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

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.

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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.

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A Message from our Executive Secretary-Treasurer Pro Tem

Steve McInnis

Brothers and Sisters, When I became Executive Secretary Treasurer Pro Tem I stated my first priority was to get all members working under current collective bargaining agreements for the first time in over two years with increased pay and benefit contributions. Working with our Executive Committee and Delegate Body we have made great strides to that end in the past few months. The Delegates have ratified new contracts covering thousands of our members within our largest employer associations. There still are contracts to be done and we are committed to getting them done.

More than a dozen contracts have been negotiated and ratified in 2013 and more are expected before the New Year. Some members are already seeing wage increases, while others will be implemented soon. With the certainty of working under current collective bargaining agreements with wage and benefit contribution increases, workers can once again focus on the job at hand. This is also good for the members and their families because we have made responsible additional allocations to the Welfare Funds and have seen real improvement. With guidance from our actuaries and in cooperation with Management Trustees there is potential for some restoration of benefits lost over the last few years. We know these changes have been a burden on many of our members and look forward to the day when we can make even small positive changes.

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EST Pro Tem November Town Hall

Weekly Compliance Message from the EST

The District Council is continuing efforts towards electronic reporting. Currently, Shop Stewards working under the Wall Ceiling, BCA of NY, CAGNY, GCA of NY (Carpenters), the Floor Coverers and the Cement League Association agreements are required to file their reports electronically. I believe electronic reporting has and will continue to enhance the ability of the District Council and Benefit Funds to ensure that employers meet their contractual obligations and members receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

I want to remind Shop Stewards that they can electronically report time in three ways. Stewards can use the tablet device they received from the District Council. Alternatively, they can log on to the Electronic Reporting System through the District Council website from any computer with internet access, or, if they have an iPhone, they can install an easily downloadable “App” and submit time using their cell phone. It is important that Shop Stewards become familiar and comfortable with using one or more of these alternatives to report time.

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EST October Town Hall

EST Oct. Townhall P1 from NYCDCC on Vimeo.

EST Oct. Townhall P2 from NYCDCC on Vimeo.

EST Pro Tem September TownHall

2013 Charity Softball Tournament

Dear Brothers and Sisters: The 2013 New York City District Council of Carpenters Charity Softball Tournament and Family Picnic will be held on Saturday, September 2l" beginning at 9:30am sharp! This year’s event will be held at Cunningham Park, Fresh Meadows, Queens NY l 1366. Maps and directions will be on our website as well as information regarding team sponsorships. Please check the website for weather cancellations. 

As in the past this will he a fun family day, with free food, shirts, games and many family activities as well as some very entertaining softball games. We encourage all members and their families to join us for what is sure to be a great event. This clay is an opportunity for us to honor all of`our members and their supportive families.

Our members are the most talented and skilled tradesmen and women this city has to offer and your Union wants to honor you. Our animal picnic give your District Council Representatives and Officer's an opportunity to thank you for your commitment to this union while you enjoy a day out with your family.

The softball tournament will begin at 9:30am sharp so come prepared for a friendly competition between our brothers and sisters. Join in a game or cheer on your local union's team. It is sure to be an exciting day as we witness who will gain bragging rights of 2013 Softball Champion.

The first 16 teams to register will be eligible. Sponsorship is $500.00 per team. Please make checks payable to NYCDC Charity Fund.

Fraternally,
Stephen Mclnnis
Executive Secretary-Treasurer Pro Tem President, NYC District Council

EST/PRO TEM FORUM Monday, July 8th, 2013

Union Carpenters Strike Over Wage Freeze Demands

By Esther D'Amico

The New York City District Council of Carpenters entered its third day of a strike on July 3 after negotiations broke down with the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA). The association is seeking an across-the-board wage freeze and a second-tier employee system with lower wages and benefits, "while locking members into a 10-year agreement," the council says.

"Nobody wants a strike, especially during the celebration of our country's independence, but if we concede any further it would be detrimental to all our members and their families," Stephen McInnis, the council's executive secretary treasurer, said in a July 1 statement.

Some 350 members of the union are on strike. Members covered by the MWA contract earn an average of about $31 per hour with benefits, the council says. It adds that it has established a strike fund and an assistance hotline to help those on strike.

