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.









 

"As Faith Would Have It..."

Whew! Here in this part of the country, we sort of cautiously welcome the month of June and Summer because it is also officially the start of hurricane season. Metaphorically speaking, I think Local 311 has had its first tropical depression that fortunately did not turn into a hurricane. As I reported to you previously, I had contacted the LiUNA Elections Office, registered my official protest on how the Local 311 Judges of Election had erroneously listed my name on the official ballot, and was just basically waiting on the outcome to see what steps would be taken next. As faith would have it, you once again showed just how much you appreciate what I'm trying to do by once again bestowing upon me the honor and privilege of representing you at the 2011 LiUNA International Convention, Sept. 11-16, 2011, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel, Las Vegas NV. Thank you, thank you, and thank you again!! I have always maintained this opinion because technically, the Local President is the only Local official so-to-speak, that is actually required to go and represent the Local. With respect to this convention, a Local President has to be elected just like any other member to attend this particular convention. For NPMHU National Conventions, the Local President is automatically elected to attend by virtue of being elected Local President. What I'm basically stating is that the Local President has the authority to speak for the entire Local and in many instances, there are Locals in the NPMHU who can not afford to sent multiple delegates to these conventions. That's why I look at these instances as being an honor and a privilege. As is my customary practice, I will take you with me each and every step of the way as it relates to being a delegate. In my next posts, I will post some frequently asked questions and update this blog with previous conventions reports that were done as e-mails. This may take a little while but it will be worth the wait I promise you! Also next up is discussing hotel accommodations, transportation and other "allowances".

Whose Name Is It Anyway?

Greeting Brothers & Sisters! First of all I want to apologize for this being my first post in quite a long time. There is so much going on with our Local that I don't know where to start. This blog has been dedicated to convention coverage since its inception so, I will try my best to only discuss "convention related" issues although there will be occasions when an issue will co-mingle with a Local related issue. Wouldn't you know it that this is one such instance when an issue with the Local 311 2011 LiUNA Delegate Election can have an adverse impact on the Local. As of this posting, I have filed a protest with the LiUNA Elections Office. If my protest is upheld, there is a strong possibility that the Delegate Election will have to be re-run. If this happens, it can not be overlooked that whomever was responsible for the selection and appointment of these current Judges of Election has failed the Membership. To the best of my knowledge, we are paying these individuals a salary with Union funds. Then, to have to pay them twice for something that they did wrong or had control over is just not right to me. My blog was primary started to target the smaller Branches; Abilene, Amarillo, Beaumont, Bryan, Corpus Christi, East Texas, El Paso, Lubbock, McAllen, Midland, Victoria, Waco & Wichita Falls. How many convention delegates have ever been elected from these Branches? How many election judges have ever come from these Branches? I'm into my 32nd yr. and anyone can correct me if I'm wrong, there has never been any convention delegates or even election judges from any of these Branches. I would venture to say that no one at any of these Branches has ever been even considered to be an election judge. Why you may ask? Because it's all about money. I'll speak more on this later, but first let me tell you the reason I filed the protest. For any election, we are allowed to nominate ourselves (self-nomination) which is what I normally do. You can do this in person or you can do it in writing (which is also what I do since I've gotten older). I sent in my written nomination requesting that my name be ONE WAY on the official ballot (Billy "Your Personal Delegate" Sheppard) and the Judges of Election determined that THEY wanted my name to be ANOTHER WAY, Billy "b.shep." Sheppard. Whose name is it anyway? If it's my name, and it has been for 53 yrs., then it stands to reason that the choice should be mine on how I want my name listed. The significance of this is it's the moniker that I have used starting with the 2000 NPMHU National Convention Delegate Election (elected), the 2001 LiUNA Convention Delegate Election (elected), the 2004 NPMHU National Convention Delegate Election (elected), the 2006 LiUNA Convention Delegate Election (elected), the 2008 NPMHU National Convention Delegate Election (elected) and now the 2011 LiUNA Convention Delegate Election. As you can see, I have been very successful with this formula. I attempted to straighten this out by phone with the Chairman of the Judges of Election but was unsuccessful. My only recourse was to file a protest of which I am anxiously awaiting a speedy reply. I received my ballot today so I'm sure members all over the Local received theirs too. Please fill it out and mark my name (third name on the left) as one of your eight (8) selections at any rate just in case. Now back to my it's all about money statement. The Executive Board has almost always been made up of individuals from Dallas or the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. When it comes to spending money on anyone besides themselves, you find that they are always pinching pennies. Like I said, Judges of Elections are paid a salary and if I'm not mistaken mileage. If a judge was from any place besides the the Dallas /Ft. Worth Metroplex or a place like McAllen or El Paso, it would also include lodging then. Our Executive Board Members in their infinite wisdom deem the cost then to be too much. That's why these positions are never solicited Local wide or made open to the entire Local so to speak. If anyone tells you different, the facts speak for themselves. That's all I have for this initial 2011 post. Spread the word, I'm back at it and I want to hear from you!

