This is in response to Brian Borchik’s question on the role of an EVP I think it is unfair to say that no one is interested in holding a debate. An individual can be treated as a declared candidate prior to petition certification. However, it only makes sense to wait until the candidates are validated to have a debate. One candidate waited until the last minute to submit a petition. The time between verification and ballot distribution is short because the office must be filled within 60 days of the vacancy. As it is we will just make this deadline. Even if I were not currently working in Manhattan it would have been difficult to schedule a debate between petition certification and ballot delivery (about a week). I chose not to look for a volunteer to go out of town for me because many of us have missed anniversaries, birthdays, coaching responsibilities, etc. because of these out of town tours. I certainly would not stay home to campaign. On to your question. The EVP of a CWA Local has many responsibilities. He/she has a fiduciary responsibility to protect the assets of the union, represent the Local’s interests at and understand the protocol of the Convention (governing authority of the Union), attend meetings, and participate in the grievance process. I would engage all of these activities with the seriousness and dedication they demand. Representing someone, speaking for them, is a tremendous responsibility and should be informed by their desires. This is one reason why I have spoken to the need to adjust our grievance process by implementing specific documentation. An EVP is the ‘report to’ person for committee chairpersons. I have called for the creation of four committees (Finance, Entertainment, Legislation, and Community Service) which are specifically named in our bylaws. I have already explained a bit about why each one is important. I will say here that the climate of labor and politics today dictates that we widen our scope and, much like the International, start to build coalitions. The old model simply isn’t as effective as it once was. Another responsibility of the EVP is to assist in setting specific, achievable, and measureable goals. As EVP I would focus concern for member’s quality of life issues (i.e. assigned Saturdays and out of town tours) and expanding CWA represented labor in CNY. Inventive members have taken steps to highlight disparities between work groups and locations and this activity needs to be encouraged and followed up on. Area unions have individuals dedicated to the pursuit of membership growth. A Local as large as ours can certainly train individuals to initiate discussions with targeted work forces. An obstacle which may be eased by the potential inroads made from some of the community activities our newly formed committees would be engaged in. The EVP also assist in creating an annual budget. I have said that we must provide training and networking opportunity for our stewards. This can only be assured if it is written into the yearly expenditures of the Local. The Finance Committee would act as an independent entity to bring an objective discussion of money to the membership. Some expenses are fixed but those which are not should reflect the will of the members. I have outlined a few of the responsibilities of an EVP. In addition, an EVP works for the members, the President, and the Eboard. Any number of tasks may be assigned to or requested of someone in the position. I can assure you that my first obligation is to the membership. I intend to work to incorporate a diverse network of views and ideas into our organization. Our structure needs to be such that it is easy to participate. Our communication must be specific and clear.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 05:56:20 +0000
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