TDU is denouncing proposed cuts on Local Union per capita taxes paid to the IBT

[AlJackson1962!]

In a current post on TDU's website, they denounce cutting Local Union per capita taxes paid to the International. TDU states that it puts the strike fund at risk and funds to assist Locals in organizing.
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In 1994, under the unanimously elected Ron Carey Slate the IBT regional conferences were eliminated; and the Teamsters Affiliates Pension Plan (TAPP) was no longer funded by the International.

These cuts were made because the regional conferences (although they did provide some useful information), duplicated services and responsibilities already required from the International and Joint Councils. The Eastern Conference (ECT), Locals paid 30 cents per member, each month directly to the ECT. TAPP provided for an additional retirement benefit to any full-time Local Union officers. More often than not, the regional conferences provided extra salaries for IBT officers already receiving a full-time salary.

The TDU I joined in 1977 and up until the OZ/TDU Coalition, would be talking about the waste we witness in multiple salaries, pension benefits, the "$100,000", $150,000, $200,000 Clubs". Having a $1,000 per week strike benefit is unarguably a powerful weapon to fight contract battles and we all want that preserved and remain well funded.

But shouldn't we start by looking at how differently the IBT officers get by, compared to the rank and file members that live under the contracts without huge salaries (multiple salaries in particular), and multiple retirement fund benefits?

TDU used to shed light on the inequity of The IBT "Family Plan", that is exclusively for International Officers (as I recollect); it provides for substantial benefits. This and the multiple salaries, retirement benefits,
are wasteful. This is all funded through per capita taxes. Redirect that money into the strike fund.

As a Boston Local 504 elected Delegate at the 1991 Convention in Orlando, I watched, listened, and participated as the strike fund debate was one for the ages. If you have not watched it - it speaks volumes. Local 170 Delegate Carl Gentile really fired things up by proposing a $200/week strike benefit; Philadelphia leader Johnny Morris, proclaimed the RV Durham Slate proposed strike benefit as a Mickey Mouse proposal. As I recall it was $55/week in 1991. I was able to get to the floor mic and offer that "The strike fund must be (according to the the. LM2’s) must be in pretty good shape, because before the Convention, the GEB transferred many millions of dollars out of the strike fund and into the general fund." This was in response to the claims of affordability; Weldon Mathis shaking his head in demands for a benefit that keeps food on the table and paying rent.(what was Mathis' salary back in 1991?).I

So, we all want an International that gets adequate funding to represent and organize and fight, but TDU's perspective, is radically different than it was. "A fair day's work for a fair day's pay." That's what we want for every worker, whether its Sean O'Brien or the lowest paid Teamster.

Footnote: Among the now defunct "TDU Rank & File Bill of Rights" was a demand to fight the hardest for members making the least.

The recent LM2 reports generating the "$200,000 Club" beg the question: How much do they need anyway? If there is a need for a full-time position, pay a fair wage/benefits, and make it a full-time job - the members will be better served.

[Doctorpepper782]

The strike fund is kind of like atomic bombs, you want your enemies to know you have one but you never want to use it. Especially if is really part of the general fund. Does anyone actually think the IBT wants to pay out strike benefits?

[Pasco]

You can still have a solid strike fund and make sure all Local's have the resources they need. Ninety percent of all organizing and first contracts are done start to finish at the local level. Currently most Locals Organizing programs are a side note without the money needed to win.

[Thisischange?]

You can still have a solid strike fund and make sure all Local's have the resources they need. Ninety percent of all organizing and first contracts are done start to finish at the local level. Currently most Locals Organizing programs are a side note without the money needed to win.

Excellent point, organizing at the international is hugely wasteful and costly. Directing those dollars towards training and launching organizers locally and regionally makes a lot more sense. The monies spent on airfares, hotels, rental cars, meals, and allowances could put more boots on the ground and result in winning campaigns and contracts. We are pissing millions on an unwinnable amazon campaign while failing to give locals the real support they need for organizing. Spend the members money wisely.

[Doctorpepper782]

A lot of those “ organizer “ jobs are simply political pay back dolled out to supporters and contributors to Oz campaigns.

[NYNick]

You mentioned Amazon, the money being spent on that campaign is substantial, HAS ANYONE EVER BEEN TOLD IF THERE IS A PLAN??
I’ve seen some crazy publicly stunts and O’Brien’s favorite practice strikes but have not seen a real plan.

[squareroot]

dont forget about drive too. hand picked supporters

[AlJackson1962!]

Therefore,, based on all the worthwhile points raised above, shouldn’t the primary focus be on ending multiple salaries and benefits (that far exceed anything covering rank and file members under our various multi-employer pension funds.