By Jim Trainor
The Local 1101 Membership has voted to amend the current by-laws. The By-Law proposal as recommended has been overwhelmingly accepted by the membership. (See Results)
The American Arbitration Association conducted the election. Ballots were mailed to every Member at their homes. Ballots were to be returned by January 11th and were to be counted on January 12th. The count was postponed due to the snowstorm until Thursday, January 13, 2011.
The democratic process, in which every Member has the right to vote, was carried out and the Members’ voices will now be implemented. There are many opinions and opposing views concerning our by-laws, but, with the determination of the majority of your Executive Board, THE MEMBERSHIP’S OPINION AND VOTE IS THE FINAL VOICE WHICH DECIDES ON THE CHANGE TO OUR BY-LAWS.
Your Executive Board will now move to carry out the desire of the Membership. (See related story on CWA Prosecutor.) Every Member should respect the results of the referendum. The debate is over…the Membership has decided and, once again, the democratic process has prevailed.
It is time for us to move ahead with the important task of running the Local and preparing for the struggles and confrontations ahead. We have much work to do and we will need everyone’s input and support.
In the summer of 2011, we will be engaged in contract negotiations with Verizon, Arms Acres and Conifer Park. Mobilization plans are now being developed and will be implemented in the months ahead.
In the upcoming Verizon negotiations, Angel Feliciano, Joe Manley and Jim Trainor have been elected to represent Local 1101. Angel will serve on the Regional Bargaining Team, which he’s been a member of since 1998. This will be his 6th time at the table and his experience & knowledge of our contract is second to none. Joe Manley will serve on the Local Plant table and Jim Trainor will be responsible for Empire City Subway.
We are planning on beginning mobilization training in February & March for Verizon, Arms Acres and Conifer Park. Details will be made available shortly and Members will be notified by mail of your Local’s plans.
Thank You!!! From President Joe Connolly and Executive Vice President Angel Feliciano