Carpenters Union 39th General Convention in Las Vegas

Making the Right Career Choice and the $100 Question

by ALAN WASDAHL
-- San Diego, California
As a Delegate to the Carpenters Union 39th General Convention I find
there were many worth while issues that I feel compelled to report on.
While none of the following was ever officially discussed on the
convention floor -- it was the reoccurring topic of discussion for many
independent conversations. I feel this has more significance for
carpenter union members than any other issue that was discussed,
debated, or voted upon.

Prior to the Convention, I was approached by one of the paid staff from
my local union and asked if I would like to make a financial
contribution to the re-election campaign of the McCarron slate. I was
shown a letter from Doug McCarron asking for the support of this
individual in recruiting the support of others in my area. One has to
assume that this kind of recruiting was being done throughout the
organization.
I asked how much he had to kick in - being paid staff -- and I was told
that he had made a $100 contribution. I hesitated for a moment, and was
then told that all of the other delegates from my local union were
already on board.
I declined his offer, stating that I felt an obligation to hear from all
of the candidates -- before making my decision.
Later, it was reported that Doug McCarron was in Chicago. With 100 paid
staffers in the greater Chicago Regional District Council - and
coincidentally, a report of $100 personal campaign contributions -
McCarron would have collected a nice chunk of change from Chicago.
At the convention, numerous reports from different parts of the country
began to surface indicating that the $100 level of contribution for
staff members was the apparent standard or "expected" campaign donation.
Imagine being on the union payroll as either a Business Representative
or Organizer, and then being approached by your Boss and asked for a
financial contribution? Would this make you feel a little uneasy? Some
may consider this to be a misuse of power, a situation of compromised
influence, throw in a just a dash of implied intimidation and isn't this
a conflict of interest? Heck, is this even legal?
Now, also imagine, your Boss having a master list of all of his
employees - throughout all of the United States and Canada. Such a list
would include every Business Representative, Organizer, Apprenticeship
staff and others -- all neatly listed in a column format. To the right
of these names is another column - with a $100 ledger entry and perhaps
a cancelled check number. In this instance, a blank entry would make for
quite a statement.
Can you imagine anyone on the payroll not having the common sense to
make a "voluntary" campaign contribution for their Boss's re-election
campaign? Would such a contribution be by definition -- a good career
choice decision?
Listed on "The McCarron Team" campaign literature appears roughly 2,200
names. If the going "contribution" rate was $100 for each name, this
would represent political campaign funds of $220,000 going towards their
re-election efforts.
Carpenter Union District Councils throughout the land are run by
Administrative Assistants who report directly to the General President,
Doug McCarron. These Administrators have the authority to hire and fire
union Business Representatives and Organizers.
Do you believe that if anyone declined to make such a contribution that
they would still have their job next month? Maybe yes, maybe no -- after
all, I'm just asking the question. What do you think? All I know, is
that the names of every paid staff person from my area are on the list.
Then again, there are many levels of commitment that one should not
overlook, consider the personal endorsement that goes along with the
financial contribution. This entitles you to have your name on a
political flier -- further demonstrating what a good team player you are.
Then, on the day of nominations, campaign shirts for the "McCarron Team"
were given to delegates and guests as they entered the convention hall.
The shirts were bright orange in color. As I entered onto the convention
floor, there was a sea of orange. I'd estimate that a good 70% of the
crowd was wearing these shirts. While entering the convention hall, I
bumped into a few delegates-- these were working carpenters who were
walking against the flow of people and heading back towards the lobby.
When I asked them where they were going, they leaned in towards me, and
softly said, "We were told by someone on staff that we had better get
some orange shirts and to put them on." And yet, another level of
commitment -- a public display of one's (political) affection.
Based strictly upon a carpenter's own achievements and character -
without an endorsement of the powers that be - how can any one carpenter
expect to stand a fair chance at running for office against such a
stacked deck?
Is this now the new status quo? With this kind of influence and support,
Doug McCarron should be confident of a very long reign -- only having to
go through the formality of an election every five years. However, this
also allows the opportunity for reaffirming everyone's loyalties (much
like the repeating of vows) and the convention was indeed quite a
display of that. Many convention guests made comments that never have
they seen so much groveling by grown men in hopes of winning political
favor.
Well, with all of the orange shirts, campaign literature, banners,
buttons and balloons - I'm sure it all cost a pretty penny -- maybe even
upwards of $50,000. Which would still leave about $180,000 in reserves
for next time?
With fund raising capabilities such as these - derived strictly from
pinching the "hired help," you'd think that Doug McCarron would be
grateful for having any opposition at all. I mean, it would be much
harder to justify keeping that kind of money if you ran on a white
ballot -- wouldn't it?
It is said that about 85% of the elected delegates are paid staff.
Understand that these positions are appointed. There is no real job
security; therefore, while job performance may certainly be a top
priority, so is doing whatever keeps your Boss happy - and this should
be of concern to us all. Our union is increasingly run from the top
down, rather than by traditional means. Communication tends to be one
way only. Our leadership does not promote open communications amongst
the members and seldom are the concerns of working carpenters
represented by their Business Reps. and taken up the ladder. Make no
mistake, this is an erosion of trade union democracy.
While getting the support of the hired help is one thing, winning the
hearts and minds of the members - with no purse strings attached - is
quite another.
Our leadership has demonstrated the ability to commit whatever resources
necessary to preserve their own political futures and to win at any and
all cost; but when, if ever, will they dedicate themselves to putting
together a comprehensive program in advancing those issues of most
importance to working men, women and their families? A program that will
win the overwhelming and willing support of the membership? This, is
real leadership.
The members deserve a real role in determining their own future and the
future of the trade union movement -- and real leadership would allow
for it.