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St Louis Carpenters Union Sues Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Concerning Billboard Contracts

By Mike Richardson 30 August, 2023 3 mins read

St. Louis's carpenters union has had a turbulent history dealing with local politicians as well as the city's business community. Al Bond, a former carpenter apprentice was the most recent victim. Bond, a former apprentice carpenter, used union funds to pay for his own expenses. He was then fired by the union because he was accused in the contract abuse scandal. The union also faced difficulties with Billboard agreements and the lack of oversight.

Al Bond's carpenter apprenticeship career

Al Bond, a St. Louis-based carpenter, worked for the union for many decades. He was elected as a labor council member and later elevated to the position of chief executive officer. Since then, he has become an important member of the union, having served as its vice president and business representative/organizer. He has also been active in local politics and contributed thousands of dollars through the PAC to local candidates. The union supported unsuccessful proposals to consolidate the city and county governments, privatize the airport and merge it. In 2011, he was reelected to the St. Louis labor board and elected to Carpenters Local 5. He served as president for eleven years.

Although most people in the United States are focused on the election of Donald Trump, a number of unions have taken steps to protect the rights of workers. Missouri's "Career Connections" program has been a great example of this. Career Connections is a national nonprofit organization that partners with local high schools to promote carpentry as a career. This program allows college and high school students to get experience while still paying no interest.

Interrail and billboard contracts

In an effort to stop the union from taking advantage of the booming construction industry, the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council has filed a lawsuit against the former president of the group, Al Bond. Bond, the former president of the St. Louis-based council that was once powerful, signed four-million-dollar billboard contracts for Interrail. The union claims the agreement was illegal, and that the union made a profit from it.

In September, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters dissolved St. Louis–Kansas City District Council. Bond then was fired. Bond, his team and the union's management were fired by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters in response to the lawsuit. He moved to Chicago to open a new office. The Mid-America Regional Council of Carpenters became the new name for the organization. The lawsuit was brought to the attention of the U.S. District Court of Missouri.

Personal expenses: Use union funds

The Carpenters Pension Trust Fund of St. Louis is a multi-employer, defined benefit union pension fund. It was formed in 1969 through an agreement between the Carpenters union, three local building trades associations and the Carpenters union. The vacation checks are distributed to the fund each time members contribute a specific amount of money for every hour worked. Important to remember that the fund is not intended as a way to pay for personal expenses. It is designed for Carpenters to provide retirement benefits as well as death benefits.

The lawsuit alleges that Bond misused St. Louis Carpenters Union funds for personal expenses. It also alleges Bond's involvement in untrue advertising contracts. The union spokeswoman didn't respond to inquiries for comment. Boehms, a vice president at Interface Construction, did not return messages for comment. A spokesman for the union did not return messages regarding questions about Boehms' salary or personal expenses.

Interrail contracts not being properly monitored

Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, which is based in Chicago, has been accused by the St. Louis council of stealing assets. The St. Louis Council was one the most important and influential unions in the area, which negotiated labor agreements for construction workers. However, the union denies the allegations. Bond's lawyer has declined to comment.

The bond also alleges the St. Louis-based carpenters union failed properly to oversee contracts with Interrail or Foxpoint and other construction firms. The bond claims that six employees in the St. Louis branch complained to national union officials about their situation. The union's financial records reveal that it had $3.6Billion in assets last fiscal year, despite no oversight of the contracts.

FAQ

Can I cancel or terminate my contract at any time?

Yes. However, you must notify the court within 14 days of signing the contract. Your contract can be terminated by providing written notice no later than 7 working days before the specified end date. If you do not give enough notice, the contractor may still owe you money for work that has been completed.

How much does it cost to apply for building permission?

It depends on the state you are in and the complexity of the proposal. It may also depend on whether you apply for permission to build or extend your current house. The process of applying can take many months so you should be ready to wait until the whole thing is done.

What happens if one of the parties doesn't accept their side?

The law allows you to sue the other party for damages if you don't fulfill your agreement. Damages are the amount owed, plus interest, court costs, legal fees.

Who creates a Service Agreement

The service agreement between you and your customer defines how you will provide them with services. It describes the customer's responsibilities as well as what you can do for them and when they must pay you.

The service agreement also confirms if there are any additional fees involved for extra services.

Service agreements should contain all terms and conditions applicable to the contract. This includes payment methods, delivery times, warranties, etc.

If you use this template, you will cover everything in the agreement.

Are there other things I should consider?

Yes. Please check your local laws for details about what projects you are allowed to do and the conditions that you need. Some states require that you get council approval before you build. Others state that you need only notify them of the plans. Find out the position of your local authorities on this matter by checking with them.

Is there a limit on the amount I can spend on this project?

No. No. You might be able to negotiate lower prices with the contractor.

Statistics

Reasonable late fees go up to 25% per year on unpaid sums. (lawdepot.com)
(ii) Name, address, and telephone number of each proposed first-tier subcontractor with a proposed subcontract estimated at $10 million or more. (acquisition.gov)
While we offer all our high-quality services at competitive prices, we know that many who need our services are on fixed incomes, so we offer a 10 percent discount for seniors and military members. (homeservicecontractorsinc.com)
(d) Contractor disputes related to compliance with its obligation shall be handled according to the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor (see 41 CFR60-1.1). (acquisition.gov)
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(8) of this section, if the estimated amount of the contract or subcontract is $10 million or more, the contracting officer shall request clearance from the appropriate OFCCP regional office before- (acquisition.gov)

External Links

dol.gov

How To

What should a contract of service include?

Any business relationship requires a Service Agreement. It outlines what you expect from each other and how you will achieve this. The SA also describes when and how you expect the other side to meet its contractual obligations.

The key elements of a successful SA are: