A CASE HISTORY FOR CHANGE

 

 

NEWS RELEASE 12/09/03

 

 

 

Text Box: Journeyman service students organize petition and flyers to seek job placement opportunities outside of classroom. In a letter written to Business Manager/President Craig Sandberg, 20 service students and members request discussion and forum as to process of placing more members on more jobs. Sheet Metal Workers International Association has identified thousands of future job opportunities in the HVAC Service industry. Rank and File members distribute the following announcement; "The J-Level, S.E.S. (Servicing Environmental Systems) Class has requested Craig Sandberg (Business Manager) to attend and participate in a open forum to discuss; the future of Local commitments from our administration, towards building/establishing a strong foundation, to ensure expansion into service industry markets (market recovery). Stating the following jurisdictional language; SMWIA Constitution & Ritual - Article One - Sec 5(n) 'servicing energized systems after retrofit." January 13th, Craig meets with frustrated members, many whom have committed a year or more to increase their skills, licenses and marketability. Craig announces at next union meeting new pursuits into service industry.

 

 

Text Box: JOURNEYMAN SERVICE STUDENTS  PETITION UNION ADMINISTRATION:– TO INCREASE JOB PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE 12/27/04

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN MEMBER FUNDED NEWSLETTER - MEMBERS SEEK A DEMOCRATIC VOICE!

 

 

 

Text Box: Seeking to get more involved in their union and newsletter, members are discouraged from submitting labor articles & participating in their Union newsletter. Rank & File members approach union officials with interest in submitting articles regarding current labor issues. Members seek to fill void of missing labor issues and news by submitting several articles of their own; A World Sculpted by the World Trade Organization - 10 years after WTO, Wealth Inequality, and the Office Of Labor Management Standards (O.L.M.S.) Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act. Rank & File Members commit several weeks negotiating with union officials to have a democratic voice in their Member funded newsletter. Members told of status quo, and that newsletter is for that of Business Manager and Business Agents. Rank & File members submit following letter to E-Board and union officials: "As per our conversation with brother Pete Parris on 12/6/04, the evening of the Christmas party, there was described several layers of bureaucracy with which one must contend with to submit an article. Because of brother Parris’s hesitation on subject matter and content, we have afforded the opportunity to select one of three articles of your choosing. We hope in the future that our Executive Board can reach a consensus & compromise on a stream-lined process in which the submission of articles is welcomed and encouraged. As dues paying members, and as a union member’s rights to free speech, we must remember that the Local 10 newsletter is funded by all members for equal access by all members." Rank & File members organize and decide to launch Member funded newsletter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE 9/4/05

 

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS LAUNCH ADVOCACY AND EMPOWERMENT CAMPAIGN AT ‘LABOR DAY’ EXTRAVAGANZA – HARRIET ISLAND

Text Box: Gary Berglund signs in and checks out information at Members First.   Text Box: Chris Fairbanks displays information which he picked up at the booth. Text Box: SMW Member Ron Nelson Text Box: United Auto Workers supporter Brian Huseby along with Dustin Denison and daughter Carter Denison. Right of booth displayed is labor history spin wheel.     Text Box: Sheet Metal Workers from Local #10, their families and supporters display Members First Initiative booth at annual Labor Day Celebration. The booth this year, provided information regarding union democracy, encouragement, and ownership with an aim towards more union participation from local members. Members First also announced the launch of it's website smwmembersfirst.com and its newsletter. Seeing the need for member education, accountability and a stronger union, was the prime motivating factor for many members to get involved. The overall turn out this year for the Labor Day event was approximately 2,500 supporters, 10 of which were Sheet Metal Workers from Local #10 whom were present at the booth, and or signed in to check out information regarding Members First. In a statement from SMW #10 member Ron Nelson, "I've been coming to this Labor Day event for years, this is the most Sheet Metal Workers I have ever seen".  Rank & File Members are seeking a larger  presence at public events.   Attendee's of this year's Labor day event included Gary Struss, Nick Sorby, Marty Strub, Fred Vanderbeek, Chris Fairbanks, Scott Wildes, Dustin Denison, Ron Nelson, Gary Berglund and Mike Makozak.  Our thanks goes out to those Sheet Metal Workers who took the day to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Text Box: Members Chris Barnard, Dustin Denison & Marty Strub  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: St. Paul Pioneer Press Tuesday, Sept 6th    2005              In an interview with reporter Pratik Joshi, Dustin explains the work of the Members First Initiative.

