Carpenters declare strike against Cement League

The New York City District Council of Carpenters went on strike yesterday Wednesday against The Cement League, a building trades employers association.

The two sides have been bargaining for 30 months, but have been unable to come to an agreement, according to the union. "The Cement League is demanding 20% wage reductions in all outer borough construction jobs," while workers have not seen a raise in four years, Stephen McInnis, executive secretary treasurer of the Council, said in a statement.

The Cement League employs more than 500 carpenter members of the union, which represents more than 25,000 skilled carpenters, millwrights, dock builders, cabinetmakers, timbermen and floor coverers, said the Council.

The Cement League did not respond to a request for comment.