the newsletter of UBC DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT
"at the cutting edge of union democracy"
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THE KERF: North American Edition December, 2000 Issue # 8
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The UBC has decided to give you a present this holiday season. At the General Convention in August, the administration set forth standardized bylaws for all district and regional councils. These were passed without discussion, and most delegates viewed them as just another 20 pages, or so, of the nearly one thousand pages dumped in their laps at registration. Like all other administration sponsored amendments and proposals, these passed like a gale force wind, blowing out any attempts to consider them on their merits. For those members in councils like Southern Wisconsin, this was a catastrophic event. We lost our right to elect our business manager. We have joined the ranks of other regions who have lost the vote that matters most.

The restructuring, taking place all over the International, has as its stated purpose the streamlining of decision making, the weeding out of deadwood, the modernization of contractor-union relations, and the reorientation of the union towards organizing as the primary focus.

The actual effect of the restructuring is to create a feedback loop, where union staffers get elected as delegates, due to their visible stature in their locals. They then elect the business manager (EST), who in turn hires them. The ability for the delegates to buck the wishes of the EST is then reduced to the chances of hearing a mouse roaring in a thunderstorm, if the mouse is willing to roar.

This process then allows the accumulation of deadwood, if the deadwood is not stupid enough to speak out against the wishes of the boss. Decision making is streamlined, because one person gets his way, without bothering to ask anyone else. Contractor relations are improved, because the EST can cut friendly deals with the money guys, and put down any insurrections in the locals at contract ratification time. Organizing can be the centerpiece to replace the disgusted, disenfranchised members who quit or retire early.

Organizing is an area that reformers would like the union to concentrate on. We would like to see the union become strong, which would then promote our values, and raise our standard of living. The union has spent 80 million dollars (American) on its organizing campaign, to bring 67,000 new members in. This works out to cost $1200 per new member. We have been told that this is a good rate of return compared to other unions.

We have another way. Proud members of a group, that exists for their benefit, and responds to their wishes, can bring in all the new people we need. Contractors, seeing that the skilled and productive work force in their area is union , will have an extra incentive to join. Members, excited about their group, through involvement in decision making at the local level, will make the extra effort to bring our message to our non union brothers and sisters as part of the Volunteer Organizing Committees. Regular job actions will show non union contractors and workers that we are going to change the playing field, that their erosion of our projects is ending, that we are going into a proactive stance. Only an excited and energized rank and file can supply the numbers that will turn the tide. Throwing more money at organizing is an act of desperation.

The numbers' game is deceptive. Our research shows that we may have only 350,000 members, not the nearly half million claimed by the UBC. The 67,000 new members might only be the replacements for those quitting and retiring. Perhaps the UBC is under reporting our numbers to the AFL CIO to reduce the per capita payment to that group, but their records show only an increase of about 10,000. What is clear, is that disenfranchised members do not make good salesmen for the cause. No additional money spent will change that. Ownership of the organization by the members (a fact), operation of the organization by the members ( a distortion), and orientation of the organization for the membership (a dream), is the key to the growth of the organization. The rest is a sham.


Dialogues

this series tries to offer a forum for honest debate on the issues, hoping that serious people can uncover underlying truths for us all to unite behind. Anyone wishing to take part should express an opinion in 500 words or less, on a single topic, no put downs or personal attacks will be printed. It is the humble desire of the editor, that this forum take the most space in this publication, for debate on the issues is what democracy is all about. I agree that we need annuities to counter the negatives of the Taft Hartley style pensions, and to compliment the positives. We have been trying to get one started near me, but the officials keep stalling us. The failure of the Democrats to win the congress seems to bring this issue to the front again, because we were promised that the 415 rule would be eliminated if they won a majority. Removing the cap on payouts of our pension plan was the reason our officials stated as why we don't need annuities (401k style plans). We recognize the strength in diversity of a mixture of plans, and actually are proposing a menu plan.


This option would allow the members to look at their total benefit package as their own basket, to partition as they choose. A member with a spouse who had a very good health plan could opt out, after paying a yearly administrative fee (say 20%), and invest the rest in a combination of retirement options. This would almost double the principal invested for these members. Others might want to put more into dental , or vision, if their needs were greater in those areas.

In short, we need to treat our benefits as our own, to be crafted into plans that benefit us, as we see our needs to be. No one is better able to identify those needs than us. We don't need to be locked into old ideas of following the crowd.

Wouldn't this make a good organizing tool? Haven't you talked to non union carpenters who don't care about our plans because they have a spouse with as good or better benefits, under which they are also covered?

What are the motivations of those who deny us the ability to craft creative uses of our money? Is Chuck Cannon correct that the International has ideas for the creative use of our money, and that we will not see it again; or is the ability to wheel and deal with billions part of the power trip that goes with the office, and letting the members have some say in that, is out of line, with the evolution of our organization?

Tom Crofton
Madison Wi. LU 314

Tom,
I have to disagree with your ideas here.

To have a cafeteria style benefit package is wrong.

Having members opt out of the health fund would put more of a burden on the members who remain in the plan.

This would mean to support the same level of insurance coverage they would have to put more into the plan.

They would have to take money from one of the other cafeteria options to make up the difference, and of course that would lessen that benefit.

You need to remember we are a UNION, A group. One for all, all for one. Therefore group benefits!

As for the 415 rule, this is not a partisan political issue. Washington will reverse it because it means more tax dollars. Funny isn't it, that all of a sudden there is this problem that our members will be getting to much

money from the pension plan. The plan didn't get that big from allowing participants to opt out.

You talk as if benefits are an entitlement. Wrong.

They are part of your wage package. Employers would probably prefer to just put it on the check instead

of having to send them to the various funds. Take some time and do this math. Take your bennies on the check, pay

taxes on them, buy comparable insurance, put what's left into an IRA and see how it comes out. This is what your cafeteria plan would end up as.

Believe me brother YOU HAVE ONE HELL OF A GOOD DEAL HERE.

It has taken many many years to build these funds to get to where they are now. Providing good benefits for

ALL members. We are all in this together.
Don't have time to talk about how cafeteria benefits would effect the retirees.

Mark Holapa LU 836

Web Sites
for more info and discussion, connect to these sites, they have links to the entire universe of union democracy and the UBC reform movement:
http://www.ranknfile.com or http://www.carpentersunionbc.com

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THE UBC CONVENTION REPORT by Tom Crofton

FIVE MORE YEARS

The McCarron team accomplished their mission in Chicago at the General Convention. They were able to pass all of their amendments, disapprove of all others, and win all the positions open for election. These results were never in doubt. The rules were created in a closed door session, before many delegates were in town. The chances that delegates had to speak to the committees ,were restricted to 5 minutes per person, in closed door sessions, with no chance, or desire, for give and take. The proposed Amendments were presented to the delegates the day before the convention opened, in a book of 110 pages. I personally know only one delegate who read every page before the opening gavel.

Monday
The first session consisted of an extremely well thought out, sophisticated, expensive multimedia presentation. Doug McCarron's gave his best speech on record. Combined with the enthusiastic cheers of 1800 employees and wannabees, the affect was overwhelming to those in the minority; whose hopes of change through the system ,rested on the concept of open discussion and free interplay of thoughts. The emotionally charged atmosphere, including 5 giant screen video images of the speaker, or other video images, combined with very loud musical accompaniment, metamorphosed into a surreal sea of outstretched delegate arms, hands held high, and choruses of voices chanting "5 more years". More than one of us in the minority, had visions of Nuremberg in 1939, and the hysterical anointing of another, much more malevolent dictator.

The willing mass drank in the words of McCarron's campaign speech which he alone was allowed to make, and make he did for 2 days, interrupting repeatedly to repeat their chanting. By late morning, the oxygen was totally sucked from the room, and only by the grace of one even more powerful, did we escape to eat lunch, and lick our psychological wounds.

The delegates of opposition caucused and vittled, and regained some personal courage. The afternoon session, run without a previously disclosed agenda, consisted of the big issue amendments. The previous days' input from members was not reported on at all.

The committee reports were brought to the floor and passed, with virtually no discussion. Dissenting views were allowed expression ,at the microphones, only on the most serious matters, and only after supporting views were expressed. Some of the opposition delegates bravely made their way to the mikes, and held their heads high, while explaining the reasoning for their positions. Would be speakers on the issues, were repeatedly denied a chance to speak, through the home team's tactic of lining up pre- selected individuals, whose function was to call the question. Individuals wearing two way radios were stationed at each mike, to tell the mike master who was in line. Those delegates not wearing a McCarron Team button were rarely allowed to speak. The planning, and thought process involved in creating this charade, became readily transparent, when a delegate asked if the time was right to call the question on the AFL-CIO amendment. In fact, that amendment had not been opened for discussion yet, and the regular folks were not provided with an order of the proceedings, so we did not know it was next in line.

