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3.28.2003

Exhibit 28: Wright's Wrongs
 
Exhibit 28

Court Document: International Rep. Sought to Cancel Elections

March 25, 2003

Concerned members,
BC's top court has ruled that the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (International) has been acting in "bad faith" during attempts to force its restructuring program on BC members.

In a condemning judgment against the International, Madam Justice Brown of the Supreme Court of BC ruled last week that the International was simply trying to "obtain a political advantage" in its actions related to union restructuring. The ruling, which is a victory for those who support Canadian autonomy, is available on a member's website at www.carpentersunionbc.com

During court proceedings volumes of evidence arose that revealed the International has been trying to cancel Local 1995 elections.

Exhibit 28 of the court documents is a letter from International Representative David Wright (and Local 1995 member) to International Vice President Jim Smith.

This letter emerged during the court proceedings and has not been seen by most members.

In the letter Brother Wright "strongly recommends" the International cancel all Local Union elections across BC because they "will certainly block the vision" of the International and their restructuring plans.

Brother Wright sees union elections as a pain and not in the International's best interest. Clearly, he does not think much of a member's right to vote.

Brother Wright has yet to fulfill his dream of canceling Local 1995's election. But as it was revealed in the Supreme Court trial, the International has long sought to control Local 1995 by freezing elections and denying members a right to vote.

=================================

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
James Smith
General Executive Board Member
Suite 807, 5799 Young St.
Willowdale, Ontario M7M 3V3

David G. Wright
6236 Sundance Dr.
Surrey, B.C.
V3S 8B2
Fax/Phone - 604-574-0171

March 3, 1997

Dear Sir and Brother,
RE: B.C. Full Service Council

Following the morning meeting with the Provincial Council Executive Board and the General President on February 27/96, the Council met that afternoon for a de-briefing and again the following day.

I was advised that there were mixed feelings about the meeting with the GP, from the point of view that some doubted his sincerity and that he refused to allow the question to go to referendum.

A number of the Locals such as Floorlayers 1541 and the Victoria Local 1598 are very reluctant to turn over the assets of the Local to the Council. In the Floorlayers case it's in excess of 1 million. 1598 has roughly $700.000. It should be noted that neither of these locals are spending their money aggressively on organizing. There are 12 of the 19 construction locals who have only 1 part-time Business representative and no organizers at all.

At the Friday meeting, the 5 man sub-committee presented their plan for a full service council to the Executive Board. Although not everyone was particularly sold on every aspect of the proposal, all but the Piledriver, Industrial and the Millwrights agreed to the terms. They held out and would not agree to be any part of it. At that point, Peter Norris ruled that because their was not a unanimous vote the proposal from the committee was defeated and would not be accepted.

The committee immediately called for a caucus outside the meeting room. After some discussion, the 5 members agreed that this committee could not continue to act in the capacity it was originally charged to do, 4 of the 5 members resigned from the committee. The one remaining was Pat Haggerty from Local 1928, Industrial Local. This is the same individual pumping his membership to leave the UBC. The situation in B.C. is at a stand still.

I have been advised today, March 5/97, that another meeting has been tentatively arranged for March 24 but it has not been confirmed yet. My source tells me today that he has confronted Peter Norris about the vote issue and told him that the Council can't let 3 affiliates hold the rest to ransom. The plan for March 24 is to get all the Construction Locals including the Floorlayers on side and invite the Piledriver, Millcabinet and Millwright locals on board. If they decide not to, they will be left to their own demise and Peter has agreed to this.

There is still a possibility for the Full Service Council in B.C.

In light of this information and the nomination and election period is almost upon us, I am strongly recommending that the 1997 election of officers and B.R.'s for B.C. be postponed for an indefinite period of time in order that the Full Service Council can be put together.

If the elections are allowed to continue this year it will certainly block the vision and consume time that could otherwise be directed to Council structure. Its a important issue that doesn't need to be there at this time.

The following is a complete list of all Locals in B.C. who are due for elections this year.

Vancouver Local 1995 - 7 Reps. and executive
Abbotsford Local 1907 - 1 Rep. and executive
Victoria Local 1598 - 2 Reps. and executive
Shipwrights Local 506 - 1 Rep. and executive 9could be excluded from council)
Port Alberni Local 513 - 1 Rep. and executive
Kitimat Local 1081 - executive}
{1 Rep
Prince Rupert Local 1735 - executive}
Vernon Local 1346 - 1 Rep. and executive
Kelwona Local 1540 - 1 Rep. and executive
Floorlayers Local 1541 - 2 Rep. and executive
Industrial Local 1928 - 1 Rep. and executive
PileDrivers Local 2404 - 2 Rep. and executive
Quesnel Local 2493 - 1 Rep. and executive
Shop Workers Local 2511 - 1 Rep. and executive

Fraternally yours,
David G. Wright
General Representative




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