SEIU 6434 Tyrone Freeman shares the dues......with family members
Martin Ludlow SEIU 99 meet Tyrone Freeman SEIU 6434.For the last few weeks, the poor that make up the large majority of unionize home care workers, have ponder the monumential increases in their dues to SEIU 6434.
Some have even started an phone campaign to repeal the 300%+ increases proposed by General Manager Tyrone Freeman.
Now, thanks to an investigated story in today's Los Angeles Times, they can grasps at what their dues money get for them, err, family members of Tyrone Freeman.
Those dissidents should note these expenditures of union dues as noted in the Times Investigated Story.
* Payments to the company owned by Freeman's wife were among the local's largest single expenses last year. Payments by the charity, the Homecare Workers Training Center, to his mother-in-law's firm represented more than 10% of the nonprofit's total annual expenditures.
* A housing corporation that Freeman helped found as a nonprofit has not been granted the IRS tax-exempt status it sought and was suspended from doing business in California. It also has claimed on its website to have a "strong relationship" with the prominent California Community Foundation, which says it has no such relationship.
* The union spent at least $123,000 more on the fund-raising tournament at the Four Seasons Resort in Carlsbad than it received in reimbursements, according to Labor Department filings and interviews. Freeman said the event made money for the charity. The union's expenditures included $100,000 in payments to entities associated with former professional football star Eric Dickerson, which have been suspended from doing business in California. The payments were listed as donations to nonprofits, not as fund-raising expenses.
*The local's nearly $10,000 tab at the Grand Havana Room, a cigar lounge known for its celebrity clientele and invitation-only memberships, was for "lodging," according to the union's annual financial report. A Grand Havana spokeswoman said the club does not provide accommodations. Freeman declined to characterize the expenditure, and after The Times inquired about it, he said he had refunded it.
Freeman's local has grown dramatically in recent years, largely because of a consolidation campaign spearheaded by Andy Stern, president of the 2-million-member SEIU. The local is SEIU's biggest California chapter, the second biggest in the nation -- and it is bigger than many international unions. Freeman also represents 30,000 workers as president of an affiliate, California United Homecare Workers.
Stern, among the most influential labor leaders in America, has denounced excessive pay and perks for union officials.
He and his spokesman would not answer questions about Freeman, who ranks among the country's better-paid local labor chiefs, receiving $213,000 in salary and other compensation in 2007.
Can one say County Grand Jury Investigation and National Labor Board Complaint???
Labels: Andy Stern, SEIU 6434, Tyrone Freeman
Posted by Red Spot in CD 14 @ 8/09/2008 01:21:00 PM
60 Comments:
The grand jury investigation is about an alleged illegal raise of dues to try to restore the union's coffers.
They gave $4,000,000 to Mark Ridley Thomas by way of an Independant Expenditure in the primary election and when he didn't win outright, they need another $4,000,000 to back him in the general election in November.
This is all on the backs of his membership that cannot afford $35.00 each month dues to contribute to a candidate.
The allegations are that the raise in dues is illegal; the investigation is ongoing.
(P.S. Where is the sleuth Zuma Dogg? Out begging for sheckels, I guess, cause he missed this one.)
Stay tuned...
This is way out of Zuma's league. He needs someone else to do the work so he can pass it along and try and take credit for it.
All of this should be a reminder about how power corrupts.
To get a better idea of what Freeman is all about, compare the contracts he negotiates for the workers to the contracts negotiated by other unions representing the same types of workers. Freeman's contracts are absolutely inferior. The worst part is he's proud of himself. How pathetic.
Freeman must have read only part of the Martin Ludlow book on what happens when you screw around with labor union funds, the part that doesn't mention that this is against the law...illegal as well as immoral when your membership is at the bottom of the economic spectrum.
This one ain't just gonna go away!
A few questions remain:
One, Is this all there is, or is this just the tip of the iceberg?
My bet? There's more, lots more.
Two, Does Freeman do a 'Spitzer' and jump for a deal, or does he do a 'Nixon' and try to hang on to the bitter end?
My bet? He pretends it's no big deal until more crimes are revealed and he becomes radioactive in LA politics, and the Stern/Burger team is forced to throw him overboard to save themselves.
Three, How long before Stern is forced to act?
It depends on how much he knew and when he knew it, and whether he thinks Freeman will take him down. In any case, look for Freeman to get a big gold and purple parachute.
These guys may be toast whoever is in the White House. Stern is spending millions attacking McCain, and Obama knows Stern tried to screw him out of the SEIU State endorsements in New Hampshire and California. Besides, Obama may be an opportunist but he is not stupid enough to stick his neck out for these two.
Wonder how Arnelle Grajeda is feeling at this moment??
I worked for the Homecare Workers Union for a little less then a year and during my short time there I witnessed and experienced many unethical and possible illegal activities. The last straw for me was when all non hourly employees (that was everyone but about a dozen outreach workers at the non profit training center) from the union and the Training Center were told they would be required to work 7 days a week, 10 hours a day for a month leading up to an important election. And all employees were required to work for the campaign of candidates the union was supporting. Non profits are NOT allowed to endorse candidates, so asking employees of the training center, a non profit, were illegal.
When I left, I did call the state and federal office that supervise non profits to report this violation.
Just the tip of the iceberg.... can't wait for the follow-up...ala Janette Humphries! Andy knew since he annointed him in 1999. There is way so much more..... keep digging LA Times.
Hey, 1:16... you're all over it! Here's your answer as to when Stern decides to act...
