all ballots now counted by American Arbitration Association, Local 1556 member Joe Geiger is the unofficial winner of the special election to fill the seat of Executive Secretary Treasurer (EST) for the NYC District Council of Carpenters. Unofficial results have Geiger winning with 3127 votes, with his opponent Greg Kelty, a member of Local 157, with 1488 votes. As the new EST, Geiger will lead the District Council for the next year.

“I’d like to thank all of the brothers and sisters for their support as well as Mr. Kelty for running a spirited campaign,” said Geiger. “As the EST, I will properly fulfill the duties of this office as well as act on and promote what is in the best interest of our membership and their families.”

Geiger ran on a platform of leading the DC back to self-governance through more transparency, shop steward protections, open lines of communication and accountability. As a 30-year member, Geiger has served as president of Local Unions 1556 and the former 1536 and held positions of warden, treasurer, and trustee.

After certification of the results by the federal appointed Review Officer (RO), Geiger will be installed at the next meeting of the Delegate Body scheduled for February 12.

NYC CARPENTERS REACH DEAL WITH MWA THAT RESTORES BENIES AND HEALTHCARE

New York, NY- After months of heated negotiations and a strike, the New York City District Council of Carpenters’ Delegate Body on Thursday, January 16, 2014 ratified by roll call vote a new 10-year collective bargaining agreement with the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA), the multi-employer association that represents a dozen employers that operate shops that manufacture and install custom furniture and interior millwork.

“This has been a long, hard fight,” said Stephen McInnis, President and Executive Secretary-Treasurer Pro Tem. “But it was well worth it, given that this contract finally gives these members security and peace of mind.”

The approximately 350 members, who work for MWA employers, have been without benefits and healthcare since July 2013. The new contract retroactively returns their benefits and healthcare, plus settles existing financial obligations.

This 10-year agreement comes on the heels of stalled negotiations and a 3-week-long strike in July against the MWA. As part of this contract, the delegates also approved a settlement between the District Council, the Benefit Funds, the MWA, and the twelve MWA member-employers that resolves all outstanding benefits’ funds employer contribution delinquencies, three pending federal lawsuits, and contested arbitration awards.

By entering into these agreements the District Council aims to make its members whole for all the delinquent benefits earned during this period. Members who qualify under the plan rules will also be given retroactive medical coverage back from July 1, 2013 and going forward. With more than 20,000 members in eight locals, the New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters is one of the largest, most powerful trade unions in the construction industry.

NYC CARPENTERS RATIFY HISTORIC AGREEMENT THAT SECURES JOBS FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS

New York, NY--The New York City District Council of Carpenters’ Delegate Body on Thursday, January 16, 2014 ratified a historic new agreement with Brookfield Properties--one of the country’s largest commercial real estate developers--that guarantees union carpenters jobs throughout New York City for the next 20 years.

“With this new agreement, the District Council is looking far into the future for our members,” said Stephen McInnis, President and Executive Secretary-Treasurer Pro Tem.

Brookfield controls 7% of all commercial office space in New York City and has plans to expand. This deal is being hailed as the first time an owner has agreed to unionize their entire portfolio anywhere in the country.

By roll call vote, the delegate body approved the Brookfield Portfolio/Project Labor Agreement, which guarantees only unionized carpenters, will work in all Brookfield properties and developments though 2034. Brookfield Properties is a commercial real estate corporation that owns, develops, and operates premier assets in the downtown cores of high-growth North American cities. The agreement covers all new construction and all interior retrofitting and tenant related work.

With a current NYC portfolio of 25-million square feet of Class A commercial real estate office space, this agreement is estimated to bring in approximately 18 million work hours to the New York City District Council of Carpenters. These numbers are also expected to increase as Brookfield acquires and develops new buildings throughout New York City--all of which is now guaranteed to be built 100% union.

“It not only guarantees our members work through the good or the bad times, this unprecedented agreement also secures hard working New Yorkers’ healthcare and pensions,” McInnis added.

With more than 20,000 members in eight locals, the New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters is one of the largest, most powerful trade unions in the construction industry.

Court rules US funds are entitled to judgment against Irish woman

Fund trustees had sued Susan Reidy and her company over non-payment of sums 

The US trustees had sued Susan Reidy and Perimeter Interiors , a New York company of which she was the P president and sole shareholder, in New York over non-payment of sums

The High Court has ruled the trustees of several New York benefit and pension funds are entitled to judgment for US$2.5m against an Irish woman who returned to Ireland in 2006 after many years living in the US.

Mr Justice Sean Ryan found the trustees of the New York District Council of Carpenters Pensions, and six other related funds, are entitled to have enforced in Ireland a judgment entered against Susan Reidy by a New York Court in August 2009.

The trustees had sued Ms Reidy and Perimeter Interiors , a New York company of which she was the president and sole shareholder, in New York over non-payment of sums due and owing by the firm to the pension and benefit funds. Ms Reidy had returned to Ireland in 2006 after some 20 years living in the US.

