DELEGATE KENNETH W. LITTLE (Local 1144): Thank You. Thank you very much. I am an agitator. I am an educator. I am an organizer. My name is Kenneth W. Little. I am from Local Union 1144, Seattle, Washington. I rise today to challenge your mind for the 21st Century. I have been traveling around this great country of ours since May 15th. I have visited 37 different cities. I have talked to over 20,000 construction workers. The brothers and sisters on these jobs out there that do not come to our meetings, for many, many reasons, want their right to vote back. (Applause)
I have a promise to every local union in this country. If you would like the opportunity to step out of a regional council, I will take it under full consideration as General President.
Our unions build citizens. If our brothers and sisters do not have the right to vote their local union level for their representation, their dues, their contracts, the right to strike, how do we expect them to vote in the city, the state, and the national elections with the full authority that our brotherhood represents? (Applause) The power to vote is in the members.
Again, I am an agitator, educator and organizer. In order to retain our newly organized brothers, and sisters and some that have come back to join our ranks, we have to inform them, we have to involve them, we have to inspire them, and we have to trust them.
Democracy is for the people. I have heard Ted Kennedy say that. I have heard Al Gore say that. Bring democracy back to the people.
I oppose piece work. I am abhorred at the different contracts that are coming up in Southern California, British Columbia, and now Atlanta, Georgia. Piece work for sheet rockers is not what our brotherhood is about. (Applause.)
I personally question if our pensions are safe right now. We are in a high economic boom. Who is controlling the pension money?
Organizing will be and always has been a top priority of mine, and we will continue to organize and we will not die. We will organize.
Again, I make this promise again. Any local union that would like to step out of a regional council will have full consideration, and they will have an organizing plan for their area.
Our brothers and sisters that live in these communities are the voice of that community, and if you consolidate local unions, you are taking away jobs from that town.
I truly respect you all today for allowing me to have this opportunity to say my piece. I appreciate your respect. Thank you very much, brothers and sisters. (Applause)
CHAIR BANES: He is going to pass on the 20 minute demonstration. We will now move to further nominations for the office of General Vice President.
...Cry of POINT OF ORDER...
CHAIR BANES: I apologize. We have a seconder. His name is Mike Zupan. All right MIC 1.
DELEGATE BERT TYCER (LOCAL 34) : I second the nomination of Ken Little for the office of General President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. Ken Little knows that the working members of our brotherhood are the brotherhood. To exclude them from the decision making process in collective bargaining has cut the heart and soul out of our union. Locals have become or are about to become empty shells as soon as this new constitution goes into effect.
I explained to Ken, we discussed it, what took place at the San Francisco airport. A walkout by thousands of working Carpenters off a project labor agreement job was not because of one demented 130 pound carpenter as was alleged yesterday. Those thousands of working carpenters walked off the job because of a lousy agreement that they were not allowed to vote on. These working carpenters were opposed to a straight time make day on Saturday in the contract imposed upon them by the delegates in this wonderful new structure.
Ken Little would not have imposed such an unnecessary giveaway----
CHAIR BANES: Your minute is up, brother.
DELEGATE TYCER: --on thousands of working Carpenters.
CHAIR BANES: I want you to shut MIC 1 off. Is Mike Zupan in the delegation? Mike Zupan?
....Cries of 4...
DELEGATE MIKE ZUPAN (Local 250): Mr. Chairman, brothers and sisters, I rise to second the nomination of Brother Ken Little for General President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
These past few days have been an education for me. Why are we afraid to make our own decisions about the future of our union. Every motion, every recommendation, baring none, has been approved with very little debate, and some with no debate at all.
Brothers and sisters, when you vote in favor of calling for a question and leave delegates standing at the mic waiting to debate the matter on the floor, you tread on those delegates' right to speak. You deprive yourselves of hearing another point of view and the convention of the tools with which to make a sound decision. I know this is wrong, and you know this is wrong. (Cheers)
I heard Peter J. McQuire's name invoked many times recently. I believe if he were present here to witness these proceedings, as was suggested, he would leap back into his grave----
CHAIR BANES: Your minute is up.
DELEGATE ZUPAN: --and pull the sod in after him.