SEIU Local
Union Local's Finances to be Reviewed
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Service Employees International Union will send
a review team to Los Angeles this week to investigate allegations concerning
the financial practices at Local 6434, United Long Term Care Workers Union, the
union announced today.
According to a union statement, officials decided to dispatch the team
after reviewing books and records at United Healthcare Workers-West in Oakland
and finding an allegedly improper transfer of $3 million in dues money to an
outside fund that was uncovered earlier this year.
``SEIU treats allegations of financial impropriety seriously wherever
they occur,'' officials said in the statement. ``We are fully investigating the
issues that have been raised, and will take any appropriate action to ensure
that SEIU members' rights and dues are protected.''
Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times reported that firms owned by the wife
and mother-in-law of the Los Angeles-based local's president, Tyrone Freeman,
benefited from hundreds of thousands of dollars in contracts steered their way.
The union called the newspaper's story ``misleading,'' but offered to
open its books for an audit by its parent international union.
Most of the 160,000 local members make about $9 an hour, caring for the
infirm and disabled in their homes under taxpayer-funded programs.
Although the union is the state's most populous, Freeman has reported
more liabilities than assets for each of the past three years, according to The
Times.
The newspaper reported the union spent nearly $300,000 on a Four Seasons
Resorts golf tournament last year, a Beverly Hills cigar club, restaurants
such as Morton's and a consulting contract with the William Morris Agency.
A video firm whose principals include a former union employee made six
figures from the SEIU unit, and a now-defunct minor league basketball team
coached by the president's brother-in-law got $16,000 for what the union
described as public relations, according to union filings with the U.S. Labor
Department and interviews.
``Every expenditure has been in the context of fighting poverty,"
Freeman told The Times.
In a statement, the union local said all expenditures were ``approved by
the union's 55 member Executive Board, and vendor contracts are approved by
the Executive Committee -- which are solely comprised of long-term care workers
who are members of the union.
``We take these mischaracterizations by the L.A. Times seriously, and
have invited our International Union to review our books at its earliest
convenience,'' Freeman said in a statement. ``We are confident that the
findings of this review will reinforce the integrity of our organization."
Freeman, 38, told The Times that the union's members have benefited from
the money spent on the video production and daycare companies that his wife
and mother-in-law operate at their homes, because of what he termed the high
quality of the services.
The firms have been paid more than $400,000 since January 2006, not
counting any outlays this year, The Times reported.
Nelson Lichtenstein, head of UC Santa Barbara's Center for the Study of
Work, Labor and Democracy, said the union's spending recalls the excesses of
the past.
``It's very important for unions not to do this kind of thing," he said.
``Union leadership is a public trust -- all the more so when the people being
represented are among the lowest-paid in America."
The Times also found:
-- Payments to the company owned by Freeman's wife were among the
union's largest expenses last year.
-- A housing corporation that Freeman helped found as a nonprofit has
not been granted the IRS tax-exempt status it sought and was suspended from
doing business in California.
-- The union spent at least $123,000 more on the fundraising tournament
at the Four Seasons Resort in Carlsbad than it received in reimbursements.
-- United Long-Term Care Workers spent nearly $10,000 at the Grand
Havana Room, a cigar lounge known for its celebrity clientele and invitation-
only memberships.
The local has grown dramatically in recent years, largely because of a
consolidation campaign spearheaded by Andy Stern, president of the 2-million-
member SEIU. The local is SEIU's biggest California chapter, the second biggest
in the nation -- and it is bigger than many international unions. Freeman also
represents 30,000 workers as president of an affiliate, California United
Homecare Workers.
Freeman made about $213,000 in 2007, The Times reported.
Tyrone is an awful leader and it was only a matter of time before this fool got caught.
I think this is the tip of the iceberg . . . the tales about his escapades with other ladies abound. I hope the Feds get involved and start snooping around about where all the money went. I think these practices are unethical and illegal.
I hope the Feds get involved and start snooping around so that Stern is forced to clean up that local once and for all.
Hey, 7:29 a, Thanks.
Of course Stern has to send someone to look into it; gotta pretend you're doing something.
Let's see if we are not witnessing the beginning of a cover-up. After all, Stern appointed Freeman as head of 6434, and as SEIU International President, he and SEIU Sec-Treas Anna Burger should have known this stuff was going on; they're supposed to audit locals on a regular basis. But having Stern and Burger invesigate Freeman is like having Nixon invesigate Agnew or Bush investigate Cheney.
Any LA County DAs or DOL investigators reading this? Look into Freeman's health and dental insurance scams for more and bigger corruption.
As to Stern, my bet: He and Burger knew all along that Freeman was crooked but chose to look the other way as long as Freeman was backing their own sleazy secret deals with the for-profit corporations that employ low wage SEIU members.
Look for Stern to make sure Freeman gets a purple and gold parachute in return for not 'flipping' on Stern and bringing the whole thing down. It's gonna be every-crook-for-himself time real soon.
They gotta be hearing footsteps at SEIU International!!!!!!
Many homecare workers have recieved health benefits becuase of this union.No one else would have fought to get these benefits for these people.
I am paying for dental insurance. I never signed up. Also my dues went from $8 to $30.66 in July. Why?? I never signed on as a member.
Tyron will never cave to save anyone but Tyron. (h he will not try and save his wife- his former employee- he was marred when he started dating her) I remember sitting at a staff meeting when he asked the management to do something unethical. When called on this by a very young and naïve recent college graduate, were he would proudly say he ever asked he would deny he said it. I rescinded that very evening.