RUSSIAN ROULETTE or "GIVE the MAN enough rope to hang us all"
The AFL-CIO change (section 58). was an amendment that changed the wording from "being affiliated" to "If the International body is affiliated with the AFL-CIO....local unions, with the consent of their affiliated council... may affiliate.." This simple change of words opens the door for the UBC to raid the other construction trade unions, initiating another version of a race to the bottom, to see who will do the work for less. This action, or threat thereof, is aimed at the part of the industry that does 20% of the work, (the union built part of the market), leaving the nonunion 80% market share untouched. Our great leaders are threatening to get us caught up in a jurisdictional war with other construction unions ,instead of working together to solve our collective differences, and then marching together to gather more market share, for all union workers. If these actions are an attempt to create one union for all construction workers, then no matter how noble the goal may be, the methods are unacceptable, and the results will be predictably bad.

Our Amendments
The Christie Amendments all went down to the cheers of those whose jobs depend on the patronage system we have. Unfortunately, the attempts by reformers to allow the rank and file to vote, on issues and employees, were painted as attempts by a few lost souls to recapture the past. I'm quite sure that no one in the "One member/One Vote" movement wants to return to any form of corruption or privilege associated with the past. WE HAVE ALL OF THOSE PROBLEMS NOW, and have come together to find ways to solve them. Our difficulties in developing solutions lie partially in the methods required by the constitution, and the rules committee, for the members to have input into the system. When we add the fact that our documents are full of legalese, outdate language, and outright illegal statements, the difficulties for members to come up with an effective program, on there own time, and with their own funds, are great. Yet, we are making these efforts, because we know that returning to the past is the farthest thing from our minds. We also know that the direction the McCarron Team is heading is, at best, towards a "user non-friendly" system. At worst, the McCarron Team might be headed towards hard time.

When I fight Authority......
As a backdrop to the convention extravaganza, the McCarron administration has been trying to shake off several lawsuits filed by members and government authorities. In this nation, the accused have a right to presumption of innocence until tried by a jury of their peers. That said, the most recent developments in these cases include a refusal by the judge in one pension fraud suit to dismiss the case, and the indictment in another court of one of McCarron's nominators, and two of his employees, for accepting bribes to allow non-union workers to work for less than scale on a union job. Those of us involved in UNION DEMOCRACY reforms do not expect the legal system to do our job for us. We only ask the membership, to recognize the ethical and moral standards practiced by those in high office, and hope that you use that understanding to interpret the picture painted by those in power.

CAT 'O NINE TAILS
Some 200 of the 1800 McCarron followers had a special duty at this convention. Low and middle ranking staffers held the outside seat in every row, to fulfill the duties of "Whips".

This time honored position is the parliamentary equivalent of enforcer. The whips' duties included; making sure that everyone in their rows stood to cheer at the appropriate times, letting those recalcitrant fellows ,who demurred from following the herd, know that they were in big trouble; and informing to their immediate bosses, the identity of those, who would not follow, even their most sincere efforts of prodding. Several opposition delegates, who hold positions on local union executive boards ,told me that they were facing increasing pressure, as they continued to resist the nudges they were getting, to join in the mindless cheering.

So who are we whips?
We hold a hierarchy of patronage positions, and owe our jobs to our union bosses, NOT to the members whom we represent, AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT. That's why we have whips! To remind us that the gold plated faucets, the sterling silver serving dishes, the gifts of luggage, jackets, hunting knives, steak knives, flashlights, the expense accounts; and the athletic club, with the indoor running track, exercise machines, the wonderful pool, sauna, and whirlpool (with rooftop view of downtown), are all there for US, because the members need US to be specialists at our jobs , the jobs that only WE, and people special like US can do (representing those half moronic, sweaty bastards who don't appreciate US!). THIS IS OUR REWARD, for putting up with the inconsiderate masses who regretfully, and stubbornly, pay their dues for OUR services! Now all YOU gotta do is vote the way WE say, and that makes it legal, and THAT'S DEMOCRACY! ...For those of you who do not know the identity of your local whip; he is one of your delegates, who also has a job on the staff, or someone in line for that job.

A Definition, a Purpose, and a Thank You
Some of you might remember that this was a convention , required by federal law, to determine, in a democratic manner, the methods of running, and the persons who will run, our union. You might want to know, that you, the working stiffs, anted up somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 million dollars for this event.

Thank YOU! The finest rooms, free shuttles, and great food were GREATLY APPRECIATED! ( I missed the very large shrimp at the big celebration dinner, and I'm still upset about that).

The Ungrateful
The unpaid, and uninvited rabble that showed up to leaflet, and monitor, were easy to dismiss. They spoke about one member one vote, as though their vote could mean something! They spoke about local unions having a choice to drop out of regional councils in order to control their own destiny; as though the locals could possibly know what was best for themselves. They spoke about a form of democracy that lets individuals get to vote on policies, and the staff people that work for them. Don't be confused! The UBC is NOT THAT KIND OF DEMOCRACY!.

REIMANNED (again)
John Reimann had his day in non court, proving again that the incumbents hold all of the power. John decided that he had nothing to apologize for, he only wished to speak to the entire convention, as the constitution states he may. The leadership used their power to control the proceedings so that 1790 delegates did not get to hear John speak. The results were predictable, and a loss for the principle that we are a union of individuals, who stand side by side, helping and protecting those on either side as we face the enemy in front of us. Perhabts if we could line up our half million members in files and ranks, the 1800 of us, who feel superior to the rest of us, would see differently.

the DRUM ACT
A bill before Congress, known as the Democratic Rights for Union Members Act, is making its way through channels. Legal experts who care about Union Democracy have helped create this bill in the interests of those union members who are concerned that their activities in bringing about reform is threatening their standing in their organization. Interestingly, Republican lawmakers are sponsoring this bill, and Democratic lawmakers are stalling it. A recent attempt by one of our members, to testify before congress on this bill was postponed by the Democrats. Check our web site for details. (ranknfile.net) Send letters or e-mail's to your political representatives supporting the act.

WHAT A MILLION BUCKS WILL BUY
The UBC spent a cool million bucks on Democratic Party election campaigns recently. We were given the old quid pro quo, via campaign speeches by Richard Gephardt, Al Gore, Pat Kennedy, and Ted Kennedy. Some of us were very surprised that partisan political speeches could be allowed at the convention, because we had read what the Rules Committee had written especially for the event. Rule number six stated clearly, that no partisan political speeches would be allowed. The fact that these were some really big hitters must have made breaking the rules OK. The speeches were all very well done, as though they had given them before, and often played on the right themes for us ( a "used to be" blue collar, now sport shirt crowd). The speakers must have known that we would like talk of jobs, and federal spending on construction, and kicking the Republican's butts, and stuff like that. We really ate it all up. Some guys up front got to high five Al Gore. He probably was sore for a week , cause some of the brothers were really excited and slapped him pretty good. He was out of breath when he got to the dais, so Doug got in a few partisan political remarks of his own. I still don't understand why he had his guys write rule number six. He could have had it say, that partisan political speeches would be allowed whenever he said so, cause that's what happened any way! He even let Ted Kennedy endorse him on the morning of the nominations, in violation of another rule that said his team could only have 10 minutes to nominate in the afternoon. Kennedy repeated his praise of Doug for at least 15 out of his 25 minutes, but I guess a bunch of that was actually an acceptance speech for Doug, cause everyone knew the election was in the bag. Acceptance speeches were also not allowed, but at this point it really didn't matter, cause the rules are just words on paper, made up special, for this one week! Plus, since Doug appointed the rule makers, he could save time by just changing the rules himself, instead of firing the guys, appointing some new ones, training them what to say, and then getting the whole thing rubber stamped by the screaming throngs. Which reminds me, one day, a guy got up and actually said "point of order". He wanted a technical change in the rules about something he thought wasn't fair Doug cut him off before the rest of us knew exactly what he was talking about. Doug said there would be no changing of the RULES at this convention, so I guess he was right. The amazing part of the paid speakers' message was that they agreed with the message of ONE MEMBER / ONE VOTE movement! Our caucus could not have hired better people to express our message.

The Next Speaker of the House
Richard Gephardt started off the procession with a speech that surpassed even Doug's for power and believability. Yah, I know that these guys tailor there remarks to the crowd they are speaking to, but this man rocked. Don't burst my bubble by saying that the next day he spoke to the Associated Builders and Contractors, (or some other union busting group ) and told them the opposite to what he told us. I think he really meant what he said. The clincher was when he was wrapping up his remarks. He said : " I am proud to be in your hands. I happen to think you are the best people in the world. I happen to believe that you have the character and the values that made this country great. I happen to believe that given the choice, you will make the right choice. I believe that you are citizens in the highest sense of the word. I believe that you understand why participating in democracy is the key to democracy. I believe that you understand that this country is as good as we make it. It is bad as we let it be." I was floored! If you substitute member for citizen, and union for country, Richard was singing the CDUI anthem!

