Final Preparations

Good Morning Brothers & Sisters!

      There is one week left before I will be leaving Houston and traveling to Las Vegas, NV., to attend the 24th LiUNA General Convention! As I have done so many times in the past, and I will continue to do as often as I can, I want to say thank you again for honoring me with another opportunity to be your personal delegate and to act as your "eyes and ears". This blog is my way of giving something back to each of you who could not be here. I sincerely hope that it will be educational and entertaining to you as well as stimulating. For the record, this blog is not in any way, shape, or form an officially sanctioned or authorized publication of LiUNA, NPMHU, or Local 311. It is produced in its entirety by myself. Any of the seven (7) other Local 311 Delegates are always welcomed to offer any input they may have should they so desire.

     Now, let be bring you up to date since my last post. On Aug. 2, 2011, I received a letter from LiUNA dated July 28, 2011, congratulating me on my election as a delegate. Contained in the letter was instructions securing hotel room reservations at either Bally's Las Vegas or Paris Las Vegas Hotels. A form was enclosed for this information and was to filled out and returned as soon as possible by mail, fax, or e-mail. (We all know which way is fastest so that's what I did.) Reservations would be done on a first come first served basis at both hotels. I had previously stayed at Paris, so I immediately booked my room there. (I received an e-mail confirmation on my reservation on Aug. 26th). It then went on to state that LiUNA would be pre-paying the hotel $333.76 for the first two nights of each delegate's stay. For each delegate, stipends (stipends - a pre-determined amount of money that is provided to delegates to help offset expenses) will be distributed directly in the following amounts. The first $400, of the total $1,200 stipend, will be by mail along with a travel stipend determined by airline zone fares and current ticket prices. The second check of $400 will be included in each delegate's registration package upon arrival at the convention. The final check will be for $70.00 ($400 - 333.76 first two nights room cost) and will be provided to each delegate on the final day of the convention. It ended with a closing remark and was signed by Armand E. Sabitoni, LiUNA General Secretary-Treasurer.  

     Also enclosed was a letter from NPMHU National Headquarters stating that the union would be providing each delegate an NPMHU delegate shirt. The shirts are to be picked up at the NPMHU Booth in the exhibit area at the Convention by presenting your Convention ID. It ended with a closing remark and was signed by John F. Hegarty, NPMHU National President, and Mark A. Gardner, NPMHU National Secretary-Treasurer. 

     On August 4, 2011, I received another letter from LiUNA dated August 1, 2011. It began by citing Article V, Section 11 of the International Union Constitution which provides that: "A per diem allowance and transportation to duly elected delegates who are  accredited and seated and who attend all sessions of the regular Convention, shall be in such amount as is established by the General Executive Board of the International Union and shall be paid out of the Convention Fund."      

     The amount that was established by the General executive Board vote as it relates to Local 311 delegates for transportation that is equivalent to a round-trip economy class airline ticket, with restrictions was $622. In addition, a per diem allowance of $200 per day, including the day going to and returning from the Convention--in all, a total of six (6) days--equaling $1,200 will be provided to each delegate. The $1,200 allowance will be distributed to the delegates in the following manner:

•  Each delegate will receive a credit on their Bally/Paris Hotel bill equivalent to     two (2) nights stay at the Bally's/Paris Hotel (valued at approximately $330).
• A first per diem check of $400 is paid prior to the Convention and is enclosed
• A second per diem check of $400 is received st registration at the Convention
• A third per diem check of $70 is handed out the last day of the Convention.       

Enclosed was two (2) checks, the check for transportation in the amount of $622 and the first per diem check in the amount of $400.

     The letter listed the names of two airlines (Delta & United Airlines) and a travel agency WTM/Key Travel Group along with their contact information. Discounted agreements had been negotiated for delegates. Delegates were encouraged to make their arrangements as they deem appropriate. However, upon arriving at the convention, you should immediately proceed to register in order to become an "accredited delegate." (An accredited delegate is one who has been confirmed by the Credentials Committee) It went on to state that delegates will receive information relative to the Convention and the second per diem check of $400 also as soon as we register. Then, at the end of the week, the final check in the amount of $70 will be distributed by the National CAD (Contract Administration Department) Representatives at the NPMHU Booth. It ended with a closing remark and was signed by Terry O'Sullivan, LiUNA General President, and Armand E. Sabitoni, LiUNA General Secetary-Treasurer.

     The final piece of business left now is the Local 311 Delegate Supplemental Allowance Package (DSAP). This is an allowance voted upon by the Local 311 Executive Board that is given to delegates to also help offset expenses. I was also a delegate to the last LiUNA Convention and I can say for the record that the amount delegates received for the 2006 Convention was $1650. I received that package by express mail on Sept. 1, 2006. At any rate, I will let you know all the details if and when I receive something.

         Anyone wishing to see my report from the 2006 23rd LiUNA Convention contact me and I'll get a copy to you promptly. Also if you're interested, I have the 2004 and 2008 NPMHU National Convention Reports as well...

         Until next time, sincerely and fraternally,

b.shep.