Lets start by telling the truth about this times article.
This is about Sal Rosselli President of UHW, his business and lifetime partner Adam Reeves and Paul Pringle trying to hold onto power. Lets see if we got this right.
*Adam Reeves - Sals' Partner, owns a business called "Its in the Bag" Graphics Design company in SF. Worked with the LA Times for 13 Years developed the LA Times Graphic Design Department. Currently has the LA Times as a client.
*Paul Pringle - had relationship with Adam Reeves prior to Adam leaving to SF to develop his company and also helped Adam secure contract with LA Times.
*Sal Rosselli, President of SEIU UHW - Adam Reeves long time partner. Owns home with Adam in SF where they have the "Its in the bag" company listed as the mailing address. Adams company has been investigated by the IRS for not paying taxes. The house used as the companies mailing address has been used as a front for loans for the company and then transferred back to Rosselli many times, just to avoid paying taxes.
This whole article has been mis-leading so bad it makes me sick. This paul pringle person did the whole article based off an angry former employee. Its unbelievable this reporter still works for the LA Times and the editors should also be ashamed of themselves for letting a story like this out especially when a WAR has broken out between Russia and Georgia. Very distasteful and insulting to our Russian and Georgian citizens.
This story is not about Tyrone Freeman and his spending, its about another attack on an African American Leader about to become the largest labor leader in CA and probrobly the world.
Oops! Someone is drinking the purple kool-aid!
This ain't about Sal Rosselli. This is ALL about Tyrone Freeman and his crooked ways. Dude got busted - that's all. Pointing the finger at others won't change a thing. Let's see if Andy Stern is fool enough to engineer a cover-up.
My bet: Stern throws Tyrone under the bus faster than you can say "pass the cigars".
Stern is angling to keep the BIG corruption under wraps. The BIG corruption is the SEIU's secret deals with the nursing home bosses to get the nursing home workers into crooked locals like Tyrone's while selling out the workers' rights.
But speaking of Sal and Tyrone, just compare the contracts negotiated by each local on behalf of home care and nursing home workers. The proof is in the pudding, not in the kool-aid!
I love it when Tyrone's flunkies play the race card; it means the end is near.
What's it gonna be, Tyrone, a Nixon or a Spitzer?
8:25 AM - wow, pretty sad spin. crooked is as crooked does, nothing to do with tyrone being african american. sad spin, you should talk to the guys in city hall, at least they do it better.
http://www.destinationweddingstyle.com/?p=onlocation&articles_id=43
You guy's in California have been HAD by the old bait and switch. Freeman left Atlanta SEIU in financial ruins and was sent to L.A. by Stern as part of a Georgia coverup. Follow the money and it will lead back to Atlanta and eventually back to Andy Stern.This is the way SEIU operates. This is not a union. This is a fiefdom and the peasants are the low wage workers in California. Andy will throw Freeman under the bus as soon as this gets close to him.That is also how SEIU works.
Come on. Andy is a very smart Ivey League guy. Surely he didn't think a larger media market and state like California would be better for someone he knew to be corrupt?
What Tyrone Freeman did was immoral and illegal, he should not have given contracts to his Family members and close friends. That shows that he was only looking out for the benefit of his Family and didn't have his Homecare workers' best interest at heart. Him & his wife,mother-in-law, and friends are the only ones that were living large from what it looks like. Proof is in the pudding.
Some of you put far too much faith in the LA Times.
Please tell me that you do know that the LA Times reporter (Pringle) has a relationship with Sal's partner, that he wrote the "I love Sal" story on June 1 and is desperately trying to win a Pulitzer prize for his reporting. I highly recommend you read the June 1 story...Pringle so tenderly highlights Sal's tears as he discusses his dedication to his members...yet Pringle barely mentions that Sal is under investigation for the misuse of $3 MILLION...yes MILLION DOLLARS (that would be member monies). Maybe if Pringle covered Sal's embezzlement of worker dues he'd be on to something (and the award goes to...). But that would require Pringle to have a bit of sincerity.
Ah, Shoot the messenger!
Tyrone's defenders to the rescue. You'll defend him till he cuts his deal, takes the cash and moves on to another scam, leaving you looking foolish.
Don't you recognize the pattern: the charismatic, ego-centric, narcissistic con artist surrounded by yes-men and gulluble admirers, starts to believe his own hype, thinks he's untouchable, steps over a bunch of lines, gets busted, tries to lie and bluster his way out and, when everybody walks out of the theater, he finally gets off the stage, leaving his few remaining die-hard admirers looking for a new hero. Which one of you wants to be the last worshiper to leave Tyrone's crumbling temple?
If the comment from Georgia is true, this may be a repeat performance for our poverty-fighting hero.
The staff from Tyrone's union need to take a class in 'spinning' because they are not doing a very good job on these message boards.
Tyrone's problems have nothing to do with "Sal Roseeli" or "his lifetime partner."
The fact is that Tryone spent hundreds of thousands of his members hard-earned dues dollars to pay off his wife, his mother-in-law, his brother-in-law, expensive golf tournaments, and fancy cigars. All Tyrone needs to do is explain why he is using 10 per cent of his members money to finance his mother-in-laws childcare service? That is a question that needs to be answered.
And while he is at it, Tyrone should also explain why he spent over $10,000 dollars at a fancy Beverly Hills cigar bar -- a bar I am sure very few, if any, of his members have ever been to. And he should explain why he spent $400,000 of his members dues to sponsor a fancy golf tournament, a fundraiser no less, that made NO money -- in fact it lost money.
