NEW NAME NEW LOGO NEW APPROACH
NEW EDITOR NEW ART DIRECTOR
NEW SHTICK SAME OLD STICK
 Just not my style to solicit material in the manner of other editors. I think the important objective is to get communications started and keep them going on a regular basis. Sustainable and Dependable. That alone will encourage members to participate with ideas and information and criticism and opinions. Then it can evolve into a forum for opinions on issues and a showcase of talents and abilities.
Communications should be the responsibility of leadership. Especially democratically elected leadership in a representative form of government. Inform as many people as possible and collect their responses. Formulate consensus and frame actions accordingly.
But that is not how our leaders work. First they set objectives and plan strategy. Then they control information and manipulate opinion. For years I was in favor of writing communications into the job descriptions of the Union officers but reality has changed my mind.
Several Union officers have told me that they don't think members are interested in reading about what happens at Union Meetings. But every single time I ask a member at work whether or not they think the Union should have a regular monthly publication, the answer is YES. And when I ask if it should regularly report all Union Business and the activities of the Agents, again the answer is YES.
Obviously our leaders are just not interested in promulgating information and because this concept is absent from their vision of leadership it is self defeating to assign them the task.
". . . I 've written most 510 communications for the last 12 years...", B A Hardeman proclaimed in B A Owen's WINGNUT extra edition published in June 1990.
THAT IS THE PROBLEM.
IT COULD NOT BE MORE CLEARLY STATED.
He has never embraced communications as a tool to extend participation to all the members. Instead he avoids issues and doles out meager bulletins devoid of nutritional value and completely lacking in fiber. He presents to the members the values of the S.F. Labor Council and the Building Trades Council and the International (IBPAT) and the Democratic Central Committee and himself. He also represents funds which the members supply.
In his Financial Statement cum newsletter dated Feb. 15, 1991, B A Hardeman states that the Officers allowed "an interpretation of their reports" to be printed and distributed to the members. This assumes that he has the authority to censor and control the exchange of information between members of the Union.
I would like to know where he gets this authority to violate constitutional guarantees. The Brotherhood's oath of obligation requires members "to keep the affairs of this Brotherhood strictly private". That does not mean secret. It certainly does not mean secret from other members of the Brotherhood.
A year from now the Exhibit Builder and Trade Show Installer Contract expires. APRIL 1, 1992. There are now more installers than ever, more individual points of view, more groups and cliques, and more work soon. More than ever we need clear, informative and regular communications between workers in order identify the real issues let alone design workable solutions.
If 510 does not produce a regular newletter I'll just keep on truckin and printin and distribute on the job site. Not the first time. A hell of a lot better than nothing at all.
Next month the WATCHDOG will visit the Installer Quarterly Meeting and report on the Dispatch Committee as well as the Regular Monthly Meeting
So thats where I'll be. Me and my WATCHDOG trying to keep the flag of communications burning through the night. If I stay long enough I just might see by the dawn's early light what so briefly i glimpsed in the twilight's last gleam.
REPORT OF THE GENERAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 20, 1991
The meeting was called to order at 7:15. The correspondence was passed around and the monthly bills were paid without reading. Five new members names were called for initiation and only two were there to take the oath of membership. Both new installers. Reports on the health and welfare of members (accidents, sickness and death) were overlooked by the president.
Visitors were present to discuss the subject of recycling garbage after a trade show. Number two at SF's CEO Office plus the exec in charge of SF's recycling commitment plus the officer in charge of the trade show recycling project. They asked for input and responded to questions from members. The major floor problems are the separation of materials before contamination, then the collection. Coated glossy paper, the largest by weight recyclable material, has no monetary value. A volunteer committee was formed and progress will be noted at future meetings. Members reading this who have ideas to contribute are encouraged to do so.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS
Business Agent Owen reported that the main event was the picketing of a non-union Deco at a trade show in San Jose. Although they did not prevent the show from opening, they made it extremely difficult and even turned away attendees after it opened.
San Jose teamster Local 287 members walked the picket line with 510. They just won a victory of their own and are now going to work one on one with Local 85 teamsters when an SF Deco works there.
