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Union Finances Dominate Debate;
Convention Remains Biennial Event
APWU Web News Article #9-04, Aug. 26, 2004
In a day dominated by discussion of the APWU financial situation, delegates to the 2004 national convention rejected several resolutions that would have increased revenues by raising members’ dues, as well as a proposal to decrease the frequency of the convention itself.
The measure to extend the time between conventions from two years to three was defeated by a voice vote after lengthy debate. The proposal was backed by the union leadership as a means to safeguard the financial stability of the union.
“This is our convention,” said Moe Lepore, president of the Boston Metro Area Local. “The national conventions are a two-year number for many reasons. Despite the camaraderie of getting together… we need to get together so we can interact and face the concerns that go on in this union every day.”
“The national convention is the only time that we as members have to have our voices heard concerning the business at hand,” said Lloyd Rollins of the Western Colorado Area Local. “If we go to three years, it has the net effect of reducing our voice. Let’s start with reducing expenses without reducing our voice.”
Mike Gunter, a member of the Constitution Committee that concurred with holding the gathering every three years, spoke in favor of the resolution. “People say this is going to kill the democratic process,” he said, “But there are locals that aren’t even represented here today because they don’t have the funds or the wherewithal to get here.
“You have an opportunity to make a difference, an obligation to protect the people back home.”
The votes followed extensive presentations about the union’s financial situation by the Convention Finance Committee and Secretary-Treasurer Terry Stapleton.
Cost-of-Living Dues Increase
Next, a resolution that would have reinstated automatic dues increases on COLA raises was rejected in a teller count. A resolution calling for an increase in dues of 25 cents per member per period also was defeated in a teller vote.
Constitutional changes require a two-thirds majority, and just under 60 percent of the delegates voted in favor of the resolutions made by the Charlotte (NC) Area Local and the Washington State APWU. The union’s national leaders opposed the dues increases.
The COLA measure could have meant three dues hikes a year as opposed to one.
“It’s ironic that the proposal to increase dues came from local and state organizations,” said Philadelphia Area Local President Art Doherty, who opposed the increase. “Headquarters has acted responsibly by cutting expenses since the last convention. Dues increases can be self-defeating,” he said, “because every time we raise dues, some members drop out.”
But John E. Sanders, of the Southern Oregon Area Local, said he favored the dues increase, because it was necessary to provide quality representation.
Resolution No. 5, which would extend the term of national union officers from three years to four, is expected to be considered by the convention on Thursday.