At press time, the council did not respond to calls for further comment, and attempts to reach MWA were unsuccessful.

For more MWA Strike coverage see Facebook

NYC carpenters’ strike leaves nonunion workers stuck without health insurance

The District Council of Carpenters terminated health coverage for 120 secretaries, draftsmen and other nonunion workers Monday — the day it declared a strike against the woodworking companies that employ them. That’s left 12 companies that comprise the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association scrambling to find private coverage.

BY GINGER ADAMS OTIS / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Stephen McInnis (pictured right) is president of the District Council of Carpenters, which went on strike Monday and canceled health insurance for some 120 nonunion workers.

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.

RELATED: MOB GUY'S REMOTE CONTROL

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.

NYC Carpenters Strike for Fair Contract

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, July 1, 2013

NYC CARPENTERS STRIKE FOR FAIR CONTRACT

Hundreds of New York City District Council (DC) carpenters went on strike Monday after months of stalled negotiations with one of its largest contractor associations. This strike of more than 350 members will affect major construction projects around New York City and New Jersey.

“Nobody wants a strike, especially during the celebration of our country’s independence, but if we concede any further it would be detrimental to all of our members and their families,” said Stephen McInnis, Executive Secretary Treasurer of the New York City District Council of Carpenters.

The tipping point was the association’s demand for drastic wage and benefit cuts.

The Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA), which employs union members from various District Council locals, demands a wage freeze and a second-tier employee system with lower wages and benefits.

The DC made a number of concessions to the MWA, both before and during negotiations.

The MWA’s unreasonable position isn’t good faith bargaining, according to union officials. “It’s bleeding a turnip.”

This work stoppage directly impacts more than 350 hard working New Yorkers and their families. Their work includes constructing and installing architectural woodwork and cabinetry, store interiors and fixtures, display and exhibit equipment, and architectural metal products.

Certain construction projects at 4 World Trade Center, the General Motors building on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street and the Time Warner building at Columbus Circle could be potentially halted if the workers remain on strike.

On average, members covered by this MWA contract make approximately $31 per hour with benefits. The council has started a strike fund and an assistance hotline to help its members who are now out of work.

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.

Nailing down a contract: Carpenters’ strike would affect WTC, other construction sites

Unless a last-minute breakthrough occurs in stalled contract talks, 350 cabinetmakers and wood installers will go on strike — affecting about a dozen commercial construction sites around New York City.

Stephen McInnis, president of the District Council of Carpenters, which represents Local 2790, said the union agreed to a 10-year-deal with wage negotiations possible in the third and seventh years, but that it wouldn’t budge on benefits. He said it was not fair to retroactively change the benefits structure for workers already on the job for 15, 20 or 30 years.

By Ginger Adams Otis / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

The carpenters union in New York plans to put the screws to a group of construction contractors by walking off job sites Monday, the Daily News has learned.

Unless a last-minute breakthrough occurs in stalled contract talks, 350 cabinetmakers and wood installers will go on strike — affecting about a dozen commercial construction sites around the city.

“We made them an offer they can live with, and they made us an offer we have to refuse,” said Stephen McInnis, president of the District Council of Carpenters, which represents Local 2790.

Projects at 4 World Trade Center, the General Motors building on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street and the Time Warner building at Columbus Circle will halt if the workers go on strike, along with many others.

The union’s been trying to hammer out a deal with the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association for more than a year, McInniss said.

The Association wants the high-end cabinetmakers and wood installers of Local 2790 to agree to a 10-year wage freeze at the current rate of $31.24, as well as greatly reduced benefits.

McInnis said the union agreed to a 10-year-deal with wage negotiations possible in the third and seventh years — but it wouldn’t budge on benefits.

“I need a proposal I can get ratified. If I went to the membership with this, it wouldn’t pass,” he said.

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.

McInnis said it was not fair to retroactively change the benefits structure for workers already on the job — although the union is open to making changes for new hires.

“Some of these guys have 15, 20 or 30 years on the job, you can’t go in now and fundamentally change how their benefits accrue,” he said.

The 350 members of Local 2790 voted Thursday night to go out on strike if necessary.

Lawyers for the MWA tried to obtain an emergency temporary restraining order against the union over the weekend, but a judge denied their request.

The District Council said it would alert its other construction locals to the problems with MWA.

