October – December 2005

44 Pages·2006·1.03 MB·Spanish

October(cid:150)December 2005
Volume IX, No. 4
C
NEW ENGLAND
arpenter
A Publication for Carpenters, Pile Drivers, Millwrights, Shop and Millmen and Floorcoverers
www.necarpenters.org
of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters
Specialty
NERCC:
Subcontractors
Ready to Represent Every
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Carpenters
Woodframers
General Contractors

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Table of Contents
October (cid:150) December 2005
Volune IX, No. 4
C
New England
arpenter
A Publication for Carpenters, Pile Drivers, Millwrights, Shop and Millmen and Floorcoverers
of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters
Feature Stories
6 NERCC Delegates Elect Mark Erlich
Executive Secretary–Treasurer
Delegates to the New England Regional Council voted for
change once again, electing Mark Erlich to the top spot and
four new members to the Executive Board. A member of the
original NERCC Executive Board, he promises faith to the
original UBC missions: organizing and representing all
working carpenters in the industry.
12 UBC Delegates Give McCarron An
Overwhelming Mandate
Doug McCarron has been an aggressive and active
General President of the UBC. From restructuring the
UBC to pushing for change in the entire labor movement,
he vows to keep it up after winning another fi ve-year term
at the helm at the UBCs 39th General Convention.
16 Latinos Find A Home, Security and
Brotherhood in the UBC
También
en español
There are more immigrants entering the United States now
than in any period in the country’s history. The Carpenters
union is here, as it always has been, making sure they aren’t
exploited and ignored.
Union News Construction News
14 New Agreements Negotiated 24 Showing Off
in Massachusetts
Union carpenters and contractors are
Carpenters and contractors in Boston/ demonstrating their ability to complete
Eastern Mass come to terms, as do projects from deep in the ocean to high
fl oorcoverers and wood framers in Mass over head and everywhere in between.
1
www.necarpenters.org New England Carpenters
Table of Contents
October (cid:150) December 2005
Volune IX, No. 4
C
New England
arpenter
The New England Carpenter is
created and published by the
Carpenters Labor Management Organizing News
Program and the New England
Regional Council of Carpenters. 27 Retail Committee Begins Work
27 IKEA’s First Massachusetts Store Is A model in Construction
Address:
803 Summer Street, 2nd fl oor, and for Drawing Shoppers
South Boston, MA 02127-1616 34 Revitalizing Manchester
Telephone:
[phone] Union News
Executive-Secretary Treasurer:
19 Bases to Remain Open, Members to Remain Working
Mark Erlich
The New England Carpenter Staff:
Political and Legislative News
Editor: Bert Durand
Assistant Editor: Molly Higgins 28 Another New Hampshire Battle with Right to Work
Design & Layout: Linda Roistacher
28 Union Sees Promise in New Hampshire 1099 Fight
29 Backed into A Corner, Bush Backtracks on Katrina
www.necarpenters.org
Wage Cuts
The internet home for the
New England Regional Training
Council of Carpenters.
36 Apprentices Celebrate Graduation
Visit for contact information
for local unions, training centers 36 Connecticut Dedicates Training Center in Yalesville
and benefi t funds;
meeting schedules and
updated news. Benefi ts
Visit Member Resources > VOC
3 Scholarship Opportunities
Login at
www.necarpenters.org 38 NNE Pension Merging with Massachusetts
to sign up for
bulletin board access and Regular Features
join discussions with
other union members. Message from the Executive Secretary-Treasurer .........................................................4
On the Legal Front ....................................................................................................14
Address changes or death notices NERCC in the Community ..........................................................................................20
should be reported to the appropriate Contractors Corner ...................................................................................................24
Local Union not the NERCC or the New Members...........................................................................................................30
New England Carpenter.
