This is the Emergency Carpenter Steward Broadcasting System NYC

2012-01-15T18:08:00.001-05:00

War Declared On The Counterfeit

Carpainters Union

What You Should Know:

(Click on Images to Enlarge)

2012-01-15T17:43:00.002-05:00

Call Your Delegates:

Tell Them How You Feel!

(Click on Images to Enlarge)

2011-12-30T15:04:00.001-05:00

The Changing Of The Guard
vs
The Changing Of The Rule

A Vote for Full Mobility Will Not Stand!

The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee's

Answer To Full Mobility?

Wut Da Duce???

The argument is that companies will be driven out of New York City (NYC) if we continue to enforce the 50/50 Rule or the 67/33 Rule. To this we say "Poppy Cock!". There will always be those that build in NYC. Even in the worst of economies there is plenty of work out there albeit non-union. Surely the companies are not blaming this fact solely on the 50/50 Rule. The fact is that if one company crumbles, two more will arise from its ashes. Its the nature of the beast we call the Construction Industry. Do you really believe that companies will not build in NYC? This is the Labor Monster we know of as New York! Not going to happen Brothers and Sisters, simply not going to happen. People will continue to build here, they always have and they always will.

We urge those naysayers (Delegates & Representatives) within our Union who cry poverty on behalf of the Contractors while being charged with protecting the Rank and File's interest to negotiate our contracts with those who Full Mobility affects in mind, namely the folks on the OWL. The Rank and File are not as docile and un-informed as you think. Do not do us justice and suffer our wrath you will! Seek refuge with the contractors you've enriched. The members will have no use for you! Give-backs are not in vogue here in NYC. We will not stand for it! There will be NO QUARTER! We will demand and receive a CHANGING OF THE GUARD!

RALLY AGAINST FULL MOBILITY

Full Mobility / Kills Fully

2011-12-17T18:36:00.000-05:00

Congratulations To Our New EST

Mike Bilello

Remain corruption free and we will stand behind you!

2011-08-20T10:18:00.002-04:00

GOD BLESS THE CARPENTERS

2011-08-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

GENERAL MESSAGE

TO THE

GENERAL PRESIDENT:

THIS IS NEW YORK FUCKIN CITY!

2011-04-01T23:22:00.004-04:00

Pro-Rank & File & Anti-Corruption

The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee

ENDORSES

Review Officer Dennis Walsh

For His Sincere Concern For The Members

"The greatest obstacle facing this membership is apathy" (R. O. Dennis Walsh).

“Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it” (Learned Hand).

2011-03-26T22:33:00.002-04:00

A CALL TO ALL STEWARDS

JOB STEWARD ALLIANCE

www.jsanyc.com

We call on all honest Stewards to mobilize immediately and stand with the newly formed Job Steward Alliance (JSA). We commend our JSA Brothers & Sisters for their courage and integrity. The JSA now stand in the face of a daunting task and join the fight for the very survival of our Union. We welcome you to the good fight. We know you've been in the trenches on an individual basis all along. Now the membership will know. They will see it for themselves and they will prosper from your united effort.

We, The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee Stand With The Job Steward Alliance.

2011-01-28T05:00:00.007-05:00

Attn: New Council Reps/Orgs: Re-edited

The Rank and File Are Watching

Today we find ourselves at a crossroads, possibly even a bit of a quamire. Many of you have been prepared to cry out for justice, but how many of you are prepared to step into the newly opened positions and fill the roles that were so disgracefully vacated and abandoned? Are there any potential Martyrs among us? Are you prepared to truly fight corruption? Are you prepared to stand up to the dark influences that plague our Union?

We, The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee, call on the Abraham Lincolns, the John F. Kennedys, the Martin Luther King Jr.s, and yes, even the Ernesto "Che" Guevaras among the New Council Reps to step up. It is time for real men & women of character and high moral ground to take the reins and lead us out of the darkness. Do not be afraid! Do not doubt yourselves! The masses are tired, beaten down, and discouraged but we remain defiant to the forces of darkness. We need true leaders! Show us you are not counterfeit members like those who have fallen, and the Rank & File will back and support you in your efforts and future endeavors.

We recognize the perils you MIGHT face in such a position, and we know the perils you WILL face. We ask you to earnestly consider what your degree of committment is, and how far you are prepared to go to assist in bringing about the change we so badly need.

The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee since its inception has been pushing for an activists philosophy among Stewards. We believe we are being heard. It is rumored that pockets of courageous, honest Stewards throughout the Union are already organizing themselves into a cohesive force, but some are still divided and factionalized. We urgently need leadership and support. We need true Unionists to lead the way. We are your Eyes and Ears. We are your standing army in the field. By default, we are already emersed in the battle against corruption. But we are leaderless.

Dare you lead us? Will you heed the battle call? Who among you will rise to the occassion? Who will be the leaders of tomorrow we so urgently need today? We Stewards stand at the ready. But do you? If so, then we urge you to stand up and be reckoned with. Stand with us, the Rank and File, and we will stand with you. The window of opportunity will close soon. We appeal to you, do not let the Rank and File down.

"Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases" (John Adams).

"I am a leader by default, only because nature does not allow a vacuum" (Bishop Desmond Tutu).

"The real leader has no need to lead - he is content to point the way" (Henry Miller).

2011-01-23T16:21:00.008-05:00

Honoring Exemplary Stewardship

The following cases are exemplary examples of how Stewards should conduct themselves. Stewards take note, your position is an honorable one, defend it and the workers you represent to your utmost. The Rank & File are depending on you.

ROADWAY EXPRESS, INC. v. AMADEO BIANCHI

&

R & J CONSTRUCTION v. ALBERTO BONILLA

A Helpful Link:

NLRB How To's

2011-01-15T15:18:00.001-05:00

Congratulations On A Successful & Historic Meeting!

The End Is Neeaarr! - What Say You?

2010-12-31T11:55:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year?

(click to enlarge image)

http://www.nycdistrictcouncil.com/fileadmin/pdf/Wage%20Letter%20from%20Spencer.pdf

NY: Where The "Hudson" River Flows

2010-12-25T10:45:00.003-05:00

Where the [Hudson] river flows, each fellow worker knows,

They have bullied and oppressed us, but still our union grows.

And we're going to find a way, boys, for shorter hours and better pay, boys

And we're going to win the day, boys, where the river [Hudson] flows.

For these gunny-sack contractors have all been dirty actors,

And they're not our benefactors, each fellow worker knows.

So we've got to stick together in fine or dirty weather,

And we will show no white feather, where the [Hudson] river flows.

Now the boss the law is stretching, bulls and pimps he's fetching,

And they are a fine collection, as Jesus only knows.

But why their mothers reared them, and why the devil spared them,

Are questions we can't answer, where the [Hudson] River flows.

-Joe Hill

Carpenter's Local #608 is No More!

2010-12-24T23:07:00.000-05:00

For those Steward Ad-Hoc Committee Members From The Former Local 608 This Move Changes Nothing. We Continue To Stand Together As One With The Rest Of The Committee. We Will Continue To Stand United Against Corruption!

As published on the NYCDCC Website:

Member News - Latest News & Archives

17-12-10 12:18

The Local Union 157 meeting scheduled for December 20th has been postponed

As a result of the dissolution of Local Union 608 the meeting location was changed to a larger venue to accommodate all members. Unfortunately, Our Lady of Pompeii Church has just informed us that they will no longer be able to host our meeting on Monday, December 20. At this time, we have no choice but to postpone the meeting until further notice. A mailing will be sent to all members in the near future with the date and location of our upcoming meeting. We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and look forward to celebrating the New Year with all of our members.

(Click on Images to Enlarge)

ATTN: Council Rep/Org Candidates: Re-edited Post

2010-12-15T11:10:00.000-05:00

The following is a closing statement from former Independent Investigator Walter Mack to, then incoming, Independent Investigator William Callahan back in October of 2005. The closing statement was the conclusion of an extensive report regarding Stewards. Sadly while much has changed and heads have rollled, the lack of support for Stewards has not. We urge you to seriously consider the below statement, as well as, the article above as you prepare to face "The Panel".

(Walter Mack: Former Independent Investigator & Current Chairman of the Trial Committee)

"It should be an embarrassment to the District Council that it takes an outsider such as myself to point out basic realities of how the OWL functions.

Based on testimony and on information funneled to me informally, I believe that business agents also require education about the importance of supporting shop stewards who report contractor abuse. I believe that many shop stewards currently believe that it is fruitless to attempt to stand up to an abusive contractor because they will not have business agent support. Shop stewards must know that they do not stand alone. And they should not be able to give lack of support as justification for failure to report wrongdoing on a job site. There should be zero tolerance for such failures and serious sanctions should be imposed in situations where a shop steward does not report wrongdoing to his Local Union and/or the District Council. But business agent support and protection is a predicate for holding shop stewards to this standard" (Walter Mack).

The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee aka The Steward Underground

2010-11-28T14:09:00.000-05:00

Attention All Stewards: The following is a statement composed by the Ad-Hoc Committee for a Steward Alliance / Association / Network / Organization, or recently more commonly known as “The Steward Underground“.

The rank and file have asked the Ad-Hoc Committee via email many questions. Most of these questions have a prevailing theme. In short we have been asked for full disclosure. This letter will attempt to address these questions and concerns. Feel free to cross post this statement in its entirety wherever Carpenters may dwell. We make no apologies.

Who and What We Are

First and foremost we are not politically allied with any current groups or associations. We are simply a small number of honest, hardworking New York City Carpenter’s Union Stewards, who have become increasingly frustrated in our efforts to do our jobs, free from reprisals and admonishments from our superiors. We have therefore been forced to seek other avenues by which to monitor companies and enforce the various contracts under which the Union and contractors function. For this purpose we have informally begun to network amongst ourselves. We share information on contractors as well as business agents. More importantly, we provide each other with on site assistance, support, and research when issues arise regarding a clause in one of the various contracts we are responsible for protecting. We do this solely when such information is unavailable or denied us by normal venues. To date this system has been successful, albeit minimally due to the limited number of participating stewards, and the clandestine nature in which we are forced to operate.

Why “Underground”

It is common knowledge that some elements within our union are of the school of thought that, in the long run, it is not good practice to give contractors a “hard time” when enforcing contracts. It is believed that a company that deems it easier and more profitable to function outside the union contract will do so, causing the union to eventually lose said company as a signatory. It is therefore within “our” interests, according to this theory, to not pursue small and/or unintentional infractions of the contracts.

To those of us who are charged with monitoring and enforcing the contract on a day to day basis, stewards in particular, such “schools of thought” can hinder ones efforts. This most times, creates an atmosphere ripe for potential reprisals, if you do not fall into line. Furthermore we believe that with thousands of members on the Out of Work List, such leniency towards contractors is not justified. As stewards and fellow rank and file carpenters we believe we must do all we can to assist those men and women languishing on the Out of Work List due to company Request Clauses and practices. Because of this activism on behalf of the rank and file some stewards have experienced subtle, and increasingly not so subtle, reprisals. Therefore, for the time being, many wish to remain anonymous.

Our Goals

We urge all Carpenter Stewards to move with due diligence and integrity. The prevailing atmosphere in the field is that Stewards are not only replaceable but disposable. This is unacceptable. We find ourselves constantly trying to prove our merit to companies that assume we are all the same, referring to stewards as “Shop Stupids” and “Foot Dragging Do Nothings”. The time has come to step up and show the companies, and the corrupt elements within our own ranks, that an honest hardworking steward is a force that will be reckoned with. We must take back our union one steward at a time. We must educate ourselves, network among each other, and protect our interest, so that we may better defend and serve the rank and file. The membership is counting on us and we may be the final line in the sand.

We are firmly committed, as stated above, to educate, organize, mobilize, and agitate Carpenter Stewards. We are of the belief that all that stands between contractors, seeking to illegally enrich themselves on the backs of rank and file carpenters and the membership, are un-corruptible, vigilant well trained stewards. Carpenter Stewards are the first line of defense against corruption. We fail and the Union as a whole fails. We will not stand idle and watch this happen.
　
We therefore propose to all who would hear us that a full scale Steward Network or Steward Alliance need be established. This we are committed to accomplishing, be it formal and official (sanctioned by the Union), or be it clandestine and underground as it is currently. For now it is necessary that the Ad-Hoc Committee remain anonymous as we gather information, and further organize. To those stewards that are on the take we say this: we WILL weed you out and expose you for what you are, the scourge of the union. No longer will honest stewards stand by and watch you destroy our image and credibility.

Know this: “The power of the Union lies within its Membership”. Our representatives are elected to serve the Rank and File members and protect our future. This is what helps keep our union strong and shores up its long history.

