|
Director’s report
Democracy at work?
 Let
me start this month’s report by saying that a political priority
of each of us has to be election reform.
I won’t debate the values of the Electoral College system, but I
find it difficult to accept how one can lose an election when they received
over a half-million votes more than their opponent.
It’s been said that we are a nation of laws, that the Supreme Court
is non-political, and one person-one vote means something. Now if you
actually believe that, please contact me for a good deal on some igloos
that are available in the Arizona desert.
On a more positive spin, we survived four years of George Sr. so we should
be able to get through four years of George Jr.
Melrose Park--Navistar
I’m sure all of you have heard about the tragedy that occurred at
the Navistar plant in Melrose Park, Ill. Four people were killed when
a former employee, who was retired, forced his way into the plant with
an automatic weapon and opened fire at random. Assistant Director Dennis
Williams visited both Navistar locals during that difficult time.
Our hearts and sympathies go out to the families of the deceased. We
all wish there was a way to explain it, but there isn’t.
Worker health and safety
Many of you have heard me talk about the subject of worker health and
safety, and that the most difficult moments in this director’s career
is receiving a phone call notifying my office that a fatality has occurred
somewhere in the region.
On Feb. 2 my office received another such call.
Brother Frank Sepich, a member of Local 1494 in Bellevue, Ill., was killed
when an overhead crane boom fell and struck him in the head.
An investigation is ongoing. But like so many accidents that result in
fatalities, it might have been prevented. On behalf of all of us in Region
4, our heartfelt sympathies go out to Brother Sepich’s wife and family.
As you are doing your job at your worksite, stop and think about Brother
Sepich and the others who have lost their lives. Work safely. We owe it
to our families.
Strikes
We currently have several strikes going on in Region 4. Consistent with
our policy, we will be sending letters to all locals regarding the status
of these strikes.
More updates will be given at our May 4 Regional Conference and Leadership
meeting.
Next: Assistant Director's Report
|