In addition The California Nurses Assn moved their meeting. Electricians refused to cross the picket line, including an all nighterl. He is continuing to put pressure on the Deco and is getting support from the Santa Clara Labor and Building Trades Councils. Marty J, a B list installer, was picket captain and the single most important factor in picket line success.
He met with a group of photo lab employees in the Santa Cruz area who are interested in organizing. He signed them on cards for their own protection and discussed the problems of organizing. He is hoping for a future meeting of 50+ workers.
Part of the problem is financial. Because of the low salary range their dues would barely cover IBPAT percapitax and leave no income for organizing or services rendered. He lamented the loss of the $1 a month organizing fee that members just voted to discontinue because then there would have been funds to cover organizing these workers.
(#1)
He is currently seeking a union for them.
South Bay meetings have been revived. Most of the members attending were Exhibit Place employees. The Los Angeles builder and installer contract is up August '91 and they are very much interested in the outcome.
Continuing meetings with South Bay IATSE local agents over the jurisdictional problem. Also continuing proposal meetings with workers at Pischoff and T Swann. The problem of back payment of IRA contributions from Carders and Posters may now be settled. He had a meeting with Emporium workers concerning the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of the parent holding corporation. The recession has effected the income of retail stores and some work might be lost because of it.
SF Exhibits has that big job and is interested in builders. If you are qualified and interested please contact B A Owen.
He attended the Labor Heritage Festival in Santa Cruz and recommended it to all the members. It is a yearly event that focuses on labor thru music and performing arts. The JATC met and funded rigging training classes for installers. The plan is to train first those installers who are doing the job and then progress to training other installers.
(#2)
He estimated his time spent on the Installer Training Program and Handbook as 56 hours before and 36 hours during the week of classes. He reported that a press release about 510's Installer Training Program was received favorably by a trade publication and he is hoping to see a favorable review shortly.
He then introduced Marty J, B list installer and picket captain at San Jose who thanked all the members that participated in the picketing and invited them to barbecue at his place with local 287 teamos who walked the line.
Business Manager and Financial Secretary Hardeman clarified labor's position on the armed conflict in the middle east. He reported that the Commercial Sign contract is up May lst and the Carders and Posters contract is up June lst. He also went to the meeting about Emporium-Capwell and their bankruptcy proceeding.
Jack M, once a representative of IBPAT, just won his case against IBPAT over firing for insubordination and is enjoying a large settlement. Something else we end up paying for. He met with reps for the Stage Hands and FMI concerning installer rigging classes. He went to the first Roundtable for the Trade Show Industry. Hopefully the initial phase of an Exhibit and Trade Show Labor Council.
He received a 'thank you' for a $100 Union contribution to the Center for Working Life and recommenmds the expenditure of $1,000 for a stress counseling seminar for stewards which they conduct.
He thinks that the mayoral race will be interesting with Hongisto and Jordan challenging the encumbent Agnos. Supervisor Alioto would like Union support. A request for funds to be made in new business.
And he ended his report with a list of meetings he attended and a financial report of the balance in each of the Union's funds.
After his report there was an objection by a member to B A Mike's use of the Union's financial report which was sent to members 2/15/91 as a platform for expressing his views on American military involvement in the Middle East. He claimed executive privilege and extra space to fill.
Somewhere around this point sister Rose M was appointed 510's representative to the Santa Clara Labor Council. Rose is also taking training in counseling and will be available to help members.
Installer Business Agent Toback reported that February was slow for installers but that March appears to be busier. June may be very busy.
He announced the First Quarterly Meeting of Installers on WEDNESDAY MARCH 6th at 6 PM Union Hall. The dispatch committee will present their report to installers. He spoke about the installer rigging class.
JATC funds will be used to fund the communications workshop for forepersons and stewards which is scheduled to occur definitely before Semicon
New installer sign-ups have been scheduled for TUESDAY MARCH 26, WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, and THURSDAY MARCH 28 from 8 am till Noon at the Union Hall. Pass it on. This time he is not out to get giant numbers of people but rather to fill out the existing list of C's and those that do not take training class will not be dispatched.
Brother Jerry S walked the recent San Jose picket line chauffeured by brother Dennis E.
