Good luck Mr. Hooker. I have my doubts about real change though.

[Bob Randall]

I have watched the podcast of Schenfeld and Hooper that was posted here by 'The Fearless Slate'. I sat up in joy when Hooper stated that "Locals have modeled themselves (after the IBT). Now, let me back up with my thoughts for a moment. With a passion I hate corruption in our union. There once was a time when I hated agents and officers of Locals that were not corrupt, yet lazy, incompetent and practiced company unionism. I've spent time in many different states with numerous of these. Moreso, in CT, MA, NH. Following is what I see being the foremost problem. When we are speaking of Local officers, we are talking about rank-and-file members that were elected that are products of our current culture. My experience has me believing that the vast majority of such have never seen a model that is necessary to achieve and maintain a most effective level of unionism. Moreover, those same don't, at all, see the naturally, adversarial relationship between employer and employee. It's just not our culture. Therefore, we shouldn't expect those newly elected to be that much different from their predecessors. That's way too high of an expectation. I don't offer this as an excuse or as a justification. It's simply reality. What can be done? Locals love to scream about Local autonomy. Meaning, "Just let me do whatever I want. Even if that is nothing." Nobody wants an overreaching IBT. However, the IBT needs to create a program that demands, maintains, as well as holds those accountable for certain practices within Locals allowing for a necessary culture to be created in time. Until then, we can call O'Brien (or whoever) names. We can scream about all of his (or whoever's) faults. What we shouldn't do is expect much to change in a material way. That IS our culture. Now, an IBT administration that puts forth that kind of effort should expect and prepare for a violently, aggressive insurgent's reaction. RIP Brother Carey.

[Watcher745]

[jerseymike78]