ROOFERS IN THE NEWS
Roofers & Waterproofers Stand Up to Carpenters Raids
F
or two decades, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters has attempted to raid work traditionally performed by members of many of the thirteen building trades unions that make up North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), including Roofers and Waterproofers. The carpenters’ usual tactics include spreading misinformation and raiding the work jurisdiction of hard-working men and women of other crafts. They have made baseless claims that building trades unions are not able to supply necessary manpower on projects, and that the carpenters will supply their members to contractors in order to perform work such as roofing, vapor and air barriers, spray foam, solar installation and more. Recently the carpenters invited contractors from various crafts to their training center in Merrillville, IN, for a demonstration of the carpenters’ ability to train and provide workers to perform building trades work. The leadership of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers prepared a plan of action to protest
2
• The Journeyman Roofer & Waterproofer
the open house, asking for support from other building trades unions. The result was a tremendous showing of solidarity from our local unions throughout the Midwest, as well as some of our sister building trades unions in Indiana. About 450 protestors turned up on April 28 and 29 to line the street with signs and inflatable rats. Dozens of rank-and-file members took time off work to join leadership in letting the public know that the carpenters are not playing fair. Our greatest thanks go to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to help fight this ongoing battle: Roofers from Locals 2, 11, 20, 23, 32, 69, 97, 106, 112, 119, 149 and 150, along with locals representing the Insulators, Painters & Glaziers and Sheet Metal Workers. Thank you for standing in solidarity with us. If you see the carpenter doing your work or the work of another building trades craft, report it to your local union business representative immediately. If you, your fellow workers or your contractor are approached by the carpenter, for any reason, contact your business representative immediately. ■
