Those willing to act

Igueswere****edthen, the following is in response to your 2008-12-03 07:12 AM Cbox post, “Not only will the same leadership be present, and I do applaud the challenge as it accomplished for the first time under an information era there are those willing to act”

You stated, “…I do applaud the challenge as it accomplished for the first time under an information era there are those willing to act.” We appreciate your gratitude and we will continue to act.

You also stated, “Not only will the same leadership be present…” Well, not necessarily, at least not for long.

The “rumor” that Forde, Thomassen, and Sheil are collecting pension benefits came to our attention just days before the November 3 nomination meeting. We waited the few days until they were nominated, since we needed to address the pension issue only if they were nominated. With the pension issue being, they shouldn’t be allowed to seek re-election while collecting pension benefits. That night, November 3, we submitted our complaint letters regarding this issue to the Election Committee.

We insist that those who have been elected or are seeking reelection and are receiving pensions should be deemed ineligible to have held or hold their elected positions. Those who are receiving pension benefits are considered retired and, for the NYDCC Pension Plan, aka the “on-the-tools” pension, cannot work 40 hours or more per month in “disqualifying employment” to receive benefits. If a member is working less than 40 hours per month, they are not depending on the trade for a livelihood. Those who are retired or are not depending on the trade for a livelihood cannot hold union officer positions, amongst other positions. If a member receives pension benefits and works 40 hours or more in a month they must repay the received benefit, if they do not they are likely to have unrightfully received pension benefits. This means that Forde, Thomassen, and Sheil should at least be found to not have been eligible to run in the NYCDCC 2008 Election and may have unrightfully been receiving pension benefits. Only after internal remedies have been exhausted, we can then bring this case before the US DOL. We’re working on it.