I dont know why the staff at Tyrone's union (whatever it is called -- it seems to have 7 different names)feel the need to write on these blogs spinning this into something it is not. Instead of trying to spin this into some story about people having relationships with reporters, the staff at Tryone's union should spend their time explaining why Tyrone has spent all of his members hard earned dues on outrageous expenditures. And while he is at it, he should explain why a $10,000 cigar bar tab, a $50,000 talent agent contract for his wife, a $400,000 golf tourament, and a huge contract to his mother-in-law benefit home care workers that make $9 per hour.
One last thing . . . Tyrone should explain how he can sleep at night knowing that he makes over $200,000in salary (on the books) and drives around in a fancy car, while his members make $9 per hour.
Instead of 'spinning' the folks at Tryone's unions should do some 'explaining.'
PERP WALK, PERP WALK!
WE WANT A PERP WALK!
Tyrone is a phony. He preaches really good, if you've ever heard him speak.
Do the math, if 170,000 members are paying 30 dollars a month in dues, then the union is bringing in over 5 million a month in dues over 60 million a year. The Union hall is run down.
Tyrone drives around town like a million-aire eating in fancy restaurants, smoking expensive cigars. His wife was at first a temp employee when she first went on board. Tyrone had just had triplets with his wife, left her for his current wife who was pregnant, bumped her up to his assistant, denied the baby was his for years and now making her and her family rich.
This guy is a definition of a Union Fat Cat. He ran out the union that represented his staff, just like a filthy boss, using anti union tactics. Sent spies into his staffs union meetings.
He is probably the most powerful Union boss in California. It's a sad representation of where Unions are going today. I'm a life long Union man, and always will be.
If the black panthers could set up free breakfast programs and clinics with almost no money, imagine what 60 million in dues a year could create for these members.
This guy needs to be fired now, and put in jail for theft. He writes in his blog that his Executive board approves everything spent. I don't question that, they're all in his pocket. All 9 dollar an hour employees. If they show any dissent they're off the board in a quick minute.
The members of his Union need to organize themselves and take back their Union. A true example of Unionism.
Yes, yes, of course the members should organize and take back their union. That would solve the problem IF it were only a realistic possibility.
Unfortunately, under the Stern-Burger mega local organizational structure, it is effectively impossible for SEIU members to change their Stern-appointed local union leaders, each of whom commands a large complement of appointed staff (often several hundred) who control how often the members can get together.
This is an especially high barrier in a statewide local of over 160,000 low wage home care workers who don't even share a common worksite.
Typically, rank & file executive board members such as those Tyrone claims approve his expenditures are hand picked (yet usually honest and dedicated) leaders who are effectively silenced due to peer pressure and their dependence on the staff machine to get nominated, elected and reelected. When you factor in the pervasive personality cult around Tyrone, it would take an extraordinarily courageous home care worker to speak out against the corruption. If this weren't the way it is at Tyrone's 'union', does anyone believe $9/hr home care workers would have knowingly and willingly voted to spend $10,000 of their dues money for fancy cigars?
Sorry, but it does not pass the straight-face test.
And it's no accident that there's no democracy in SEIU - Stern and his Ivy League cabal planned it that way. They consider union democracy to be an obstacle to their plans.
These guys are not about to let workers have a say in how the union is run. The role of the members in SEIU is to be a diverse looking crowd in purple t-shirts, chanting in unison, blindly following and singing the praises of their overpaid leaders.
So, don't hold your breath, union man! It ain't gonna happen!
The only two ways Tyrone is leaving is under criminal indictment or under a hush-money agreement with Stern.
You heard it here first!
Hey, Aug 12, 2:56p,
How about some more detail on the Georgia business?
I just can't get enough of this Tyrone guy!
Eat your hearts out, you working siffs!
Here is a little description of some of the details of Tyrone's wedding in Hawaii (taken from the wedding planner's website):
With the help of Honolulu based wedding coordination and design company, Pacific Aisles, Pilar and Tyrone set out to replicate the exotic feel of the Hotel Figueroa, the site of their first date in the heart of Los Angeles. At their chosen location, a private estate called Lanikuhonua on the island of Oahu, their vision was seamlessly brought to reality as a festive outdoor wedding under a generously appointed marquee featuring fluid transitions from tent to open-air.
The guests' first glimpse of what was in store for them at the wedding arrived by mail – a silk box invitation designed by Uncommon Envelope. The cover of the box featured a favorite poem by Maya Angelou – one that was featured on a card given to the bride from the groom the night he proposed. The inside was filled with silk rose petals, and peeking through was the printed invitation adorned with a custom designed emblem symbolizing "a love enduring forever."
On August 13th 2006, Pilar & Tyrone, in the company of their family, friends and young daughter, Khafira, were married under a saffron canopy with sumptuous strands of roses swaying in the breeze. Lavish tables were adorned with intricately handcrafted silk sari tablecloths embroidered in gold. Moroccan brass lanterns in shades of ruby, saffron and plum glowed with warm candlelight amidst abundant piles of loose rose petals and exotic orchids. Brass lanterns inlaid with stained glass showered the ceiling of the tent in color. The centerpiece of the evening, was a cake created for them featuring their signature emblem hand-painted on each tier and gum paste rose petals lightly fluttered atop the cake.
Every last design detail perfectly captured the soul of Pilar and Tyrone's love in this deliciously rich and vibrant wedding in both style and sentiment.
