Former Local 183 leaders trying to foment instability in construction industry

    TORONTO, April 24 /CNW/ - Tomorrow's work stoppage in the residential
construction industry being attempted by the former leadership of Local 183 is
unnecessary and preys on the anxiety of workers who just want to receive a
decent paycheque for an honest day's work.
    The former executive of Local 183 has asked members not to work Tuesday
and instead attend a meeting the Local's head office.
    "The disgraced former leadership of Local 183 is trying to whip up fear
and instability in the construction industry by claiming that the April 21st
trusteeship somehow endangers the members' benefits and pensions," said Daniel
Randazzo, Labourers' International Union of North America Legal Counsel for
Central and Eastern Canada.
    "In fact, the reverse is true. The trusteeship was implemented in order
to ensure that members actually receive the benefits they are entitled to and
stop the former leadership's corrupt practices such as forging documents and
misspending members' funds.
    "It is not surprising that those caught in a forgery scandal would resort
to misleading the membership and preying on their insecurities."
    LIUNA placed Local 183 under trusteeship after distinguished labour
arbitrator Brian Keller found the local's leadership guilty of flagrant
misconduct. Keller announced his decision last week after supervising 44 days
of hearings into the local's affairs. The hearings began December 16, 2004 and
concluded March 4, 2006, during which time Keller heard from 32 witnesses
testifying under oath. All hearings were open to members of Local 183. After
reviewing more than 8,000 pages of testimony and thousands of pages of
documents, Keller concluded that the Local executive's misconduct was so
widespread and deep-rooted that trusteeship was the only recourse.
    "If the former leadership acts responsibly, the trusteeship can proceed
in a calm and orderly manner," said Randazzo. "There is no reason for our
members not to do their jobs or for construction to be delayed. Any disruption
will be the direct result of the former leadership recklessly trying to cling
to power."

For further information: Bill Gillies, (905) 829-4683