Should We Have More Stewards?
By J. Matthew Catron
In the very first issue of The Rabble, I wrote an opinion piece that was meant to be the first in a series. The response to that article continues to be a point of contention from Local 696 leadership to this day.
In it, I suggested that our Local would benefit from additional Stewards. This would be a complicated process requiring multiple General Membership Meetings and changes to our Constitution, but I argue to this day that one Steward/Delegate to fifty members is simply not enough.
At the September Local 696 meeting, there were raised voices and heated arguments over the subject. President Dinkins said in no uncertain terms that Local 696 leadership would not amend our constitution, citing a decision from AFSCME decades ago.
AFSCME recommends 1 steward for every 20 workers. 696 has 1 steward/delegate for every 50 workers.
During this argument, steward/delegates Roxanne Huff-Gross and Shelly Robinson expressed the challenges they face visiting the workers they represent.
One wonders why such a simple ask- an increase in stewards to match the needs of the Local’s many worksites- is met by Union leadership with such hostility. One would think that the Union would welcome a crew of energetic newcomers who are looking to help the mission of organized labor.
I could write a hundred articles about what I learned from the strike, but the thing I learned most of all is that the partisanship on display at every Local meeting does not reflect the reality of our Membership. This talk of “infiltrators” that we keep hearing is not the truth.
The truth is that we are one union with one mission, and it’s a Union I’m damn proud to be a part of.
I’m going to keep using my voice to argue for the betterment of this institution I love, and I hope you will too.
See you at the next meeting.
Meet the Rabble Rousers
With the strike behind us, it’s time Local 696 focuses on regrouping and consolidating our efforts. What are the issues that matter to our coworkers? What do YOU want to see in your union?
The Rabble Rousers are offering you the opportunity to tell us directly!
We are hosting Zoom meetings every Thursday- except for holidays and Local 696 Meetings- at 6pm. All members of Local 696 are invited!
Email info@696rabblerousers.com to register.
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October 30 |
Rabble Rousers Zoom |
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November 6 |
Rabble Rousers Zoom |
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November 13 |
Rabble Rousers Zoom |
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November 20 |
Local 696 Meeting |
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November 27 |
Thanksgiving |
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December 4 |
Rabble Rousers Zoom |
Official 696 Website
Local 696 has launched an official website: local696newsletter.com.
Meeting Notes
Our unofficial meeting notes, plus the official meeting minutes and Local 696 Profit & Loss statements are available online at 696rabblerousers.com/documents.