Pilar Planells and Tyrone Freeman
Island: Oahu
Date: August 13th, 2006
Location: The Lanikuhonua Estate www.lanikuhonua.org
Coordination & Design: Pacific Aisles, Inc. www.pacificaisles.com
Equipment & Structures: Event Essentials
Stationery: Uncommon Envelope www.uncommonenvelope.com
Floral Design: Yvonne Floral Design www.yvonnefloral.com
Cake: Cake Couture www.cakecouture.com
Photography: Visionari Photo www.visionari.com
Not bad for a guy who steals from his $9/hr union members.
Oh, and guess where the cigars came from?
Anyone else want to jump to his defense?
I am an Angry Union Member! Yes, it's true Sal is still under investigation for his misuse of $3 million and now our leader, Tyrone Freeman has been caught misusing funds as well for his own personal gain.
Tyrone claims this is an attack on him and his union and there has been vast misrepresentations...he also states that he has done nothing wrong-every expenditure has been in the context of fighting proverty....
Who's poverty is he talking about? Not ours. I guess he means his family and friends since they are the only ones who benefited.
Here are the facts that have been presented to us Union Members & the Media...
His current wife-Pilar Planells, which he had extra marital affairs with while she was working in the Union as his Assistant, getting paid $50K and had a daughter w/ in 2001, quit in 2006 to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and married Tyrone the same year. In 2006,her company Lotus Seven made $36K, in 2007 it made $178K. Freeman did not file a disclosure form revealing that this was his spouse's company, after he was questioned by the LA times he filed the disclosure report 4 months after the deadline in 2007.
If Freeman would have filed disclosing this he may not have gotten that contract approved for his wife, that is why he chose not to file one.
His mother-in-law Carmen Planells, receives $90K plus annually since 2002. Freeman states she wasn't my mother-in-law when I gave her the contract. He's right she wasn't OFFICIALLY his mother-in-law since he was still married to his first wife but Carmen is the grandmother to his daughter that was born in 2001. I'm sure that is enough reason to give her the contract, right Tyrone?
His Brother-in-law, Hernando Planells, was given $16K for his Former American Basketball Assn Franchise in 2006.
What does a Basketball team have to do w/helping the Union & us members?
Golf Tournament- $418K spent on event and local only received $123K in return. How is a Golf Tournament helping us members out? Most of us members don't play golf, we're too poor remember?
Rickman Jackson, a former Chief of Staff who now leads a Local in Michigan owns a property in Bell Gardens which was listed as the address for Long Term Care Housing Corp. a company Tyrone created (it doesn't exist) yet Freeman was paying the mortgage and other fees to this Company...if this never existed where did the funds go?
Brian Cheatham, a former Union member is now chief Financial Officer for Grandma's Watching Prod received $219K in 2006-2007 and continued to receive payments for no work but Freeman stated it was for consulting fees and he has no information about the entity and the work performed.
Tyrone wake up there was no work performed and no consulting given! No Member I know received any consulting from this company. I'd like to see the list of members that did.
William Morris Agency-represents all the high status celebrities received $106K from the Union in 2007. WMA could not offer specific examples of the work performed, they stated they provided the Union w/ advice & counseling in areas as Media & membership awareness. Bullsh*t I'd like to see a list of all the Members that received consultation from them. Freeman states this contract w/WMA had nothing to do w/his wife's entertainment career, sure it didin't.... It has everything to do w/ it!
Does he really think we'll buy into this one?
His wife left the Union in 2006 to pursue and acting career..so it makes sense to contract one of the highest most prominent Agencies out there & rub elbows with them & hope that they will aid in advancing his wife's acting career.
Grand Havana Room-$10K in a tab. Freeman said it was for lodging. He must be high off the cigar smoke because the Grand Havana Room doesn't provide lodging or accomodations.
Freeman this is a part of your Living Large Lifestyle, did you really think we'll believe this one?
Our Leader Tyrone Freeman has been feeding us a bunch of BS & he cannot justify any of these expenditures. This is the beginning of the end for him. Sal and Tyrone should be terminated from their positions. They both disgust me...they want to represent us "poor folks" and preach then later turn around and take money from the Union and use it to their own benefits.
I say, Us Members need to take a stand against these two corrupt Leaders and demand the highest level of action be taken. I am ashamed to once have had faith in Tyrone Freeman & believe that he had our best interest at heart. I work very hard and it makes me ANGRY to see that Leaders of the Union take advantage of their authority & power & get greedy w/ the Union's funds and make sure that their Family & friends are reeping the awards & living large w/ their expensive lifestyles while I continue to bust my ass for $9/hr.
This news is not an attack on Mr. Freeman nor the Union, these are facts!
Tyrone Freeman the only thing your mad about is getting caught...he's worried that him & his Family will lose their fancy lifestyles. He cannot be Trusted therefore he should be terminated!
And for all those "Tyrone Followers" who are still defending this PIG...hmmmm it makes me wonder if you have also profited from his CORRUPT WAYS...
Hey, I got a name for this: CIGARGATE!
I know, I know, not exactly original. Hey, it couldda been GOLFGATE or VIDEOGATE. The cigars is my favorite; it's so . . in-your-face.
Speaking of faces, how long before some of Tyrone's top cronies jump ship?
Which of the many who must be implicated in the scams
will flip on Tyrone? Which one will be the first to cut a deal with an ambitious DA, AG, or DOL investigator, or the IRS in order to save his own hide? His accountant? His auditor? His tailor? Maybe TC, or WH, or maybe even A?