There was another dinner break incident, this time with Giltspur. The crew was divided into those that wanted their meal break and those willing to take 15. The installer steward Jeff L and others stood up for the rules in the contract and suffered the usual punishment of premature layoff. A grievance has been filed and will be won. The rule is simple. After 4 hours workers are required to take a meal break not less than I hour.
There was an incident of sexual harassment on the Gift Show. Female installers were verbally abused with images in the language of male graffiti. This should not be tolerated by members. If it happens to you notify the Union immediately.
He mentioned that a letter about a member had been removed from the communications basket. I forgot the reason. Usually letters about workers, both pro and con, are kept in a file in the office. The member concerned is notified so that he or she may read it and respond if appropriate.
Then there a was general discussion of the substance abuse policies of the local and the employers.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
POLITICAL ACTION FUND
A request was made by Business Agent Hardeman for $400 for signs for Angela Allioto's campaign for vice chairman of the State Democratic Party. During discussion one member called attention to the Democratic Party's support of Sprint long distance services which is non-union while ATandT long distance has contractual agreements with the Communications Workers of America.
This was followed by a long discussion about the propriety of spending PAC money when the recipient was neither a ballot issue nor a candidate for public office.
B A Hardeman assured everyone that it was "perfectly all right".
Two past trustees and treasurers of the PAC fund counseled further investigation before recommending the expenditures.
(#3)
One member suggested using the general fund. Another objected because there already was a political action fund. The request was voted down 18 to 13.
PROMOTIONAL FUND
A request for funds to send packages to members of the Armed Services serving in the Middle East was tabled to next month because there were no amounts or goals specified. The following funds were disbursed.
S F State University Labor Archives Donation $100
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists 4 Dinner tickets $180
Local #7 B A Retirement 2 Dinner tickets $80
Bill Sparks NEST work in El Salvador expenses and supplies $250
Decorating Laguna Honda Hospital for St. Patrick's Day will be Saturday March 9th. Volunteers are needed. Funds will be requested from the JATC fund.
A question was put to the members as to how many had read the last edition of the Union's Wingnut. I did not see a head without a hand raised. That was followed with, "How many had read everything in the issue?" and the same number of hands were raised. We're talking a minimum 50 affirmations from the 60 present.
GENERAL FUND
There was a request from B A Mike for $1700 from the Installer Check-off Dues Fund for an ad in a special April issue of Sunday's ChronEx Image magazine. $1300 for the ad space and $400 for art work. The membership was adamant in refusing access to that fund even though the ad concerned the Exhibit and Trade Show Industry. The members argued and agreed that we are one local and that funding should come from the General Fund.
(#4)
With this change in source agreed upon the members voted to approve the expenditure.
B A Mike also requested $1000 for a stress reduction seminar for stewards which is taught by the Center for Working Life. $500 for the seminar and $500 for dinner and trophies for the participants. The motion was approved.
NEW BUSINESS
This initiated the discussion on the use of the Union Banner in the Peace Demonstrations during the preceding month. Rod W, installer and steward at UX warehouse, said he represented many members who strongly objected to the use of the Union Banner because it did not represent them. One member responded that the use of the banner was the legitimate result of the democratic process observed by the Union at the previous general meeting and that no one he represented was present at that meeting either. The argument was made that the banner should only be used for labor events and it was pointed out that any cause which the Union supports is a labor event. Examples were Social Security and the 8 Hour Day. Both benefit everyone. Some one suggested we lock up the banner and let no one use it. Another suggestion was to have a referendum with adequate notification to determine the Union's official position. There was disagreement on the outcome of that vote.
The result was the following motion which was overwhelmingly passed by the members present. "The endorsement of the membership constitutes the right to carry the Union Banner." No political or moral statement was made but the propriety of the actions of the previous meeting was affirmed.
Installer Jack W won the raffle. The meeting ended at 10:15 and 60 members signed in.
STEWARDS STEWARDS & MORE STEWARDS
We need double and triple stewards at certain times on every show at Moscone. One steward can not possibly handle it. I don't mean catching them on the out of the GIFT or HOBBY show while rolling aisle carpet and 10 exhibitors are working in every booth. (Even I'm surprised at how much can come down in 30 minutes and lay stacked on the floor waiting for boxes.) I mean legitimate busts of professional exhibits in crates.
