BIW union workers rally for probe answers

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.timesrecord.com/website/main.nsf/news.nsf/0/A0EA5C911CE106580525742100545D6E?Opendocument

04/04/2008
BATH — Nearly 75 members of Local S6 of the Machinists union, the largest labor union at Bath Iron Works, visited the union hall on Washington Street during their lunchtime break Thursday to seek answers regarding the ongoing investigation into their elected officers.

"The (local) union is up in arms," said Cathy Pierce, a 27-year veteran of Local S6, recently. "I've talked to people who have been active with the union and I've talked to people that haven't been active, and the (international) union has hurt us more than the company ever could have. I don't trust our national."

On March 17, officers of Local S6 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers were escorted from their offices pending an investigation by their international parent organization. Allegations against the local leaders ranged from financial mismanagement to "vast amounts" of pornography on union computers.

John Carr, spokesman for the IAMAW's Eastern Territory, said this morning that although the turnout Thursday was significant, allegations against the local leadership must still be sorted through.

"Even if there were 100 people (present Thursday), there are 3,400 people in the local lodge and we have an obligation to complete this investigation," he said. "We have an obligation and a responsibility to all 3,400 members."

Several Local S6 members have called or written to The Times Record since the suspension to argue that the move is an effort by the district and grand lodges to overthrow local President Mike Keenan and his team for political reasons.


FULL story at link.