Al brings a little Woodenness to the Carpenters!
Al Gore came in and tried to one up Rep. Gephardt. He closed his remarks with: " Since the days that our Declaration of Independence was signed in Carpenters' Hall, we have always faced lots of challenges, but our greatest strength has been in our willingness and determination to trust in the working people of this country, to trust in the average citizens, .... In order to continue on that path we have got to continue having an approach that puts you first, and that does not give in to the ones with connections, the ones with wealth, the ones with power above and beyond what the average family has in this country.

And so I want to ask you in closing, not only for your vote, and not only for your support, not only for your enthusiasm; I want to ask you for something else, something that is hard for you to give, something that is, hardly ever given anymore.

I want to ask you to allow yourselves to believe that we can do the right thing in America, and be better for it.

I know that from my own experience as a young man that you can become disillusioned and disappointed, and you can pull back from involvement in our democracy because of the apprehension that if you get involved with your whole heart and really throw yourselves into it, that you will come up feeling like, well it just wasn't what I expected.

Well we have all got our limitations and imperfections, our country has, but thank goodness in every generation there have been enough men and women and families who have been willing to push past the fear of disappointment and roll up their sleeves and do the right thing to make this country what it is intended to be.

I want to ask you to allow yourselves to believe that we can do that again......-

Once again I hear the CDUI theme song.

A POW for the UBC
Capt. Gerald Coffee gave an inspirational speech relating the difficulties he endured during more than seven years of imprisonment in the "Hanoi Hilton" as a prisoner of war. As he described the torture and maltreatment he received from his captors, some of us wondered if this speech was planted as a subliminal hint of what was in store for those of us who have been bucking the system. His point became clear as he explained that the only thing that saved him from certain insanity and death was his faith in God, country, his fellow man, and himself. He went on to explain the clandestine tapping code, used to communicate effectively through the walls of the prison . In conclusion, he also spoke to the values of the common person in saying: " Our citizens need to be the captains of their fate, and the masters of their souls, and you need the faith to allow their empowerment."

Those of us who have been using the latest technology to connect with each other around the continent, to communicate into each other's cells, appreciate the effort of those who used the most primitive methods to do so in their hours of need. We also find inspirational the fact that even a person stripped of all rights and privileges, could keep his faith in the common person, and wish for his empowerment.

OUR TURN
Wednesday afternoon was time for the nomination speeches. The McCarron Team led off. No coin was flipped, no bones were thrown; they just decided to do it that way. Luckily for us, they decided on using one speech for their whole slate, along with a couple of seconding speeches, and one 20 minute demonstration for the whole gang. If they had used individual speeches and demonstrations, we never would have got out of there. The home team got to make noise with their whistles and were accompanied by music over the sound system. The lines of supporters, wearing their recently handed out gray T-shirts and caps, marched around the hall, trying to get to the front to shake hands with the big guys. I guess the idea was to get everyone into the same uniform, so that anyone foolish enough to not participate would stick out like a really sore thumb. At least 30 of us did not get up and walk around. A few idiots with whistles stood right behind a couple of us and blew our ears out for 15 of the 20 minutes! The only original behavior was from the Northern Wisconsin delegation, who wore Cheeseheads, and from Dave Bergeron, the New England EST, who wore a "CD-WHO?" shirt. The Cheeseheads were classy enough to give Doug a copy. He wouldn't put it on, and handed it to a bodyguard. I guess he didn't want anyone to know he is a cheese head. Bergeron was more than a little disingenuous, with his shirt, (though it was well done, and one of the more humorous touches of the whole week), because he has 4600 members of CDU in his area, and he knows very well who they are. As the demonstration passed the 10 minute mark, some of the 1770 marchers took off their gray shirts and sat down. Maybe they were hot, or maybe they felt a little silly.

When the noise died down, the visiting team stood up at the plate. I will honestly state that the overwhelmingly poor odds, the hype, and the psychological intimidation of the past few days affected us only in style, but not the least in our substance. The jitters of speaking in front of a large crowd, on video screens, bathed in bright lights, and under strict time pressure made speaking difficult. I for one, could have done a better job. Our message, however, rang through, because it was from the hearts and souls of individuals who desire only for the good of the common worker, not the personal gain of power and privilege. I was extremely proud of our members who stood to express principles that that believe in, and are willing to continue to fight for. (The text of these speeches is available on line). We set out to express the truth, and in that regard we hit a grand slam.

OUR DEMO

When our turn came, Ken Little gave a very good speech from the podium. When Baines asked him if he desired a 20 minute demo, he politely declined. Baines snickered, over an open mic (one of the classier things he did all day).

The nominations and seconds were all right on the point. We covered wide ground, and reinforced each other with our statements. I'm especially proud of Mike Zupan , who got cut off halfway into a sentence describing P.J. Maguire's return to his grave upon witnessing this convention. After being told that he ran out of time, Mike finished his line " pulling the sod back over himself". It was one more example of resistance in the face of overwhelming force and I will always remember acts such as these as the highlights of an extremely tough week. Our last candidate, Rich Peterson, was also cut off. When told he was out of time, and asked if he wanted his 20 minute demo, he said yes. He was pissed, and decided on the spur of the moment, to make the convention wait for 20 minutes. After his seconding speech, our time to walk the room arrived. I looked a my cohort, Jerry Burke, and said I could not believe we were going to march around a room full of 2,000 people. But we did. We started walking towards the front, to find our motley crew. The tension lifted, and we started yucking it up. We felt a small victory had been won by standing up in such an oppressive environment, and as we made it to the very front, we saw a few other stragglers walking up to congratulate Rich. We started slapping each other on the backs, and smiling, and laughing, and confronting the other delegates with our humanity. I realized that the delegates were staring at us as though we losers, so I started asking them, "what's wrong with letting the members vote?", "what scares you about rank and file voting?", "isn't this America?", etc. This immediately turned the tables, and they felt foolish. I decided I wanted a whistle, and kept asking until a delegate gave me his. I was getting tired of blowing the dumb thing, so we passed it around a bit. We made our way around the room like this, confronting groups of twenty or so at a time. Then I started saying, we may not have the numbers, but we got soul. Other brothers were adding their own lines, and we vamped the room just like the good old cultural revolution days, and for the first time this week, I realized that we did belong, that we did have an effect, that we owned the room. We avoided rudeness, expressed joy, showed our humanity; and the contrast was apparent for any open eyes to see. Through serious, heartfelt expression, and down to earth clowning around, we touched the delegates who already felt some embarrassment for the spectacle they had been a part of.

The VOTE

We learned on Thursday that our strongest candidate received 14.3 % of the vote, and the rest averaged around 9%. We estimate that 10% of the people who demonstrated for the McCarron team, actually voted our way. Considering that the rest owe their jobs and power to the incumbents, and that we were not given official acknowledgment as a caucus, we did very well . We all had hopes of a better result in the voting, but none of us expected that we could win, this time. We started something that can grow into a very strong movement, and while we have not been error free, we know that a moral/ ethical line has been drawn, and that we are still on the side of the members. It has been one hell of a ride.


THOSE CRAZY PINS by Tom Verdone

Most of the delegates, being staffers or appointed officials, understood when they got there, that they were going to do exactly what McCarron wanted via the EST's commands.

So knowing that there wasn't going to be any democracy, they decided to focus on the most constructive things that they could do to show participation at this 38th convention, which was to keep their energy levels up, by consuming mass quantities of food and drink; then running around the convention hall, for the most part, searching for that unique rare pin. If that mission seemed too difficult, they filled time collecting as many different pins as they could. Pin swapping frenzy served as a good codependent psychological support network. Everybody telling everybody else what a great job they were doing bringing democracy to the members in between "Do you have a pin like this?" and "do you have the full set from..". At one point, I walked into the convention behind a few well dressed delegates, and ahead of me were well dressed delegates approaching us. Just about the time the delegates got close together they hit the ground, and I thought for a brief second that our lives might be in danger, but to my relief I found that it was just some delegates, staffers, EST's etc. laying out their blankets to swap pins.

So if you want to know how involved your particular delegates were in the convention ask them how many pins they scored and that will let you know how hard they were working for the local. Because if they only got one or two, most likely they were just taking in the air show and never made it to the convention, except when the EST's told them to be there to vote.

WRAP UP

We have come together, from many states and provinces, to share our problems and strengths. This is an all volunteer movement, with each of us steeling time and funds from our personal lives, to make a difference for the larger group.We have climbed the mountain, and scurried back down to the safety of our own homes. We are much wiser, and we are more determined than ever. The ethics and methods of the incumbents are of low caliber. They reek of manipulation and greed. The convention cost too much, and served only to reward the faithful for their closed minds.

We need to start at the bottom, and elect members to every position possible, and return with much larger numbers, in 5 more years. See you in Hawaii?

KEEP THE KERF COMING
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DEADLINE for submissions to the next Kerf is Oct. 15th. Send to above address, e-mail to crofton@mwt.net, or fax to 801 858-6240.

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NO ROOM AT THE INN,
For The Working Carpenters
The UBC has decided, using their ultimate wisdom, to block the largest caucus in the union from renting a meeting room, in the main hotel, during the Chicago convention. Once again, the democratic process is the loser. The one-party monolith is unable to recognize the growing loyal opposition to its rule.

The CARPENTERS FOR A DEMOCRATIC UNION (International) seeks to have a meeting room to allow a give and take of ideas, and to promote its founding principals, including ONE MEMBER/ONE VOTE

We seek a place at the table. We are all dues paying members, many of whom have been elected as delegates, and we deserve the respect of the organization. We have a right to be involved in the business of the convention, which includes the ability to create a forum outside the meeting hall, in proximity to the body of delegates, in which to lobby for our beliefs.

The action of the staff of the UBC, to deny us the ability to be present, is another example of the power of the incumbency being used against the membership. The leadership is once again showing the membership why we need to follow the original founders' call to
EDUCATE, AGITATE, AND ORGANIZE.
The irony that we need to first organize our membership, before we organize our trade, is not lost on us. We have a historic opportunity to take back our union, and rebuild it into a workers' organization
OF THE MEMBERS, BY THE MEMBERS, AND FOR THE MEMBERS.

Come to Chicago, August 20th, to be heard! Join us in the Hall, the hallways, and the streets. The whole labor world is watching.

A WORKING CARPENTER in the TWILIGHT ZONE
by Bob Carlston, Local 1977
26 years in Local 1780 (before the vision thing)
Today was the quarterly meeting of the Southern California Regional Council of Carpenters. On the flight home I was thinking how much the union has changed from when I started. At that point the stewardess gave her microphone to Dan O'Shea who led the plane in the "We are the union chant." As most of the carpenter delegates on that flight were staff I thought it a little more than ironic.
The meeting was the same as every one I've attended for the last five years. The Secretary/Treasurer read the reports of money given to which candidates and causes. The organizing heads gave their rah-rah reports of how we have the same nonunion contractors on the ropes who have been on the ropes for the last five years. I notice that they have neither gone out of business or signed yet. Every report included the obligatory fawning pat on Doug's back. (He was present by the way) The Southern California head of Organizing made a motion that the Council endorse Doug and his entire team and vision. The motion passed to a round of "ayes" and one "nay" (guess who?). After the meeting the delegates were served a very nice lunch buffet.
The conversation at my table included an observation from a council e-board member regarding the Christie and the "twenty dollar tickets". No matter what we think the word is getting out. He even mentioned "one member/one vote" but' he said it as if it left a bad taste. He then mentioned that Pile drivers' local 2375 had passed "That Christie thing". Joel Harzan (the B.A. of 2375) is seriously ill, he said that the council is sending a new agent up there to "prop those
guys up" and that their passing of the Christie is the reason that that particular agent was chosen. I don't know what that means but it doesn't sound good. I got home to find a letter from the 1977 leadership team signed by Marc Furman endorsing the candidates for Council Delegate, I wasn't one of them (surprise - surprise). One of our senior representatives asked me to give him a heads up the next time I posted to the Internet. I would hope he would want to rebut my arguments but I know better.
These guys are still flailing around in the dark ages. One of our apprenticeship staff gave a report on their plans to set up an interactive site. Mike MacCarron said that this is the information age and his idea was that the delegates take home the information given them at the meetings??? (Get a clue; Mike).
Here's your heads up; Cliff, but egroups is not the Internet, it is just a bulletin board to express opinions. Remember opinions, we used to have plenty of them; but, then we remembered our friends who stuck their necks out for us too. He told me that Doug was "the best thing to happen to the Brotherhood," I submit that he's the best thing to happen to the staff.
The rest of us still get up at O-Dawn-30, hope our vehicle gets us to work one more day, strap on a heavy-ass tool belt, and hope we still have a job at the end of the day. The members say they don't vote because "nothing will change" the staff say the members don't vote because "they endorse what we are doing". One of these statements is the truth; is silence disapproval or approval? I guess it all depends on where you are standing. I would ask Dan, Ron, Tom, or whoever carries this post up to the Ivory Tower to not change a word.

Ken Little's ROAD TO CHICAGO
This last week has been spent meeting the activists of Local Union 225, Atlanta, Georgia. Brother Phil Lavalle had my week organized, using the "extreme approach", meeting carpenters at many industrial work sites. The area is based in manufacturing, maintenance, and some renovation. The majority of the work (about 90%), is unrepresented workers doing the work that should belong to the UBC. The organizers and business reps that I met were primarily
focused on campaigning against the rank and file. Since the first vote of the members for delegates to the convention was ruled invalid, a second attempt at electing the establishment candidates was needed. Their campaign to get members out for the rerun was successful. What was not counted on was the purity of our "ONE MEMBER/ONE VOTE" message. Twice as many members showed up the second time, and local issues were presented that showed the reluctance of the leaders to work in the interest of the rank and file.
At the election, it just so happened that the 4th District Board Member, Peppy Collado, was in town. A coincidence? I think not!
We had many conversations with organizers and staff of the regional council to let them know of our sincerity and dedication to include the members in the decision making process. I also was chastised heavily by staff for leading the attack in Washington, DC on April 4th, y'all might remember the informational leafleting, the airing of our dirty laundry to the public and other building trades reps. We do have the support of other crafts and service unions for our mantra, ONE MEMBER/ONE VOTE. Phil asked that I be his observer at the counting of the votes, happily I consented. Ken Sears was the General Rep that Mac had put in charge. It truly pays to know your rights under our UBC constitution and DOL laws, they could not intimidate us. We won the election, the same 4 elected prior won again. Only, this time they got twice as many votes. The day after the election was the Atlanta CDU meeting, Because of the victory at election we had 3 times as many members show. It is important to note that CDU Atlanta was started by a brother John Reynolds, who had heard the message from Boston CDU member Jim McDermott. At this meeting the main order of business was the protection and formation of CDUI-SER (Carpenters for a Democratic Union International-Southeast Region.) It is again my pleasure to give credit to the CDUI-NCR for writing these bylaws for all of our protection.
On Friday, it was requested of me to meet with Darrell Zube (the next board member from the 4th district). I was welcomed into his home by the many animals that rule the 37 acres of pasture land and wild blackberries. Darrell arranged a Saturday social with some of the executive board past and newly elected. It was a great afternoon of sharing information and planning for the convention.
The members of Atlanta have elected the first African-American woman (Financial Secretary) Shirley Kimbal. Shirley used to be the apprenticeship director and was fired like so many others because of doing their job, activating members toward their responsibilities to the union. Another individual that will play an instrumental role in coordinating efforts in Atlanta, Orlando Jones (named organizer of the year by the UBC 1996) was also fired for doing too good of a job of organizing. There is a definite pattern of discrimination against minorities by the EST Larry Phillips and his "GOOD OLE BOY'S".
Thank you Phil for your excellent organizing skills. I am tired and am looking forward to a couple days with my family before hitting the road to Chicago.
It is truly my belief that we can win a major victory in Chicago.

