MCK receives response from Union President

08/25/2010

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) has received a response to Grand Chief Michael Ahr�hrhon Delisle, Jr.�s July 9th letter to Joseph Hunt, the General President of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers. The letter was sent in hope of scheduling a meeting to address the problems surrounding the union versus non-union issue on the current Mercier Bridge repair contract, as well as matters of jurisdiction.

Mr. Hunt�s response has closed the doors to a meeting with Kahnaw�:ke representatives. Also, he rejects outright the suggestion of the creation of a �booming out� Local in Kahnaw�:ke.

�Unfortunately, our biggest concern - the poor relationship with Local 711 - has not been addressed,� said Chief Delisle.

A further letter will be sent to Mr. Hunt to clarify the Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke�s role in this matter. In his letter Mr. Hunt uses terms such as �It was your decision to build this project without an agreement with the Local Union� which, as informed observers will recall, is clearly not the case. From the beginning, all decisions made by the contractor regarding whether the job would be union or non-union were supported by the MCK.

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke would like to reiterate its commitment to finding solutions to the current dispute. This includes guaranteeing that Kahnawa�kehr�:non have first option on the ironworking jobs on Phase B and that Kahnaw�:ke�s jurisdiction is maintained and respected. The MCK is continuing to meet with Quebec on these matters including the issue of workman�s compensation/insurance (Mohawk Self nsurance), as well as safety standards and inspections.