Due to recent events, we believe that it is imperative to refocus and reshape the strength of our Union, so that its members are truly represented by those elected. We have concluded that until this comes to pass, it is necessary to hold our elected and appointed officials accountable. We must turn our focus on our members who work hard to pay for their well salaried positions. The input of the rank and file is crucial in helping to reshape our union. All active members and retirees’ inputs are sought so that our efforts will better reflect the resolve of the membership.

Either you are “Real within the Union” or you are impersonating a genuine member. Union entails more than one, in our case 23,000. The truth however is that 2,300 good men and women, acting together, can introduce positive change to our union. We are calling on these “GOOD MEN & WOMEN” to stand up NOW for what is innately theirs. Remember, an idea whose time has come can not be stopped. Your destiny is now in your hands.

To all Carpenter Stewards who wish to assist us in our struggle for a better, more accountable union, please contact us with your support and/or suggestions. Together we will accomplish this essential goal. We have established the following email address for this purpose: stewardunderground@gmail.com.

We urge all Stewards to fight the good fight. If you are so inclined, then … Welcome to “The Steward Underground”. We’re here, we’re watching, and we’re un-corruptible.

Fraternally,

The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee

Eugene Clarke Rips Forde In Court!

2010-11-20T00:43:00.002-05:00

In a heartening statement, esteemed Brother Eugene Clarke stood in front of the Court and ripped Forde for all to see and hear on behalf of the Rank and File who were victimized under the Forde regime. We commend Brother Clarke for his courage and integrity. We recognize that there are few men of his caliber in our Union. Today Brother Clarke, you have earned this Committee's deepest respect.

The Court, after sentencing Forde to 11 years, granted him a reprieve until early January 2011. This will be Forde's last holiday season with his family. We take solace in the fact that Forde's future Christmases will be spent behind bars. He will have plenty of time to contemplate his dastardly deeds while watching his family go on without him.

Money can not buy back time Mr. Forde. If and when you come home, the world will be a different place and you will be a discarded relic of its past. You made your "cot", now sleep in it!

Enjoy your new digs.

The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee

The Sentencing Of Former UBC Officers

2010-11-06T12:32:00.010-04:00

We urge all Carpenters who can attend the sentencings to do so. The goverment must be shown that we were, and continue to be, victims in this matter. This was not, and is not, a victimless crime! Make your presence known by attending The Sentencing at the following address: 500 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10007-1312. Or write to Judge Victor Marrero at the following address:

Hon. Victor Marrero

United States District Court Judge

500 Pearl Street

New York, NY 10007-1312

The Rank & File will be watching. Let the bodies hit the floor!

Sentencing Dates

(As Published by The Department of Justice)

OLIVIERI, 56, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. OLIVIERI is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge MARRERO on January 21, 2011, at 3:30 p.m.

Three open counts were severed from the perjury charge, with the consent of the Government, and remain pending against JOSEPH OLIVIERI. The additional charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and OLIVIERI is presumed innocent as to those charges unless and until proven guilty.

MICHAEL FORDE, 56, the former Executive Secretary Treasurer of the District Council (its top position), pled guilty on July 28, 2010, to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of racketeering. FORDE is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2010, at 3:30 p.m.

MICHAEL BRENNAN, 54, of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, who was a union shop steward, pled guilty on July 6, 2010, to the Indictment's RICO count, and specifically to racketeering acts involving the acceptance of cash bribes and obstruction of justice. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2010, at 1:30 p.m.

JOHN GREANEY, 50, of Yonkers, New York, the former president and business manager of Local 608, pled guilty on July 16, 2010, to one count of racketeering conspiracy, one count of racketeering, four counts of wire-fraud conspiracy, four counts of deprivation of honest services, two counts of unlawful acceptance of payments by a labor representative, and one count of perjury. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2010, at 3:30 p.m.

BRIAN CARSON, 50, of Bronx, New York, who was a union shop steward, pled guilty on April 5, 2010, to one count of aiding and abetting the embezzlement of monies from union benefit funds. CARSON was previously sentenced to 19 months in prison.

BRIAN HAYES, 39, a former business agent of Local 608, pled guilty on August 20, 2010, to one count of racketeering conspiracy. HAYES is scheduled to be sentenced on December 3, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. [The sentencing of defendant Brian Hayes herein is rescheduled to 1/14/2011 at 03:00 PM.]

FINBAR O'NEILL, 44, of Paramus, New Jersey, who is a contractor, pled guilty on May 20, 2010, to one count of making unlawful payments to labor representatives, and one count of conspiracy to make such unlawful payments. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2010.

JOSEPH RUOCCO, 50, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, who was a union shop steward, pled guilty on July 8, 2010, to one count of aiding and abetting the embezzlement of monies from union benefit funds. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2010, at 3:30 p.m.

JOHN STAMBERGER, 53, of Brick, New Jersey, who was a union shop steward, pled guilty on March 12, 2010, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and unlawful acceptance of payments by a labor representative. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2010, at 3:00 p.m.

MICHAEL VIVENZIO, 62, of Mahwah, New Jersey, who was a union shop steward, pled guilty on June 23, 2010, to one count of aiding and abetting the embezzlement of monies from union benefit funds. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. [The sentencing of defendant Michael Vivenzio herein is rescheduled to 12-17-10 at 9:30 a.m.]

All defendants except BRIAN CARSON and JOHN GREANEY are currently out on bail, and will be sentenced by Judge MARRERO.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office's Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys LISA ZORNBERG and MARK LANPHER are in charge of the prosecution.

The UBC's International Agreement

2010-09-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

Below you will find the latest version (1997) of the International Agreement our sources in the field could find. It seems intentionally vague if you ask us. But we leave that to you, the Rank & File member, to decide for yourselves.

(Click on below images to enlarge)

For The Good Of The Order!

2010-08-26T11:11:00.009-04:00

The following is a Cross-Post from an article titled For The Members . We do not know the author but we believe it to be important information for the activists among us. Also visit Robert's Rules Of Order for a more in depth understanding of how Parliamentary Proceedings (meetings) are conducted.

"You can't bring that motion up now" (B.S. You Can!)...

A few tips on local meetings for newly active members

The Minutes — If something important happened at the previous meeting, listen to the "reading of the minutes" of that meeting to make sure that they accurately recall what happened. If you think there has been a mistake, be sure to try to get it corrected.

Communications — Important mail comes in, some from other locals criticizing some aspect of the leadership’s handling of affairs. Be sure these are read under communications. It’s helpful to get your local to concur’ (support) where you think it’s an important issue. To do this, ask that the communication be "referred to new business" and under that part of the meeting, make a motion that your local ‘‘concur" in the communication and that a letter be sent in reply notifying the sender that you’ve done so.

