Albany on my mind

As you are aware TWU Local 100 will have lobby day in Albany on tuesday March 29, 2011 however the message does not entice the membership to participate. Thus there are few people signing up for the trip. This is one more example of short sighted policies of John Samuelsen and his TBOU buddies.

The reasons for going to Albany to lobby must be explained in simplistic terms to the membership. In addition the explanation has to be tied to their wellbeing so the membership’s response could be overwhelming and enthusiastic. What we are fighting for must be explained, and who we are going to confront must be explained. Many members have indicated that they are tired of going to places to deliver papers as the last time in Washington DC. Numerous members felt it was a waste of time to go to Washington DC to deliver those papers because they have not seen any credible signs of fruits from that endeavor but rather more intransigence from the management. Some quipped that they had to hand those papers to the secretaries only - they wonder whether those papers were ever reviewed or read by the staffers or scanned by the politicians. In their view that was a failure undertaking since no objective was accomplished. Then one would think that any responsible organization would come with an alternative strategy instead of being a single trick pony.

Others were too quick to mention that maybe John Samuelsen may get to speak to a politician for a few minutes while the membership will remain outdoors. Still they do not know why they will be going to Albany - whether it is for asking the New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo for more funds (which will appear foolish due to the fact that Cuomo has ordered our boss Jay H Walder to cut $100 million and it is not clear whether it will come from the management side or operational side) or whether we are going to fight for pension. It has to be clear what Cuomo has said or done that compels us to this junket. It is clear John Samuelsen with his TBOU comrades under the guidance of grand vizier Steve Downs are unable to explain the simple facts why we are going to Albany. Why are we going to Albany and what can be accomplished in benefit for the membership.