In opposing the application aimed at enforcing the judgment here, Ms Reidy, Kilbricken View, Doora, Ennis, Co Clare, claimed she had a bona fide defence to the claim on grounds including her claim she was not aware of the judgment against her until 2012.

In court documents, the trustees said Ms Reidy was the president, chief executive and sole shareholder of Perimeter and performed all payroll functions of Perimeter. Between 2002 and 2005, Perimeter maintained a secret bank account to avoid paying fringe benefit union contributions, to avoid taxes and to skim money, the trustees claimed.

Perimeter also made payments to a non-union company, Speedy Enterprises Inc, which shared the same business address as Perimeter, the trustees said. This was done to conceal financial activity of the unionised company through the non union company, they alleged.

Ms Reidy’s husband Gerard Mulligan was the president of Speedy and both companies had more than 20 employees in common, it was claimed.

The US Judge hearing the case found Ms Reidy had intentionally and knowingly caused Perimeter to submit false reports and information concerning the number of hours employees had worked to the unions’ benefit fund.

Ms Reidy said she was “not told” about the judgment until May 2012 and it was “a massive shock” when she learned there was a judgment of $US 2.5m against her.

In his ruling, Mr Justice Ryan found Ms Reidy had failed to advance any defence to the claim for enforcement here. She had not raised any issue of fact or law requiring determination at a full hearing, he said.

Source: The Irish Times

Memorandum of Agreement between the NYCDCC and MWA

AGREEMENT made on this 11th day of January 2014 by and between the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York, Inc. ("MWA") and the New York City District Council of Carpenters (the "District Council");

WHEREAS, the parties have negotiated in good faith regarding the terms and conditions of a successor collective bargaining agreement, inasmuch as the predecessor collective bargaining agreement expired on June 30, 2013; and

WHEREAS, the parties agree that all of the terms and conditions of the predecessor agreement shall continue in full force and effect for a ten year period except as specifically modified below; NOW,

THEREFORE, the MWA and the District Council agree that all terms and conditions of the MWA & District Council Collective Bargaining Agreement ("CBA''), with the exceptions of what are included in this Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA"), shall continue except as modified below.

THE SEVENTH THIRTY-DAY REPORT REGARDING ELECTRONIC JOB REPORTING AND RELATED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

The District Council submits this Seventh Thirty-Day Report pursuant to (1) the Decision & Order entered on May 8, 2013 (Doc. 1315), (2) the Order entered on June 11, 2013 (Doc. 1332), (3) the Order entered on July 16, 2013 (Doc. 1358), (4) the Order entered on September 3, 2013 (Doc. 1386), (5) the Order entered on September 12, 2013 (Doc. 1394), and (6) the Order entered on October 23, 2013 (Doc. 1426), in United States v. District Council, 90 Civ. 5722 (RMB).

This report covers the period from December 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 and sets forth statistics regarding electronic job reporting and related anti-corruption compliance measures established by the District Council’s collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”) with the Wall-Ceiling and Carpentry Industries of New York, Inc. (“WC&C”), the Building Contractors Association, Inc. (“BCA”), the General Contractors Association of New York, Inc. (“GCA”), the Floor Coverers Association of Greater New York, Inc. (“FCA”), the Contractors Association of Greater New York (“CAGNY”), and the Cement League, Inc. (“CLI”).

(John's note: The boxes at the end of Exhibits A and B show the bottom line on steward compliance. Also can someone try dissecting this report and post what it means, maybe I am stupid but I don't understand what this report is trying to say).

Election Commentary– SAY NO TO JOE!

SAY NO TO JOE!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "SAY NO TO JOE": 

Joe's flyer would be laughable if it wasn't so sad.

He was the former President of Local 1536 where there were more laborers doing timberman's work than timbermen, as long as you had a 1536 foreman standing up doing nothing, there was no problem letting the timbermen rot on the OWL.

He was the former President of Local 1556, handpicked and appointed by McCarron, nuff said.

Really amusing that he is "committed" to restoring benefits. 

What Joe does not mention is that he was a delegate under Forde, where he voted to allow Forde, Thomassen and Sheils (his mentor) to bankrupt the Officers Pension Plan, which is why none of the current clerical staff at the District Council have a pension anymore. Do you really want someone who bankrupted one pension plan already in charge of your pension?

On the same note, while Joe did show he has a big heart when he made the case that the clerical staff are underpaid, maybe if he had not taken away their pension they would not be so hard off?

SAY NO TO JOE

Question: Joe Geiger's campaign literature states "Leadership That Transforms", now where did we hear that phrase before?

Answer: From GP Douglas McCarron "Transformational Leadership"! 

WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER SOCK PUPPET, SAY NO TO JOE!


Vote for the person who fights for the membership. VOTE GREG KELTY!