Good of the Order — Under this order of business, you may get up and comment on any matter that you want to comment on. No motion can be made under this order of business.

New Business — this is where you make motions. If you want your local to send out a letter to other locals in the Regional Council, for instance, you should stand up under this order of business and say, "I move that this local send a letter on " to the other locals of the Regional Council. Sometimes it is helpful to write the letter in advance and include this as part of the motion. It also helps to arrange to have someone second your motion in advance. After the motion is made and seconded, then you or anybody else can speak on it.

The leadership of some locals claim that membership-voted expenses of over a set amount must be first recommended by the Executive Committee. This has been used to prevent the membership from voting to send out mailings critical of the upper leadership. Section 54 of the UBC constitution regulates the funds of the local unions. There is no such requirement in this section.

Its Your Union, don’t let them freeze you out of the process!

The Mack Is Back!: Thanks R.O. Walsh!

2010-07-30T17:30:00.005-04:00

(Mission Possible!)

A Message from the Review Officer Regarding New District Council Trial Procedures

District Council Charges and Trial Procedures, 7.30.2010

All local union executive committees must take note of their obligation to democratically select two trial committee members.

Please make note of the following schedule and deadlines:

Friday, July 30, 2010

Notice from the Review Officer (“RO”) and District Council to all members of the new charge and trial procedures and of this schedule;

Notice from the RO and District Council to local union executive boards of their obligation to select by majority vote two members to serve on the Trial Committee after receiving nominations;

Friday, August 27, 2010

Deadline for selection of Trial Committee members (“TCMs”) with selection notices given to the District Council and RO;

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Deadline for submission to the RO of required TCM affidavits;

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Implementation of the Trial Committee and dissolution of prior DC Trial Committee;

Orientation meeting of Trial Committee for all TC members, TC Chairman Walter Mack, TC Vice-Chairman James Zazzali, Review Officer Dennis Walsh and UBC District Council Supervisor Frank Spencer;

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

The Trial Committee is fully operational.

Please direct any questions regarding the Rules and the foregoing schedule to the RO.

Dennis M. Walsh
Review Officer

Fitzmaurice & Walsh, LLP
15 Chester Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
914.437.9058
914.607.3081 (fax)

dmwfw(at)verizon.net

dwfitzwalsh(at)optonline.net

Steward Working Class Heroes

2010-07-21T19:55:00.000-04:00

Certain individuals have stood out as fine examples of what it means to be a Steward. They have therefore been selected by The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee to be the recipients of an "award" for their dedication to Steward Activism for the 2nd Quarter of 2010. We believe these individuals are exemplary examples of what we stand for: truth, honor and dedication to Union values. In return we solely ask that they simply continue their activities. In so doing they assist us in our efforts to mobilize, educate, and organize Stewards for the overall betterment of the Union and its members. We are confident that they will find a way to pay this goodwill forward. Congratulations to them and Long Live The United Brotherhood of Carpenters!

If you know of a hard working, honest Steward who due to his/her activities in their capacity as Steward is sufferring economic hardship, then please nominate them for a Steward Award by submitting their information to us at stewardunderground@gmail.com. After a case by case review we will make a decision as to the 3 most worthy Nominees. Those chosen will receive a post card (see below) from The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee recognizing their dedication along with their award.

----------------------------------------

The Comm / The SU

You Have Been Chosen

You have been nominated by a fellow Steward and selected by The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee to be the recipient of an award for your dedication to Steward Activism for the ___ Quarter of 20__. We ask that you continue in your efforts to mobilize, educate, and organize Stewards and the Rank & File for the overall betterment of the Union. We are confident that you will find a way to pay this goodwill forward. Long Live The United Brotherhood of Carpenters!

The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee

aka

The Steward Underground

R.O. Addresses You, The Rank & File

2010-06-29T20:38:00.002-04:00

Take heed brothers and Sisters, change is acoming! And its on you to make it happen! Below is an excerpt from "A Message" posted on Local 157 Blog Spot, addressed directly toward you, the rank & file from the newly appointed Review Officer. For the full article click on the corresponding link above. To Mr. Walsh: Thank you for showing the Rank & File the respect of addressing them directly. The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee wishes to express its approval. We hope that maybe soon you and your staff might address the membership in person.

A Message from Review Officer Dennis Walsh

"Decades of corruption, court orders and monitoring involving the District Council pose an essential question to its members: when will it end?

I think you know the answer: it will end when the members make it end. All of you, the strong, proud and honest members of the United Brotherhood here in New York have the power to take action and to right this great vessel. With the wind of change at your back and the courage of your convictions -- you can chart a course for the future and steer the District Council to a better place. I want to help you do this. Let’s go where the future is as bright as your dreams" (Dennis Walsh, Review Officer).

Contact Info:

Dennis Walsh: 914-437-9058 dwfitzwalsh@optonline.net dmwfw@verizon.net

Mark Fitzmaurice: 914-437-9057 mfitzwalsh@optonline.net

Jack Mitchell: 212-885-8397 jnmitchell@bdo.com

The Review Officer’s Toll-Free Hotline: 1-877-395-7497

Steward Report How - To's

2010-05-24T11:27:00.011-04:00

Below you will find some helpful information on filing your Steward Reports. While not exhaustive it is sufficient enough for the submittal of accurate, and acceptable Steward Reports. Please feel free to include your personal insight regarding steward Reports at our discussion forum, "The Steward Xchange". While you can find instructions on how to file your report behind the District Council's copy (see below or Click Here) there are areas that are still somewhat confusing. We hope the information we provide here clears up some of this confusion.

-------------------------------------------------

Different companies have different "Pay Week Start" dates which are usually different from the actual pay date (i.e. day you receive check). The "Month" must be the month the "Pay Week" started, possibly different from the month the Steward starts recording hours or starts the job (i.e. Start Date).

The only areas that are to be "X"ed out are the areas where names are recorded and only if you have less than 10 entries, the area where length of the day is specified (e.g. 7hr, 8hr, Shift), and the area where you indicate that this is your last Steward Report for this job.

Careful not to write in boxes that are empty, the sheets are read by computers and any writing or markings will be recorded as information. Make sure your information is clear especially numerical information. Always capitalize, except for your personal signature.

