Complaint about President Eric Dixon to the ATU

This copy of my email message was slightly edited to protect the identity of members in the meeting.  

Greetings Brother International President Costa:

Brother President Dixon’s behavior regarding members’ rights is getting out of hand. 

At the ATU Local 308 June 2022 membership meeting, Brother President Dixon violated members' privileges to make motions: 

1. Prior to the reading of bylaw amendments to be voted on, I motioned that the Local provide copies for members to read. The room was extremely noisy due to fans used for cooling. Also, the sound system was inferior. 

He did not call for an seconds and blew it off by saying “no we are not going to do that.”

2. At the same meeting, a motion for a strike vote was seconded and President Dixon denied a call for a vote. He declared it “out of order.” I demanded he explain why. He retorted “because I say so.”

This is typical conduct of President Dixon. His fast-and-loose attitude with members democratic rights are demoralizing and cruel. Members are withholding dues out of protest. 

3. He also continues to illegally block members’ requests to have me as their union representative during interviews with managers. 

Our personal dislike for each other is justified. But that doesn’t mean it should result in violation of Weingarten nor disrespecting members who are in trouble. 

You keep responding to my messages that I need to take issues to the membership meeting, but you refuse to accept the fact that Brother Dixon has no respect for the authority of members at our meetings. 

Once again, I respectfully request the presence of an International Vice President to oversee the conduct of the elected people at our membership meetings. Not just one meeting. But many. 

Specifically, I am requesting the presence of IVP Sommers. 

I am also requesting an investigation from the ATU to determine how Brother Dixon assigns stewards and officers to assist members. I believe he is using release time from work to reward officers who are loyal to him—not to fulfill what members request and need for help. 

Myself and other coworkers are getting fed up with the rampant corruption, company collusion and lack of democracy at Local 308. 

If we cannot fix this in-house, you will force us to involve the state labor board. 

Sincerely,

 
Brother Eric Basir
ATU Local 308 Union Steward
ATU Delegate
Rail Car Repairer A, Howard Shop
https://ericbasir308.blogspot.com/
779-456-6460