Local Carpenters Could Find

Work at Union Mass

By Linda Busetti

Marie Elena Giossi Photo

A chance meeting last Columbus Day brought Sal Zarzana, president and business manager of Local 926 of the carpenters union, above right, together with Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. As they marched through Bensonhurst, they discussed how many local carpenters are in need of stable jobs.

Local carpenters are invited to a St. Joseph the Worker/Carpenters Mass Sunday, May 6, at 10 a.m., at the diocesan offices in Park Slope, where they can make a connection with the local union to obtain work.

The Mass is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Brooklyn and Local Union 926 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

After the Mass, which will be held in the chapel at the diocesan offices, 310 Prospect Park West, the carpenters are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast, giving them a chance to speak with current members of the union.

A chance meeting last Columbus Day brought Sal Zarzana, president and business manager of Local 926 of the carpenters union together with Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

As they marched in the Italian-American parade in Bensonhurst, they talked about the number of immigrants and others in the diocese who are looking for good-paying, steady jobs.

Zarzana grew up in St. Mark’s parish, Sheepshead Bay, where he still attends Mass. He joined the union in 1980 and proudly says that in 1996 he constructed and installed the cross, which stands in front of Our Lady of Solace Church, Coney Island, “with my own bare hands.”

He sees the Carpenters Mass as a way to invite new

members into the union and also to bring current union members back to church.

Any carpenters coming to the Mass and interested in joining Local 926 must first of all be in the United States legally. They should be skilled in building concrete foundations, framing, putting up drywall, building wood cabinets, hanging doors and hanging acoustic ceilings. Also, they must speak English well enough to work with others.

Zarzana said that carpenters who do not belong to the union often are paid unfair wages. Membership in Local 926 ensures them better wages, pensions and other benefits. There is an initial $465 fee to join the 2,500-strong Brooklyn local of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America. This fee can be waived by the union in some cases, Zarzana said. Once carpenters join the union, they are put on a work list for jobs.

Father John Cush, director of formation at Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, will be the homilist for the St. Joseph the Worker/Carpenters Mass. His own father was a president and business agent for the Ironworkers Local 361. Father Cush plans to speak about the role of St. Joseph and the “idea of working together to achieve a common goal.”

Zarzana added that plans are in the early stages for a Labor Day Mass to include a number of Brooklyn unions.
For more information on the May 6 St. Joseph the Worker/Carpenters Mass or to make a reservation, call Robin Lynn at the diocesan Office of Government Affairs and Public Policy at 718-399-5900 ext. 5408.

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