Some Forepersons will refuse to sign the Reports based on company policy or outright contempt for the Union. Advise them that the company, as signatories of the governing contract, have agreed to complying with Union rules which dictate that Steward Reports be acknowledged & signed, and that they will be bound by the information recorded regardless of whether they sign said Report or not. Make an objective note in the "Notes" section regarding non-compliance. The company will designate who will sign on their behalf. This is not always the Foreperson.

Make sure you record only hours you have witnessed carpenters actually work. Do not assume the Foreperson or Journeyperson will be honest with you in your absence. Check with other Stewards or individual workers to verify information. If a carpenter leaves before the work day is over do not record this carpenter for the full work day, only record the hours they have worked. The reasoning behind this is that he may have left to another job site where another Steward is recording his hours. A Journeyperson can not be on two different Steward Reports for the same hours. He/she can be on two different reports due to different hours worked at different sites however. Make a note of this either in the "Notes" section or in your personal notes.

Make sure to keep notes either in the actual "Notes" section on your report or in your personal notes. Keep personal notes and attach notes to your copy of reports weekly before filing away for future reference. Some Stewards maintain Daily/Yearly Schedulers for this purpose and file said Scheduler away with that year's reports.

Never put yourself or anyone else in for hours not actually worked, regardless if the Foreperson states that you can or should. He may be the Foreman but he is usually not the Owner of the company. If in doubt refer your concerns and questions to your Business Representative (BR) and keep notes of contact with said BR and the subject discussed. Do not assume your BR will remember a specific issue if ever brought in for questioning by the District Council, the Independent Investigator, or the Review Officer.

Any questionable behavior observed on the job should be included in the "Notes" section. If you want to ensure that a questionable behavior be further looked into then definitely include this in the "Notes" section of your report.

Some Stewards have received conflicting orders regarding the use of the initial "R" to identify Requests. Some BR's will tell you the Steward Report does not allow for an "R" entry while others will tell you to use "R" to identify Requests. Check with your specific BR, follow his orders, and make a note of it in your personal notes. Do not record a Requested Journeyperson as Union (U) as opposed to Company (C) on your report until you verify with your BR if the person is indeed a Request. The BR should be able to show you a list of Requests. Often you will have to wait until you meet in person with your BR during submittal of your report for this verification. The problem with this is that you may have to wait a week until you are sure the company is complying with its ratio requirements. Hence, the importance of timely Requests verifications by the Steward. Companies sometimes use this delay tactic to keep a Company Man on the job at the expense of a another dues paying Carpenter which waits on the Out of Work List. If it is a short term job, delays in verifications of Requests can lead to a company conducting said work without ever fully complying with their obligation to the ratio rules. Your BR can inform you of the proper ratio for a specific job. For more on ratio requirements visit this link: Ratio Article. Again, always verify with another source (e.g. the District Council).

Keep in mind that while ALL Union members right to a job must be protected by the Steward, it is of the utmost importance that you enforce the applicable ratio for the type of job you are on. The rank and file waiting on the list for a job are counting on you to do yours. Do it proudly, efficiently, and faithfully.

Click on Image Below to Enlarge

Steward Report Instructions

Steward Terminations / Layoffs

2010-05-15T09:15:00.003-04:00

You asked for it, here it is. The basics you need to know regarding the discharge of a Steward. Be mindful that you can only be discharged for "Just Cause". What constitutes "Just Cause"? Nowadays it seems more and more cases center on the Steward being overzealous about his Steward Duties. Such cases can be easily won in the Steward's favor if that is the extent of the contractor's complaint. Mind you, this is all assuming you have an honest stand-up Business Representative (BA) that is prepared to back his Steward in the field. However, not doing the work assigned to you by the contractor, or performing the assigned work so badly that said work is unsalvageable; this will hold up well, in favor of the contractor. Our advice to you is simple, DO NOT sign up for work that you can not perform. Do not assume that you can skirt by because you are the Steward on the job.

If you feel that your BA has unjustly sided with the contractor during a Steward Discharge Hearing and feel you have cause, file a grievance (see form below) directly with the District Council Supervisor / Review Officer, etc. When doing so be sure to file the grievance in triplicate (i.e. one copy for your records, one by US Mail, the other by Return Request or Certified Mail). This assures that your grievance will be received and eventually dealt with.

District Council Grievance Form

(Click on Image for Larger Printable Version)

Stewards prepare yourselves, the real battle for the soul of our Union is about to begin very soon. Below are clauses in US Law and Collective Bargaining Agreements that give you an idea of what your rights are regarding discharge. All information is linked to original documents for further reading.

According to The National Labor Relations Act :

"It shall be an unfair labor practice for an employer —

(1) to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in section 157 of this title;

(2) to dominate or interfere with the formation or administration of any labor organization or contribute financial or other support to it: Provided, That subject to rules and regulations made and published by the Board pursuant to section 156 of this title, an employer shall not be prohibited from permitting employees to confer with him during working hours without loss of time or pay;

(3) by discrimination in regard to hire or tenure of employment or any term or condition of employment to encourage or discourage membership in any labor organization...."

According to the Building Construction Agreement Between The Building Contractors Association, Inc. and The The District Council of New York City and Vicinity of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, AFL-CIO - July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2011 :

"When a signatory Employer wishes to layoff a Shop Steward during continous employment, the Employer must notify the Union and have a meeting on the job with the Union within twenty-four (24) hours. If termination takes place, a letter must be sent to the Union" (Article VII, Section 3 of the BCA).

Once again in yet another contract the Agreement between The Association of Wall-Ceiling & Carpentry Industries of New York, Inc. and The District Council of New York City & Vicinity of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, AFL-CIO July1, 2006 - June 30, 2011:

And again in the Agreement between Members of The General Contractors Association of New York, Inc. and The District Council of Carpenters of New York City & Vicinity July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2011:

"When a signatory Contractor lays off a Shop Steward during continous employment, the Contactor must notify the Union and have a meeting on the Job with the Union within twenty-four (24) hours" (Article III, Section 3 of The GCA).

Finally in the Project Labor Agreement Covering Specified Construction Work Under the Capital Improvement Progrqam for Fiscal Years 2009 - 2014 on Behalf of the New York City School Construction Authority it states:

"Contractors agree to notify the appropriate Union twenty-four (24) hours prior to the layoff of a Steward, except in cases of discipline or discharge for just cause. If a Steward is protected against layoff by a Schedule A Provision, such provision shall be recognized to the extent the Steward possesses the necessary qualifications to perform the work required. In any case in which a Steward is discharged or disciplined for just cause, the local Union involved shall be notified immediately by the Contractor" (Article 5, Section 3 of the PLA/SCA).

