Dues
To remain financially sound and retain the ability
to represent our member’s needs, we must look at a dues increase at the local
level. I want to stress that at this time, although we are in good shape, our payables
consistently exceed our receivables. Why, you ask? There has not been a local
dues increase for 324/161 in over twelve years. During that time, union costs
have risen dramatically. Over this period, we have seen member wages increase
an average of 71%, which means payment of lost wages to officers for pursuit of
grievances, has risen proportionately. We expect our officers to diligently
pursue each grievance to its end; therefore we are obligated to reimburse lost
wages.
Additionally, costs of negotiations have increased
over 200% in the same time period. These costs are shared equally between the
Three local positions receive a monthly salary. As
President of the local, I DO NOT ADVOCATE an increase in the $50.00 monthly salary
(net $38.00) for that office. Although I perform other duties for the Local,
such as maintaining this website, I’m not burdened with researching facts
related to grievances and generally do not have many task to perform during my
off time.
The office of General Chairman currently receives
$300.00 per month (net $232.00), which doesn’t begin to offset the amount of
hours spent during personal time preparing position papers or arguments for
various grievances. If you’ve ever wondered what the office entails, ask Paul
to show you his “notes” book. I have yet to see Paul with fewer than three
spiral pads in his possession!
The office of Secretary-Treasurer is currently
paid on a sliding scale based on membership, at a rate of $1.50 per paid member
per month. This works out to a net of roughly $160.00 per month. In addition to
monthly reports that must be prepared for each meeting, several federal reports
must be prepared throughout the year, all of which is done on personal time. In
a recent conversation with former Secretary-Treasurer Ingersoll, duty
requirements of this position required an average of one hour per day. This
position should pay no less than $500.00 per month!
I realize the increases I’m about to propose will
not allow for proper increases in salaries; however they will provide for
adjustments while insuring our solvency into the future.
Currently, $20.50 of each month’s dues goes to the
International, regardless of which rate you currently pay. Although I have no
reason to suspect an increase in the foreseeable future, we have no control
over this.
Discussions to this end brought to light that Wash
Rack Employees hourly wage is considerably less then drivers or mechanics.
Since the inception of Local 161, our goal has been to recognize all members
with dues proportionate to their exposure. Many passionate arguments exist on
both sides, however I remain steadfast.
With great respect to former Secretary-Treasurer
Ingersoll’s many years spent managing our funds; I align with his suggestion
for future dues assessments.
|
|
Current |
|
Proposed |
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full Time |
$33.50 |
|
$40.00 |
19% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part Time |
$24.50 |
|
$32.00 |
30% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wash Rack |
$33.50 |
|
$27.00 |
-19.4% |
The Local Committee of Adjustment will soon decide
the amount of dues increase. Together, we will seek a balance that will secure
the future of the local with the goal of avoiding additional increases in the
near term. It is in our best interest to act swiftly to remain stable and
viable.
I know this subject will result in some heated
debate. I ask that you attend future Union Meetings for the purposes of airing
these discussions. At no time should Gray Line customers ever hear of these
discussions.