In Memory ................................................................................................................31
Names, Faces, People, Places ...................................................................................35
Training Opportunities ..............................................................................................37
Benefi t Fund Contact Information .............................................................................39
Union, VOC Meeting Schedules ..................................................................................40
2
October(cid:150) December 2005 Volume IX, No. 4
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship

Opportunities
NERCC Scholarship Construction Industries of Massachusetts
Recipients Announced Effective immediately, The Labor Rela- Confi dentiality of the Application
T tions Division of Construction Indus- Each application will be submitted
he New England Regional Council
tries of Massachusetts will begin accepting directly to outside academic personnel at
of Carpenters scholarship committee
applications for 2006 scholarships. Five an area college or high school who will
awarded 214 scholarships for 2005, giving
$5,000 scholarships will be awarded. They have exclusive access to these applications
out a total of $104,600. The scholarships
are also pleased to announce that one of and who will decide the fi ve winning ap-
were funded by settlements negotiated by
the fi ve recipients of last year’s college plications. These academic representatives
NERCC with contractors and a small per-
scholarships was the daughter of a mem- will be the sole persons having access to
centage of work assessment. The following
ber of the Carpenters union. the application forms and the application
is a breakdown of the number of scholar-
Please review the following in- forms will be destroyed after they an-
ships awarded to each Local:
formation regarding the application nounce their decisions to the Association.
Local 24 12
process:
Application Form
Local 475 7
Who May Apply?
Local 107 8 In addition to completing the applica-
Local 33 33 Any senior high school student who tion form, a transcript of high school or
Local 624 2 is the son, daughter, or grandchild of an college grades through the latest marking
Local 111 10 employee of a Labor Relations Division period must accompany the application,
Local 43 6 contractor member and who will attend, along with a letter of recommendation
Local 1305 2 on a full-time basis, an accredited four- from a representative of the school where
Local 218 3 year academic institution beginning in the applicant is currently in attendance
Local 56 9 September 2006 to pursue a construc- refl ecting the standing of the applicant in
Local 2168 3 tion-related course of studies, such as Civil that particular class. Additional recom-
Local 424 1 Engineering, Construction Management, mendations from people familiar with the
Local 94 18 etc. Also eligible are current full-time applicant’s ability and character refl ect-
Local 26 15 college students pursuing such courses. ing school work, extracurricular work,
Local 535 1 How Will the Application Be Judged? and community service are welcome but
Local 108 34 are not mandatory. Applications may be
This year there will be fi ve $5,000
Local 40 15 obtained by calling either John O’Reilly
scholarships awarded. Selections for the
Local 1121 2 or Pam Woods at the Association offi ce at
awards will be based upon:
Local 210 3 508-620-0055.
(1) scholastic achievement;
Local 51 2
Deadline for Application
(2) interest and effort in preparing for
Local 1996 17
your vocation; All applications must be received by
Local 275 3
(3) extracurricular activities, including March 3, 2006 in order to be considered.
Local 67 7
community services; Applications should be sent to: Labor Re-
Local 2400 1
(4) personal recommendations; lations Divisions of CIM, 1671 Worcester
Those interested in the 2006 NERCC
(5) essay questions; Road, Suite 205, Framingham, MA 01701-
scholarships should look for more
(6) thoroughness of the completed 5400. If you have any questions, please
information at their local union hall in
application; and contact John O’Reilly at the Association
early February or check online at
(7) fi nancial need. offi ce at 508-620-0055. (cid:1)
www.NEcarpenters.org. (cid:1)
3
www.necarpenters.org New England Carpenters
From the Desk of Mark Erlich
The NERCC Mission
Remains the Same
A Message from Mark Erlich, Executive Secretary–Treasurer
of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters
I
t has been three months since my was a labor leader in Poland and I grew carpenters work in safety and with dignity.
election as Executive Secretary- up in a tradition of activism and organiz- I’m excited about the future and what our
Treasurer of the New England ing. I believe that unions are the force in organization can accomplish.
Regional Council of Carpenters. During modern American society that can make I am a fi rm believer in organizing.
that time, I have traveled across our the biggest difference in the daily lives of In the current hostile political climate,
region to assess where we are as a union working families. unions that are not growing are in danger
and to let everyone know what my views In 1881, Peter McGuire, our union’s of disappearing. We will be putting
and goals are. founder, said: “In the present age, there resources into growth in sectors where
There will be some new faces and is no hope for workingmen outside of we may not be strong enough, such as
shifts in policies, but the things we have organization. Without a trades union, the retail and residential or geographical
always stood for – good wages and workman meets the employer at a great areas where we have a limited presence.
benefi ts, safety on the job, state-of-the- disadvantage.” Some people argue that is We will be reaching out to non-union
art training, and a strong and powerful no longer true. They claim that unions are contractors and workers in an attempt
Union – never change. Those core prin- obsolete and no longer relevant. to level the playing fi eld and extend the
ciples are part of a 125-year old tradition I disagree. union share of the construction market.