Subject: * UBCMEMBERS * pt 2 - nomination transcripts - General VP (Phil Lavallee) & Gen Secretary-Treasurer (Joseph G Holway)

CHAIR BANES: We will now move on to further nominations for the office of General Vice President. The Chair recognizes Philip Lavallee.
DELEGATE PHILIP LAVALLEE (Local 225): Thank you Mr. Chairman, brothers and sisters. I am currently Recording Secretary of my local. I have been a delegate to the Southeastern Carpenters Regional Council since its inception. I have been a volunteer organizer in various locals across the country. I have worked as a SALT and served on volunteer organizing committees. I have worked on many locals, statewide, and national campaigns for the Democratic party.
I am also a third generation Union Carpenter. I have been fed, clothed, and sheltered my entire life on Union Carpenter wages. I know no other way of life. I have been a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters for 18 years and 11 months. And at this time I would like to nominate myself for the office of General Vice President.
First of all, I would like to say I am not dissatisfied with any of our general officers, and I am not opposed to the commitment to organize. I just feel that our new system needs some fine-tuning, and I would like a larger voice in that area.
Those of you that know me, or know of me, all know that I am a fair, honest man of integrity, and that will never change.
Also, I believe in worker's rights and playing by the rules, and I guarantee that will never change.
I have decided to seek this office due to all the changes I have seen in our Brotherhood in the past few years.
Once again, I am not against all of these changes. Something needs to be done. But, with my being a working carpenter, I can give working carpenter ideas to this panel, to help make the Brotherhood something we can all proud of, with total commitment from the members, because our strength is our members, and a committed active membership is what it is all about.
I feel that by electing me, it will give our working members the motivation and drive to organize the entire industry.
Some people say I am not a team player. Let me tell you, that is not true. My background is in sports and I served as a member of an AIrborne Ranger Recon team that taught me the importance of team play.
But sometimes team play is not the best case scenario. I think this is one of those times, because outside ideas, opinions and questions can only make this Board work harder, which in turn can only make this Board better.
I choose to seek the office of General Vice President not over dissatisfaction with the current Vice {resident, but only because I feel with my education, my experience and my commitment, I can make the Brotherhood a more prosperous organization.
In closing, I would just like to say my name is Philip Lavallee of Local 225, and I am seeking the office of general Vice President, and I would appreciate your support. Thank you. (Applause)
CHAIR BANES: He also waives the right for a 20 minute demonstration. The Chair recognizes Shirley Kimble, at MIC 2.
DELEGATE SHIRLEY KIMBLE (Local 225): Good afternoon. I am the Financial Secretary for Carpenters Local 225.
I second the nomination of Philip Lavallee for General Vice President. Why? Because he lives to be of service to the rank and file members. He carries a sordid shield of union pride and dignity. He has a dream to represent every rank and file member. He has a vision of how truly great the United Brotherhood of Carpenters could be.

The goal is to empower every member to stand strong with dignity and pride. He will recommit the rank and file members to the vision of Peter J McGuirre through honesty, strength and hard work.
This Brotherhood has given us all a chance to become more educated and to give expressions in this greatest political arena by hosting the 38th General Convention here in Chicago. This process is a stepping stone to giving the power back to the people. Thank you. (Applause)


CHAIR BANES: We will now move to further nominations for the office of General Secretary-Treasurer. The Chair recognizes Joseph G. Holway.
DELEGATE JOSEPH G. HOLWAY (Local 1618): Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Board, Brothers, Sisters, Honored Guests. I am chairman of the millwright's Local 1618, located in Sacramento, California. I am a cabinetmaker.
I am very limited on time, so I must skip the theatrics.
Last Monday, I was invited to a hospitality house by the Canadian Delegation. While there, I spoke with Brother McCarron, President McCarron, and I presented a problem to him. And, I would like to share the problem.
I explained to Brother McCarron-- I live in Sacramento, California, the capital of the largest state in the Union. I explained to Brother McCarron we were the only Millmen's Industrial Local from the Oregon border to basically the Mexican border; servicing 27 counties.
I asked Brother McCarron if he could explain why we do not have one single Industrial full-time organizer to service these 27 counties.
(Applause)
This is a problem. And I believe I can help Brother McCarron. I believe I can help the McCarron Team solve the problem.
That is why I would ask for your vote.
Brother McCarron, I want to help you fix this problem and other problems. I want to assure all my brothers and sisters, whether elected or not, I will use my time and energy wisely. It will not be used persecuting or chastising somebody that refuses to salute the flag.
(Applause).
My time and energy will be focused on these points:
1. Organizing
2. Protecting pension plans. (applause)
3. Achieving legislation to abolish right ot work laws. (Applause)
Right to work for less laws. Excuse me.
4. Promoting higher wages.
5. Obtaining good health care services, a fundamental problem throughout our whole society.
6. Restoring democracy.
And I will real quickly read one paragraph from the platform of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Platform 12: Adoption of legislation requiring the election of all public officials by a direct vote of the people. (Applause)
How can we hold the government to one standard and ourselves to another standard? (Applause) Simply because they cost too much or it is not a perfect system - that is not a good answer.
Most of all, and more important than anything, I will work extremely hard to heal the divisive wounds that we all know exist out there. I therefore respectfully nominate myself, Joseph G. Holway for General Executive Secretary and Treasurer of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Thank you. (Applause)
CHAIR BANES: He passes on the 20 minutes for demonstration. Is Thom Donnelly at a microphone? MIC 1.
DELEGATE THOM DONNELLY (Local 34): Thank you, Brother Chairman. Sister and Brother delegates, I rise in honor to second the nomination of Joe Holway for General Secretary-Treasurer of this great Brotherhood.
Joe Holway is a man, a brother of integrity and experience. He will work for every working member of this great Brotherhood to better their lives. He will support the goals of organizing. He will support the goals of one member- one vote. He will support the goals of returning a democratic voice to our great Brother hood.
I ask you to please carefully consider your vote, and after you have considered that vote, to vote for Joe Holway for Secretary of this great Brotherhood.
Thank you very much. (Applause)

