The 57th Convention promises to change the way negotiations are done by increasing the use of "service councils" that the ATU constitution already provides for. The idea is to create service councils consisting of several locals with a common employer. The service council would discuss issues, respond to problems and centralize arbitrations. They would also negotiate a single contract for all members working for a common employer. The councils would be made up of the of the president and financial secretary of the local included in a particular council. Are you suspicious of how these service councils are going to work? Take a look at how this kind of centralization played itself out in the SEIU. Is this how the International is going to take "our" voice away? Is the real purpose here to stop members from having a say in their local. And is this just a vehicle to allow the International to keep the dues money flowing in while negotiating concessionary contracts with employers?
Back in 2009, Stan Lyles was a rank-and-file California hospital worker who attacked SEIU for being undemocratic, cutting backroom deals with Bosses, and selling out the union’s members. Listen to what he has to say about the actions of the International and how the membership of his local dealt with the situation.
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