The first guy/gal gets the best deal!
How long before the politicians and labor honchos start turning down the photo ops and the campaign contributions?
How long before they stop accepting those cigars? Not returning the phone calls and the frantic text messages?
How long before the fancy awards and media puff pieces dry up?
Drag it out Tyrone, it's your last act!
Dude is RADIOACTIVE in LA politics - TOXIC in polite society.
To the Angry Union member, while I feel your frustatration, its worth noting that the federal government through SEIU's lawsuit against UHW over the supposed illegal transfer of funds out, saying the charges where without merit. At this point only SEIU's PR department still thinks there is merit to those charges, and even they don't pretend that the money was for the personal enrichment of Sal Roselli.
Establishing an education fund and paying your relatives hundreds of thousands of dollars are very different allegations.
Mr. Freeman deserves his day in court, and I'm sure the international will be filing a lawsuit against him any day now and he'll have the same chance to clear his name that UHW did.
ha ha, Tyrone removed his "response" to the LA Times article from his blog ...... maybe he didn't like some of the comments ... the LA Sentinel removed their article from their website ....... maybe they didn't like having a puff piece about this dude online just a week before everything was revealed, wait did I say "everything?" There's still more to come, right?
."With the help of Honolulu based wedding coordination and design company, Pacific Aisles, Pilar and Tyrone set out to replicate the exotic feel of the Hotel Figueroa, the site of their first date in the heart of Los Angeles."
Their first date was to a hotel? Figures!
How long before they tie Tyrone to Ridley-Thomas? Shouldn't be too long...
A common wedding with friends:
http://www.pacificaisles.com/weddings/ar-pilar_tyrone.html
PL
I think someone haS to do something about this situation.
This union boss spends too much money on family members and suspicious companies rather than actually helping the members. The worst part is WE have to pay from our pockets...I'm wondering if his wife Pilar feels good spending our money without any consideration for people who REALLY work hard? How much did she spend in that expensive wedding in Hawaii when they say they work for the poor? Where did they get the money for a "Lifestyles of the Rick and Famous" wedding on Oahu?
In this case it's not "lifting homecare workers out of poverty" but rather "RIP OFF THE POOR AND MAKE MY FAMILY RICH!" Call him the Anti-Robin Hood! IT'S OBSCENE! GOOD LUCK IN JAIL, TYRONE!
Hey, Tyrone, have a nice weekend!
Love ya, babe.
You made my week!
Smoke one of those cigars for me, will ya?
Getting screwed by your union president: $30 a month.
Your union president screwing the temp and just about everyone else: $250 + $40,000 + who the hell knows?
Screwing your union president (along with the IRS and the DOL): PRICELESS!
I am a union member who loves and believes in unions and thinks this kind of thing is rare. But what Tyrone has done is disgusting and not a real union. How much power has he helped members gain over their work and their lives? He has shat on his members and the whole union movement, but what does he care what he leaves behind for the rest of us?
No question this is the worst case of corruption in a while, the only question is whether Andy and Anna try to keep him around to push their agenda, or dump him like a pregnant union staffer!
I want to say this: SI SE PUEDE, SI SE PUEDE, let's put these people in jail and finish with corruption. They deserved.....and why the union pay money to a talent agency ? I THINK THEY ARE ABSOLUTLY GREAT ACTORS ALREDY TO STEAL AND TALK ABOUT DEMOCRACY,
What is most appalling about the situation with Tyrone is that for years SEIU leaders brought to Andy Stern's attention the very real possibility of malfeasance at Tyrone's local. Now we learn from the LA Times that the allegations were true. The SEIU sent a steady stream of high ranking officials into the local to manage relationships with employers, elected leaders and others. How on earth could any one of them miss the corruption that was going on inside that union.
This kinda reminds me of the Catholic church's priest abuse scandals. The Cardinals and bishops knew about the allegations but did nothing to address the problems. SEIU is in a similar predicament. Despite the widespread allegations of corruption, SEIU leaders at the highest levels did nothing to address the problems. I can only hope that SEIU doesn't act like the Catholic Church and try to submerge these issues. they need to be addressed immediately -- starting with the removal of Tyone and placing his local in trusteeship. Anything less is unacceptable.
Andy Stern and the SEIU are to blame for the corruption at Tyrone's local. For years SEIU leaders have told International leaders about the corruption in the local. Instead of addressing the allegations, Andy Stern has turned a blind eye. Instead of taking the allegations seriously, Andy Stern and his team have propped up Tyrone because, well, he is a 'yes man.'
The SEIU International has sent a steady stream of high-ranking officials and staff people into Tyrone's local. Since the local was created, they have sent staff from DC to manage the employer relationships, political relationships, etc. How on earth could all of these SEIU staff leaders come through the local and not recognize the serious problems at the local.
Sadly, this situation is beginning to remind me of the priest abuse scandale in the Catholic Church, where high-ranking cardinals and bishops swept serious allegations under the rug for fear they would damage the organization. Well, in this situation, not only did the SEIU not take the allegations seriously, they continue to promote a questionable leader.
I hope for the sake of the labor movement, that this scandal does not become the church abuse scandal. I hope we have heard and seen the worst of it. In order for the SEIU leaders to stop the damage they are doing to the labor movement, they need to place the local under trusteeship and replace Tyrone Freeman. That will begin the process of healing for the entire labor movement. it would also demonstrate that SEIU is not attempting to 'sweep this issue under the rug.'
