I’d like to thank the membership for the honor of
representing you again for the next three years. We have elected a very
qualified group of true unionist to represent workers covered by 14 different
contracts. I’m sure members who are active in the local realize what a huge
job this is. Also thanks to those who at least took the time to take part in
the democratic process even if you chose not to support me. It is amazing that
those of us who choose not to participate in the local’s activities are the
very ones who seem to know so much about what we aren’t doing. People should
read their working agreement before they criticize the stewards who volunteer
their time to represent them. But because some individual(s) are unhappy, the
rumor mill starts and un-truths are spread. The place to vent is the
membership meeting, not the work space within ear shot of managers.
We have some very challenging times ahead of us. The Bush
administration can be seen in many different lights, but you would have to be
blind not to see that they are the most anti-union group in recent history. We
have to elect people who share our agenda regardless of the party they
represent. Please ask a steward for a COPE card. As our jobs continue to be
out sourced our numbers continue to shrink. We must use all means available to
us to organize both internally and externally. This is not the time to let
them divide us. Instead of blaming the union every time we are attacked, how
about getting involved and see what you can do help the rest of us fight back.
The ability to file a grievance is a great thing but don’t
lose sight of the big picture. We have contracts that determine the work rules
and benefits that we will have for years to come if we stand
together. Some of you truly believe that these companies give us these things
because they appreciate us. WAKE UP. What we have was given to us by retired
CWA members who understood that UNION is U and Me, not just the President, the
Executive Board and Stewards. The amount of power we have is relative to
amount of unity we have.
I can’t speak enough about our retired members. The
retired members’ meetings have more attendees than regular membership
meetings. No one has to tell them what solidarity means. The retirees continue
to be active. They attend AFL-CIO functions, Alliance for Retired Americans
meetings and travel to the State Capital so their voice will be heard. The
retirees label the local’s newsletter for mail out. They also label the mail
outs from our financial advisors. Their hard work and unity built this local
and paid for our building. We owe them a debt that can never be repaid. All
they ask is that we do not become so complacent that we lose what it took them
years to achieve in our various contracts.
Again this year the vacation allocation at BellSouth is very
disappointing. The stewards in Charlotte and Gastonia came up with a plan to
attack back. Some of you simply can’t be bothered. An injury to one is an
injury to all. We must stand together if we expect to change anything. United
we stand, Divided we beg! The President, Executive Board and Stewards can’t
force the company to do anything but follow the contract language. Therefore
when you are asked to participate in a mobilization effort we need you to
participate. Together we have the power for change, separated we have nothing
but unanswered complaints.
The best way to hear the truth and learn is to attend the
monthly membership meetings. Always the second Thursday of the month at 7 PM.
The food starts at 5:45. Our business is completed by 9. There is no good
reason for apathy. Our future is at stake.
In Unity,
Bonnie
