Ironworkers Local Union No. 764 in Mount Pearl is facing a crisis as its international parent organization has intervened by dismissing top executives due to what it calls emergency circumstances. The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, based in the United States, took drastic actions on Jan. 8, removing both local union president Larry Hawco and business manager Tom Woodford. Woodford, who also serves as the president of Trades N.L., has been relieved of his duties in both roles.
Additionally, all district council delegates and trustees to various trust funds have been ousted as part of the measures. The decision to take control was based on a review of the activities and operations of Local Union No. 764. The local union officers are required to surrender all funds, assets, property, records, and other documents belonging to the union.
Meetings for members and executives have been halted, and the business affairs of Local 764 will now be overseen by Iron Workers District Council of Eastern Canada president Jimmy Buisson and the international union’s vice president of Canadian affairs, Colin Daniels. When approached for further details regarding the reasons behind the intervention, neither the union nor Buisson or Daniels provided comments. Woodford and Hawco have also refrained from making any statements.
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