Andy Stern should talk to his friend Cardinal Mahony because I think Andy would learn from the valuable lessons the Cardinal has learned in 'damage control.'
Unfortunately, my friend, we have NOT seen the last (or the worst) of Tyronegate. There's more to come! As to Andy Stern's potential responses, well, it looks like a cover-up is taking shape. Stern is in a no-win: If he throws Tyrone under a bus (as some have predicted), he will have to explain why he didn't know about the corruption sooner (especially since he was warned years ago). If he sticks by Tyrone (as others have predicted), it looks he's got something to hide.
Either way, Stern's carefully polished image as a visionary is going to take a well deserved hit.
Unfortunately for Stern, he does not have a big enough blanket to hide this level of corruption. And if he did, it would have to be odor-proof.
Could it be that Tyrone has something on Stern?
If Tyrone walks, we'll know there was a pay-off.
Stay tuned!
How do you impeach a president who was never elected?
No not Bush, Tyrone Freeman.
After launching a raid on the United Domestic Workers of America (a 'sister' homecare union) in retaliation for the ousting of its corrupt president, Ken Seaton-Msemaji, for the self-same sort of behavior that has been uncovered regarding Freeman--he was then appointed the president of the new union CUHW (California United Homecare Workers Union).
UDW was weakened, and had been mismanaged for years, but was being given a lift up under administrationship by its parent organization AFSCME (American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees). AFSCME was organizing, trying to re-make UDW as a member run organization, renewing negotiations when Tyrone Freeman launched his raid on UDW. After several months and millions in wasted dues money, with SEIU 434b attacking and AFSCME defending--an agreement was reached that created CUHW. Turned out that CUHW was 434b in sheep's clothing, had the same address as 434b, and the 'CUHW' organizers were still handing out business cards with SEIU434b imprinted on them. All loyal UDW members and organizers were discarded.
I was forcibly removed from the 'bargaining team' when I questioned the edicts coming from Freeman's 434b/CUHW and refused to sign the loyalty oath to 'President' Freeman. The homecare workers of Butte county wound up with a wage just barely above miniumum ($8.15 an hour) with no healthcare, because 434b/CUHW wanted to push thru a union run healthcare plan. Hmm…wonder why they wanted to keep the money in house?
My major problem with Mr. Freeman was the raid, his undemocratic appointment and undemocratic management of the 'new' union. The recent articles from the LA Times just confirmed some of my suspicions. He should be immediately removed and face criminal charges.
Posted by a member of S.M.A.R.T. (SEIU Member Activists for Reform Today)
This is yet another example of the need for rank and file union members to have meaningful financial oversight within our SEIU Locals. Annelle is the head of SEIU's California State Council!
Andy Stern and Anna Burger need to respond to the concerns of the members. Aren’t they breaching their financial duty by not acting swiftly? How many others are paying off their significant others/family members?
More on this story can be found at: cityoflosangelesseiumembers.com
August 14, 2008
Attn: Andy Stern, President, SEIU
Anna Burger, Secretary-Treasurer, SEIU
1800 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington DC , 20036
Re: Formal Charges Against SEIU Local 721 Appointed Leaders
On behalf of other concerned members of SEIU Local 721, we, the undersigned, file the following charges against Annelle (aka Cecilia) Grajeda for violating the following provisions of the International’s Constitution and Bylaws:
Article XVII, Section 1, (1), (2), (3), (5), (6) and (9).
We charge that Annelle Grajeda is employing her life partner, Alejandro Stephens, as a “lost-timer” for the local, which allows him to continue to receive the full benefits of county employment, including receiving a county paycheck appropriate to his payroll classification, while he is, simultaneously, also, on the payroll of the California State Council of Service Employees/Service Employees International Union. What work, specifically, is he doing for either entity?
Furthermore, Local 660/721 established and continues to provide support to the so-called “Local 660 Emergency Relief Fund, Inc”, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization which purports to provide emergency financial relief to Local 660/721 members in need. We want to determine, by name, who are the Board of Directors of this organization and if any of these directors is now receiving or has ever received a stipend or consulting fee, from this fund. Who, in fact, are the recipients of this relief and under what circumstances is this relief granted. Also, we are most alarmed that in 2006, the “Fund” paid out only $14,615.00 in contributions to members, while total expenditures of the “Fund”, in the same year, exceeded $157,000.00, including $81,251.00 for “professional fundraising fees”. Were these fees paid in a fashion that benefitted any staff or officers of Local 660/721, financially or otherwise?
Our serious concerns about these charges have been greatly elevated by the recently published article appearing in the Los Angeles Times, on August 9, regarding the alleged serious corruption and gross misuse of members’ dues monies by the President of Local 6434. We have grave concerns that this type of malfeasance may be possibly happening in our local union.
Therefore, in addition to the charges filed above, we, also, formally call on President Stern to immediately do a complete audit of Local 721’s finances to determine what, if any, union resources may have financially supported this alleged wrong-doing.
According to the statement made by SEIU representative Steve Trossman in the Los Angeles Times August 9 article, “if the International Union receives allegations about a local that warrants further action, we have internal union procedures for handling them”. We will take SEIU at its word and expect that immediate action will be taken regarding our concerns.
Respectfully,
Arturo Diaz
Shop Steward
Ron Tanner
Local 721 Retiree
William Morris Agency? Maybe Pilar's Hollywood Dream CAN come true! This sordid affair has definitely got the stuff of a Hollywood blockbuster! All we need is an unlimited budget (shouldn't be a problem with this group) and the perfect cast ... could Oscar be far behind? Let's play fantasy casting agent:
(Google for photos if you don't know the face - it's worth it!)