There are times & conditions when stewarding should automatically doubleup. it is easy for a steward to get involved in a confrontation which takes his or her entire attention just when there are a dozen other booths crying for a steward. Even a third steward should be prepared to come on-line for short periods in critical times.
I can hear Joe [all the way from S.F.] saying, "It is hard enough getting one steward." That is the truth brothers and sisters. But it only re-enforces the need for a serious upgrade of our stewarding program. Moscone expansion looms on the immediate horizon. That in itself may be a 3 steward situation with radios and wheels.
DOG WATCHES DOG
It was 10 minutes after 8 a.m. on MACWORLD's bigcall day (Tues 1/8/91) and all female GES installers had been clearly separated from their brothers and assigned to skirting tables. When I remarked to my partner that I thought the principle was equal work for equal pay, He responded that none of the women have yet complained. I can dig it. But still, the Union should end all discriminatory practices before it is sued again.
Yes again. The local was sued by a female installer for not protecting her from employer discrimination. She was refused employment after being dispatched. We settled out of court.
THE GIFT SHOW
There's no show like the Gift Show. More exhibitors than any other show. Not only in the length of the exhibitor list but in exhibitor density. Averages 4 exhibitors to every 10 ft of booth space. Thats packed! Add installers, teamsters, electricians, freight and garbage . . . we are talking permanent gridlock.
STEWARD OF THE MONTH
The award should be shared by R M and M T who decided to doubleup the stewarding in order to handle the Gift Show. Definitely appropos! This show has changed over the years. One brother has worked 40 Gift Shows (thats 20 years) and recalls building floor standing 2 & 3 tier rental risers out of l x l2. For a week. That was at Brooks and Civic. Today wholesalers are more aware of the importance of presentation in sales. Learned from retailers. They strive to appear like retail outlets complete with walls and fixtures. This means more work for installers and lots more work for stewards.
TACKY T-SHIRTS
The crass commercialism of the Gift Show was apparent. A few merchants hawked pro-violent messages silkscreened in red/white & blue and dripping in patriotism. KICK THEIR ASS & TAKE THEIR GAS I wondered how many installers bought them. Then karma came home. I saw fresh graffiti on the tunnel wall proclaiming DIE YUPPIE SCUM. What goes around comes around.
.
Per Capita Tax
A Commentary by Installer Sam Lefkowitz
Ten or fifteen years ago Local 510 had a financial misunderstanding with IBPAT over per capita tax for B&C list installers. First they billed too high, then too low. The aftermath was a debt to IBPAT of $60, some say $90 grand. Business Agent Hardeman, by his own admission, was aware of the discrepancy but chose not to pursue it in the hope that IBPAT would excuse it for ignorance. His scenario went kaput and the resulting debt was not cleared until 1990.
WELL ITS DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN
The December 1989 IBPAT convention in Las Vegas passed a resolution requiring payment of percapitax on B&C list installers. Business Agent Hardeman was aware this proposal was on the agenda but could not attend the convention to present an arguement against it because of the previous unpaid debt still on the books.
In January Business Agent Hardeman received verbal confirmation that this resolution had passed.
In March or April he received official written confirmation.
In July he told me that the by-laws committee chair-person should read all the changes in the IBPAT constitution.
I discovered that since January 1, 1990 the local has been responsible for percapitax on B&C list installers to the tune of $10,000 a month which we have not paid because Business Agent Hardeman believes that it does not apply to local 510.
In August, at the General Meeting, I explained the situation to the membership and presented a resolution which would remove that financial responsibility. Business Agent Hardeman stated that it did not apply to our local but to "other locals in Florida & Texas". I requested a written statement to that effect and Business Agent Hardeman said he would "look into it".
At the September meeting B A Mike asked for more time and money so he could go to Vegas to speak to 'god' about a 'special dispensation'.
In October he told us that 'god' had not been there but that he had spoken to his secretary who would pursue the matter.
In November B A Mike said that he had tried to call 'god' at home (or work) but that he was on vacation in Florida.
In December B A Mike reported that 'god' had refused us a written waiver but his secretary said he would not bill us.
