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mmmUNION DUES RIP-OFFbbbbbbb3/25/99
After listening to the continued droning of complaints about the union extorting dues from our profit sharing checks, The WRENCHMAN once more took it upon himself to read.
I, WRENCHMAN, acquired a copy of our UAW constitution. In the Constitution at Article 16, Section 2 it states the taking of dues and the method thereof. It states dues will be taken according to the rule we have lived by for decades. 2 hours regular pay per month. I emphasize "regular pay".
So right now you are asking yourself "why do they do it?" I ask that you refer to my first three-page letter.
I will explain my theory and my procedure to take back what are excessive and oppressive dues.
I called UAW Detroit and asked for the legal and constitutional explanation of these extraordinary amounts, not only taken from our negotiated profit sharing but our negotiated Christmas bonus as well. In some cases amounting to three months dues in one shot.
Steve Guess, from UAW international, sent our financial
secretary an administrative letter
outlining what the union feels is the legal basis for this
extortion. I asked and received a copy of this letter.
Due to my experience in courts doing battle, successfully, with
this foe or that, on a continuing basis, I took it upon myself to
interpret this letter.
mmmThe letter, number 39, starts out outlining the amendments to the constitution at the aforementioned convention, the articles listed as amended do not include article 16 section 2, which is the dues check-off or amounts drop kicked to international UAW. That is the first error. In order to create a letter of administrative authority to take excess dues, you must first change the law regarding those dues. They did not do this. This would require a change in the constitution of our union.
Next, my attention was brought to the highlighted sections under "DUES FROM PROFIT SHARING, BONUSES AND OTHER LUMP SUM PAYMENTS", these sections were underlined to bring my attention to what the UAW international feels is their authority to take dues. It is a bit lengthy to type so see the financial secretary for your own copy. In summation, it states the same 2 hours pay per month rule expounding on pay which is added to the hourly, straight, regular pay; such as lead-pay and back-up pay. These are the only pays subjected to the union dues taking. Taken at the rate of two hours per month. Electricians at our site also do not pay this type of ransom.
I have filed a charge with the NLRB and have sent letters requesting a return of these excessive dues.
mmmMy intent is not to embroil the union in a confrontation in federal court. The union has had many millions of dollars left over at the end of their fiscal year, which, by law they must get rid of. They are a non-profit organization. These millions represent the amounts of monies left over, not spent on their C.O.L.A on retirement, the 2.5% raise or the 3% bonuses they voted themselves, at this convention while we lose at every turn, they feed always first and at the better end of the hog. Always appointing their cronies to the 12/7 days jobs. Who pays for these jobs? We do at the expense of new work in the plant. Ford pays them, adds it to cost of engine. How do we compete with these shenanigans going on?
If these monies are leftover, how do they justify the expropriation of these burdensome dues from profit sharing and Christmas bonuses?
What to do?
File a complaint with the NLRB.
File a letter of intent to collect the dues (ask them for it).
Friends we have been victimized by local and international politics long enough. We have lost and lost due to the personal interests of a few well-placed party bosses. We must take back our union and thereby taking back control of jobs here at this location.
"Wrenchman"
P.S. Those of you who have not received an answer regarding your rebates under Article 16 Section 7a, please refer to your financial secretary and ask if they acknowledged receipt of your request if not send it again, certified mail.