My beloved "Union" seems to be in dire straits ...

[CraigD]

The International Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners has deciced for our benefit, to merge 33 Locals into 3. This is all done, without a membership vote, seems like paying the gasoline prices. Time to start trimming the tree from the top, the common person and working man have lost all our rights, it seems. This is all legal, as the locals are charters, so they come in and change the locks and sieze the assets, that so many, have worked so hard for, just doesn't seem right? That's the way to put people back to work, or is it to guarantee the salary's are covered for the elite? I went from 294 active members to 4480 and a shitload are still out of work! Meanwhile, our General President collects $477,000 a year salary. What's wrong with this picture?

[CraigD]

[P.A.]

I am a big believer in unions. I have been a member of the NEA for over forty years and remain a member even though I am retired. We never had things like that happen because we voted for our leaders and their terms were limited. However the state legislature here in Tennessee just passed a bill that pretty much guts the state association (TEA). Much like what happened in Wisconsin.

I believe Unions built the middle class in America and many of the problems we have now are from declining union membership not the unions fault as many would have you believe.

[CraigD]

Trades Unions have not had declining membership until very recently, it's the work that's declining, and we have made concessions to help our Union Brothers stay working. Now I recieve notice that our pension plan is endangered. I'm safe because I'm vested, but I will be recieving a portion of what I actually should get, while the suits,....... don't skip a beat! We made concessions with our health plan and hourly rate, not taking the raise we were supposed to have in our contract. When are the powers going to join the rank and file members? They aren't....that's why all the positions are appointed and not voted on.   

[Ubu]

I haven't been in the Union (Painter's) for many years but I've always heard what's going on. They have been struggling for several years to keep the members busy and I think I heard that in my area the carpenter's and painter's are now a part of the same union or considering a joint union.

[CraigD]

Adding men and merging locals is like pissing against the tide, if there is no work. What they are doing is, consolidating dues from a larger District Council, so they keep their inflated salaries secure. Has got nothing to do anymore, about the men that built this Union, it's about them. But then again, has been since Doug McCarron took over and took our "vote" away! Sig Lucassen ran this Union with the membership in mind, I was fortunate enough to be a member of his Local 2250 before  he went to Washington. We were strong back then, because of our leadership, not so now!

[larry kremis]

That's a big change Craig, change is usually hard to deal with. The intimacy is certainly gone, going from 294 members to 4480. Maybe this could be a good thing, ie combining small local communities into a larger one in order to save money. Maybe the dues will come down and the union will be even stronger. I guess it all remains to be seen. I hope for the best for you and all your members.

Union presidents aren't any different than heads of corporations or heads of government, out to get what they can for themselves.

 

Your vote was taken away? You can't vote in another union president such as Sig Lucassen?

 

[CraigD]

Unfortunately not Larry, we lost our vote 10 years ago. Now all the positions are appointed and are cronies and puppets.

[larry kremis]

Holy shit! That sucks!

 

[Kittycat]

How did that happen, Craig?  Was there a vote to do away with voting in the president, secretary, etc.? 

[CraigD]

Nope, First we heard of it, was after it had been ratified, as part of our new leadership team in Washington. Key word "Rat!", alot of good mechanics packed it in. I'm an old tmer now, so to speak, and seriously considering my options. DOUG McCARRON is no one I want to work for, to line his pockets, with dollars from my sweat. We are charter locals of the International, so they can  make executive orders or pretty much, do what they want legally. Did you ever here the term "done deal", perfect example!

[caseyjo]

[CraigD]

PROPHETIC AND TRUE!...So many Pussies nowadays,........... makes me sick, with anger! They are scared of their job, so I will stand for what I know, and let the chips fall where they may! This was my life, but I ain't dead yet!