Keep Your Eyes & Ears Open!

b.shep.

"If It Is To Be, It's Up To Me...& My Family"

Well Brothers & Sisters, since my last posting (August 20th), the Democratic and Republican National Conventions have taken place. As of this posting, there is less than two (2) months to the Presidential Election on November 4, 2008. Each Convention, I think, re-enforced to their party members, as well as the millions of viewers around the world, just what it is their parties and respective Presidential hopefuls think is important to country. Ultimately, it will you (and your family) and me (and my family) who will make the final decision on the Presidential Candidate that has our best interests at heart. Even though we (LIUNA, AFL-CIO, NPMHU) have endorsed Senator Barack Obama as the candidate that we feel best addresses the issues that concern us, there STILL will be those of you who will STILL vote for Senator McCain. This is a given that the Obama Campaign organizers has conceded. The "game plan" has been announced and the only thing left is for us to execute it. The key to our success depends on our ability to register new voters and making sure these newly registered voters vote. Incredibly, young people (18-25) are making the biggest impact on the newly registered voters total. With this in mind, I thought about my own family and what it meant. I have at least six (6) family members who fit in that age group. If I had to guess, because I do not know definitely, I would say that none of them have ever voted before in any election. That's a plus 6 that will be added to the final total. What's more, when you hear the various poll results, they are distorted because the + or - error number cited in those surveys does not include persons who do not use land lines (most young people only use cell phones). It also seems that for whatever reason, young people have been "awakened" by the message of Barack Obama and what he stands for and are "excited" about the potential impact his Presidency would have on this country and the world. I watched how the world reacted to Obama on his overseas tour. I watched as PEOPLE of ALL RACES cheered and even shed tears at the DNC. Since I made the decision to continue this blog, I have been pondering just what my next step would be and then it hit me. I have come up with a voter registration campaign that I have named "Man In The Mirror Vote". This title is taken from the song by Michael Jackson. You all have heard it before haven't you? It goes in part, "I'm startin' with the man in the mirror. I'm askin' him to change his ways. And no message, could have been any clearer, if you wanna make (our country and) the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and make a change". To me, within the context of this election, NOW IS OUR MOMENT, NOW IS OUR TIME! I am asking each mailhandler, each clerk, each carrier, whomever reads this blog, to take the responsibility of making sure that everyone in your immediate family that is of voting age votes in this election. I am asking you to follow this simple plan:

1. Make a list of everyone in your household, immediate family, or even extended family that you vow to take responsibility for.
2. Next, make sure that each of these family members are currently registered to vote. If they are not, get them registered immediately. (For the state I live in, Texas, for instance, the deadline to be registered to vote in the 2008 Presidential Election is Monday, October 6, 2008. Written Voter Registration Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, October 28, 2008.)
3. The next thing do is find out the early voting period for your state and let everyone agree on a date within this period that YOU CAN ALL TOGETHER GO AND VOTE as a group. Remember, during the early voting period, you can vote at any of the designated early voting locations. You do not have to vote at your individually designated precincts. That's the beauty of voting early! You can avoid the much anticipated long lines due to the historical nature of this election by voting early and not waiting until Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Additionally, if any discrepancies come up, you will have ample time to get them resolved and still be able to have your vote(s) counted.
4. And finally, again with respect to the historical aspects of this election, if you make a family outing of this occasion and take pictures, you can always treasure the fact that when history was made, and it will be made, your family was together and you'll always remember the specific details of your outing.

Here's a recap of important dates as they relate to voters in Texas:

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• September 5, 2008 First Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail

• October 6, 2008 Last Day to Register to Vote

• October 20, 2008 First Day of Early Voting

• October 28, 2008 Last Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail

• October 31, 2008 Last Day of Early Voting

• November 4, 2008 General Election

For your convenience I am including the following link http://www.longdistancevoter.org/voter_registration_deadlines? to assist you in your planning. To see if your state even allows early voting go to http://www.earlyvoting.net/states/abslaws.php. If your state does not allow early voting, please follow Steps 1 & 2 and do whatever it takes to make sure that everyone on your list votes when the time come. This plan does not require a tremendous amount of time and effort and it is the least that each of us can do besides making sure that WE vote ourselves.

This is just one example of how many "small efforts" can add up to one "large accomplishment". If anyone can think of any way to improve upon this idea or you have an idea of your own that you would like to share with the rest of us, please contact me immediately and we can do our best to get it out there.

Final Thoughts

I returned to work on Mon. nite/Tue. (Tour 1) and was asked several times my thoughts on the Convention. As I stated earlier in my Mid-Week posting, the respect and camaraderie that I witnessed exhibited at this past Convention was for me, an honor to be a part of.

