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ew York's carpenters' union is poised to gain independence after three decades under court supervision. A federal judge recently approved a plan that, if successful over the next year, will mark a significant shift for the New York City District Council of Carpenters.
The union agreed to court oversight in 1994 to address racketeering charges and root out mob influence. The path to independence has been long, with key milestones including the transfer of responsibility from a court-appointed monitor to an in-house inspector general in 2022. The latest court order completes this transition, although the monitor will still oversee elections.
To further ensure transparency and accountability, the union is creating an independent integrity officer position, which will be filled by Thomas McKay. This role will help resolve internal disputes and provide legal assistance to the inspector general. If all goes as planned, the union and government can negotiate a final agreement to replace their 1994 settlement.
The changes coincide with Joseph Geiger's promotion to vice president of the eastern district for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. In this role, he will oversee regional groups along the East Coast. The union has also been active in New York politics, clashing with the Real Estate Board over issues like the FARE Act and declining to support certain housing proposals.
In other news, the City Council revived J-51, a tax break for property owners who renovate their residential properties. However, landlords who fail to follow rules can face severe penalties, including fines or jail time. Mayor Eric Adams has expressed support for policies aimed at helping working-class New Yorkers, including eliminating income taxes for over 429,000 residents.
Adams' own party affiliation remains uncertain, as he did not rule out running as a Republican in his re-election bid next year. The NYPD is also investigating the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, with surveillance footage suggesting the suspect may have left the city.
