The Usual Void?
----- Original Message -----
From: tom and pat
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2003 9:40 AM
Subject: a call for help
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the United Transportation Union,
I am from Lodge 1538, Yard Center, IL., on the Union Pacific RR. Recently our lodge was raided of 32 members. Not by a competing union but by a lodge in the UTU, all ordered to be done in the name of B.A. Boyd, International President UTU. Twenty-six (26) of the thirty-two (32) have indicated in writing their choice to stay in lodge 1538 but must be transferred anyway..
Three (3) Articles of the Untied Transportation Unions Constitution have been violated and no one in Cleveland seems to care. Article 40 gives our general chairman the right to be notified prior to any decision and give recommendation regarding the matter. Article 47 Paragraph c, gives each individual the right to belong to the lodge of their choice. Article 47 Paragraph d, prevents the transfer of officers, in this case two (2) vice-local chairman and one (1) trustee.
I am not asking any one to beararms and march against Cleveland, though in my frustration I am nearing the end of the rail. What I am asking of my brother and sisters is to contact your general chairman and have them ask of Cleveland why our letters have not been answered. Lodge 1538, General Chairman D. Martz wrote B.A. Boyd on June 17, 2003. Lodge 1538 Secretary/Treasurer C. Magruder wrote B.A. Boyd June 10, 2003 and June 17, 2003. The decision by B.A. Boyds office was made within fifteen (15) days and while he was at a convention in Seattle. Why can’t he answer letters about the same subject thirty (30) days later?
Please assist me. The constitution is not just a piece of paper with ideas on it, it is soul that holds the union together. Please react quickly as August 1, 2003 is our final call.
If you would like further details E-Mail me, tomsawyer@wideopenwest.com.
Fraternally Yours,
Tom Sawyer
First Vice-Local Chairman
Lodge 1538
Tom: Sorry for the delay in responding, I just returned from a 3 week vacation in Florida. You will have to appeal Boyd's decision to the Board of Directors which next meets in October. Absent a complete change in the International Officers at the upcoming Convention, your appeal will be denied unanimously. All appeals are now unanimously denied since I was successful in making them show how they vote in a Constitutional change in Miami. Problem is the entire Board of Directors are simply "yes men" who never have an independent thought and vote how they are told - loyalty is required in the UTU lest you become "Except One", i.e., any Officer who doesn't support the President right or DEAD WRONG! If you are expecting fairness under the Constitution, this is the same President that actually misrepresented the language of the Constitution when instructing the Executive Board that they had no authority to hear my charges against him? They are "yes men" too based upon the fact they accepted his drivel!
What I can and will do for you is post this response and your letter on my WebPages and in the El Paso Express Newsletter that shall be available next week to any Delegate who wants one! Fraternally, Lanny Ruck - CEO El Paso Express.