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Hello from New York,
The work outlook in the area looks good, but it could be much better. The non-union problem in our area has become a real threat to all of our jobs. It started in the outlying areas, slipping in on small jobs. Today, however, there are hundreds of these non-union elevators being installed within the five Boroughs and thousands being maintained. A few major contractors are advertising totally non-union job sites. They are capable of building forty story buildings, complete with non-union elevators. It is very difficult for our employers to compete with a company that pays substandard wages (many times in cash) and gives their employees little or no safety equipment. A few months ago the Building Trades held a rally with the theme being payroll taxes. The idea is to get these low ball contractors to comply with the same rules our contractors comply with. Next time you are walking by a job, stop in. You will know right away if it is a union job or not. Take a look around. Is it anywhere near OSHA standards? Is someone in immanent danger? Maybe you should call OSHA before someone gets killed. Keep in mind, OSHA has made it clear they will not be used as an organizing tool. Having said that, if there are serious safety violations on the job, you should call. If a non-union company wants to do the work, let's make sure they do it safe, pay their taxes and have all their permits in order. At least then, we stand a fighting chance. If they don't want to play by the rules, then they should pay the price.
Here is an example. A few weeks, ago six non-union construction firms in San Diego were nailed for workmen's compensation and unemployment insurance tax fraud. It seems that when injured employees sought access to workmen's compensation, their employer told them to get lost, that he never heard of them. Most of the employees were Hispanic, and were either afraid to assert their rights or had no knowledge of them.
So far, there has been $1.6 million in unemployment insurance back taxes assessed, and the California Compensation Insurance Fund is seeking $2.9 million it is owed. The defendants also face from 6 to 20 years in prison if convicted. It took over a year to gather the information needed to nail these guys, but it was worth the wait.
The point I want to make clear is, to turn a company around or put them out of business takes time and money, a lot of money. In my opinion, we should be taking .25 cents per hour (minimum) and using it to organize. Most of us do not realize that in the late 1940's, the construction industry was putting about half of their wages into organizing. The construction industry was 87% union. Today we spend next to nothing on organizing and the construction industry is about 19% union. Our trade is better than most, but for how long.
Politics: There is some good news on the political front. The Governor and the Legislative leaders of New York have reached a deal on a bill that would ban employers who receive state dollars from using that cash to deter union organizing.
The Senate passed legislation on June 18th providing for a temporary federal backstop for terrorism insurance. The legislation passed by a vote of 84 to 14. Congress will naturally make some changes, but it is a good start. This is very important legislation for us . Without terrorism insurance we would not see too many more tall buildings being built.
Summer is here and what would summer be without the annual fishing trip out of Freeport. The picture below was supplied by Brother Richie Amberson. For more pictures of the day, visit the Local One web site www.iuec1.org.
Brother Terrence Russell with the catch of the day, a 7 lb fluke.
New Additions: John & Kerri Villegas are proud to announce the birth of their son Christopher Paul Villegas. Born on May 6, 2002 and weighing in at 5 lbs. 8 oz.
Christopher with dad and proud grandfather, retired Brother John McArdle.
Retirees corner: we have two new additions to our retirees, Richie Loud and Tom Warning.
Richie and family at his retirement party.
John Green, Tom and Ray Hernandez at Tom's retirement party photo provided by Frank Galligan.
Local One extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the following departed Brothers: Alan Arnold (active), Barry Leonard (active), Charles McKinley (active), Thomas O'Brien (active), Herbert Tomitz (active), Gary Moray (retired), Paul Russell (retired) , retired Vice President & Business Agent Jim Kennedy and former Local One member Gary Moran.
Quote of the month: "It is one of the characteristics of a free and democratic nation to have free and independent labor unions." Franklyn D. Roosevelt, address before the Teamsters' Union Convention, Washington, D.C., Sept. 11, 1940
Fraternally,
Mike Duffy
Posted Online June 30, 2002