of the UBC. In our industry, unions are needed We will be politically active and support
The transition has been smooth. I more than ever. Many of us who are elected offi cials who support working men
have been part of this Council’s Executive union members worked non-union earlier and women. I will address any local union
Board since the beginning and have in our lives. We know the difference. And meeting, any employers association, and
worked at the Council offi ces for 8 of the those who are still outside our organiza- any group of carpenters – union or non-
last 9 years. I know what works and how tion know it even better – substandard union – to spread our message.
to improve what we already have. pay, no health insurance or retirement But, at the end of the day, this Union
For those of you that don’t know me, benefi ts. The economics of the business belongs to the members. I am proud to
I have been a union carpenter since 1974. force decent non-union fi rms to lower call myself a Union Carpenter – proud of
I worked in the fi eld as an apprentice, their pay in order to compete with the my skills as a carpenter and proud of my
journeyman, foreman, and superinten- bottom-feeders that set the standard. membership in a vital and progressive
dent before being elected to the position Working carpenters need organiza- labor organization – just as you are. Let’s
of Business Manager in Local 40 in 1992. tion and we are prepared to represent take that collective pride and build an
Working on behalf of the members is every carpenter in New England in order even better Union. (cid:1)
more than a job for me. My grandfather to improve our industry and ensure that
4
October(cid:150) December 2005 Volume IX, No. 4
D el Escritorio de Mark Erlich
La Misión de NERCC Permanece
Siendo La Misma
Un Mensaje de Mark Erlich, Secretario-Tesorero Ejecutivo del
Consejo Regional de Carpinteros de Nueva Inglaterra
Y
a han pasado tres meses desde mi nización. Creo que los sindicatos son la carpinteros. Estoy muy contento por el
elección como Secretario-Tesorero fuerza de la sociedad moderna Americana, futuro y lo que nuestra organización va a
Ejecutivo del Concilio Regional de y que pueden hacer la gran diferencia en poder alcanzar.
Carpinteros de Nueva Inglaterra. Durante la vida diaria de las familias trabajadoras. Creo fi rmemente en el organizarnos.
este tiempo, he estado viajando alrededor En 1881, Peter McGuire, el fundador Dentro del clima hostil de la política
de la región para saber en donde estamos del sindicato dijo: “En la era presente, no actual, los sindicatos están en peli-
como sindicato, y para comunicarles a hay esperanza para los trabajadores que gro de desaparecer. Así que estaremos
todos acerca de mis puntos de vista y no están organizados. Sin la protección poniendo recursos en sectores en donde
objetivos. del sindicato, los trabajadores confrontan creemos que no estamos lo sufi ciente-
Van a haber algunas caras nuevas y al empleador con una gran desventaja.” mente fuertes, así como en negocios,
ciertos cambios en los reglamentos, pero Algunos pelean que esto no es cierto. Es viviendas, o áreas geográfi cas en donde
las cosas por las que siempre hemos más, agregan que los sindicatos son ob- nuestra presencia es limitada. Tratare-
abogado –buen salario y benefi cios, soletos y que ya no tienen importancia. mos de alcanzar a los contratistas que
seguridad en el trabajo, capacitación para No estoy de acuerdo con ello. no pertenecen a un sindicato, para poder
desarrollar las mejores destrezas, y un En nuestra industria, los sindicatos nivelar la profesión y para poder compar-
sindicato fuerte y poderoso- nunca cam- son más que necesarios. Muchos de tir el mercado de la construcción. Nos
biaran. Eso es el corazón de los principios nosotros que pertenecemos a más de involucraremos activamente en la política
que forman parte de una tradición de UBC algún sindicato, hemos trabajado en apoyando a aquellos ofi ciales que apoyen
por 125 años lugares sin ser miembros de ninguno a los hombres y mujeres trabajadores. To-
La transición ha sido suave. He sido de ellos en algún momento de nuestra maré en cuenta cualquier reunión de los
parte del Equipo Ejecutivo del Concilio vida. Así es que sabemos la diferencia. Y sindicatos y sus empleadores, así como
desde el principio, y he trabajado en aquellos que están fuera de nuestra orga- cualquier grupo de carpinteros – dentro
las ofi cinas del Concilio por 8 de los 9 nización lo saben aun mucho mejor – baja del sindicato o fuera de el – para poder
últimos años. Conozco lo que funciona y paga, falta de seguro medico o benefi cios transmitir el mensaje.