 

Text Box: MEMBERS ATTENDING ST. PAUL AREA TRADES AND LABOR 'LABOR DAY EXTRAVAGANZA -2005'  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS RAISE CONCERNS OVER 5 MONTH LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY; AUGUST - SEATTLE BUSINESS AGENTS CONFERENCE. NEWS RELEASE 1/3/06

Text Box: After five months with no verbal or written report regarding the August 20th – 25th S.M.W.I.A.  Business Agents Conference in Seattle, Washington: Metro - Rank & File members raise concerns as to amount of money spent, who attended, and what actions took place. "Its unacceptable not to report after 5 months on such an important conference" Stated Steve Richie. The 2005 Business Agents Conference headlined the theme  'LETS GO GET IT'. Local Union leaders from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as the entire membership of the SMWIA were urged to get every job and hour of work that falls within our jurisdiction. General President Sullivan called upon all union Sheet Metal Workers to be productive and help our contractors grow and be more competitive. Much of the Conference was devoted to reports on programs launched by various SMWIA Funds and departments to get all the work possible and increase hours of employment for our members. Many Rank & File members first learned of the Conference after the SMWIA September/October Journal was published.  Shortly after, members were hopeful to see changes brought back to the local that might assist 300 members seeking work.  Upon hearing that 7 Business Representatives attended the conference, and no word had been spoken after 5 months, members began to raise accountability questions. Rank & File members organized and drafted a letter which resulted in Union Officials admitting that they needed to do a better job reporting on Conferences and Events.              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Date: December 28, 2005 Att: Rich H. Leitschuh / Financial Secretary Sheet Metal Workers L.U. #10 1681 East Cope Ave. Maplewood MN. 55109 Re: Business Agents Conference From: Dustin Denison / Member SMWIA Dear Brother Leitschuh: It is my understanding that approximately 5-6 Business Representatives from local #10 attended the Business Agents Conference in Seattle during the week of Aug 20-25th. I am requesting the following information regarding expenses with which the membership paid for, from the General Fund, and any other fund associated with this trip. 1) Names of all individuals whom attended the conference. 2) Air fare expenses for each individual whom attended the conference. 3) Hotel room/lodging expenses per individual whom attended the conference. 4) Daily & total per diem for expenses per individual. 5) Weekly salary/payroll expense with which was covered per individual. I have been advised by the Department Of Labor, and understand that it is the Union's/International’s obligation under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (O.L.M.S.) to make available to its members a current, true, and complete copies of receipts and expenses of this trip, relating to dues expenditures which have come from the membership. You may forward this information via mail provided at the address below, or in person at the January meeting. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS AGREE -UNIONS HOPE LIES WITH ITS MEMBERSHIP! NEWS RELEASE 1/3/06

Text Box: Sheet Metal Workers from Local Union#10 gathered to discuss the future of their local and their elected representatives. The meeting took place on Sunday, January 29th in a rented out conference room at the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization in south Minneapolis. Rank & file members; a SMW #10 Executive Board member, apprenticeship instructors, journeyman, foremen and activists from other trades and organizations agreed - changes have to be made within their union to confront the attacks on labor. "To maintain the status quo is no longer an option for us," stated Dustin Denison. The Members First Initiative, an advocacy and empowerment group organizing Sheet Metal Workers on the issues of lost manufacturing jobs, globalization, non-union competition and advocating a democratic voice for change, bearing the standard of Member’s Always Come First.           "In the labor movement, we are at a point within our labor organizations, where progressive change must come from the top down, or it will come from the bottom up," stated Chris Bernard. Meetings for Members First began as kitchen table conversations which quickly led to libraries and now conference rooms. Sunday’s discussion topic was about having a democratic voice within the local’s website and newsletter along with accountability of reporting standards when staff and members attend conferences.  Shortly after, At February's Union meeting it was announced by SMW#10 Staff that there would be a member’s page added to the Locals official website. Union officials also added it’s report on the Aug. Business Agents Conference to the website under the section ‘Current News’. On Sunday March 5th, Members First will meet to discuss Job Opportunities within our industry, and the formation of a caucus to advance proactive ideas within our changing work environment. Members First currently maintains an independent newsletter and website www.smwmembersfirst.com. Member First’s is finding its niche as a catalyst and conduit of union members concerned about their future. "Members always come first," reiterated Dustin Denison.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS ENGAGE IN COALITION BUILDING: A STRONGER MOVEMENT POLITICALLY AND SOCIALLY - MN LABOR GUN CLUB