Look for The Union Label

2010-05-06T10:06:00.000-04:00

Click on Images for Larger Printable Version

Important Phone Numbers for Stewards

2010-05-06T09:56:00.001-04:00

Click on Images for Larger Printable Versions

The Right to Representation: The Weingarten Ruling

2010-03-21T11:01:00.006-04:00

Ask yourself this: "Why did I join a Union?" There are many answers to this question. You may have joined for the benefits, such as health care, annuity plan, pension plan, vacation pay, higher wages, etc. Rarely do you hear a Union Member say he joined so that he has Union Representation. Few know or understand the benefits that come with over a hundred years of experience in negotiations with employers.

Question: Have you ever been pulled to the side (or office), when something has come up missing (tools, materials, etc.) or after an elevation was installed incorrectly, and asked a series of questions by your foreman or supervisor that you fear may lead to someone's dismissal, or even yours? Did you ever wonder what rights you may or may not have in such a situation? Well wonder no longer, thanks to one of our intrepid Stewards who researched the issue. The Weingarten Ruling is a little known case that is touched on briefly (unfortunately) during Shop Steward Training. Few Stewards grasp its implications on the jobsite or how they can use it for the benefit of the Rank and File. We here at the Steward Ad-Hoc Committee believe that a well trained, well informed Steward is one that benefits the membership and therefore the Union as a whole. We suggest that for your benefit you see to it that you familiarize yourselves with the following information.

(Click on printable image to enlarge)

For a more extensive version of the above document click on the PDF link below:

Weingarten Rights (ext)

Or peruse the actual case yourselves by clicking on the following link:

NLRB V. J. WEINGARTEN, INC., 420 U. S. 251 (1975)

Brothers and Sisters avail yourselves of the information, remember knowledge is power. Share this information with your co-workers. These are your rights! Do not allow yourselves to be denied.

ATTN ALL STEWARDS: Steward Report Submittal Procedure Changes

2010-03-05T19:05:00.021-05:00

Memos, Procedures & Zone Map

(Click on Printable Images Below to Enlarge)

Security Cleareances - S.W.A.C. & T.W.I.C.

2010-02-18T18:03:00.006-05:00

Wondering why you haven't been referred by the Out of Work List to such high profile, labor intensive, job sites like The Freedom Tower or The United Nations? We hear its all about SECURITY. The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee has just received word from "sources in the field" that without these Security Clearances you will not even be considered for these security sensitive jobs. It seems however, that such important information regarding these clearances has somehow failed to make it to the ears of the average Rank and File member.

We here at The SU are of the school of thought that all members should have a fair opportunity for referral to such high profile jobs. Therefore to insure such fairness we believe it would be in the best interest of the general membership that we share this information with you, the Rank and File. For those of you who would care to apply, below are the links to the Information and the Online Applications for these security clearances, courtesy of your friendly job site Stewards.

SECURE WORKER ACCESS CONSORTIUM

TRANSPORTATION WORKER INDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL

Spread the word there's work to be done! And don't forget to keep the information coming. The SU will continue to post what relevant information we receive as it comes in.

The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee
"Somebody call security!"

Enforce The 67% / 33% Rule!

2010-02-13T19:37:00.015-05:00

The following post is based in part from a Standing Order issued by Judge Charles Haight and our Sources in the field.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED, as follows:

1. The District Council and Peter Thomassen, its ~~president~~, are adjudge and held in contempt of this court for violating the 1994 Consent Decree by bargaining away the job referral rules.

2. The current Request System, under which contractors have the unfettered right to "request" anyone they want from the out-of-work list, is abolished.

3. Allow the contractor to select particular carpenters for a job up to but not in excess of 67 percent of the total carpenter work force. That percentage is made up of the contractor's 50 percent under the 50/50 Rule, and an additional 17 percent, representing one-third of, and to count against, the Union's 50 percent.

The remaining 33 percent of the carpenter work force will be assigned by the Union from the OWL.

4. Restore the six-month provision contained in Job Referral Rule 5(B), so that a contractor cannot request a carpenter and have that carpenter count against the Union's 50 percent unless that carpenter has been employed by that contractor during the previous six months. But under no circumstances may carpenters chosen under Rule 5(B) count against the 33 percent assigned by the Union directly from the OWL.

67% / 33% Ratio Breakdown Chart

(For larger printable vesion click on document)

Above ratios to be applied on all "4000 Series" Jobs (i.e. Jobs whose DC# Starts with the #4000).

This resolution is ~~fair and equitable~~ because it recognizes contractors' economic and competitive concerns by allowing them to select most of the carpenter work force on any particular project, while restoring the Out-of-Work List as a meaningful source of employment for carpenters seeking work.

Steward Specific OWL Rules

2010-02-07T15:10:00.004-05:00

The rules below were borrowed directly from the NYCDCC website.

V. SPECIAL JOB REFERRAL RULES FOR SHOP STEWARD POSITIONS

25. Shop Steward Certification

The District Council recognizes that a team of qualified stewards is needed to assist the Business Representatives in the field. All shop stewards must satisfy the qualifications for that position required by Section 16 of the Bylaws for the District Council for New York City and Vicinity of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of New York City District Council of Carpenters Job Solicitation, Registration and Referral System Work Rules America, as amended. Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Delegate Body of the District Council on November 13, 2007, effective January 1, 2009, a shop steward must be a member of the District Council in good standing and have completed the 2001 Skill Set Training requirements and the District Council’s eight (8) hour re-certification class. The carpenter must also possess the job skills necessary and appropriate for the job to be eligible for that particular job referral.

26. A Shop Steward Must be a Carpenter in Good Standing

A shop steward must have a current work card and cannot have any outstanding fines or assessments due to the District Council or his/her Local Union. A shop steward found by a business representative to not be in good standing will be removed from his or her assignment and dropped from the Job Referral List (just as if he or she had reported to work without tools).

27. Thirty (30) Day Lag In Skill Changes

Any request by a shop steward for a change of skills listed in his or her personal profile on the Job Referral List will not go into effect until thirty (30) days after the request is made.

28. Forty-eight Hour Delay in Early Release of Freeze Holds

If a shop steward releases a freeze hold earlier than originally requested, there will be a 48 hour delay in its going into effect.

29. No Immediate Dispatches of Stewards

Shop Stewards will be dispatched between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. In extraordinary circumstances these hours may be expanded.

