Peace, Picks and the People

Our appointed Executive Board Member approached me to share criticisms of me and we had a positive discussion that led to a truce. 

I was actually honored that he approached me. Most union people are scared to death of me. They just ignore me or curse me out. 

Although we had a falling out in the past, I hope this encounter will lead to a better relationship—one that benefits the membership. 

Brother Lamont Johnson is more of a man than alot of union officials. I figure that anyone who can engage with an annoying person like me has got to be a sincere person. 

He was responsive and polite to my questions (much better than Boss Hurst who threatened to put harassment charges on me when I asked him questions—And Old Fart Dixon who tried to run me over with his car):

1. This upcoming Pick is a System Pick (start date should be 10/22). 

2. Job lists are approved for Repairers (by another unelected person). 

3. No official IN-PERSON Pick Meeting has occurred. 

4. The mismanagement is pushing hard for more Pool jobs for Servicers. 

5. Seniority Lists are being distributed in Shops. 

As a steward who is ALWAYS sharing everything I learn, it’s frustrating as hell that there are other stewards—even on the Car Repairer Facebook group—who won’t share a damn thing with me or members that are not their pals. 

You know who you are. You treat information like a commodity and abuse privileges for the benefit of a few. 

I hate how decisions are made for us without us. I hate how officers and stewards sit on information and look down on us. 

If I am nominated and win Executive Board, I swear to share everything I learn with every coworker. I will do everything in my power to prevent any steward or officer from making decisions without your democratic approval. 

A Pick should NEVER be OK’d without all members having a say and democratically approving it! 

I am unsure if I will be nominated next Tuesday. But if I am—and I win—You will be my boss when it comes to the union. Not the union president. Definitely not a manager. And EVERY steward will know what I know.