como mejorar lo que ya existe. de jubilación. La economía dentro de esta Pero en realidad, este sindicato le
Para aquellos que no me conocen he rama ha forzado a fi rmas decentes que pertenece a sus miembros. Estoy muy
sido un carpintero del sindicato desde no tienen la protección de un sindicato orgulloso de poderme llamar un Carpin-
1974. Trabajé en este campo como un ha bajar sus sueldos para poder competir tero del sindicato - estoy orgulloso de mis
aprendiz, viajero, maestro de obras, y contra los que tienen la actitud de pagar destrezas como carpintero, estoy orgul-
superintendente, antes de ser electo para solo lo mínimo. loso de ser miembro de una organización
ocupar la posición de Gerente de Nego- Los carpinteros trabajadores necesi- tan vital y progresiva como la que forman
cios en el Local 40 en 1992. El trabajar en tan estar organizados, y nosotros esta- todos ustedes. Tomemos ese orgullo
el nombre de los miembros es más que mos preparados para representar a cada colectivo y construyamos un sindicato
un trabajo para mí. Mi abuelo era un líder carpintero en Nueva Inglaterra, para mucho mejor. (cid:1)
de los trabajadores en Polonia, así que poder promover nuestra industria, y para
crecí en la tradición de activismo y orga- asegurar la seguridad y la dignidad de los
5
www.necarpenters.org New England Carpenters
Feature: NERCC Election Results
NERCC Delegates
Elect Mark Erlich
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
D
elegates to the New England The thirteen member Executive Board
Regional Council of Carpenters welcomes four new members. Joe Power
elected Mark Erlich Executive as Conductor and Executive Committee
Secretary-Treasurer of the organization, members Bryan Bouchard, Richard Dean
making him the fourth person to hold and Gary DeCosta.
the position since the Council was orga- Former President Bruce King did not
nized in 1996. Erlich defeated incumbent run for re-election, while John Murphy
Thomas Harrington 79-64 and was sworn lost a bid for Vice President to Woodman.
into the position immediately. Murphy had previously been Conductor.
Meet the new NERCC The election brings a return to Bill Holmes, a member of the origi-
senior staff and leadership for Erlich, who had served as nal NERCC Executive Board, tied with
Organizing Director and Senior Assistant DeCosta for the fi fth position on the
Executive Board
Administrator from 1997-2004. Executive Committee, but was defeated in
on pages 10 and 11 Erlich is one of three members of a coin toss.
the Executive Board who remain from Erlich brings a resume of diverse
the original board that was appointed by experience with him to the top job. In
Take a look back
the UBC when the Council was formed more than thirty years as a member of
at previous in 1996. Current Vice President David Local 40 in Cambridge, Massachusetts
NERCC ES-T’s Woodman and Trustee David Palmisciano
continued on page 8
are the others.
on page 8

Service personel who are also NERCC members presented the colors before
the Delegate meeting. From left to right are: Brad Rudman, Marine Corporal,
Local 24; Bill Mackey, Air Force Master Sergeant, Local 24; Eric Blackmon,
Navy E5, Petty Officer, Local 24; Billy Dyer, Marine E5, Local 33; Adam Zito,
Air Force Senior Airman, Local 24; Mike Turner, Marine Corporal, Local 24;
and Mark Walsh, Army Staff Sergeant, Local 40.
6
October(cid:150) December 2005 Volume IX, No. 4
Feature: NERCC Election Results
Results of Election for
Offi cers of the Council
* Indicates incumbent candidate running for the same position. Name of elected
candidate is in dark blue. Elected offi cers sworn in immediately following announcement
of election results.
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Trustee (3 positions)
Mark Erlich 79
David Roy 31
Nominated by Bill Holmes,
Nominated by Ron Rheaume,
seconded by Frank Petkiewich
seconded by John Manning
Thomas Harrington 64
Brian Richardson 78
Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
Nominated by Gary DeCosta, seconded by Jay Glynn
seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr.
David Palmisciano 112
President Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr.
Thomas Quinlan 55
Nominated by Brian Richardson, George Meadows 94
seconded by John Avery Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr.
Richard Monarca 82
Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington, Richard Pedi 65
seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr. Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
econded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr.