Subject: * * * * UBCMEMBERS * * * * pt 4- NOMINATION TRANSCRIPTS - District VP (David Johnson)

CHAIR BANNS: We will now move to further nominations for the office of District Vice President Midwestern District.
The Chair recognizes David L. Johnson (Applause)
DELEGATE DAVID L. JOHNSON:
(lOCAL 44) My name is David Johnson. I am from Carpenters Union 44, Champaign, Illinois, Mid Central Illinois Regional Council.
I rise to nominate myself for District Vice President from the Midwestern Region. I have been a member of Carpenters Local 44 since 1977. I am a third generation union member. I am currently a Regional Council Delegate, a past political director, also I am a current member of the organizing committee, as well as a current vice president, COPE Director and Community organizer for the AFL-CIO of Champaign County. I am a candidate because I am deeply concerned about the direction our brotherhood is headed. As a labor historian, I am aware of our union's proud history. But, at this point in time we are at a crossroads. If we are to survive and expand, we must have the support of the membership and stop the unnecessary consolidation of locals, councils and districts.
The only way to get the support of the membership is to give back control to the membership. (Applause) The only way to accomplish this is to have direct elections by the members of Regional Councils, Executive Boards and International Representatives, including the General President (Applause)
Democracy may not be a perfect solution, but it is far superior to any form of autocratic government. There is only one way to gauge the will of the membership. If the membership does not have control they will not feel that this is their union, and they will not volunteer their time to the necessary task of organizing that is ahead of us. I understand the need to use business principles and techniques in administering the day to day affairs of our union, but if our essence becomes a business, we no longer have a union. The consolidations that have occurred and those planned for the future work well in the corporate world where the bottom line is the rate of return to an investor, or the profit. However, in a union, the membership - they are the investors. Eliminating staff positions and closing locals will not accomplish this. If we lose our presence in a community we will soon lose the union work.
If elected, I will be a servant of the membership and help any and staff people to make this a truly great union again. I will work to restore both accountability and morale, without which we will not be able to meet the challenges of the 21st century and expand our membership. Thank you. One Member, One Vote. (Applause and cheers) CHAIR BANNS: The brother waives the 20 minute demonstration. We have a seconder, Tom Crofton on MIC 4.
DELEGATE TOM CROFTON (Local 314): Brothers and sisters, I, Tom Crofton, Local 314, Madison, Wisconsin, second the nomination. We are carpenters and associated trades folks who work with the tools and feel that democracy means members debating issues and voting for their leaders directly. We are a union of diverse individuals who are a loyal opposition in this union. We are loyal to this union created of the members, by the members, and for the members. We oppose the centralization of power and the reduction of involvement of the rank and file in the operation of this organization.
The fact that our meetings are attended by only 5% of our membership is a symptom of the apathy, disenfranchisement and disillusionment of the members.
We are loyal to the principle of organizing, and we are convinced that an empowered and committed membership is the best possible force to regain market share. To paraphrase Richard Gephardt's remarks yesterday, our union is a as good as our members make it. And, it is as bad as we let it be.
CHAIR BANES: Your time is up brother.

