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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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British Columbia Provincial Council of Carpenters Media Release

Media Release November 21, 2003 (original as pdf)
BC Carpenters vote to leave International
British Columbia Carpenters Union members have voted decisively to sever ties with their International parent in Washington DC.
In a referendum, members voted overwhelmingly to cease their affiliation with the Washington dominated United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and seek an alliance with a Canadian Union.
�Our members are clearly demanding freedom from American control,� said BC Carpenters Union president Len Embree in a statement issued today. The ballot mailed to members asked �Do you wish to transfer the affiliation of the British Columbia Provincial Council of Carpenters and its affiliated Local Unions from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America to a Canadian Union?� The membership voted 83 per cent in favour.
BC Carpenters Union president Len Embree said, �This is the clearest demonstration yet that the members of the BC Carpenters Union are determined to control their own destiny. They demand the right to elect their own officers and representatives and to vote on decisions that affect their livelihoods.�
Reacting to numerous American takeover attempts, BC Carpenters have indicated in several referenda that they will not tolerate American interference in their elections of officers and business representatives or the merging of Local Unions or negotiating collective agreements. Embree said that those collective rights have been fought for over generations and �We are not going to hand that over now, or ever.�
Embree continued, �Only as a free and autonomous organization will we be able to make the changes necessary to grow and properly represent Canadian workers.� For further information contact: President Len Embree or Secretary-treasurer Dave Flynn 604 437-0471 fax 604 437-1110
Backgrounder attached




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