What a way to do business! Six months of run-around and all we get is maybe. It is a simple question of clarifying the application of a written rule. The answer is Yes or No. And we are asking the people who wrote the rule! It looks like an ambiguity big enough to break a union. The International can legally take control of locals which have large unpaid debts. Once they have that option all they need is a reason.
It required a large investment of time and energy just to motivate our Financial Secretary into trying to prevent this potentially enormous financial liability. His office should protect the interests of the members. He should have had a plan the moment he heard of the possibility of B+
C list percapitax. He should have acted the moment it passed at the convention. He should have learned by his first experience with IBPAT and percapitax. And he should not have expected special dispensations from our brotherhood which would not even help us defend our jurisdiction from Carpenters & Uholsterers & Corporations.
Changes in the IBPAT CONSTITUTION
(International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades)
made in December 1989 at Las Vegas.
Sec. 17 (a) paragraph I pg 13
"Effective January 1, 1990, and effective January I of each succeeding year, the Brotherhood's per capita tax shall be automatically increased by a percentage equal to 1.8 times the percent increase in the cost of living during a twelve month period ending August 31 preceding each respective date....
Sec. 17 (a) paragraph 4 pg 14
"For non-members paying the Local Union agency fees, service fees, or other fees that are less than dues paid by members, the Local Union shall remit to the Brotherhood a fee equivalent to eighty percent (80%) of the per capita tax set fourth in this section."
The first paragraph means that every year members have to pay more money to the International whether or not they earn more. Even if they earn less! This is either admirable or despicable. Depending on whether one is giving or receiving.
The fourth paragraph makes the Local responsible for paying percapitax on B+C list installers. Local 510's Business Agent and Financial Secretary Hardeman does not agree.
Currently we have 1,090 B+C list installers from whom we collect [1] a $20 yearly fee [2] $.50 hour check-off dues
[3] part payment of initiation
How much could this cost?
Estimating B+C list Income to the local Union
1,090 wkrs x $20 fee = $21,800 plus 35,000 B+C hrs @ $.50 = $17,500 plus partial initiation fees estimated at $3,930. This yields a total yearly income of $43,230
Estimating B+C Cost to the Union
The A List Percapitax per member per month is $11.50 so the B+C List tax [80% x $11.50] = $9.20. Monthly cost would be [1,090 x $9.20] $10,028 and
Yearly cost [12 x $10,020] or $120,336
Income of $43,000. Expense of $120,000. And these figures are last years. Increases went into effect on January 1, 1991
SHOW SCHEDULE FOR MARCH
| SHOW |
DECO |
SIZE |
SITE |
OPENS |
CLOSES |
| LUXURY |
WSC |
? |
SM FG |
FRI 3/1 |
SUN 3/3 |
| OUTDOOR |
GG |
? |
SJ CC |
FRI 3/1 |
SUN 3/3 |
| ALLERGY |
GES |
200 |
HILTON |
SAT 3/2 |
TUE 3/5 |
| MANICURE |
ECS |
100 |
SJ CC |
SUN 3/3 |
? |
| EXTRACORP |
? |
110 |
MARIOT |
SUN 3/3 |
MON 3/4 |
| SUNOCO |
GES |
175 |
MOSC |
TUE 3/5 |
THU 3/7 |
| CONNECTATHON |
UX |
100 |
SJ CC |
TUE 3/5 |
? |
| TECHCONNECT |
GES |
60 |
ST FRNCS |
TUE 3/5 |
THU 3/7 |
| WINDOWS |
GES |
600 |
SJ CC |
TUE 3/5 |
THU 3/7 |
| SEAVIEWS |
? |
? |
OAK CC |
THU 3/7 |
MON 3/11 |
| SPORTS |
GES |
470 |
SM FG |
THU 3/7 |
MON 3/11 |
| PACIFIC PARK |
GES |
230 |
SC CC |
FRI 3/8 |
SAT 3/9 |
| EDUC ASSN |
GES |
40 |
HILTON |
FRI 3/8 |
SAT 3/9 |
| COMM ASSN |
GES |
40 |
MARIOT |
SAT 3/9 |
? |
| AUTO CLEAR |
UX |
45 |
MARIOT |
SUN 3/10 |
TUE 3/12 |
| ABA |
GES |
230 |
HILTON |