30. A Shop Steward’s Job Must Begin Within 24 Hours of Dispatched Start Date

A shop steward dispatched from the Job Referral List must begin working for the company they are dispatched to no later than the day following the dispatch or the scheduled start date, whichever is later. (For example, a shop steward dispatched on a Monday to start a job on Tuesday, must begin that job no later than Wednesday; if dispatched on a Friday to a job scheduled to start on a Monday, the steward must begin working on the job by Tuesday.) If the job does not begin within this 24 hour period, the shop steward must put his name back on the Out of Work List and also must contact the assigned Business Agent to advise that the job has not started. A new shop steward must be requested for dispatch by the Business Representative or contractor to coincide with the job’s actual commencement. This rule shall not apply to job start delays occasioned by awaiting security clearances required for the job site.

31. Acting Shop Steward Will Be Dispatched If No Qualified Steward Is Available

If no qualified shop steward is available for a specific job from the job referral list, an acting Shop Steward will be dispatched. An acting shop steward can remain on the jobsite for up to five (5) days. If the job will last more than five (5) days, the business representative must notify the District Council and request a certified Shop Steward to be dispatched to the job. The acting shop steward may retain his or her position until replaced by a certified shop steward.

32. Shop Stewards Must Finish the Job to Which They are Assigned

Shop stewards must complete the job to which they have been dispatched. If a shop steward quits his or her assigned job before it is completed (there is a box to check on the shop steward report form indicating it is the final report of the job), while his or her name is still on the Job Referral List, the business representative responsible for the job MUST notify the Job Referral Office to remove the shop steward from the Job Referral List and request a new steward for the job. Business representatives have no discretion in taking this action. Appeals from this action may be submitted by the shop steward, in writing and faxed to the Job Referral Office, at 212-229-0316, setting forth the justification for quitting the job. Upon review by the Job Referral Supervisor, for good cause shown, a shop steward may be restored to his or her position on the Job Referral List.

33. Keeping Shop Steward Status After Period of Layoff or After Accepting a Referral

A shop steward who places his or her name back on the out of work list during a period of layoff from a job, such as while a job is suspended or between phases, will not be entitled to return to that job when it resumes. A shop steward who places his or her name back on the out of work list after accepting a job referral and waiting the job’s commencement will not be entitled to keep that referral when it starts. In such circumstances, a new steward, with appropriate skills, will be dispatched to the job.

34..Assignment of Business Representative

Every job to which a shop steward is referred shall have a District Council business representative or business manager assigned to it. All shop steward reports for that job shall reference the name of the responsible business representative or manager.

35. All Shop Steward Dispatch Requests Will Be Reviewed

All shop steward dispatch requests shall be reviewed upon receipt by the District Council’s officer responsible for managing the out of work list (hereafter the “OWL Supervisor”) or his or her staff, for potential improprieties in the skills requested (regardless of whether the dispatch request is submitted by a contractor, business representative or business manager). The OWL Supervisor and his or her staff, shall flag shop steward dispatch requests for further inquiry when

a carpenter complains of impropriety related to a particular shop steward dispatch request or referral; the shop steward dispatch request is selected randomly by the OWL Supervisor for investigation by the responsible business representative or manager, as described below. The OWL Supervisor will randomly select for investigation no fewer that ten (10) shop steward dispatches per week, provided there are at least that number of dispatch requests received; the shop steward dispatch request identifies skill certifications that have been listed by the District Council as part of the job referral system for less than one (1) year; the shop steward dispatch request identifies skill certifications that are uncommonly requested (e.g., asbestos, certified welding); and/or the shop steward dispatch request identifies skill certifications that appear to be incompatible or otherwise questionable (e.g., a request listing concrete and refrigeration, or a request for a skill that is incompatible with the work that the contractor performs);

36. Business Representative/Manager Skill Certification Within 48 Hours

All shop steward dispatch requests and/or referrals that are identified pursuant to the foregoing rule shall be brought to the attention of the responsible business representative or manager, who must then certify to the OWL Supervisor within forty-eight (48) hours, whether the skills requested are in fact necessary and appropriate. The business representative or manager shall document the steps he or she takes to investigate whether the skills are necessary and appropriate. Failure by the business representative or manager to respond to the certification request in a timely fashion will subject the business representative or manager to disciplinary charges. Certification of inappropriate or unnecessary skills will also subject the business representative or manager to charges.

37. Effect of Unnecessary or Inappropriate Skills

When the OWL Supervisor determines that a shop steward had been dispatched from the out of work list because the dispatch request identified unnecessary or inappropriate skills, or was incorrectly dispatched for any reason, the OWL Supervisor shall remove the shop steward and return him to the out of work list, subject to the twenty-five (25) day rule. If the Independent Investigator appointed by the District Council determines that a shop steward was dispatched because of wrongful conduct on the steward’s part, the OWL Supervisor shall remove the shop steward and place the shop steward at the bottom of the out of work list. Whenever a shop steward is removed pursuant to this Rule, a new shop steward will be dispatched from the out of work list based on (a) that steward’s position on the out of work list and (b) the necessary and appropriate skills that should have been requested in the first instance. A steward removed from his or her position pursuant to this rule will also have his or her continued shop steward certification subject to review and possible suspension or revocation, and he or she may be subject to internal Union disciplinary charges.

38. Reassignment of Work to Successor Contractor

A. Reassignment of Work to a Contractor Not at the Jobsite

If work on a project is reassigned to a contractor who was not working at the job site at the time of the reassignment, the shop steward assigned to that location for the displaced contractor shall have the right to retain his or her steward position on the job, provided he or she has not re-registered on the out of work list. If the original shop steward does not retain his or her position at the site, a new shop steward shall be dispatched from the out of work list.

B. Reassignment to a Contractor at the Jobsite

If work on a project is reassigned to a contractor who was simultaneously working at the job site (for example, one contractor was installing core sheetrock and the other was performing tenant work), the remaining contractor’s shop steward assigned to that location shall have the right to retain his or her steward position on the job, or else a new steward will be dispatched. If the displaced contractor’s crew is retained by the remaining contractor and no shop steward has been previously dispatched to the remaining contractor at the job, then the shop steward dispatched to the displaced contractor shall have the right to keep his or her assignment for the new contractor, provided he or she has not put his or her name back on the out of work list.