INTIMIDATION, it only proves the point
by Tom Crofton, Madison WI
The leadership of my Local has decided to place its personal attacks against me, on the record of our monthly meetings. Two thinly veiled punches were thrown the other night, and could actually be considered comical, if they were not examples of our leadership attempting to intimidate our members, who are trying to practice Union Democracy.
The first example was during the reading of minutes. The recording secretary read a synopsis of a complaint by a trustee, against the Kerf, and my activities in standing up for member rights. The wording used in the minutes was right out of the section of the UBC constitution, "The Obligation". Violating the obligation is cause for removal from the union, and loss of all benefits. The humorous part, is that the original statement by the trustee did not use those words. He delivered an emotional statement that complained about my writing the Kerf and placing it on the Internet. He was also upset that the fax number for the Kerf is a Salt Lake City, Utah phone number. The implication was that people in Utah were writing the Kerf. (Which wouldn't bother me. If anyone in Utah has something to say about the UBC, please send it in. Due to the wonders of hi tech,
the number is actually an e-mail fax line.)
The serious side of this action, is that this part of the "Obligation" has been ruled illegal by the LMRDA for 41 years. Our members have their US Constitutional rights of free speech and assembly, no matter what the UBC thinks. The Union Members' Bill of Rights (LMRDA) was written to clarify that point and protect members from authoritarian behavior. Any attempt to stifle that right is a violation of Federal law, and conspiracy to stifle that right comes under the racketeering part of the RICO laws. Our leadership (even at the local level) is attempting to scare the rank and file into submission. This is tragic, when we realize, that our union exists to serve us, to bargain for us, and to protect us.
The second example occurred when a slightly inebriated vice president got up and said it was awful that a member who thought he was working to change everything for the better, allowed non-union workers to be on his job, and didn't do anything about it. This showed him that the member was not sincere about working for the good of the members. He went on for a few minutes, without mentioning names, pouring on the innuendo.
I stood up and asked him what a good member is supposed to do, besides calling the hall several times over the last two years, explaining the situation repeatedly to the organizer, the BA, and the business manager. (After all, we don't own the construction company, nor the developer , nor do we carpenters sign contracts with subs). His response was that it was a real shame that this situation was occurring (as though it was all the carpenter's fault). After I repeated my question, he started mumbling, and the other e-board members told him to sit down.
The purpose of these attacks is clear. If a member is going to stand up and resist undemocratic behavior from the leaders, he or she will get trashed by those supporting the status quo. This is really not a surprise to the members.
The trashing we got from the leadership 13 months ago at ratification time brought the relationship between the leaders and members out into the light. Previously, many of us had hopes that our leaders were working in our interests, or at least, not working against us. We have seen unanimous or nearly unanimous votes have no effect. We have seen minutes recorded incorrectly, so the substance of a motion was greatly changed. We have witnessed the creative use of the chair to stall the real business of the members from ever getting to the floor. We have seen a member ruled out of order for trying to amend the constitution, in the manner in which the constitution provides. Now we see the business part of the meeting being used for attacks on a member, to build a historical record, as only the incumbent can do (he takes the notes).
The only remedy for these malicious official actions is to use the ballot box to replace those in charge. Our system allows us few votes, but we need to use those we have. We need to run candidates for every position . We need to base our decisions, on the positions candidates take on the issues affecting us. We can reassert control over our organization, and regain the market share that our leaders lost for us. We can bring this working peoples' organization into a new age of union democracy.
MAY THE MEMBERS' WILL BE DONE

A TIME TO WIN
by John Reimann, Oakland, CA
Local 713, Hayward ,California has gone through a of turmoil since the restructuring a few years ago. The wildcat strike, and the expulsion of John Reimann, are two major events in memory. Last month, the members got together, and won a major victory for themselves. There were some 230 votes cast in all, which is a low turnout.
The slate of "Working Carpenters for a Stronger Union" did a mailing to the entire membership. We also did a lot of calling to members whose names we had gotten.
We won the president, vice president, recording secretary, treasurer (uncontested), warden, conductor (uncontested), and one trustee. I think that my expulsion helped further clarify exactly what is happening in the union and further isolated the full time staffers, who oppose doing anything
against my expulsion. This has helped make clearer exactly what the role of the BA is. The result is that the business agents have lost almost all support from the working members; they are isolated.
As I said, the main issue has been the contract of last year. We emphasized that it was the full timers' slate that had forced the contract down our throats. It was interesting that the BAs' slate claimed that they were for higher wages and a better pension. This shows how important they understand this issue to be. We explained that they weren't "in favor" of this last year, when it counted.

THE PAYOFF?
why McCarron, et al do what they do?
by Chuck Cannon, Oakland CA
Labor unions are "cash cows." They provide a steady inflow of cash in the form of dues. Labor pension funds are enormous, and hold billions of dollars of members' pension money. Much of this money is not subject to competent or prudent oversight. Regulation is lax and the opportunities for embezzlement are always present. The Carpenters Constitution is an opportunists' dream come true. If one reads between the lines, as opportunists expertly can, sections in the document used in conjunction permit the merging and dissolution of the Union's Locals and Councils. Also permitted is the confiscation of Locals' and Council's assets by the International Union, and their conversion into whatever diversions a General President and Executive Board or Board of Trustees might direct. The Union Constitution vests title with the General Executive Board/Board of Trustees under a trust law concept that permits extreme latitude with regard to beneficiaries' property rights. For the unscrupulous it is an invitation to breach trust. Carpenter real estate is an undiscovered treasure to all but the General President, the General Executive Board/Board of Trustees and their investment advisers. Carpenter real estate would be viewed by takeover specialists as a two-times undervalued multi-billion dollar asset. In the first instance, it can be purloined (under the Constitution) from its beneficiaries for free, by the General Executives and their investment advisors. Unlike investors in publicly-traded companies, who usually receive a premium price for their equities, the Union-member beneficiaries would not receive one dime for this "legal" misappropriation of their property rights. Indeed, they won't even know that it is happening! In the second instance, it represents a vast amount of underutilized, and undervalued property (by investment standards). Takeover specialists are continually searching for undervalued situations such as the Carpenter real estate. It is undervalued because the present use does not return, and cannot be projected to return (in dues monies), what it could potentially earn if its value were placed in other forms of investments. A much higher return on, and an appreciation of value (realization of intrinsic worth) would likely result by selling these properties, or redeveloping them. Carpenter headquarters in Washington DC is currently being redeveloped. For instance, "The investment strategy of Richard C. Blum & Associates is
one that is a value oriented approach....this value discipline extends beyond the traditional requirement that potential investments sell at a discount to their intrinsic worth, to include a qualitative assessment of each company's business....We also seek to identify businesses where the
opportunity exists for the implementation of strategies to close the gap between the current market valuation and the intrinsic value of the business....we look to work with management to implement strategies to enhance shareholder value....Suitable investment candidates include
companies that are undervalued in relation to their underlying assets and/or their ability to generate cash flow. Some of the strategies that we have employed in the past and will continue to use in the future include: restructuring (divestitures, mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs) and
recapitalizations (including taking companies private)....we have not engaged in any hostile takeover activities in the past and we do not intend to in the future."
The only obstacle barring the Carpenters Union, and its real estate, from meeting the criteria cited above to be a takeover candidate, would be its status as a labor union. Disregard that status and it is like any other company! Its real estate is very likely intrinsically undervalued, and it
does have the ability to generate cash flow. Because it is vulnerable to seizure by its General Executives through the use of constitutional liberties, its unique labor union status will not prevent a takeover. By changing the major orientation of its business from representing the interests of Union members to providing a one-stop labor pool and Taft-Hartley plan service for employers, significant growth potential could be realized. Since the member beneficiaries hold no estate (own nothing), it is likely that the General Officers regard the Union as being their company, and themselves as the shareholders. The activities of the Carpenter General Officers regarding restructuring raises questions about the kind of advice that has been and may still be supplied by Carpenter investment adviser Richard Blum, to these same officers. If we consider the close relationships between the principals and their specialties, and the nature and direction Carpenter restructuring is taking, disclaimers not withstanding, we have a takeover problem. By utilizing Constitutional license and other dictatorial powers, the facilities commonly used for servicing Carpenters Union members can be rendered redundant by the employment of the 1-800 computerized job-dispatching system. Locals and councils can be declared merged or "suspended and lapsed" and thereby dissolved. Union real estate can be liquidated, the proceeds "restructured" into a bewildering array of "new enterprises, investments, and gifts," and as such "lost" as far as the member beneficiaries are concerned. Unless the government effectively intervenes or the members quickly wake up, a Wall Street-type takeover of a labor union won't be a question of if or when, but will probably occur this August 2000. No matter who is elected to head the Union, the Carpenters Union will remain an attractive takeover target as long as its real estate continues to be undervalued and vulnerable to appropriation by the General Officers. The members will still be subject to assaults upon their rights and liable to disenfranchisement.

HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR TRUCK TICKET YET?
The Center for Practical Education and Carpenters for a Democratic Union - International are having a fund-raiser. Donate $20.00 for the education of America's construction work force and get a chance to win a 2000 Chevy Silverado LT 1500! This truck is loaded! V-8, xtra cab, power windows, air conditioning, power door-locks, leather seats, short bed, cd player, cassette deck. 2nd Prize - $1000, 3d Prize - $500.00. Drawing to be held at the UBCJA General Convention , Monday August 21, 2000. Get your ticket soon from any member of CDUI or contact: ranknfile2000@yahoo.com. or www.ranknfile.net

CHICAGO CONVENTION ACCOMMODATIONS
Anyone interested in finding a place to stay in Chicago for the convention demonstration and activities please e-mail UNIONYES@SOLTEC.NET or phone(217) 356-8247 as soon as possible. We have limited free places to stay. If you are coming to Chicago, we need to know, so that we can be certain that everyone will have somewhere to stay.

