Disappointed

We are disappointed that our TWU Local 100 is in financial accounting difficulties as indicated by the interim report from the TWU International our parent organization. The numbers indicated in the report are alarming while the explanation provided by our TWU Local 100 president John Samuelsen of ‘say that $262,849 of the credit card charges did not have "adequate support"’ is not satisfactory.

We here in why did you join the union agree with that point of view of TWU International and say that is not a stringent standard of itemization. We believe that is the appropriate way. Here there are questions that jump at you, first whether that practice was accepted by the current secretary treasurer? Second imagine if anyone handed over non itemized receipt while the content of that purchase was not related to TWU Local 100 but rather personal? If it is a common sense procedure which we believe was used then we do not agree with Samuelsen’s view as it is ‘this new, more rigorous standard for credit card receipts’. 

It is also disturbing that the most serious egregious misuse of the credit cards were committed by the following three. One John Samuelsen president of the Local 100 (made over $150K), two Benita Johnson recording secretary (made over $118K) and the third Roxanne Rotger executive assistant (made over 99K - fancy name for a secretary). Samuelsen’s explanation is not satisfactory and is an insult to our intelligence. You are taught of the ten commandments where there are certain lines which are drawn and no one will cross them if they are moral and ethical. Those above 3 by crossing that line reveal a lot about their moral fiber - their moral compasses have lost their bearings. It is shameful that the other two Benita Johnson & Roxanne Rotger did not offer any explanation of why they misused the credit cards - what a brazen cowardly act of misuse of the membership dues. It is obvious that they feel they are above the membership that they have no one to answer to - we demand from those two to come with an explanation of why they misused the credit cards? They should seek redemption from the membership for their actions. Clearly the chivalry days are over, we will never absolve them of this cowardly act of helping themselves with membership dues. We are also aware the executive board will never act on this matter because the board is packed by Samuelsen chums who praise Samuelsen, who do not see anything wrong while TWU Local 100 may end up in receivership.

Those three above should surrender those credit cards back to the TWU Local 100. An average citizen has 8 personal credit cards as per census bureau so those three can use their own personal cards then get reimbursed properly if the charges are related to the TWU Local 100.