$50,000 Wasted For a Convention!

Local 308 members will be paying $50,000 for a convention next year (Local 241 members will be paying $50,000 as well).

It was pushed through by our president and every single Executive Board member present—except for me and one other officer—voted yes.  

Despite my begging members to show up and vote no, the quorum was declared short at the July Local 308 Mass Membership Meeting (24 present out of 25 required). So there was no going back. 

I cannot help but wonder what we could spend $50,000 on that will benefit all members: 

• Contract books
• Weekly steward classes
• Comfortable chairs in the union building
• Put your ideas in the comments below 

What is this convention about?

It is an ATU Black Caucus event. Our city and Locals 241/308 will host it. This will go towards securing hotel room reservations. Some of the money may be returned to our General Fund. We were given NOTHING in writing about anything, however. So I honestly don't know what to believe.

This kind of thing is why we need a budget. We need to plan for spending. Not just see a pot of money and grab it!

I cannot emphasize enough to you: Attend the Membership meetings. Vote down frivolous spending!  

My Word is Bond

Should the membership choose me for president on November 17th, I promise to never support spending for these kinds of initiatives. I intend on establishing a member-approved budget so that members can control the spending. Not me!