More woes for riggers union as D.C. parent takes control

December 5, 2005  See DOL law suit

BY ROBERT C. HERGUTH Staff Reporter

The riggers union, whose members set up and dismantle trade shows at McCormick Place and Rosemont's convention center, has had a tumultuous year or so.

The longtime boss, Fred Schreier, pleaded guilty to corruption and was forced from office.

The U.S. Labor Department filed a lawsuit alleging union- related accounts were targets of embezzlement.

And federal agents continue to snoop around the group, which has long been a haven for mobsters and other crooks.

More trouble surfaced last week when the international union that the riggers ultimately report to -- the Iron Workers -- swooped down and took control of operations, stripping the elected officers of authority and taking their seats on pension boards.

One of the reasons for the takeover: Riggers bosses had stopped forwarding dues to their Washington, D.C.-based parent, officials said.

"They'll put up with just about anything, but they won't put up with you not paying them," one veteran rigger said. "It's not a super lot of money, but no effort was made to straighten it out."

'Supervision' for up to 2 years

Eric Dean, an Iron Workers International representative in the Chicago area, is now in charge. Dean said the "supervision" will be in place for up to two years, and he'll even help negotiate a coming riggers contract.

Exactly why and how much the riggers are in debt was being looked into, Dean said, adding he doesn't suspect any "financial impropriety."

"It was just a matter of revenue and expenditure issues -- having too much expenditures for the revenue they take," he said. "They obviously fell behind on their international dues" to the tune of around $50,000.

"The members deserve a couple nickels to rub together," he added. "The international will try to restore some financial stability."

Some rank-and-filers pleased

Some rank-and-file riggers, however, are upset the international took so long to get involved. They've long complained of financial irregularities, medical bills going unpaid for months, favoritism shown to friends and family of certain riggers bosses, and retribution against critics.

"It only took them nine years, but they're there now, so good," one observer said.

The Iron Workers' general president, Joseph Hunt, did not return a phone call for comment. The now-ousted riggers chief, Frank DiMarco, could not be reached.

The union's formal name is Machinery Movers, Riggers and Machinery Erectors Local 136.

The takeover is not expected to affect trade shows, Dean said.

"I hope it has none. I've been in contact with every major employer . . . to let them know there will be no disruption in service, that it will be business as usual."

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