My name is Donna Keleher. Until March 3, 1998, I was employed as the Administrative Assistant for Laborers' Local #703. I am also a member of Laborers' International Union of North America(LIUNA). I was referred to as Business Manager Jamie Johnson's secretary by him as well as every other employee. My journey into hell began last July, 1997, when my marriage ended and I was left to raise a one(1) and a half year old son. I was further devastated by learning that same month the father who had adopted me was diagnosed with lung cancer. On August 8, 1997, I, as next of kin, had to sign the order to remove his life support. How does one describe how it feels to lose one-half of what you are?

I did not have the "luxury" of a mourning period as I had a baby to care for and support. I returned to work at Laborers' Local #703. Jamie Johnson was only too willing to help me with my grief. His past flirtations became overt and intense. In October of 1997, Jamie initiated an intimate relationship with me. In any other circumstance, I would have rejected his advances. But, I was in a downward spiral, and he knew it. The affair continued, with Jamie always cautioning me not to tell people, especially co-workers. Jamie and I had many arguments and he would always promise to treat me better. It did not happen. In late February, 1998, I broke off my personal relationship with him. On March 3, 1998, Jamie Johnson called me at home and said he was letting me go due to a "reduction in force". (see enclosed)

The same day, I contacted the Inspector General's office of LIUNA, put in place by the Department of Justice to rid corruption. I cooperated with the Inspector General's office and the General Executive Board attorneys (also put in place by the Department of Justice) from March 3, 1998 through the present. I provided invaluable information to them regarding Laborers' Local #703 activities, information they would not have known. On March 23, 1998, a Complaint for Trusteeship was served on Laborers Local #703.

On March 7, 1998, I sent a certified, overnight express letter to Arthur Coia, General President of Laborers' International Union of N.A. requesting a hearings panel of the General Executive Board to hear my charges as provided for in the union's constitution, but more importantly Title 29 USC 411. (see enclosed)

In April, 1998 Ms. Stephanie McCarthy of LIUNA's Legal Department contacted me, apologizing for being so late to responding to my charges. She stated something would be done about my situation and she would call me back. A few days later she called back and said the "GEB" had my charges against Laborers' Local #703. She further stated that I should go forward with a civil lawsuit for sexual harassment because there was nothing LIUNA could do about that. (Civil rights violations aren't covered by LIUNA?) I had already retained an attorney and filed a complaint with the Illinois Human Rights Commission against Laborers' Local #703 on the basis of Sexual Harassment.

Mr. Joseph Giuerirri, Asst. General Executive Board (GEB) attorney called me and told me my charges would not be heard before the Trusteeship Hearing, nor would my charges be included at the trusteeship hearing. The GEB attorneys and the Inspector General's office flew me to Washington, D.C. on May 18, 1998 to go over everything I knew concerning Laborers' Local #703 and decide if I was going to testify or if Inspector David Hirtz would do it for me.

From March, 1998, until the imposition of trusteeship upon Laborers' Local #703 in late June, 1998, I was continually assured that "everything will work out, Donna" "Don't worry about your charges, Donna", "Don't Worry!!" According to federal statutes governing labor organizations, I had a right to an immediate hearing. The hearing, under federal law, should have taken place within four (4) months from the time of the complaint. There is no doubt that if my charges had been heard, as my right, I would have had my job back months ago.

On May 28, 1998, the trusteeship hearing against Laborers' Local #703 was held. I was referred to by the inspectors who testified. I was a witness with first hand knowledge of corruption within the local union.

On June 26, 1998, a trusteeship was imposed on Laborers' Local Union #703. At approximately 2 p.m., I went to the local and was greeted by Mr. Robert Faulkenberg, Deputy Trustee, and Mr. Steve Evans, International Representative. Mr. Faulkneberg rehired me at Deputy Inspector General William Rice's recommendation. He then asked what it would take to settle my lawsuit, "off the record". (see enclosed)

The next morning, Saturday, he called me at home and fired me, stating "there is division at the hall and he did not think I was "compatible" with what he wanted to do with the local." I had believed in LIUNA. I had believed they would do the right thing because my life had been thrown into chaos because of an illegal act by one of their business managers. I only had my job and my son and LIUNA deepened my loss by pulling the rug out from underneath me. The trust and belief was foolhardy. LIUNA doesn't care that there are labor laws in place to protect me-the GEB Attorney Robert Luskin isn't enforcing them. (cite: 29 USC 411)

Devastated, I immediately contacted the Inspector General's office. I was assured again that the "powers that be" would straighten everything out on Monday June 29, 1998. "DON'T WORRY". Instead, Robert Faulkenberg gave me a letter saying he would let me know by July 10, 1998, if he had decided to re-rehire me. He then conducted a "witch hunt" against me. He had (re)fired me because I didn't drop the lawsuit and actively sought to justify his actions. Bob Faulkenbberg took statements from family and friends of the ousted officers of Local 703. He stated to members that he would not have anyone with "Conflicts of Interest" working at 703. He even tried to "pay me off" by giving me a check for the equivalent of two (2) weeks pay. (see enclosed)

On July 23, 1998, the hearing on my complaint (Sexual Harassment) was scheduled. It was canceled because the attorney for Laborers' Local #703, Raymond Sanguinetti of Whitfield & Gregorio of Chicago, Il, called Ms. Liz Mason of the Human Rights Commission and told her that none of the principal(s) would show up. He stated the only witness they had was Angela L. Dial - Jamie Johnson's niece and my co-worker. In place of a hearing , Liz Mason called my attorney's office at 10 a.m. Liz Mason allowed Angie to send a statement.

To this date, the Laborers' International Union continues to torment me because they cannot offer a defense. Mr.Sanguinetti has even sent a letter to my attorney telling him I am disrupting the Human Rights Commission case by talking about it. He stated he wanted my attorney to instruct me to immediately stop. Mr. Sanguinetti further said I was harassing and intimidating union officials and members and to stop. I am intimidating the so-called "Mob Union"??

I played a major role in ridding Local #703 of corrupt officers and employees and the Laborers' International tossed me aside. Further, they are actively trying to destroy me, personally, without regard to the law. No civil liberties once you join the Laborers Union? I had only wanted my job and life back. The "Consent Decree" between the Department of Justice and LIUNA is a joke. The trusteeship of Local 703 is a joke. Business as usual. LIUNA has flagrantly violated my federal civil rights. They are no better than the local union officers they threw out of office.

I have written letter after letter requesting my rights, to no avail. I have repeatedly defended myself, as though I was the person in the wrong. You can help me. You can make Laborers' International Union answer for what they have done.

Sincerely,

Donna H. Keleher