Decision

Samuelsen made the worst decision in the assessment of the solidarity fund. His decision has created animosity, hostility and a rift between brothers and sisters. It is clear that the decision was of linear thinking. Samuelsen claims that he has received accolades from overseas however it has torn the cohesiveness fiber of the membership.

In a recent meeting that ended as chaotic in the face of Samuelsen, who retreated, was visibly shaken and shocked as the members went at each others throats. We wonder if this was Samuelsen’s intention to create animosity among the membership. A retired member quipped he has never seen such animosity among the membership in his 35 years of service.

Forces were out at play with those Samuelsen lackeys, and those who oppose the assessment - divided. In addition there were other forces that materialized, as the retired member mentioned that it is not a good sign what occurred in that meeting. Whether the union leadership will remain and whether it will garner the majority of the rank and file goodwill is put into question as a result.

It was obvious Samuelsen during the chaotic session was unable to face the issues and present them. Maybe it was due to fatigue of a long day, however the underlying question remains, whether this assessment is worth this hostility between the brothers and sisters. 

Now we have devolved to a point where there is a lack of respect among the membership and the tone among the membership has turned toxic. We demand Samuelsen pay close attention to this toxic environment and we demand he seek the membership input. His curt behavior have not been successful, it is unfortunate that his inner circle has led him astray and now he has to learn the hard way. Imagine if he was a manager of New York Yankees what would the late owner George Steinbrenner have said about him?

Samuelsen should promote policies that are for the common good that would promote unity and harmony among the membership. Those policies should increase the membership’s well being while at the same time insuring both the survival and growth of the union as an institution. We believe he has learned a lesson and he has seen first hand what his decision has produced. However his promise that this assessment will not continue beyond the six month period should be taken with a grain of salt.

We know things tend to change and people tend to changes their minds however we would like to know whether Samuelsen’s opinion will hold steadfast in the fourth month, and the fifth month, and the eleventh hour in ending this assessment in six months. Some decisions of his may mean well but they fuel antagonism among the brethren and they may be costly. We encourage Samuelsen use lateral, convergent thinking based on the pros-vs-cons reasoning and abandon creating discord among the membership.