THANK YOU
You would not be reading this Kerf without the support of those wonderful people who have sent checks or stamps just in the nick of time. You too can join the ranks of the truly wonderful by sending a donation to: 16005 Crofton Dr., Richland Center, WI 53581.
DEADLINE for submissions to the next Kerf is August 5th. Send to above address, e-mail to crofton@mwt.net, or fax to 801 858-6240.
http://www.carpentersunionbc.com
http://forthemembers.tripod.com

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• JUNE IS FOR SHOW•June 2000

•
MAY THE MEMBERS' WILL BE DONE
•
A RETRACTION OF A GRIEVANCE,
•
and a lesson learned by Tom Crofton, Madison, Wisconsin

•
DIALOGUES
This section debates issues of importance, with the understanding that dialogue is the key to an educated rank and file determining the course of their organization. The ground rules are : no personal attacks, one page per opinion, develop one detailed point of view.

•
UNION OFFICE:
•
A CAREER OR A TERM OF SERVICE?
•
• A Case For Limits by Tom Crofton

•
•
Another View by "Ajax"
(ed. note: "Ajax" is a pseudonym for a member who wishes anonymity, and is the name of a Greek hero, who symbolizes great strength and love of democracy and family)

•
HAVING THE POWER, AND NOT USING IT!
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by Bob Carlston, Las Vegas, Nevada

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I'LL SECOND THAT EMOTION
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by Rich Peterson, Seattle, Washington

(ed. note: Rich is a candidate for the General Executive Board)

•
IS THE BIG DADDY BIG BROTHER?
•
submitted anonymously

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A STAND ALONE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
•
by John Reimann, Oakland, California

•
WHERE IS THE CAPTAIN DRIVING THIS SHIP?
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by Chuck Cannon, Oakland, California

•
THOSE PESKY CANUCKS KEEP STANDING UP
submitted by Dave Livingston, British Columbia

•
KEN LITTLE'S TOUR FOR UNION DEMOCRACY
•
by Bill Rugh, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

•
THE PERFECT FATHER'S DAY GIFT!

•
COME TO CHICAGO IN AUGUST

•
READ THE KERF AND MORE ONLINE

http://forthemembers.tripod.com/Literature.htm

http://www.carpentersunionbc.com/Pages/SWCC.html

• DEADLINE for submissions to the next Kerf is June 15th. Mail to above address,
e-mail to crofton@mwt.net, or fax to 801 858-6240.

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ISSUE 1 February 2000

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters Democracy Movement is Born!

The UBCDM is the caucus of caucuses. We intend to act as a clearing house for information for those UBC members who seek change in our Union.

We are embarked on an undertaking that could change our lives. Our intention, in simple terms, is to return the operation and control of the UBC to the rank and file. We have come together from all over the countries of the USA and Canada , to share ideas, coordinate actions, and make serious headway towards the realization of our ideals. We share common ground because we share common problems. Many of us feel abused, disenfranchised, and left out of the loop of decision making in our organization.

Through the course of its existence, the UBC has changed, as all institutions do, and we would like to change it further. Many of our thoughts parallel the original founders' thoughts, and some are new ideas springing from the conditions existing in this era. Our movement has advantages that the founders did not have.

First and foremost is the fact that the UBC exists, with a membership in the hundreds of thousands. We don't have to start from scratch. We only need to amend the rules, and change the direction in which our leadership has been steering. We recognize that most of our leadership has vested interests in maintaining their chosen direction for our union, and will therefor need to be replaced.

Secondly, we have the advantage of modern telecommunications, that allow us to work on the continental level as easily as the local. As individuals in their local areas have felt the need to organize resistance to the authoritarian actions of the leadership, they have set up their own web sites, newsletters, and held caucus meetings to discuss their feelings and views. These local efforts have discovered each other and are now joining together.

Finally, we know the benefits of collective bargaining. We understand the benefits to the individual when we work together for common purpose. Our main complaint with our own leadership is that they consider themselves apart from our needs, interests, and concerns. Our international has insulated itself from the conditions that the membership experiences daily. We recognize the need to use our collective power to clean our own house, and return to the ideals of an empowered rank and file.

The UBC Democracy Movement has no desire to duplicate the structure of the UBC; with its pyramidal form, composed of a few big shots at the top, and the rest of us at the bottom connected by a dues payment, and the occasional right to vote on delegates. We are developing a decentralized form of organization, where each local area identifies its own issues, raises its own funds, and schedules its own events.

The UBCDM intends to provide support and coordination to these local efforts and will not attempt to set policy, institute rules for the membership, nor meddle in local affairs. Rather we hope to gather, collate and disseminate information from the rank and file, to the rank and file. Our leadership committee is composed of representatives from local efforts all over North America. We look at leadership as being a two way street, with leaders as facilitators, not the final decision makers.

The existing UBC model, and especially the "New and Improved Regional Council" model, assumes that only the people at the top know what's good for us. They have secret information that we can't possibly understand, and the very existence of our union depends on them doing what's best for us.

The UBC leadership has come to believe that they are irreplaceable, that once in office they should be able to control the membership, decide how long they serve, and who will succeed them. They are able to justify higher salaries, expense accounts, and better pensions than the rank and file, whom they represent. They don't have to experience stinging cold, blazing heat, withering humidity, nor aching backs and knees. Some of our top leadership has never worked in the rank and file, and can't possibly understand the working members' concerns.

The UBCDM is developing a platform, and intends to propose and pass amendments to the Constitution of the UBC in August 2000, and beyond. We believe that the top priority of the membership is to allow the membership the decisive vote on the ratification of their contracts, one member, one vote. Some of us lost that right during restructuring, others have been told that they have seen their last vote. The most recent information states that the GEB will allow the district or regional councils the chance to vote on whether their locals shall have the right of self determination.

The UBCDM will make its first action the proposal of an amendment to the constitution that all contracts shall be ratified directly by those affected, one member, one vote. This power to decide or reject a contract is basic, and includes in its definition the right to strike.

The right to strike is a tool, and a weapon. It must be used carefully, with planning and preparation. It is necessary because it affirms the right of workers to withdraw the use their services. A system that won't allow the workers to withdraw their services is a form of bondage. The ability of our leadership to make deals without our agreement, puts them on the other side of the bargaining table.

We are told that the International won't let us strike when we do not have sufficient market share in our region. The official response to that dilemma is to put down the rank and file; while billing them for an extensive, and expensive organizing campaign.

The UBCDM knows that market share is important, but recognizes that an empowered membership is the best force we have to gain it back. If our membership takes back control of its union, we can all be organizers. Skilled people, building quality projects, with a high level of craftsmanship and concern for safety, while receiving good wages and benefits, and feeling the common bond associated with participation in decision making will become the best sales force we could ever have. A disenfranchised membership is not a good sales force.

Secondly, the membership is calling for direct election of all officers who work for them. The system of democracy practiced in the UBC at this time is representative, in which delegates are voted for at the local level, and then they vote for higher officers. These officers then appoint the BA's, managers, and organizers. More often than not, these employees become the delegates . These delegates, in turn , reelect the people who hired them. Thus the institution attains a life of its own, beyond, and sometimes against, the will of its members.

The UBCDM will introduce amendments to allow for the direct election of officials by the rank and file. We will include the right to elect BA's and organizers, if those in the affected body so desire. Since the right to vote is meaningless when only one candidate runs for an office, alternative choices must be encouraged to emerge.

The UBCDM intends to run a slate of candidates at the highest levels, and encourages local reformers to do the same. We want candidates to express their ideas and visions for the future, and let the rank and file decide which direction their organization should take. The single party, "scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" approach can not stand the light of day. Open debate on the issues should become the standard practice expected by our membership.

The UBCDM also finds the salary structure of our leadership to be unacceptable. The fact that members of the General Executive Board make 500-600% the wages of the rank and file is reprehensible and indefensible. At local levels, our officials consistently make more money than the people they represent. While some of our dedicated agents and organizers put in more hours and put up with more disruption of their personal lives than the membership, the existence of better pay and benefits for the chosen few smacks of elitism . This notion is only reinforced when we hear that the reason for a premium is that "we can't get anyone to work for any less" (except, of course, the dues payers). We are not asking for anyone to be a martyr for the cause , and accept sub standard wages. What is unacceptable to the rank and file, is the assumption that these positions can be held for life, or exchanged for other positions up the ladder, leading the official always further away from the rank and file. When leadership itself becomes a better deal than working with the tools, the institution becomes the master of its owners.

The UBCDM seeks to address these issues with amendments detailing salary caps and term limits. We seek a leadership that rotates into positions of power, earns a fair wage, facilitates the implementation of local initiatives, assists the transition of new officials into office, and then rejoins the rest of us in the field. We want our experienced leaders to become reacquainted with our daily work experience before they move on to another office. We want this process to continue as naturally as the tides roll on and off the beaches. The twisting of the concept, of collective decision making, into the practice of concentrating power in the hands of a few, is a morally and ethically despicable act. As power corrupts, so does absolute power corrupt absolutely. The answer for the democratically motivated, is to limit the power, the money, and the time in office. We must exclude those tempted by riches, by not offering riches. We must limit power, by retaining the vote. We must limit the career minded, by returning them to the fold.

