Twauna Hennessee, our Community Outreach Representative, attended the first-ever Federally hosted US Depart of Labor (DOL) Good Jobs Summit on June 21, 2022. Twauna was included in a panel discussion led by the DOL Women’s Bureau Director, Wendy Chun-Hoon, to discuss the importance of the inclusion of women and people of color in the union workforce. Twauna had this to say about the experience: 

“I had an opportunity to represent on behalf of the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters at the Department of Labors “Good Jobs Summit.”  The summit focused on empowering working people by creating and supporting good-quality jobs for all workers. I shared that we are leading that charge for our members and our communities. As a result of the work that is being done, there will be equitable outcomes, where every member from every demographic will have an opportunity to reach their fullest potential! When asked why we do what we do…I responded, ‘There comes a time to just do the right thing, and that moment is upon us!’” 

The Good Jobs Summit is part of the government’s initiative to reinforce the economy and improve infrastructure. Labor unions play a prominent role in rebuilding a robust economy by providing fair wages, as well as significant hands-on involvement in providing updated infrastructure. We appreciate Twauna’s representation of Northwest Carpenters Union, and our efforts to ensure inclusion in our workforce. You can watch the recorded summit by clicking the following link: https://www.dol.gov/general/live 

UBC General President Doug McCarron attended the Local 30 monthly meeting in Seattle last night (11/8/21). The General President spent more than two hours listening to members and addressing questions related to the ongoing investigation. Among the points the General President clarified were:

– The Delegate body and E-board are disbanded while NWCU is under UBC trusteeship. New elections will be held once the trusteeship is complete.
– Dispensation was granted, absolving members in Western and Central Washington, who were affected by the strike, but unable to picket, of the strike assessment fee.
– There was evidence of voting fraud during the member ratification vote for Western and Central Washington Tentative Agreement (TA) 3, but it has not been determined whether TA4 or TA5 were impacted.
– A new investment advisor has been hired by the Western Washington Carpenter’s Trusts.
– Confirmation that $250 million of pension and health fund assets were lost in the Allianz hedge fund investments.

NWCU Supervisor James Gleason, and the entire NWCU team, are committed to communicating additional information regarding the investigation and the impact on members as we are able. We appreciate your ongoing patience with this matter.

Reunión Virtual Informativa en Español
Martes, 9 de Febrero, 6 pm

*Para miembros del estado de Washington.

Mark McDermott brings interactive workshops for leaders, staff, stewards, activists and apprentices with a focus on labor history, economic justice educa- tion, coalition building, communications skill building and strategic planning. He produces educational and training materials designed specifically for individual unions. “All my work is focused on what we can learn from our past and present struggles that will inspire and educate participants to take more sustained actions that are needed to build more power today and into the future.”

See the flyer below for a location near you!