Dear Local 706 Members:

A number of members have expressed confusion and concerns about the proposed Constitutional and Working Rules amendments recently sent out for a vote/referendum.  This includes confusion about timing, how the amendments will be implemented, as well as procedural concerns.

Due to the lack of urgency in the adoption of these amendments, and given the clearly expressed desire of our membership that we pause this process to assure that everyone feels heard, your elected Officers put forth a recommendation to the Executive Board Monday night that we discontinue the current voting process at this time.  It makes sense to us—especially given the many urgent pressing issues facing this Union Local as a consequence of the pandemic – that we take a pause and restart this process when the time is right. Your Executive Board agreed, and voted unanimously to discontinue the balloting / vote / process at this time.  

We have further concluded, after consultation with counsel, that there is no legal or constitutional impediment to this approach. 

In light of our conclusions we have determined the following:

(1)  it is appropriate to discontinue balloting and

(2)  doing so is permissible in these circumstances.

(3)  When the amendments are brought forth in the future, they will be re-vetted by the Constitution Committee before they are submitted to the Executive Board and submitted to the membership for voting.   

There is no further action needed by the membership at this time. Please disregard any outstanding ballot. We will continue to keep you informed as we move forward.

Respectfully,

Julie Socash, President; Randy Sayer, Business Representative; John Jackson, Secretary-Treasurer;