So who are we, this UBC Democracy Movement? We are the loyal opposition.

•
The Loyal Opposition
• Loyal, because we believe in the ideals of brother/sisterhood. . • Loyal, because we believe that working people deserve a level playing field, a benchmark wage, financial security in retirement , and some basic human conditions of employment. • Loyal, because on paper, no other form of benefits has ever been created for the workers, and by the workers. • Opposition, because the real can be very different than the ideal. • Opposition, to those who think that they are the union, and that they can sweep aside any rank and file that get in their way. • Opposition, to those who think that the ends justify the means; when in fact, we will never reach the ideal ends, and therefor our means are what we will be judged by.

Our caucus is a loyal opposition that seeks to define a moral/ethical higher ground of acceptable activities for our members and representatives. We seek to use this set of principles as a foundation for constructive reform of our union.

Those UBC members interested in joining our movement should contact their local reform caucus, or check out our web site at: http://forthemembers.tripod.com

If you like this newsletter pass it along to another carpenter, photocopy it , fax it , hang it up. To get on the mailing list, or for more information, e-mail UBCDM@diplomats.com

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Link to website of Milwaukee and Southern Wisconsin District Council of Carpenters

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The Kerf Southern Wisconsin Caucus, Local 314
ISSUE #4
JANUARY 2000
The Kerf - Our Caucus - The Next Phase
The Southern Wisconsin Carpenter's Caucus ended the year with a growing mailing list and increased participation in our discussions. We have called for a new survey of Local 314 members to determine the best regular meeting time. We hope that our elected officials will send this soon, and that the response of the rank and file will approach 100 percent. The actual outcome of the survey is up to the membership. Those who feel that this is an insignificant matter are selling themselves short. We hope that increased attendance at monthly meetings will also bring increased discussion of important issues. Some of those issues include:
Constitutional amendments Those persons interested in changing the structure of the International have, as reported in "The Carpenter " magazine, until June 22nd to file their amendments for consideration by the delegates at the August convention in Chicago (see national scene).
Pension planning
Due to the existence of federal law, some of our members will be in a position of contributing pension funds that will not be reimbursed to them. This is a complicated issue, and the actual numbers are based on guesses of future inflation rates, contract increases, number of hours worked, and the decisions of the pension fund board. Simply put, a fully employed carpenter is now contributing $6,000 per year. Since we can receive .04 times our total contributions per month of retirement, we will receive $240 per month, or $2,880 per year, per year of full employment, if we do not increase our contributions. At today's pay scale, the fully employed worker makes $40,000 per year. If inflation remains moderate, there will be a point, perhaps in 20 years, where the future pension payment will exceed the highest income received when working. The law will not allow this, so some money paid in will not be paid out to the contributor. One avenue of action, to change this absurdity, is to get the law repealed. We can only guess the reasons why business lobbies caused this law to exist, while they invented golden parachutes and stock options for themselves.
Another avenue of action is to develop a second retirement account, as many other trades are doing, called an annuity. These are similar to 401k programs, with technical differences that need to be discussed. The simple difference from our existing plan is that each member would have his own account, and some choice in how the money is invested. The proceeds also survive the recipient and are passed on to next of kin. This option would allow us to contribute beyond the limits imposed on our existing plan, and would also offer some flexibility and diversity in our retirement accounts. We have an excellent pension plan, based on the idea that the group takes care of its own. Until external limits are removed, we need to find other ways to shelter our income to provide for a comfortable future after our working days.
The purpose of our treasury We all pay a monthly fee to our local, but we don't have an agreed upon goal for the use of this money. Since we have been shown that this money is not a strike fund, and we cannot hire our own staff, the question of why we have developed such a large balance (over $400,000 for 314) arises.
Some ideas to discuss: Use the money to pay the benefits of those members whose contractor is in default, until legal judgment can repay the fund. Purchase some industrial quality equipment for the training center and donate it as gift of faith in the future, and develop a supervised weekend open shop for members to work on their own projects. If all else fails, let us lower the dues until our balance is reduced to the amount we spend, and then adjust the payment to allow a small surplus.
Let's talk about how to use our funds before we lose them.
The National Scene
The new year finds us preparing for the August convention in Chicago. This will be the next opportunity to change our constitution. The following excerpts from the Internet tell the experiences of our brothers and sisters all over North America. Many of them have experienced the new and restructured UBC. Our own experiences have different lyrics, but the tune sounds very familiar.

Amending the constitution: Strategy & Tactics by Tom Crofton
<crofton@mwt.net > L.U. #314 Wisc
The momentum for change is growing, but let's not sell ourselves short. We need to identify all the areas of change that are pressing, and develop language for them all. The patronizing, manipulative, and possibly corrupt actions of the International need to be countered with a comprehensive alternative agenda. To win a small victory and leave the many authoritarian practices unchanged for several more years would leave us winning a tactical battle while losing the war. Our strategy needs to be agreed on, then the tactics to attain our goals will be apparent. We need to replace the top leadership of our union with members from the ranks. We need to make the positions less desirable for those interested in personal gain. We need to find some enlightened members who are willing to forego the pay scales, perks, and lifetime employment opportunities inherent in the good old boy network that exists; who will commit to turn this structure around into a bottom up, rank and file run organization, of the members, by the members, and for the members. Nothing short of this vision is worth working for.

In the Carpenters union: "modernized" authoritarian rule by John J. Shea <JohnJShea@worldnet.att.net>
In one region then another, in Northern California, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia, carpenters call for the right to elect officers and business agents, to vote on contracts and dues increases. In sum, they want certain basic democratic rights. Locals have been combined into district councils and then reduced to powerless shells; their officers rendered impotent; their members deprived of almost all rights. Smaller district councils are dissolved and then merged into large, sprawling district and Regional councils which cover huge geographical areas, remote from local control or influence. Carpenters face a deep erosion of their rights as a new authoritarian structure is imposed on the whole union. Douglas McCarron, newest Carpenters International president and promoter of the new system, argues that in this era of capital concentration, labor must concentrate and centralize its own methods and power. But he fails to explain why it is therefore necessary to institute a near-dictatorial structure as a substitute for union democracy. Meanwhile, dazzled by the elusive promise of a new labor movement in the new era, few labor activists, except our construction workers, seem to notice that the Carpenters union is moving in the opposite direction. While the Sweeney (AFL-CIO) enthusiasts call for a campaign to encourage rank and file involvement, the Carpenter leaders would reduce their membership to the status of voiceless and impotent dues payers. Most of all this is spelled out in the bylaws and trade rules of the Carpenters Regional Council of Washington DC imposed in January 1998. They are nearly identical to the bylaws in other regions. These protected bylaws are sanctified, even though any changes recommended by the first General Vice President shall be automatically incorporated into these by-laws without further vote by the delegates. Locals are stripped of all authority. All Local Union employment positions, except for clerical positions shall cease to exist. Locals cannot pay their own elected officers, who must work at the trade all day and take care of union business in their spare time. Not much time or energy left for council-wide activities that might annoy the council officials. Locals must count on amateur hobbyists while the council is led by paid professionals. Local members may not vote on their own collective bargaining contracts which are negotiated and signed by the council. They may not vote upon or hire business agents, organizers, or any other representatives. The main source of revenue, the 2% tax on hourly wages is imposed and collected by the council and can be raised by the council without membership vote or local approval.
Locals can't do anything much with their moneys, but the council can tap their treasuries simply by levying a special assessment or per capita tax on the locals. Or by subterfuge: the council can appoint people, presumably to represent or serve the local, and pay their expenses out of the local treasuries. All council officers, from the top job of Executive Secretary -Treasurer to the three trustees are nominated and elected, not by the membership, but by council delegates.
All the authority presumably assigned to the council is actually exercised by the executive secretary treasurer whose power is total. The ESTs authority is theoretically subject to the council and its executive committee; but while that limitation is written into the bylaws, in practice it is meaningless. The powers and duties of the executive secretary-treasurer are spelled out in awesome, detail in over three bylaw pages. In contrast, the council president gets six skimpy lines. The EST can do virtually anything. He can hire, suspend, promote, or fire any and all clerical employees without any limitation whatsoever- He can do the same with all other council representatives and organizers, subject to executive committee approval. Remember that no local can hire any council representative except clerical, but the EST can hire and fire every single employee on the council payroll from top to bottom. The EST supervises all elections, directs all employees, and handles all moneys. The EST appoints all negotiating committees, and serves as trustee on all funds. On some subjects, but not all, decisions of the EST are subject to the authority of the council executive committee. But that limitation, in practice, is bound to be meaningless, because all council delegates and executive committee members are totally at the mercy of the EST for appointment to any paid union staff position. The council setup is carefully tailored in all its aspects to establish a one-person authoritarian regime. Is there any wonder why self-respecting, independent minded carpenter unionists are outraged?