SUN 3/10 |
WED 3/13 |
| SEWING |
GES |
500 |
MOSC |
SUN 3/10 |
WED 3/13 |
| SENSORS |
UX |
316 |
SJ CC |
TUE 3/12 |
THU 3/14 |
| GRAYBAR |
GES |
84 |
CIVIC |
TUE 3/12 |
? |
| RACQUET |
UX |
640 |
MOSC |
THU 3/14 |
SUN 3/17 |
| HOME SHOW |
WSC |
? |
SC CC |
FRI 3/15 |
SUN 3/17 |
| AUTO |
GES |
110 |
SJ CC |
SAT 3/16 |
SUN 3/17 |
| CURRICULUM |
UX |
375 |
BRKS+ |
SAT 3/16 |
MON 3/18 |
| AEC EXPO |
GES |
300 |
MOSC |
SAT 3/16 |
FRI 3/22 |
| DEFENSE |
? |
? |
SC CC |
MON 3/18 |
WED 3/20 |
| MULTIMEDIA |
GES |
200 |
SJ CC |
MON 3/18 |
WED 3/20 |
| NORCAL |
GES |
100 |
MARIOT |
THU 3/21 |
? |
| MUSIC |
UX |
150 |
SC CC |
THU 3/21 |
SUN 3/24 |
| RECORDNG |
GES |
100 |
HILTON |
FRI 3/22 |
MON 3/25 |
| SPINE |
UX |
30 |
HYATT |
SAT 3/23 |
SUN 3/24 |
| HOME |
? |
? |
CONC |
SAT 3/23 |
? |
| BEAUTY |
UX |
200 |
BRKS+ |
SUN 3/24 |
MON 3/25 |
| LIFE AGENCY |
UX |
81 |
MARIOT |
SUN 3/24 |
TUE 3/26 |
| BIG I DAY |
GES |
100 |
OAK CC |
TUE 3/26 |
? |
| DATABASE |
GES |
200 |
MOSC |
TUE 3/26 |
THU 3/28 |
| INSURANCE |
GES |
30 |
MARIOT |
WED 3/27 |
THU 3/28 |
| APPLE/MAC |
? |
? |
SC CC |
WED 3/27 |
THU 3/28 |
FOOTNOTES
The last few meetings have been positive in some ways. Lots of members present, lots of participation, and lots of good spirit and comraderie. But we are getting very little business accomplished. We barely get through Officer & Committee Reports and the disbursement of various funds. Old business goes by faster than a speeding bullet. The IBPAT percapitax on B+C list installers has been old business since August. I think the President does a great job as a walk-on but he should take a trick from ex-president Tom F and make up an agenda before each meeting and keep it on the podium.
#1
I am the one who is responsible for initiating and pursuing the discontinuation of the $1 organizing fee. The program was defunct and the assessment had expired.
And just in time too! If it was still there we could be organizing photo lab workers in Santa Cruz when we have plenty of problems of our own. If you continue to collect money for dead purposes and allow it to accumulate someone will figure a way to spend it. And everyone will waste time thinking about how to spend it.
#2
The BA's plan is to first, for safety, train the installers that are currently doing the work. Then other installers could be trained. The members position was that the job itself is used as a reward and the loss of it a punishment by employers and their agents who happen to be union members. To train only their choices is to re-enforce their misuse of that job assignment and increase their powers for disciplining workers. One installer recommended 1 for 1. For every worker chosen by the employer for training there should be one person chosen by the Union.
#3
After all these years I am just becoming aware of the amount of responsibility and work involved in the job of trustee and treasurer for the Political Action Fund. No one has every run for a second term. If the job description & compensation were clearly stated before nominations and elections no one would even run for the office. Its time to re-examine the PAC fund.
#4
I think Mike's request for $1700 from Installer Check-off Dues for the newspaper ad was out of order. I can not remember Installer Check-off Dues being accessed at a General Meeting by the general membership. It is a separate account collected for designated purposes and spending it for anything else requires a vote of Installers at a special meeting or a special order of business at a regular meeting. And proper notification.
This edition was written and produced by installer sam lefkowitz
Unsolicited contributions of materials are welcome
THE UNION WATCHDOG CAZADERO CA 95421-0035
THE COMPLAINT DEPT
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