 

 

NEWS RELEASE 2/1/06

 

Text Box: Labor Members and Organizers met Wednesday February 1st at Metro Gun Club in Blaine. The founding fathers, UAW members from the St. Paul Highland Ford Plant discussed outreach and expanding the MN Labor Gun Club. John Klleen, Brian Peterson, Jason Kulman and Brian Husbey first shot several rounds in the indoor pistol range then got down to business to discuss the website, structure of the organization and political involvement. "The potential of the MN Labor Gun Club is incredible, stated Brian Huseby. Labor members need to understand that we can support labor and guns on the same ticket."  The MN Labor Gun club will expand it's outreach to informational booths at Sporting shows and events. Many of our union Brothers & Sisters are sportsman with an interest in preserving their rights and understanding who will best represent their interest. There is a huge misunderstanding that certain politicians and political parties all seeking to take away members guns.  "That's simply not the truth" stated Brian Huesby. "This is about education and coalition building."

 

 

Text Box: Representative DFL Connie Bernardy District 51B, shoots skeet for first time with MN Labor Gun Club & Jason Kuhlman.

Text Box: MN Labor Gun Club met in Blaine at Metro Gun Club. Wednesdays group discuss outreach to other union organizations and development of political endorsements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE 2/18/06

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS ASSEMBLE MAILINGS TO ENCOURAGE UNION PARTICIPATION AND DISCUSSION OF A STRONGER FUTURE!

 

 

Text Box: Sheet Metal Workers from Local #10 met Friday morning at  Southdale Public Library to assemble mailings of invitations to encourage union member participation. "Members are our most valuable  resource" stated Dustin Denison. Members mailed 300 letters Friday with a total for the week of 500. "An strong membership includes an Active membership" stated Scott Wildes.

 

 

 

Text Box: Members First will host an open house on March 5th to discuss current and future issues to strengthen our role in the Labor Movement.  One of many topics to be discussed will be the formation of a caucus within our union. A caucus of members will screen future candidates and endorse those with only the strongest drive and commitment  to carry forward  change. Members are organizing apprentices, journeyman and retiree's around the state. Chris Bernard went on to state; "This past Summers split, within the AFL-CIO and most recently the Building Trades, is a clear sign that attitudes are changing. Labor must stay strong."    

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE 2/22/06

 

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS, TAKING A STAND FOR OUR PRODUCTION WORKERS - MN FAIR TRADE COALITION

 

Text Box: Six rank and file members along with an E-board member met Wednesday morning at the Café of the America’s to meet  Octavio Ruiz of the MN Fair Trade Coalition. Rank and File members gathered in the conference room to discuss data from the AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council on lost manufacturing jobs in MN. Sheet Metal Workers Local #10 has lost several of it’s production shops along with hundreds of it’s members to out-sourced jobs down South. Members were concerned over the news at their January Union meeting that  another production facility in Detroit Lakes might be moving jobs to Mexico. As director of the MN Fair Trade Coalition, Octavio leads a consortium of Labor and Activist in events and activities around fair trade not 'free trade'. The coalition is now thirteen years old. The majority of work is accomplished through political action aimed at our elected officials at both the State and National level. MN Fair Trade Coalition is represented by over 50 labor trades including the Central Labor Councils, Building Trades and many other local and state unions. With 14 production shops representing some 800 members, rank & file sheet metal workers believe it is time our name be added to the coalition and a strong effort put forward to save U.S. Manufacturing Jobs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE 3/25/06Text Box: Saturday March 25th. Downtown Minneapolis was a call to action by many trades to shine light on the issues of declining worker standards and the presence of non-union substandard construction taking place within many downtown loft projects. The day of the event was scheduled to coincide with the Whitney Partners LLC reception which apparently also was responsible for the sub-contracting which took place on their property. The lowering of construction standards on this job resulted in; no safety training or safety equipment, twelve hour days, no safety manuals, no overtime, and cash wages at $6-$10 per hour.  Labor, community and faith groups showed solidarity throughout this action. Among the trades present: Iron Workers, Electricians, Plumbers, Mill Wrights, Carpenters, Roofers, Painters, Pipe Fitters, Steel Workers, Miners and Operating Engineers.