• In the scheme of things, you would have to agree that had it not been for the hard work of our National Officers, John, Mark, and the NEB, and the Committees and their members doing such a fine job of making recommendations that were so well thought out, the flow of the Convention and its business would not have been so smooth and uninterrupted...

• Brother Nick Mosezar (Local 318 President) and the entire Delegation of Local 318 get kudos for their job as the Host Local and the hospitality they afforded the Convention Delegates...

• John (Hegarty, Nat'l. President) performing at the House of Blues as the third Blues Brother...

• Late evenings/early mornings lounging around the pool...

• Disney World, the perfect family-friendly venue...

• Leaving Florida just ahead of Tropical Storm Fay...

Overall, I had a good time and I am now looking forward to implementing the strategies planned and discussed at the Convention to assure that we get Senator Barrack Obama elected as the next President of the United States as well as further our efforts in getting favorable legislation passed in Congress. I also plan to assist my Local/Branch Officers in any way that I can to educate our Members on the issues that matter to us the most. In order to accomplish this, I plan to continue this blog and use it as a means to communicate with the Brothers and Sisters of my Local as well as those of other Locals who choose to access the information that will be contained herein. I welcome any comments, questions or concerns that anyone may have. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.


Thank you for your continued support,

b.shep.

Day 6

This is it, our last day! There is always a sort of "buzz" in the air on the last day because on this day the Delegates decide where the location of the next Convention. Since Conventions are held every four (4) years, the next is scheduled for the Summer of 2012. It had been noted earlier in the week by President Hegarty that the 2012 Convention would be the 100th anniversary of the NPMHU. With that in mind, it is sure to be an even more festive occasion then normal. The sites receiving the most serious consideration were the Island of Hawaii, Detroit, MI, Portland, OR, Las Vegas, NV, and the Island of Puerto Rico. Before a decision could be made, we had to narrow the site down to two (2). Delegates were encouraged to speak out in favor of the location they preferred. After listening to discussions, we voted and narrowed it down to Puerto Rico and Portland, Or, with Portland, OR being the final destination.

Next was the Report of the Resolutions Committee and the voting on the recommended resolutions the Committee presented. The Committee presented three (3) Resolutions, all which were approved by the Delegates. We then had the closing formalities and adjourned.

Day 5

We started the day with a video message from Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). She is the most senior Republican woman in Congress and has proven to be a trusted ally in our ongoing fight to get important legislation like HR-82, the Social Security On-line Privacy Act, HR-1110, which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow federal and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis, HR-4236, the Mail Network Act of 2007. She went on comment on how she had toured postal facilities and seen mail handlers at work. We then went through our normal formalities, i.e. invocation, pledge of allegiance, and house keeping announcements followed by another video message from Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT).


Congressman Shays spoke on the importance of electing a President who can have an influence on the National Labor Relations Board, Universal Health Care and the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. All of these things together would positively effect the quality of work life for the members of the NPMHU.


We also viewed a video message from Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the principal investigative committee of the House. Representative Waxman has a reputation for a vigorous approach to oversight land is well known for insisting that witnesses appearing before his subcommittee testify under oath, thus exposing them to perjury charges if they didn't tell the truth. He is responsible for The Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia (Chaired by Danny Davis) which is a standing committee within the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Its jurisdiction includes federal employee issues, non-appropriation municipal affairs of the District of Columbia, and the Postal Service, including post office namings, holidays, and celebrations. So as you can imagine, this alliance is really a very important one.


We then listened to the Report of the Legislative and Political Committee. We also viewed a short video on the upcoming election and voted on the recommended resolutions presented by Committee Chairman Brother Rudy Santos (Local 320). Ten (10) resolutions were presented and all were passed by the Delegates overwhelmingly. The most important of these ten in my opinion was No. 10 - The Endorsement of Barack Obama for U.S. President. To see all ten, you can go to this link http://www.npmhu.org/Pubs/News/2008Convention/cv080815.asp.


The day's session concluded with a presentation given by Roger Blacklow, Legislative and Political Director and Bob Losi, Assistant Legislative and Political Director. These two Brothers are responsible for giving the NPMHU a "face" on Capital Hill. They are equally responsible for providing strategies, guidance, and materials to Locals in our quest to make our members more aware of our plans Right Here! Right Now! as they relate to the upcoming Presidential Election and any/all legislative matters. If you have any questions as they relate to your Hatch Acts rights, Roger suggests that you speak with him immediately. Contact me and I will get you his contact info.


After hearing Roger and Bob's presentation, I was suddenly reminded of something Brother O'Sullivan had said about the upcoming election. He stated that if we (the Democratic Party) can not get Barack Obama elected with all that we have been through with our current president, there is just no hope. I think as leaders of this national / local union, we have a solemn duty to go back to our respective Locals and by whatever means necessary, first educate (sound the alarm) and make sure that all of our members, their family members, our friends, their family members, and whomever else is of voting age, is registered to vote and that they vote when the time comes. Failure is not an option!