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Sat, 22 Nov 2003
Friends,

An 84 year-old struggle within the BC Carpenters Union is finally drawing �to a successful close. Since the First�World War there have been convention �resolutions within the BC carpenters to separate from our International parent �union, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA).

During this time there have been numerous false starts, empty compromises, �failed experiments, and�generations of carpenter union members. Yet, we �remained with the International, at least in terms of being required to pay over �$1 million a year to their Washington, DC headquarters.

Yesterday, we announced that the results of a province-wide referendum that asked members if they wanted to leave the International and join a Canadian union.�The results were: 83% in favor and 17% against. The BC Carpenters�Union is�finally breaking away from the International.�Our Press �Release is attached.

Naturally, the�International disagrees and it is likely they will continue to sue and harass us.�But our move has pounded in a new stake on �the battleground.�We have taken our territory (BC) as our own.

We also�have a new ally. Yesterday, the BC Carpenters�announced (Press Release�attached) the formation of a Joint Bargaining Council with the CEP (Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada).��This new relationship will provide the political and legal strength we need to make our�union even stronger in BC.�The joint efforts of�BC Carpenters and the�CEP�will�also build the foundation for a new Canadian union of carpenters.��

In Solidarity,
Josh Coles



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