Vote Greg Kelty for EST

Kelty Wins Big in Debate

Last night Greg Kelty eviscerated a unknowing and bewildered Joe Geiger. Throughout the debate, Geiger looked shaken, ill prepared, never getting out of his chair or looking at the camera, reciting old talking points and platitudes and showing a lack of knowledge and vision as Kelty gave a master class at the NYC District Council.
 

Vote Greg Kelty for EST

Today’s Court Order

John's note: The election will proceed on schedule. The ballots were mailed yesterday. The debate is tomorrow at 5 p.m. on the 10th floor at 395 Hudson Street. It will be videotaped and uploaded to the DC web site. The candidate literature for the mailing paid for by the DC has been received from Messrs. Kelty and Geiger and will be duplicated and mailed as quickly as possible. I expect that to be by Thursday afternoon or Friday at the latest.

Transcript from this morning's Court Conference.

(John's note: The RO indicated that he did not oppose a mailing paid for by the DC. Judge Berman said the same thing and asked the RO to arrange it. Though no order was issued, there will be a mailing, probably sent out by Thursday or Friday).

THE COURT: So on my agenda I have a couple of election-related issues that people wanted to be heard on, Mr. Tagliaferro, Mr. Nee, Mr. Kelty, and then of course I would hear from the review officer and also from the government on these issues.

SAY NO TO JOE

Geiger a fake phony fraud

Just received Joe Geiger's post card mailing, what a pack of lies from this fake phony fraud. Geiger says he's "entering 30 years of advocating for and advancing the rights of District Council Members at the local, regional and national levels".

The Truth is—Joe has never once advocated for the membership or advanced any membership rights. On the contrary, Joe is a high paid 2005 Mike Forde appointed holdover who has consistently voted for and supported corrupt UBC leadership and voted against the memberships best interest.

Examples of Joe's voting record:

• June 2011: VOTED YES on all PLA jobs
• January 2012: VOTED YES to bar members from attending delegate body meetings
• August 2012: VOTED YES to Full Mobility
• April 2013: VOTED NO to send contract to membership for Ratification

Brother and Sisters: Its time we SAY NO TO JOE!

We need leadership at the council that is willing to take the bull by the horns and engage in rigorous self-analysis. We need a leader with vision and a can do attitude who will step up and say we understand the problems and, with alacrity, we are going to solve them and move this DC into the modern, efficient, compliant business that must benefit our members and their families!

Vote for the person who fights for the membership. VOTE GREG KELTY!

Election Commentary

(John's note: The following was posted in the forum).

His campaign "HONESTY FOR A CHANGE"

I thought he was apart of the Steve McInnis Team. He was a trustee for the District Council. Steve Mcinnis asked him to be part of this and he ran for that position with Steve McInnis support and now he is running a campaign on" Honesty for a change ". What dishonesty was in the past?

Joe tell us the truth about what is going on. Did anyone do anything wrong to the membership? How honest is the council? Your words and campaign.  Honesty for a change means what happen in the past was dishonest.

Your Commitment
Restore dental and optical benefits immediately for the member and their families.

Answer: Do you understand the reason why we lost this much needed benefit . We lost this because the man hours were down due to the fact we did have out of towner's working and construction was not as busy as we would like.

Restore benefits for the retiree's with no co pay: 
How do you plan on doing this, if you don't have a plan how good can it be? We all need this not just the retiree's. The membership should not be betrayed at any cost. NOT EVEN FOR THERE VOTE .
This all cost money not promises. You voted for PLA's at every contract, what this does is it takes away money that we need to help cover our expenses that we need to survive.

No more out of towners: 
The international  agreement is killing us. Joe again its  a statement that you don't have the power to over rule.  Its the International that govern this not our EST.

Apprenticeship program for our members ' children first:
Joe you are a delegate that is suppose to represent our members. How come we the members did not hear you say anything about this when it was spoken about, you have a voice. Maybe the department of labor has the final say on this and not Joe. What commitment  do you have?
 
More Jobs!!! 
Yes more jobs.. How about for the members that need them not the council reps . If the Reps had more support from there leaders maybe we can do something about putting more members to work.

NO More Pay cuts Reduce the private sector PLA's
What about no more PLA's in this city, why do you, yes Joe 100% of the time vote the PLA's in the contract .

Joe you are not hearing the membership, yes we get a raise up front but because of the PLA's we give it back plus more. Is this what I want as our EST?  Once again you have a voice that is silent for the membership.

Fix the OWL system and bring accountability
How are you going to do that. You voted for full mobility on the last contract.  I see how you are going to fix this problem. Its sad but true, You guys had a mailing ballot about the full mobility and the members cast there ballot about this and voted majority did not want the full mobility. When it came to a vote from the delegate body you were the one that help vote this thru.

Its Very clear to me that MR. JOE GEIGER  has a commitment for himself and not the members best interest.

I ask every member who gets the chance to vote in this election do vote on what is right and protect our future. The strength of this union is the member that vote for the future.  Lets be a union of one not the chosen few.

Vote for the person that is not afraid to speak their members voice. VOTE GREG KELTY!