Robert Carlston <umt_9@yahoo.com> Nevada
The right to vote on contracts is central to what we are about. The right to vote on Business agents goes hand in hand with that right. When it comes right down to it, the Business agent's job is to insure compliance with the contract. I've heard all the arguments; that elected B.A.s will do favors to get votes etc. But, unelected agents are only accountable to their boss; the council head. Isn't it better for an agent to be accountable to his boss; the membership?

Herman Benson - Association for Union Democracy
We know there are good, honest unionists on both sides of this issue who want strong effective unions. Granted too, that change is necessary, to break the hold of the corrupt fiefdoms and to reorganize union power. The problem is not that the new system makes changes; the problem is that it incorporates undemocratic features, the very concentration of authoritarian power that led to the evils in the first place. Moreover, these undemocratic authoritarian features are not necessary to strengthen labor; they are simply convenient devices to permit the officialdom to avoid the annoying necessity of consulting the membership. The executive secretary-treasurer is endowed with authoritarian powers which, in practice, insulate the office from membership control and actually from any control, except from the international. The local unions shall not be allowed to employ anyone other than clerical employees. An astounding provision which prevents local members from paying their own elected officers. The whole Council structure is corrupted by the powers of the EST. Local delegates, not the membership, elect the EST and other officers, but the delegates can hold no paid position without EST approval. And to top it all, the EST appoints all committees, including the trial committee. As time goes by, only a brave soul will risk offending an EST with such awesome powers to reward friends and punish enemies. The Council shall have the exclusive authority to negotiate, ratify, and execute Collective Bargaining Agreements for and on behalf of the affiliated Local Unions except to the extent the International Union exercises its jurisdiction or authority. (ed. note: sound familiar?)

Bo, L.U. #1977 Nevada
I just wish more rank and file carpenters would take every opportunity to see that the UBC is an organization for the rank and file and not a business to keep the contractors happy. The members of my Local are so disgusted that they don't attend meetings and don't care what the BAs and organizers are doing, or should I say not doing!

Patrick Mulligan<patmulligan@worldnet.att.net>
New approaches? There's nothing new about top down organizing, and this is exactly what our leadership has committed itself to by pushing through portability and concessionary contracts. Our international reps love to quote from P.J. Mcguire, but the fact is that he was dedicated to bottom up organizing and he viewed our union as a social movement, not a business.

Robert Carlston <umt_9@yahoo.com> Nevada
Let me see if I've got this straight, the only way our brotherhood will become strong is by member participation. Our esteemed General President as good as says (in this months magazine); that if the brotherhood fails it will be the members fault. Yet this same President does not want membership participation in their union. Vote for the right candidates for public office; but don't think of voting in the union. Work hard to organize the unorganized, protest unfair labor practices, but don't protest against the union's unfair practices. Encourage nonunion workers to strike for their rights, but charge and threaten to expel union members who dare to protest or strike. Tell the nonunion that if they join; they will have a contract and a voice. Then deny ratification votes , and tell them that their voice is a bunch of appointed staff. At the same time tell members that they just aren't as good as the men the company already has; so sorry. But, we need your help to sign up even more people.

Robert Christie Jr. L.U. #22 San Francisco, Ca
Many of us have seen what kind of deals your new union has made. I want something in writing, like a union contract. A contract that I voted on. Leaders who I vote for, even if they lose. An Executive Secretary who must stand for election every few years would be fine. A General President elected by the membership, even if it's you Doug. I want constitutional rights guaranteed by the United States and by the UBC constitutions.
Are you asking us to take to the streets in support of agreements we can't vote on - negotiated by people we don't elect - and then settle for mediocre agreements so that the Employer can be more profitable? Say it ain't so. Carpenters Fight to Take Back Our Union Last May, some 2000 carpenters in the San Francisco Bay Area walked off jobs, with the support of some 3,000 other building trades workers. They did this in protest of what their own leadership was doing. Despite the booming economy and the full employment, the carpenters union leadership in this area were trying to force through a cut-rate, contractor-friendly contract. It contained wage "increases" that would not keep up with inflation and major concessions on the work week and the hiring hall language. It left the retirees with an absolutely miserable pension. At the same time, the Regional Council leadership, using the "orders" of General President Doug McCarron as a cover, decided there would be no membership vote on the contract. Instead, the Council delegates would vote on it. Close to half of voting delegates happened to be appointed Council employees who, almost to the last person, vote as told. Totally locked out of this system, which failed to represent them, carpenters walked off and shut down major jobs, including the San Francisco airport job, for several days. As a result of this walk off, General President McCarron backed down on his order prohibiting membership ratification of contracts. However, McCarron and company haven't backed down from their plans to turn the union into a contractor-friendly employment agency and they are determined to roll over anybody who gets in their way on this score. They correctly see the walk offs as a major threat and decided that somebody must pay for it. That "somebody" happens to be John Reimann, Recording Secretary of LU 713 California).

Josh Coles, Organizer, BC Carpenters Union, Vancouver, BC
This past week Brother John Reimann from Local 713, Oakland, California, learned he'll soon be expelled from our union. In an unprecedented decision, a General Executive Board appointed kangaroo-court trial jury decided that in order to preserve harmony with contractors, among other things, Reimann must be expelled for his leadership in the July San Francisco Wildcat strike. A member of this 3-person jury is Martyn A. Piper, the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters. McCarron appointed Piper as EST after the 1997 restructuring of the Alberta area.
Since then, neighboring BC Carpenter Union members have been told repeatedly that Alberta was a model we should follow, that McCarron's restructuring will work in BC as it does in Alberta. Let's hope it does. There are thousands of BC members that would just love to be expelled by Piper or other McCarron supporters. Through job action many could highlight the real UBCJA organizing plan: kick active members out so they can join somewhere else. Gregory A. Butler carpenter L.U. #608 New York recently had a conversation with John Reimann, the recording secretary of Local Union #713 in Alameda County, CA (just across the bay from San Francisco) and a major thorn in the side of Dougie Mac. For those who aren't familiar with brother Reimann's situation, let's have a recap:
Back in May, the Northern California Regional Council of Carpenters negotiated a new master agreement. Despite an unprecedented building boom in the area, the agreement was concessionary. To make matters worse, unlike previous contracts, which were voted on directly by the members, this agreement was voted on by the delegates, two thirds of whom were on the payroll of the RC, at the discretion of the Executive Secretary Treasurer, John Casey. So, in disgust, 2,000 carpenters walked off the job in a wildcat strike. One of the jobs shut down was the San Francisco Airport job. The GC on that job happens to be Tutor Saliba, a company who's owner, Ron Tutor, has financial ties with UBC General President Douglas J. McCarron. That job was a PLA job, and, like most PLA jobs, the attempt to "organize" work with a no strike agreement just resulted in many rat contractors being on the site.
Brother Reimann is in the process of setting up a defense fund, to defray the substantial legal expenses he has incurred. You can contact brother Reimann directly at Crpntrs713@aol.com.
Beyond brother Reimann's case, we also spoke about conditions in California. Southern California residential construction is a cesspool, with union carpenters working under piece rate contracts. Some carpenter agreements even tell members to NEGOTIATE THEIR OWN PIECE RATE WITH THE CONTRACTOR, which of course is just like the non union (except non union carpenters don't have to pay union dues!). In the Northern part of the state, things aren't quite as bad, yet. They don't have any piece rate agreements. But, it is expected for furniture and finish woodwork carpenters to bring their own cordless drills to the site, in violation of the long standing union rule that the employer was expected to supply power tools, and members were expected to only bring hand tools. Some finish carpenters have even been expected to bring their own chop saws and tablesaws! And, on all but the biggest jobs, there are no shop stewards. So, anything can happen to the carpenter on a job, and apparently anything does. So, in Dougie Mac's home base, California, the birthplace of McCarron's "Corporate Unionism", conditions have fallen close to non union levels. I guess that's what Doug means when he talks about "user friendly unions" and "keeping our contractors competitive with the non-union".

Rich Peterson L.U. #131 Seattle, Washington
To the GEB, show us what you are made of and give the rank and file the ability to choose their leaders. If you want to lead us, empower us, embrace our ideas and make us part of the process. Give us the respect we are due. Without the working members this union would cease to exist. It is in your best interest that you listen and act. If you do not, you better see if your bags still fit and the rust is cleaned off your tools. It is only a matter of time when until the majority is heard. We will not be denied.

< L-Leo135@webtv.net> L.U. #157 New York
I also think we have to get the ball rolling, before you know it that convention will be here. Get some kind of survey out there se