What's in the News...

That's the 'Local 717 Union News' I'm referring to. Now that the elections are over, I've got to have something to write about, so I'm going to start with my own, personal review of the month's union newspaper, section-by-section...

President's Report - by Gary Reiser

There's only a couple of things I'd like to mention here:
First, the Spring Fling. Once again, the Spring Fling will be held at Pioneer Water Park. I'm not exactly sure why we changed from Geauga Lake (Six Flags or whateverthehell it is now) in the first place, but I do know that I'm not the only one who didn't like the change, but, for those who do, hope you all have a fabulous time, and keep safe.

Secondly, discount tickets for Geauga Lake. Now, if I remember correctly, last year at this time, we were supposed to be boycotting all Cedar Fair parks (Geauga Lake's new owner) because they were using non-union labor to build the new waterpark. What I want to know is, what's different this year? Is it OK to go back now that the waterpark construction is done?


Shop Chairman's Report - by Don Arbogast

Nothing out of the ordinary here, but, if you haven't read it yet, take the time, because there is some good information in there this month (and no pot shots at me, either).

Recording Secretary's Report - by Cynda Tindle

No offense, but any meeting minutes are boring. There's a reason the reading of the minutes from the previous month is dismissed at the meeting. But, if you weren't there, read 'em.

Vice President's Report - by Kevin Hartill

The main topic of Kevin's report this month is devoted to explaining why the President's office made the decision to hold the elections at the hall, and not in the plant. He does this in three sections, which I will address one-at-a-time...

1. Yes, to have elections in the plant, we must have the permission of the company to do so. Personally, I don't believe that the company would have been stupid enough to deny the local that permission. With the current atmosphere in the company, to deny us our in-plant elections would have only served to make that situation worse. I don't think they would have wanted to risk any more turmoil on the plant floor.
2. By the time the elections were scheduled, May 8 & 9 already had a big, red bullseye on the calendar as the beginning of the hearing for the company's 1113/1114 motions. Now, anyone who had been paying the least bit of attention to what's going on in the courtroom would know that that was the start of the TRIAL for Delphi to plead its case for cancelling our contracts, and for the unions and creditors to plead their respective cases against granting the motions. What that means is, THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON STRIKE WHEN THE ELECTIONS WERE HELD (barring a dumbass wildcat strike somewhere).
   
3. The last point fixes on the local's finances. I'll buy this one when we can see the cost of this election at the hall versus the cost of an in-plant election.

Financial Secretary's Report - by Karen Krolopp

In this month's installment, Karen wants to discuss our financial responsibilities to our homes and to our local. This is all, of course, related to the rejection of the Executive Board's decision to send only the automatic delegates (Gary & Donny) to this year's IUE Conference & CWA Convention. And, as a member of the Executive Board, I'm sure she was disappointed by the fact that the recommendation was overturned, but I can see why the membership would want to send more delegates. Since Donny will be tied up by sitting on the National Appeals Committee, it would pay for us to have another delegate on the floor to represent us.

Skilled Trades Sub Chairman's Report - by Brian Lutz

The trades aren't my arena, so I bring his report up only to agree with him about Jim Martin Sr.'s picture that accompanies the Quality Network report. I told him after the meeting that he really needs to update it.

There's not much else for me to pick apart in this month's newspaper. Besides, I think I've made enough friends today...
Dawn