New "Steel Barrel News" Columnist
Mike Hodges conducts a
- Fire Barrel Chat -
Organizing the Unorganized - Us
Definition: an organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions.
I've included this Webster's definition of a "labor union" as a reminder of what our Union is supposed to be. As you read this, think of Local 2038 and its members. How many times have you heard the comment "This union sucks," or, "We don't have a union." I know in my 10 years with Beta, I've heard it plenty. But what is the root cause of this feeling by the membership? Let's look at the above definition and break it down.
"An Organization . . ." is a good place to start. Yes we have an Executive Board, a group of Division Officers, and a body of membership. But that is all we have. Our Executive Board keeps us in the dark, doesn't respond to questions or protests we may have with their actions, or bring about trust from its members. Our Division Officers are hampered by past practice precedence, and an Executive Board that doesn't support them. Our membership in no way trusts the actions of the Executive Board, or its officers and is a body that will only show up for a union meeting for a contract vote. We are Local made up of 10 different divisions who never meet as a single group. Nothing there sounds organized to me.
For an organization to run smoothly, the first step would be for its leadership to be competent. A fine example is the cassette player being allowed to run out of tape during testimonies given at the protest hearing. Another would be to have at least looked at the calendar to get dates right for the upcoming election and quarterly meeting. It would not be so bad if these were isolated mistakes, but these and more happened within the last few weeks. For us to be truly organized, a set of rules called By-laws were written. We should be bound by these laws to keep us organized. But when a few start interpreting these laws for their own good, their own benefit, that's when things fall apart.
". . . formed for advancing the workers interests . . ." That speaks for itself. When 10 or 20 members out of 300 show up for a Division meeting, it shows very little interest in their own interest and very little confidence that they can accomplish anything. Something as important as voting for a Union Steward; a person who you may need on your side if something goes astray; someone in your corner to speak up for you - And just 17 people, I repeat, 17 people voted in our last steward election.
". . . in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions." That's the only time anyone shows interest. Our contract was voted in with approximately 125 votes - about 1/3 of our Beta Division membership.
We as members need to stand along side one another. We need to make sure our Executive Board isn't mis-interpreting the By-laws for their own self-interest. We need to make them earn our trust by actually doing those things that serve our needs. Our officers need to stand for the worker, not allow themselves to be manipulated by a company executive or by a ranking union official. And our Executive Board needs to guide the officers and membership in a way that benefits all and not just the few. They need to make sure the company abides by the contract and that they themselves abide by the Local By-laws and ILA Constitution. That is the only way they will get the trust of the members.
I am not a union buster as I and others have been accused. I only want what's best for my co-workers and me and our families. We can make this better and by standing up and being heard we can make a difference. Attend your Union Meetings; Offer suggestions; Voice your complaints; And pay attention to what's happening. There is strength in numbers.
Many Voices = 1 Goal.
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