 

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS - FILL VOID OF ‘SHEET METAL REPRESENTATION’ AT MPLS DOWN TOWN BUILDING TRADES RALLY

 

Text Box: Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, Attorney General Mike Hatch along with other leaders spoke of the disparaging conditions workers are  often faced with. The rally drew a crowed of several hundred. E-Mail alerts along with handbills were solicited to draw support for this event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS PRESENT IDEAS TO E-BOARD- A ‘VISION OF A STRONGER UNION’ (OUR POCKET BOOKS, OUR POLITICS, OUR JOBS) NEWS RELEASE 4/25/06Text Box: Saturday March 25th. Downtown Minneapolis was a call to action by many trades to shine light on the issues of declining worker standards and the presence of non-union substandard construction taking place within many downtown loft projects. The day of the event was scheduled to coincide with the Whitney Partners LLC reception which apparently also was responsible for the sub-contracting which took place on their property. The lowering of construction standards on this job resulted in; no safety training or safety equipment, twelve hour days, no safety manuals, no overtime, and cash wages at $6-$10 per hour.  Labor, community and faith groups showed solidarity throughout this action. Among the trades present: Iron Workers, Electricians, Plumbers, Mill Wrights, Carpenters, Roofers, Painters, Pipe Fitters, Steel Workers, Miners and Operating Engineers.

 

Text Box: Tuesday, April 26, 2006, Members appear before E-Board, Officers and Agents to present ideas to a vision of a stronger union.  Bills Schuldt and Dustin Denison presented three ideas which cover a change in SMWFCU credit union, building a political program, and creating additional jobs within our union.

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: The following presentation on ‘building a political program’ was given to encourage the E-board with options of ideas for the November elections. Brother Denison explained the common pitfalls of waiting until the last two months before an election, and than trying to recruit and engage members into phone banks and literature drops. The political process of engagement must begin long before the election; to educate, engage and recruit members. Dustin presented the Membership Education political program which the Laborers and IBEW are using. This program educates on political subjects such as: Prevailing Wage, Right to Work, Lost Job Opportunities and the Value of Voting. The fundamentals of this program include mailing post cards every six weeks along with member education taking place at union meetings and also through work shops on each topic. Information on this program was distributed throughout the E-board. The last presentation introduced a Resolution of Initiative to increase jobs and job opportunities for our members. Local #10 has approximately 300 members currently out of work and has had high unemployment for the past several years. Members are seeking solutions and a work plan which will best market our members, as our  members are currently barred from marketing themselves. Brother Denison described his personal story of being unemployed with many municipal, state and federal licenses. With no opportunities to better ones own work situation; a resolution was drafted to encourage the local to examine solutions of high unemployment and increase work in emerging markets; Service, Indoor Air Quality, Commissioning, Test and Balance. The SMWIA and Department of Labor have identified thousands of job opportunities in these markets which could bring tens of thousands of work hours to our members. Copies of the Resolution were distributed throughout the E-Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE 4/26/06Text Box: Saturday March 25th. Downtown Minneapolis was a call to action by many trades to shine light on the issues of declining worker standards and the presence of non-union substandard construction taking place within many downtown loft projects. The day of the event was scheduled to coincide with the Whitney Partners LLC reception which apparently also was responsible for the sub-contracting which took place on their property. The lowering of construction standards on this job resulted in; no safety training or safety equipment, twelve hour days, no safety manuals, no overtime, and cash wages at $6-$10 per hour.  Labor, community and faith groups showed solidarity throughout this action. Among the trades present: Iron Workers, Electricians, Plumbers, Mill Wrights, Carpenters, Roofers, Painters, Pipe Fitters, Steel Workers, Miners and Operating Engineers.

 

Text Box: Seeing a need to educate, recruit, mobilize and engage members and their elected officials on issues facing working people: Rank and File members are organizing each other around street actions and activities which require a voice and presence in public venue. Sheet Metal Rank & File members form RAPID RESPONSE in an effort to build a larger public presence, "we can make a difference," stated member Scott Wildes. The underground economy is alive and well in Minnesota. Every day unscrupulous employers across all industries pay workers in cash to avoid creating a paper trail, and then go on to break Federal and State labor laws. These contractors compete against our legitimate contractors by not paying workers comp, unemployment benefits, taxes, even health care. These contractors then compete against our legitimate contractors by undercutting bids and lowering standards to achieve jobs.  The end result - less strength at the bargaining table due to non-union competition. Rank & File Sheet Metal Workers attended the rally at the Capital in support of legislative pressure to ensure the Department of Labor and Industry performs its job.  Handing out literature packets (talking points) at the State Office Building, members proudly were involved in a grassroots opportunity to represent themselves and better the Union.  

