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The Position of the PNWRCC on "taping" language in the Western Washington Interior Systems (Wall and Ceiling) contract. The position of the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters is to organize the unorganized. We are not pursuing the Painters Union's members or contractors. Whenever we sign a new Drywall signatory contractor in the Western Washington bargaining area, we notify the IUPAT and they have 60 days to also sign them up. If, however, they do not, they automatically become signatory with us. We will give the Painters every opportunity, but we cannot permit our industry's union density to further deteriorate. We have not asked IUPAT members to drop membership and join us. We have not asked current IUPAT signatory contractors to drop their agreements and sign with us. We are representing workers who have had no union protections or benefits. We are signing contracts with new contractors who have been until now, non-union. The large and growing numbers of non-union drywall finishers working side by side by our members have forced us to these measures in order to protect our hard won market share. |