Following through on our continuing efforts to redirect the union’s resources to where they are most needed in these critical times, the Executive Board is recommending that the position of executive vice president be eliminated, effective at CWA’s 73rd Convention in July.

Cutting the EVP position would put CWA in line with the operating structure of most international unions, with two international officers, and most staff and resources directed by the 13 district, sector and division vice presidents. To do so, convention delegates must approve an amendment to the CWA Constitution.

The Board’s action follows elimination of two vice presidents approved by convention delegates last year: the merger of CWA Districts 2 and 13 and combination of the C & T and Telecommunications sectors effective at the 2011 convention.

Other changes are possible as CWA works with Printing Sector locals to reorganize since Bill Boarman retired last month to accept President Obama’s appointment as head of the Government Printing Office.

Last weekend in Baltimore, local Printing Sector leaders met with CWA President Larry Cohen, Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Rechenbach and District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton to discuss options for reorganizing without filling Boarman’s job at this time. Cohen praised the local leaders for their willingness to accept new responsibilities and financial realities, saying, “They stepped up for this discussion as committed unionists in a devastating time.”

The changes being made in CWA’s leadership structure and organization continue the work started in 2005 with “Ready for the Future.” Now in its sixth year, the plan is helping CWA capture much-needed savings while keeping the focus of the union’s resources and decision-making closer to members.