Text Box: A DAY ON THE HILL A coalition of Community, Faith-based and Labor Groups ask the Question:                       Where’s the D.O.L.I?                        Department Of Labor & Industry The underground economy is alive and well in Minnesota. Every day unscrupulous employers across all industries pay workers in cash to avoid creating a paper trail, and then go on to break Federal and State labor laws. On our Day at the Capital, we will speak to our State Representatives on behalf of all workers to ask the question, "How much tax revenue is lost annually as a result of workers being paid in cash? How about the impact on Workers Compensation and Minnesota Care (just to name a few Minnesota programs)?" COME JOIN US! DATE: Wednesday, April 26 TIME: Registration 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. PLACE: Carpenters Hall 700 Olive St, St Paul 55101 P.S. The time at the Capital will take just a couple of hours. For more information, contact Alan Kearney at 651-653-9776

Text Box: RAPID RESPONSE – TAKING A STAND!                                                                                          RANK & FILE MEMBERS FILL VOID OF ‘SHEET METAL REPRESENTATION’ AT  CAPITAL RALLY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE 4/28/06Text Box: Saturday March 25th. Downtown Minneapolis was a call to action by many trades to shine light on the issues of declining worker standards and the presence of non-union substandard construction taking place within many downtown loft projects. The day of the event was scheduled to coincide with the Whitney Partners LLC reception which apparently also was responsible for the sub-contracting which took place on their property. The lowering of construction standards on this job resulted in; no safety training or safety equipment, twelve hour days, no safety manuals, no overtime, and cash wages at $6-$10 per hour.  Labor, community and faith groups showed solidarity throughout this action. Among the trades present: Iron Workers, Electricians, Plumbers, Mill Wrights, Carpenters, Roofers, Painters, Pipe Fitters, Steel Workers, Miners and Operating Engineers.

 

 

 

 

Text Box: After negotiations were settled and 10 months had passed, Metro Commercial workers were anxious to receive their new contract books. Armed with dozens of Metro Commercial Contract books, members finally fanned out to several jobsites and events distributing their new contract language.   In the future, Rank & File members will demand and expect language in the next contract which provides for  'New contract books in a timely (2month) fashion.' SMW#10 had posted the new contract language on the Local's website, but after 6 months members began asking "where are our contract books?" In a statement from our SMW#10 officials, it was announced the printing of the contract books were the responsibility of the Contractors Association (SMARCA).  Rank & File members took the initiative and began a 4 month campaign to secure their new contract language. Rank & File member Jim Bowman stated "with today's technology of electronic data files and print-shops, there is no excuse why it should take 6 months or longer."  Members First Initiative included the new language in it's Rank & File newsletter which was distributed to approximately 700 members. "This is a great example of how Rank & File members have taken the initiative to secure a stronger future for themselves," stated Bill Schuldt.

 

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS ORGANIZE & TAKE ACTION TO SECURE METRO CONTRACT BOOKS AFTER 10 MONTH WAIT.

 

 

 

 

Text Box: RANK & FILE MEMBERS CONCERNED AFTER LACK OF RESPONSE- ADDRESSING EXECUTIVE BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION (OUR POCKET BOOKS, OUR POLITICS, OUR JOBS) NEWS RELEASE 5/2/06Text Box: Saturday March 25th. Downtown Minneapolis was a call to action by many trades to shine light on the issues of declining worker standards and the presence of non-union substandard construction taking place within many downtown loft projects. The day of the event was scheduled to coincide with the Whitney Partners LLC reception which apparently also was responsible for the sub-contracting which took place on their property. The lowering of construction standards on this job resulted in; no safety training or safety equipment, twelve hour days, no safety manuals, no overtime, and cash wages at $6-$10 per hour.  Labor, community and faith groups showed solidarity throughout this action. Among the trades present: Iron Workers, Electricians, Plumbers, Mill Wrights, Carpenters, Roofers, Painters, Pipe Fitters, Steel Workers, Miners and Operating Engineers.