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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.”

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Read the rest: Press Release 11/21/2003

[ 26 November 2003: Message edited by: robbie_dee ]

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MEDIA RELEASE (pdf)

NEW ALLIANCES IN CONSTRUCTION
Construction, Maintenance and Allied Workers Bargaining Council formed

Vancouver — The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada and the BC Provincial Council of Carpenters today announced the formation of a joint council between the two unions.

The announcement follows the decision by BC carpenters in a referendum vote to sever relations with their former international union.

“This Council represents the solidarity between CEP and BC Carpenters. It is the beginning of a new relationship that will fulfill the long-held aspiration of carpenters in BC for a progressive, Canadian union,” said CEP President Brian Payne.

“BC Carpenters have now voted democratically and without any involvement by CEP or others to chart a new course for their membership,” said Payne.

“This partnership can mean more job security and employment opportunities for our members, said BC Carpenters Union president Len Embree. “It will help us address the growing problem of non-union contractors and gate hires doing construction and maintenance work in large industrial plants. It will also promote more solidarity and co-operation between our Industrial and School Board sectors.”

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Press Release 11/21/2003 #2

[ 26 November 2003: Message edited by: robbie_dee ]