Vice President
Executive Committee (5 positions)
David Woodman* 79
Nominated by Mark Erlich, seconded by Dan Lovell Gary DeCosta 76
Elected by coin toss with Bill Holmes
John P. Murphy, Jr. 64
Nominated by Tom Savoie, seconded by Jeff Marcoux
Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr. Bill Holmes* 76
Nominated by Dave Woodman,
Warden
seconded by Steve Tewksbury
Simon James* 85 Chuck Appleby* 77
Nominated by Simon James, Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
seconded by Jim Duncan seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr.
Art Sisko 53 Glenn Marshall* 112
Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington, Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr. seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr.
Conductor Bryan Bouchard 110
Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
John Estano 65
econded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr.
Nominated by Paul Hughes, seconded by Thomas Flynn
Richard Dean 80
Joseph Power 68
Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr.
seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr.
Paul Lander 64
Slate nomination by Thomas Harrington,
seconded by Bill Callahan and Joe Gangi, Jr.
7
www.necarpenters.org New England Carpenters
FFFeeeaaatttuuurrreee::: NNNEEERRRCCCCCC EEEllleeeccctttiiiooonnn RRReeesssuuullltttsss
NERCC Delegates Elect
A Turn at the Helm:
he has served as steward, foreman and
NERCC Leadership 1996 – 2005
local union business manager. He has
also been a trustee to numerous benefi t
David Dow funds as well as a member of the Local 40
Appointed by General President Doug Executive Board.
His reputation in the labor move-
McCarron in July of 1996 when the New
ment has been built through participa-
England Regional Council was formed. Had
tion and leadership as well as analysis.
previously been the head of the Boston
In 1988 he served as Director of Field
District Council. Dow resigned as Executive Operations for the Building Trades in the
Secretary-Treasurer in February of 1997, tak- campaign to defeat Question 2, a ballot
ing a position in the UBC General Offi ce. He initiative to repeal prevailing wage laws in
Massachusetts. He later authored a book:
later ran for and was elected President in the
Labor at the Ballot Box, which chronicled
fi rst NERCC elections in the fall of 1997. Later
the successful campaign. He is also the
resigned as President to pursue opportunities outside the union.
author of another book: With Our Hands;
Currently working on Business Development for KSS Realty Partners. The Story of Carpenters in Massachusetts, is
a regular contributor to the Op-Ed page
Brother David Bergeron of the Boston Globe and has contributed
Appointed by UBC General President Doug articles to numerous other construction
and labor industry publications.
McCarron following Dow’s resignation,
“We had an exciting and intense
Bergeron was then elected in the fall of 1997,
campaign, but now is the time to focus on
defeating Local 111’s Joe Gangi. A member
improving the union and the industry,”
of Local 108 in Springfi eld before taking the Erlich said. “I’m up for the challenge
position, Bergeron had served as a Business and so is everyone else who works for the
Manager for Local 108 and as an Organizer members.”
and International Representative for the UBC. Election Process
In that position he completed assignments
One hundred and forty three del-
in Atlanta, Las Vegas and other areas of the country. Was defeated in
egates voted in the election, a number
the 2001 NERCC elections by Thomas Harrington. He is currently Vice which included three alternate delegates
President of the Residential Division of Francis Harvey & Sons. voting in place of absent delegates.
The election was monitored by an elec-
tion committee of NERCC members and
Thomas Harrington
International Representatives Ben Glenn
Elected by delegate vote in September
from Local 132 in Washington, D.C. and
2001, defeating David Bergeron. Harrington Mike Capelli of Local 393 in New Jersey.
worked his way up the ranks of Local 33 in Election committee members were:
Boston, working as an Organizer, Business Henry Welsh, Local 51, chairman; Martin
Alvarenga, Local 43; Bruce King, Local
Representative and Business Manager. He
1996; John Cunningham, Local 210; Nick
served as a Trustee on the NERCC Executive
DiGiovanni, Local 26; Jason Garand, Local
Board in 1997. Was defeated for re-election
108; Charles Johnson, Local 94; Bruce
as Executive Secretary-Treasurer by Mark Lydem, Local 24; Dick Nihtila, Local 624;
Erlich in September of 2005. He recently Richard Scaramozza, Local 33.
announced his retirement after 39 years in The election committee was com-
mended by all parties for its work. Numer-
the Brotherhood.
ous candidates and supporters sent cam-
continued on page 9
8
October(cid:150) December 2005 Volume IX, No. 4