TWU's International Executive Council, meeting June 22-23 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, reviewed plans designed to increase TWU's force on the national stage and to build strength moving into 2011.

International President James C. Little, who chaired the two-day session, reported on collaborative projects the Air Transport and Transit Divisions have embarked upon, the Railroad Division's achievements with Amtrak contracts, the success of strategic planning and capacity building sessions, and the forthcoming move of the International headquarters from New York City to Washington, D.C.

"If we are going to continue to evolve we need to have a viable presence in Washington, D.C.," President Little told the Council, which concurred with his recommendation.

TWU leadership levels have recognized the need for this move and have been planning for it for many years. President Little has brought these long-standing plans to fruition.

"As an International union it is key that we be involved in our nation's politics, and when it comes to politics and legislation, you can't phone it in. Having a solid presence in the capitol is going to help push TWU issues forward and to work hands-on with legislators who we need to help move our agenda."

In his report, President Little described ongoing strategic planning sessions, which he views as a top priority for the union in the current political and economic environment. He praised TWU local presidents who have participated in the the most recent meetings, which focused on two main topics: elevating TWU's infrastructure and branding of the union, and strength through autonomy. Little also described the success of recent Divisional and Departmental capacity planning sessions as indications of progress towards greater efficiency within the International and for locals.

President Little also reported to the Council that International Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo has been assigned to spearhead the Save Our Ride campaign, which you can read about on pages 12-13 of this issue.

The union's finances were reviewed by International Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Gordon, who explained that no different from most businesses, organizations and Internationals, and many TWU locals, we've had to navigate our way through one of the most devastating economic downturns since the Great Depression, but that we've seen signs of an economic recovery with a few of our major contracts settled and others out for ratification. Gordon also mentioned that the cost of the Save Our Ride Campaign and the move to Washington have raised some of the International's costs, but that he has confidence these investments will even out over time with the expected progress of these ventures.

In his report, President Little also announced that the International is continuing to cut expenses where possible, but has reached a point where it is no longer financially viable to bear the cost for Local 721's office and expenses. The TWU will continue to represent the casino dealers with TWU's Gaming Division Director Joe Carbon's continued assignment to oversee the Local, but the official Local 721 office was closed on August 1.

Strategic Planning Director Roger Toussaint reviewed the details of TWU's involvement with the "One Nation: the 10-2-10 National March on Washington" event. He stressed TWU's imperative involvement with this movement, which is dedicated to moving America forward, and providing an alternative voice to an anti-worker movement and its determination to "take the country back" into divisiveness, bitterness and roadblocks to change.

President Little emphasized the importance of the upcoming mobilization event on October 2, 2010 by urging the IEC to participate and encourage member involvement. New Division Directors Announced President Little announced recent changes to International staff that he explained will allow TWU to be more involved in external industry affairs, without jeopardizing Division level service to locals.

International Vice President Garry Drummond was announced as the new Director of the Air Transport Division, with outgoing Director John Conley now assigned to work with external aviation issues, among other International assignments. Both Conley and Drummond reported on the current developments in negotiations, legislation and the aviation industry. Conley announced that the TWU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Coalition of Airline Pilots Association. The MOU is a joint commitment between the three parties to work together on relevant legislative issues.

International Representative Carl Martin was announced as the new Director of the Transit, Utility, University and Services Division, with outgoing Director Susan Resch now assigned to assist with external transit issues and Applied Research. Martin reported on the state of many transit contracts, the success of several transit organizing drives, and the funding crisis facing many of TWU's biggest transit locals.

Railroad Division Director Gary Maslanka reported on the successful contracts that two groups have reached with Amtrak after only five months of negotiations, a stark departure from the last contract negotiations, which took eight years to reach an agreement. Maslanka noted that, in addition to being solid contracts, the agreements also assist in achieving more productive Labor/Management relations at Amtrak, a key in TWU's quest to ensure Amtrak is the operator of choice in the new and changing passenger rail environment. Read more on page 6 of this issue.

Others reporting included TWU's new COPE and Political Field Director Alex Garcia, Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Portia Reddick White, Managing Director of Organizational Development Tonya Gordon, Gaming Division Director Joe Carbon, Organizing Director Frank McCann, Human Rights Director Sandra Burleson, Strategic Resources Director John Donnelly, General Council David Rosen, Communication Director Liz Giegerich, IT Director David Moses, and Chair of the Appeals Committee Gary Shults. TWU Hosts Divisional Meetings, Supports Exchanging of Ideas Following TWU's International Executive Council meeting in Atlantic City, local officers from all divisions met June 24-25 to discuss the issues and challenges facing their members.

On the morning of June 24, International President James C. Little greeted all groups, emphasizing that such Presidents' Councils are opportunities to exchange ideas and build knowledge.

"Coming together and learning from each others successes, challenges and strategies is one of the most valuable things our locals can do to strengthen their own locals as well as the entire union," said Little.

President Little also reviewed the International's move to Washington DC, in order to increase TWU's participation in the legislative and political arena and urged all Presidents to get involved with the One Nation Movement and March on Washington on October 2. "We will not continue to support leaders who are not working for our agenda," said Little. "We need to step out of the box and send a clear message. The time for complacency is gone."

Little addressed the International's efforts to play a more active role in regulatory and policy-making bodies that affect our members, and commended the honorable appointments of International Vice President John Conley to the Department of Transportation's Future of Aviation Committee, and Health & Safety Director Ed Watt to the Federal Transit Administration's Transit Rail Advisory Committee for Safety, both designed to help shape the future of the air and transit industries.

"We are building alliances and branching out, something that has already helped the TWU evolve in this uncertain political environment," said President Little.

Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Portia Reddick White discussed legislation specific to each division and urged all presidents to encourage members to register and vote on November 2.

TWU's new COPE and Political Field Director Alex Garcia announced his plans for the merger of the departments and to use State Conferences for COPE drives, urging Presidents to get involved with Conferences and their local and state politics.

International Organizing Director Frank McCann reviewed current organizing drives and provided background on the decision to help Jet Blue, Virgin and Allegiant Airline Flight Attendants organize. Seeing the success the TWU has had at Southwest, a similar low cost carrier that boasts an industry-leading contract, the Organizing Department is working to bring the same benefits of TWU representation to the newer and unorganized airlines.

Human Rights Department Director Sandra Burleson announced the recent name change of her Department, formerly Civil and Human Rights, explaining that civil rights are included in Human rights, and that human rights encompass more than race issues, as the term "civil rights" connotes.

Health and Safety Director Ed Watt explained the wide range of use that health and safety has for members, locals and the union.

Strategic Resources Director John Donnelly presented Airline and Railroad Division presidents with an overview of his group, its skill sets and mission as a cross functional asset - to provide "consultant like" assistance in a variety of areas - to the TWU.

All Divisional meetings included open discussions or panels where local presidents reported on achievements and challenges affecting their locals. Presidents shared information candidly in order to learn from and to teach each other.