The Ironworkers Local Union No. 764 in Mount Pearl is in disarray after their international parent organization took what it describes as emergency measures, including the dismissal of the local’s top executives.
CBC News obtained a letter sent to Local 764 members from the international union, which is based in the United States, detailing the drastic actions that came into effect on Jan. 8.
The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers has dismissed both local union president Larry Hawco and business manager Tom Woodford.
Woodford is also the president of Trades N.L., and will no longer be in that position.
They also dismissed all of the district council delegates, along with trustees to the various trust funds.
The letter states the head union made the changes after reviewing “information concerning the activities and operations of Local Union No. 764.”
It says local union officers must hand over all “funds, assets, property, books, keys to the office of Local Union No. 764, records and other documents they have in their possession.”
WATCH | The CBC’s Abby Cole describes the turmoil at the St. John’s Ironworkers Union:
Local 764 president Larry Hawco and business manager Tom Woodward have been dismissed, and money, keys and other documents have been turned over to the International Ironworkers Union. The CBC’s Abby Cole has more.
Member and executive meetings have also been suspended.
Local 764’s business and affairs will now be managed by Iron Workers District Council of Eastern Canada president Jimmy Buisson and the international union’s vice president of Canadian affairs Colin Daniels.
CBC News asked the international union for more information about why it took these actions, but neither the union nor Buisson or Daniels would comment.
Woodford and Hawco have also declined to comment.
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