“This will be an economic strike, and I anticipate a very favorable response among our members,” McInnis said.

Important Message from the EST

Be advised, the New York City District Council of Carpenters have authorized a strike against the Manufacturing Woodworkers Association of Greater New York (MWA). Unless the MWA management agrees to a new, fair contract on or before June 30, 2013, the strike will start on Monday morning, July 1, 2013. All MWA shops will be struck, which cover half our Local 2790 members as well as MWA install jobs in Locals 20, 45, 157, and 926's jurisdiction.

These hard working members have already endured cuts to contract terms for a year due to an arbitration ruling. Now the MWA is asking to cut even deeper. We are still hoping for an acceptable agreement, but if one is not reached the DC will be on strike on July 1, against the MWA.

Attached you will find Shops locations.

Stay informed and look for more updates at www.nycdistrictcouncil.com.

Letters to BCA & CAGNY regarding Strike July 1 2013 
List of companies we’re striking 
List of picket locations and Biz rep contacts

Emergency Local Meeting MWA Update!

At the local meeting tonight, EST Steven McInnis and Vice President Michael Cavanaugh will be in attendance to address the 2790 Membership on the current MWA negotiation status. Current contract expires June 30, 2013. This meeting is extremely important so we recommend attending if you can.

Meeting starts at 6pm Knights of Columbus, 4918 Queens Blvd. Woodside, NY 11377. 

EST June 2013 Town Hall

The following is video of the EST forum held June 3, 2013.

EST Pro Tem Forum June 3

EST Pro Tem Steve McInnis will hold a forum for all members on the 10th floor at 395 Hudson Street. The forum will be held on Monday June 3, 2013 from 4:30PM – 6:30PM and is open to all members.

NEW CARPENTER, WALL & CEILING CONTRACT STARTS MAY 22

NEW CARPENTER, WALL & CEILING CONTRACT STARTS NEXT WEEK

New York, NY — The New York City District Council  of Carpenters announced today that it has reached an agreement with its largest employer association--the Association of Wall, Ceiling & Carpentry Industries of New York (Wall & Ceiling Association)--to implement the new collective bargaining agreement on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Upon Wednesday’s implementation, there will be an immediate increase of $2.13 in workers’ hourly compensation package. $2.12 of that amount, by the decision of the District Council’s Delegate Body, will go into the Health & Welfare Fund, which provides medical benefits for carpenters and their families. The Delegate Body also approved this measure as a way to maintain and eventually restore all benefits in the Fund for active and retired members. The other one cent will go into the District Council’s supplemental funds for scholarships.

“With these wage and benefit increases, workers can once again focus on the job at hand and not have to worry about how they’re going to support their families,” said Stephen McInnis, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Pro Tem of the New York City District Council of Carpenters.

The next two raises each at $2.40 an hour are scheduled for July 1st and August 20th of this year. That means there will be an increase to hourly wage rates and contributions to the Welfare Fund totaling nearly $7 an hour within the first three months of the 5-year agreement.

The implementation follows the decision and order issued be Federal Court Judge Richard Berman on May 8, approving the contract’s provisions, allowing the Wall & Ceiling contractors to hire District Council carpenters directly, except for the required certified shop stewards who are assigned by the union. The judge’s order also approved and required monthly reporting to him on new anti-corruption procedures to guarantee compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the agreement. These anti-corruption measures were developed in conjunction with the District Council, the Wall & Ceiling association and the federal government.

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

Posted from iPhone 

JUDGE APPROVES NEW WALL & CEILING CONTRACT

New York, NY —Federal District Court Judge Richard M. Berman today issued a decision and order approving a new five-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that provides a 16.6% wage and benefit increase for members over the life of the contract. Following the April ratification of the agreement by the District Council’s Delegate Body, Judge Berman’s consent was the last step needed before the contract could go into effect.

Under the new CBA between the New York City District Council of Carpenters (DC) and the Association of Wall, Ceiling & Carpentry Industries of New York (Wall & Ceiling Association), the largest employer association in the DC, members will see a $6.93 per hour increase in their wage and benefit package within the first three months of implementation and another $7.20 per hour bump within the next three years.

“We believe—and the court agrees—that this is a good contract for the members and their families and the New York City construction industry,” said Stephen McInnis, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Pro Tem of the New York City District Council of Carpenters.

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