Working Title: "Purple Pain"
Tyrone Freeman = Martin Lawrence
Pilar Planells = Carmen Electra
Rickman Jackson = Marlon Wayans
Dereck Smith = Jimmy "JJ" Walker
(with Jheri curls!)
Matthew Maldonado = Cheech Marin
Nicole Ward = Sharon Stone
(circa Basic Instinct 2)
Tom Klaus = John Waters
Amanda Figueroa = Linda Hunt
Fabian Nunez = Eric Estrada
Mark Ridley Thomas = Cedric the Entertainer
Somebody please greenlight this!
Purple Sleaze (A contemporary rock song)
(Sung to the tune of Purple Haze)
Purple Sleaze, all on my brain;
Lately things don’t seem the same!
It ain’t funny; it’s a doggone shame;
Scuuuse me while I change my name!
(guitar lead here)
Purple Sleaze, it’s in the news;
Jokers stole the workers’ dues;
The Union boss is no stand-up guy;
Join me now, and say “bye, Ty!”
(more guitar here)
(Apologies to Jimi Hendrix)
TYRONE IS STILL GETTING PAID!!!
NOW HE DOESN'T EVEN HAVE TO PRETEND TO WORK!
STERN HAS NO RESPECT FOR SEIU MEMBERS!!
WHAT A BUNCH OF SHAMELESS CROOKS!!
On the midst this we should just hope that justice will be served to those members who pays their dues.
The question is not Tyrone's leadership. Its how the members money was spent, and what hurts the most its not his money, its the members money. Who gave a piece of their check in exchange for a better life.
We're all human we made mistake, this should serve as a lesson to leaders who serves in public service.
There's more than a few related individuals that works at that local. Which is bias, whether one could be promoted unless one is related to someone. There's alot of talented individual yet there's some who sit in leadership position just because their related to Amanda Figueroa. There's more to say but whats the ultimate purpose. It just a gossip, to where it does not do anything to better the lives of the members. Politics is the nature of labor union, to where we all know,Politics is a dirty business.
mess up people dont no the real but it going come out
To the screenwriter/casting director: Very well done and clever. As long as the proceeds directly benefit the home care workers as restitution for the thievery, I would PAY to see the movie! Your casting choices show you are well-informed.
To Sep 3, 7:47 PM (from casting director): Agreed! But it would take a mega-blockbuster to even begin the reimbursement. We would also need to market a complete line of "Purple Pain" merchandise: action figures, lunch boxes ... video games!
By the way, your comment indicates that you are well-informed as well.
Clearly, you are two well informed fellas!
Can Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper play Andy (megalomaniac) Stern and Tom (i only drink alcohol) Woodruff?
Once again--UNION DUES ARE NOT USED TO SUPPORT POLITICAL CANDIDATES, shall I say it again? Let's all remember it this time: "UNION DUES ARE NOT USED TO SUPPORT POLITICAL CANDIDATES" The funds sent to a campaign come from COPE(Committee on Political Education), a Voluntary contribution from members specifically for political activities. Dues may be a result of a closed, or agency shop,and are not voluntary in that respect, but COPE funds are entirely voluntary. No member is required to donate to COPE, but many, many members make voluntary contributions. ONLY COPE FUNDS can go to a campaign. Members who give to COPE know that those funds will be used to assist labor in elections.
NUMBER 2 on inaccuracies--Dues did not go up in LOCAL 6434. For the first time, everybody is considered a full member in L.A. County as they are in other parts of the state. Before ULTCW had 2 classes of members, those who paid full dues, and those who paid a cents per hour formula. Most of the latter did not even know they were not full members until or unless they tried to obtain benefits of full membership. For some, this change raised dues; for others it stayed the same. Dues themselves were not raised even by a penny, but for those who previously paid on a cents per hour formula, the amount they paid changed. It has nothing at all to do with the investigation. And the membership voted for the single class of members, and for the membership to include everybody in the Union.
Tyrone Freeman, Martin Ludlow, meet Velma Butler. President Local 1521A, Staff Guild in Los Angeles. Gives herself, or the (heheh) "Executive Board" gives her a "stipend" of over $40,000K a year!! Is this the largest classified union in the state? These folks are getting RICH on other peoples' dues!
A little late, I know.
But I must correct the contributor who states union dues are not used to support political candidates.
Listen carefully:
UNION DUES COLLECTED PURSUANT TO A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT REQUIRING COVERED EMPLOYEES TO PAY UNION DUES MAY NOT BE USED TO SUPPRT CANDIDATES FOR FEDERAL OFFICE.
Unions are NOT prohibited from using union membership dues to support candidates for stete and local office.
Unions do, in fact use dues dollars to support candidates for state and local office.
SEIU INCLUDED.
By the way, did i mention that SEIU International are CORRUPT AND ANTI-DEMOCRATIC GANGSTERS?
Well, sad to say, it;s true.
God will decide who is guilty and will make the necessary adjustments on this people's life and your life as well. Thigs happen for a reason, what is there for us to do is help those who are in desperate need of help. We are nobody to judge, God will judge you and who did the damage. god bless everybody.
GOD is the creator he created us all to be good and I believe that Mr. Freeman is a good man who just got caught up in the world of rich and powerful men who taught him everything they knew except how to lie and steal Keep your head up Ty your real family will always love you no matter what your only human never forget where you learned how to love and care for people same place I did @ 182.I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU.....
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