Take charge or somebody else will

[denverbrown]

For thirty some years I have been involved with the Teamsters Union. I've watched the internal political fights, and actually have attempted to make some changes from within. It is very daunting, and scary to the average rank and file guy. You can feel very out of control when dealing with the Union. Even on a local level they can seem very aloof and detached. (Many times they are). In some ways they are absorbed with their own self interest much the way the corporatist's are. The difference is when you (the rank and file member) slap them, they will at least look your way.
Every one of you needs to become involved. The union was created to serve the membership, not be a gravy train for the self serving officer. You can help yourself by reading the information put out by the union both in print and on-line. Get information through the Teamsters on-line. Get opposing viewpoints. There are many, the biggest being TDU. Also check out Denverbrown Blog for updates on what's happening in Denver and around the country.
It is the membership that ultimately drives this train. It is your apathy that derails it. Don't depend on some other guy to direct the path of the Union. It may not go the way you want it to. It is the fear of you, (the rank and file), that forces our Union in the direction it needs to go.
You pay for it. It is your Right. Let them know.

[matthigdon1]

HOOOORRAAAHHHH Denverbrown I could not agree with you more!!! Apathy inside the rank and file members is one of our biggest problems! Hey teamsters lets get informed and get involved!!!!!!!!!! And our best springboard is no doubt TDU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cybersteward]

Amen, denverbrown! But you've known (and expounded) about this problem for years now. WE are the union.

As a slight correction to matthigdon1's reply, I'd say member apathy isn't one of the biggest problems. It is THE biggest problem.

And being a sort of union evangelist -- trying to reach out to the apathetic among us -- is exhausting. I, for one, would love to see a forum focused ways to reach the sleeping masses within our union. The more voices that are involved, the better. Come to think of it, I may just check into that.

[downbrown]

Very well done! We have forgotten that we (the general membership) are the Union. We vote and put into place, people that have our best interests at the front of the agenda. If they don't, then we vote them out and find someone that will. WE ARE IN CHARGE OF OUR OWN DESTINY!!!!!

[85brown]

I am looking for some discussion on the subject of "satellite areas". We have three that run out of our small 31 area center. What are its effects on the vacation drivers? How does the bidding process work for these particular runs? Is commute mileage included for any vacation drivers or just the one forced -by-seniority practice? What are your driver-meet practices? Do you feel it is cost-effective for the company? - 85Brown