Subject: * * * * UBCMEMBERS * * * * Transcripts part 5- NOMINATIONS- District VP Western District (RICH PETERSON)


CHAIR BANES: We will now move to further nominations for the office of District Vice Present Western District. The Chair recognizes Rich Peterson. (applause)
DELEGATE RICHARD E. PETERSON II (Local 131):
Thank you, brothers and sisters, for affording me this opportunity to speak before the body.
Most of you have already heard me through the caucuses. What I am going to say now is not going to change a whole lot.
My name, as I said is Rich Peterson. I am from Local 131, Seattle, Washington. I am presently the Vice President of my local, and I am also a delegate to the District Council.
Five years ago, Doug came before the 37th Convention and had a plan. He also had some questions. Along with that plan, he asked, "Did it make any sense? Did it serve the membership? Does it work? And how can it be better?"
Well, that plan was organizing. It is plenty obvious to anybody who has been in this union any length of time that we needed to organize. We have been in a downhill spiral for a long time. There was a lot of dead weight-- a lot of it.
Doug did some shaking up. He did streamline some things, and his push to organize is excellent, and it is critical. It does make sense. It makes good sense.
Does it serve the membership? Organizing absolutely does serve the membership. For the membership to expand we have to expand the contractor base and bring in the hands that work for those contractors. Without that we are just going to keep sinking further and further down, and we are going to be nothing.
Well, is it working? The numbers that we have heard at this convention indicate that possibly it is. We do have to factor in the most robust economy that we have ever experienced, and the longest economic expansion in history.
That aside, we are going in the right direction. The push to organize is correct.
Where I disagree with where we are going is the lack of rights that the membership now has. (Applause) Every member, every one should have the right to vote on the contract that they work under. (Applause) You should not be subjected to delegates at a Regional Council to make the determination as to whether or not you want to work for that contract. That should be etched in stone. It should not be left up to the bylaws for the Regional Council delegates to determine how you should be able to vote. It ought to be yours, brothers and sisters -- nobody else but yours. You work under it. (Applause)
The forced consolidations that we have had across the country, you know, those are tough. That is a tough thing to do. These are tough decisions to make. Some might be justified, others I do not believe are. I don't believe the formation of a local with 1,000 members is very beneficial for the members that are there. I don't know how often I can get to speak at the mic in a local that size. In my local of 2,000, it is not that easy at times. Sometimes, it's real easy because few people come to the meeting.
I believe that every member in this United Brotherhood should be able to vote on the amendments up here on this podium. (Applause) You get to vote on the President of the United States, and all the Representatives that are from your district. I don't believe it should be any different. It is still representative democracy. I don't know why anybody would fear that. Do you think it would be any more costly to run that than this convention? I don't think so.
Look around. We spent a lot of money here today. In the last week, we spent a ton of it. I believe that every member ought to have the right to determine whether or not a dues increase is justified.
(Applause)
I think you need to ask the membership, "What do you guys think?" Should we have a dues increase? " These carpenters are not dumb. We built some damn difficult buildings to build., some of the most complex projects in the world. We are thinkers. We are finishers. We finish what we start. Let the membership. Let the membership make that determination. They are not dumb. They will do the right thing for the union. (Applause)
You know, our effort to organize, as paramount as it is, is somewhat stagnant at times. You, everyone here, knows that for this movement to carry on and for us to become the [preeminent labor organization that we once were, we need the rank and file. That is what created this union. And, that is what is going to bring it back.
Now, you are probably thinking, "So how are we going to activate the rank and file? Nobody wants to come to the union meetings, let alone do anything on the weekend?"
I'll tell you, I don't have a magic answer for that. There is no magic pill or silver bullet for that. But, I will tell you one thing: By taking away the membership's rights, it won't happen. (Applause)
CHAIR BANES: Time is up. He wants his 20 minute demonstration.
First we will have a second. Mic #5
PETE PETERSON (Local 22): Good afternoon, brothers and sisters. My name is Pete Peterson. I am a member of Carpenters Local 22 in San Francisco. I am not a relative of Brother Peterson here, but, I am seconding his nomination. I have been a carpenter for over 30 years. For about 26 of them I have been actively involved in union offices. I have been a delegate to various councils for those years.
In all those years, I have never before seen the travesty of democracy as I have seen here today. What I mean by that is, by not letting the delegates getup and speak, and by putting people at the mic and giving us the business.
I think personally-- and I think a lot of people here, if you thought about it, really know that when you are elected as a delegate you have the right to get up here and speak. Whether I agree with Brother McCarron and his group or not, I should have that right, brothers and sisters.
So, on that note, I am very proud to second the nomination for Brother Rich Peterson. Thank you very much. (Applause)
CHAIR BANES: Now we will have a 20 minute demonstration......

....During the 20 minutes allotted for demonstration the slate of opposition candidates for election as General Officers and their supporters proceeded to parade through the Convention Hall, proclaiming "Give Democracy A Vote."