- Fire Barrel Chat - with "Steel Barrel News" Columnist Mike Hodges By-Laws Vote Count Today, May 26th, 2009, I had the great honor of participating in the count for the vote for Melt Shop Steward and the proposed By-laws changes that extended voting hours. I felt it to be my responsibility as a member of Local 2038 GLDC ACD to be present and to do my part for the democracy of our membership. Although the vote went very well, a problem arose with the interpretation of a by-law concerning the by-law amendments. It was explained that the full membership would have had to returned the ballots, or at least a majority of the members. The board member stated that no ruling would be made until he could contact ILA Legal to assist with the determination of his interpretation. I have included the article in this report. It reads: ARTICLE XIX AMENDMENTS Section 2. It shall require a majority vote by secret ballot of the members in good standing present at a special meeting of the membership of Local 2038 GLDC ACD called for the purpose to adopt the proposed amendment. According to Section 2 of this Article, the members present at the special meeting would have to have a majority vote. There were 74 ballots returned. 17 (23%) of the ballots were rejected or challenged. 53 votes were for the proposed amendments and 4 were against. It is my interpretation that the special meeting was called when the ballots were mailed out. It was announced that the count would be done on May 26th, 2009, which to me says that a special meeting had been called. And the fact that 74 ballots were returned with 53 "YES" votes, 4 "NO" votes and 17 votes rejected says that the members PRESENT had a majority of the votes for the amendments change. I didn't notice anywhere in the article that ALL members must return their ballots for the vote to be valid. Just the members PRESENT. On another matter - I would like to congratulate Tom Overbey on his landslide victory in the election for Melt Shop Steward. He was voted in by an overwhelming amount of supporters. "Tank" has served us well in the rolling mill and he will continue to represent the Melt Shop with his same determination and integrity. It's great to have you back on the board, Tom. Finally, I would say that I was a bit surprised that 74 folks returned their ballots. Contrary to popular belief, there are quite a few of you that actually do care. It would be great to see everyone on June 15th at our division meeting. Bring your questions and concerns. Hope to see everyone soon...

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Created on ... May 28, 2009