In a break from the serious,
conventioneers got a visit from “Madonna”
We had 71 members present at our September regular meeting. We accepted
20 new members, three of which were in attendance for the obligation. Daniel
McNassar was present to receive his journeyman certificate.
Under reports, we heard from Apprentice Instructor Jim Murphy regarding
training and remodeling of the center. We also had an extensive Organizing
Report from Oregon/Southwest Washington Director Ben Embree. We have three
campaigns going at this time: The Benson Tower, DWA Tradeshow, and actions
against Unico Properties, which owns the U.S. Bank Tower in downtown
Portland.
Other representatives and organizer reports were heard as well, covering
job opportunities and other issues.
Also, Regional Manager Pete Savage reported on the upcoming “Change to
Win” Convention, benefit changes, and the status of the Tradeshow agreement.
Political Coordinator Ed Glad reported on the Bend Political Conference and
President Bush’s suspension of prevailing wage in hurricane-damaged areas.
Our General Convention delegates also gave a complete accounting of the
International General Convention. Council Delegates reported on the
recommendation to change the hiring hall rules to interpret “no answer”
during work call times as a refusal of a job. We had a Picnic Report from
Chairman Joe Baron. There was a discussion about our Market Recovery subsidy
program.
Under New Business, there was a motion passed to donate $500 to the UBC
Hurricane Relief Fund. We also agreed to send Governor Kulongoski a letter
in support of the Labor Education & Research Committee’s (LERC) budget. We
had a positive financial report reflecting a good month and adjourned at
8:50 p.m.
Be there at your next Union Meeting. We need input from all of you!
General membership
Meets the second Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m. at the Carpenters Hall, 2215 N.
Lombard, Portland.
Retirees
Retirees meet for lunch the second Monday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. at JJ North’s,
10520 NE Halsey, Portland.
Executive Board
Executive Board meets the fourth Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the
Carpenters Hall, 2215 N. Lombard, Portland.
Volunteer Organizing Commitee
VOC meets the first Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m. in the Conference Room on the
first floor of the office. For more information, contact Jason Sheckler at
503-367-7694.
Protecting your identity
By Dawn Carson
Office Manager
With all of the identity theft happening around us, it is important for all
of us to eliminate the use of our Social Security number when possible.
Each member has been assigned a UBC ID number that can be used to look up
membership records, pay your dues and even update yourself on the Out-of-Work
list. I would like to ask that you utilize your UBC ID at all times in lieu of
your Social Security number. Your UBC ID is located on your working card. It is
an 8-digit number that begins with a “U”, i.e., “U-1111-1111.” The membership
database has been redesigned to hide your Social Security number.
Please remember to use your UBC ID on any form of payment that you send in
the office to pay your dues. We are trying to prevent your identity from getting
stolen! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks for your help!
Due to staff absences, the Local 247 office will have shortened office hours
Oct. 7 and 10. Friday, Oct. 7, the office will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And Monday Oct. 10, the office will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Do you need to contact the Trust to check on your eligibility for Health &
Welfare? Do you need to call the Trust to ask a question about your vacation
fund? Maybe you wanted to check on your pension credits? Did you want to call
the Regional Council office and talk to a Business Rep? IF…you ever want or need
to call either of them, this is just a reminder that these phone numbers are
located on the back of your working card!
I wanted to give you this reminder because while I was in the office helping
out, I answered many phone calls from members like yourself, looking for these
numbers. The numbers are on the back of your working card, not only for your
convenience, but to save the girls some time in the office!
Thanks for your help!
— Joe Baron, Financial Secretary
By Bruce Dennis, Joe Baron, Gene Lawhorn, Joe Whitney, Local 247 Delegates
The Convention was held in Las Vegas, Nevada in August. Over 1800 delegates and 2000 guests were in attendance. We had moving speeches from Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), Former Sen. John Edwards (D-N. Carolina), Former Governor Jerry Brown (D-California) and The President of the Service Employees International Union, Andy Stern. General President McCarron and his entire team were easily re-elected to all their positions. We had many informative committee reports covering apprenticeship, organizing, legislation, finance, benefits, constitutional changes and even a 1099 independent contractor committee. Local 247 sent three resolutions to the convention.
The Free Speech Resolution went to the Rules Committee and was not recommended for adoption. When the Rules Committee reported, several delegates called for the addition of the Free Speech provisions, but they were unsuccessful. General President McCarron did, however, go out of his way to allow many delegates the opportunity to speak on a wide variety of proposals. He was also reluctant to accept motions to cut off debate when delegates were still eager to comment. We designed a General Convention pin which had a dam being breached, signifying a breakthrough in the name of free speech. The pin's meaning was missinterpreted by some, until it could be explained. The Local still has a few pins left at the office; they are $4.00 each. We also passed a resolution that was forwarded to us by Local 22, San Francisco,Ca., which questioned the public fraternization with Republicans, especially President George W. Bush. This resolution did not pass at the Convention, but was fairly discussed. The final resolution sponsored by 247 was one calling for a monument to be erected in Bogalusa, LA honoring 4 slain Carpenter Organizers. This resolution was referred, with our support, to the Louisiana delegation for further study and verification. The Constitution was changed to allowed for a possible $3.00 increase to the International per-capita tax that we pay as a local to the International every month. There were many other proposals, reports and comments. We have "Convention Proceedings" booklets for each of the four convention days available at the hall, if anyone wants further information.
