MCK receives response from Union President

08/25/2010

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has received a response to Grand Chief Michael Ahríhrhon 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 Kahnawà:ke representatives. Also, he rejects outright the suggestion of the creation of a “booming out” Local in Kahnawà: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 Kahnawà: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 Kahnawà:ke would like to reiterate its commitment to finding solutions to the current dispute. This includes guaranteeing that Kahnawa’kehró:non have first option on the ironworking jobs on Phase B and that Kahnawà: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.