Steward Working Class Heroes

2009-12-13T12:17:00.013-05:00

You Have Been Chosen

Certain individuals have stood out as fine examples of what it means to be a Steward. They have therefore been selected by The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee to be the recipients of an "award" for their dedication to Steward Activism for the 4th Quarter of 2009. We believe these individuals are exemplary examples of what we stand for: truth, honor and dedication to Union values. In return we solely ask that they simply continue their activities. In so doing they assist us in our efforts to mobilize, educate, and organize Stewards for the overall betterment of the Union and its members. We are confident that they will find a way to pay this goodwill forward. Congratulations to them and Long Live The United Brotherhood of Carpenters!

The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee

A Steward Dissident Speaks Out!

2009-10-15T23:46:00.011-04:00

An excerpt of a State of the Union Address to the District Council Hearings Committee submitted and recited at the Hearings on Thursday By a Dissident Steward. Reprinted in part with permission of the author. The Steward Ad-Hoc Committee endorses this statement as an Outline for Success!

VIII - Stewards

A) As we are all aware, half of the defendants named in this recent indictment were Union Stewards. Many in attendance today may be tempted to believe that in this case Stewards are the problem. As an honest hardworking Steward myself, I stand here to refute such notions. We are, and remain, the first line of defense against job site abuse and corruption. We are honored for the opportunity to serve our great Union and most of us do so with integrity and courage in spite of the crisis of credibility we currently face. To do our jobs more efficiently we will need the following:

1) Stewards must be supplied with complete copies of the various contracts that govern our work sites. We can not be expected to safeguard a contract that we have only viewed in passing.

2) Stewards should be allowed to create a Steward Organization within which they can network and which can also fill the need to create workshops created and conducted by Stewards as needed. Some areas that can be covered are:

a. Employer/employee conflict mediation and resolution.
b. Grievance procedures and processes.
c. Unionism and Union History as it applies to Carpenters.
d. Contract updates, applications, and implementation.
e. Information and resource networking sessions.

IX - Filter All Union Activities

A) The Union must be monitored by way of the NYC District Attorney‘s Office, the Federal Government, the UBC International and/or all of the above, for a sufficient predetermined period of time.

　
The corruption that has been uncovered within our Brotherhood may seem to some as the final damnation of our beloved Union. However, where many see doom still others see opportunity and positive change. We understand the complexity and the scope of the task at hand. We also recognize that we must, for the sake of our existence as a Union, be patient, but we also need to move with due diligence. We recognize that Unions were created from the bottom up, but unfortunately in NYC they have become top heavy. We ask that while the UBC International does its pruning, it ought not take lightly, belittle, or out right dismiss, the many men and women with integrity within our midst. The rank and file, which have been the actual victims of the corruption that we are here to address today, should be consulted before the ratification of any decision reached by the UBC International. We the Rank and File implore you to do us Just. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address this Committee in the presence of our membership.

Fraternally

Lxxxx Sxxxxxxx,

Steward Carpenter
　
Cc: District Council Hearing Committee
Personal File

Steward Dispatch

2009-09-22T13:22:00.000-04:00

The piece below was submitted to us anonymously. We thought it so reminiscent of what it is that we as stewards do on a day to day basis that we thought we'd share it with you with permission from the author.

The alarm rings, its 4:30 in the morning. I take a peek out of the window and sure as hell, its raining. I thank the Lord its not cold or worst yet, snowing. Regardless of conditions outside I have to make it to the jobsite. But its still dark and I have an hour before I have to be on the train, maybe it’ll stop raining. I put coffee to brew and start washing up for the day, as I recite my morning prayer. As I do this, I try to convince myself that what I do is for the good of the rank and file, I’m psyched.

I lug my 150 pound tool box down the stairs of my building; maybe I should‘ve been a furniture guy, less tools. I Get to the corner and I hear the rumble of a distant train. My instinct is to run for it but I’m burdened with the tools; nope, not catching this one. I get to the station entrance and again carry my tools, this time up the stairs, to the token booth area. I buy a Metro Card and load it with a few days worth of rides till I get my first check, I haven’t been working so every dollar counts. Yet again I climb another set of stairs that lead me to the actual train platform, I mumble to myself , “Damned elevated tracks”. I haven’t recovered my breath when I hear the rumble of another Manhattan bound train.

5:30 am: I scan the train for seats, all taken, so I lean up against the doors for the duration of the ride. It never ceases to amaze me that even at this time of the morning a working man can’t find a seat on a NYC train. I think to myself, the sun hasn’t even risen and already I’ve broken into a sweat. I look around and I see mostly blue collar workers. A true mix of nationalities, ages and sexes. Except for the occasional construction worker I wonder what the rest do for a living. The phrase, “The city that never sleeps” comes to mind, I chuckle to myself. Out of the corner of my eye I notice a carpenter’s emblem on the shirt of one of the construction workers, he notices mine, our eyes meet and we give each other a knowing look with a hint of pride. I wonder if he’s a company man. Can’t tell by the looks of him. Not that its bad to be a company man, its just not the same.

I near my train stop and look over the piece of paper with the company info and jobsite location. I wonder to myself if the OWL dispatcher gave me the correct info. I’ve become expert at finding jobsites with minimal information thanks to them. I’ve never worked for this company and wonder if the foreman will be the common creep I’m so used to dealing with, or the fabled fair man. I know they’ll assume I’m there to work as little as possible, but as usual I’ll prove them wrong. It can get lonely being the only list man on the job. Fucking OWL, a fucking joke. Even now it still baffles me how, almost always, the very people I am there to protect have so little confidence in me. What with all the corruption going on I can’t blame them for assuming we’re all the same. I wonder when the Steward’s credibility went to the dogs, I know the why. Hopefully I’ll get a good B.A. who backs his Stewards, again a rarity, if not, I’m on my own. Whoops! … almost missed my stop, fuck!

Anonymous Steward

Message to the Masses

2009-09-16T23:27:00.000-04:00

It is indeed a sad day when Union Activists have to live in fear of reprisals from the very union they are defending and on whose behalf they advocate. Remember the old saying "divide & conquer". Such tactics are usually accomplished by fomenting fear and distrust, mingled with the not so obvious intimidation. Beware of misinformation more so than the lack of information. Do not allow a few thugs to instill fear among you and thereby dictate with whom you may or may not fraternize.

Why are we so afraid to believe that there are still some good stand up people out here? Are we so cowered and beaten down by past abuses that we see ghosts where there are none? Is this the state of our beloved union?

Take heart brothers and sisters take heart!

"In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarceman, ... brave, and hated, and scorned. WHEN HIS CAUSE SUCCEEDS, THE TIMID JOIN HIM, FOR THEN IT COSTS NOTHING TO BE A PATRIOT" (Mark Twain).

"The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress" (Frederick Douglass).