TWU’s International Executive Council, meeting June 23-24 in Las Vegas, Nevada, reviewed some of the recent developments designed to put TWU on a strong footing as it heads into its second 75 years.


International President James C. Little, who chaired the two-day session, also reported on plans for the 23rd Constitutional Convention in September. Convention delegates will celebrate the union’s 75th anniversary while setting TWU’s course for the coming four years.


In his report, President Little described ongoing strategic planning sessions, which he views as a top priority for the union in a rapidly changing political and economic environment. He praised TWU local presidents who have participated in the sessions. The most recent meeting focused on two main topics: Organizing/membership growth, which included passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and capitalizing on the addition of “green jobs;” and maximizing the benefit to TWU members from FAA reauthorization, stimulus spending and transit funding.


Little announced the addition of two new offices to the International: Organizational Development and Strategic Resources. Organizational Development is focused on creating synergies between our International departments that work collaboratively. The main goal is to increase information sharing, knowledge and best practices to help individuals, as well as the organization, grow. 


Strategic Resources, assigned to the Education and Research Department, will provide analytical data, analysis and information to support the International and locals in collective bargaining.


The union’s finances were reviewed by International Secretary-Treasurer Joseph C. Gordon who said the union’s bottom line had been impacted by the loss of Local 100’s dues check-off (now reinstated) and investment losses, as well as financial commitments to the 2008 elections and the 2009 campaign for EFCA.


Administrative Vice President Susan Resch, Director of the Transit, Utility, University and Services Division, reported on several staff changes which will enhance service to the division locals, as well as dozens of contract negotiations completed or in process. She also noted several organizing gains, particularly in California. Resch said that some locals had been impacted by budget cuts due to the sour economy, while others had gained from stimulus funds earmarked for transit.


With Air Transport Division Director John Conley at an international solidarity meeting in Brussels, Assistant Director Robert Gless gave a brief report on divisional developments, supplemented by other ATD staffers and local presidents. While negotiations at American Airlines are in mediation, a bright spot has been Southwest, with the addition of two new locals, 550 and 557, and the signing of contracts for Locals 555 and 556.


Railroad Division Director Gary Maslanka reported on the second backpay installment for Amtrak JCC members and the job creation at Bear, Delaware and Beech Grove, Indiana related to stimulus funding. He noted that volume on the freight lines had suffered due to the economic slowdown, especially in the auto industry.


Others reporting included Administrative Vice President Hubert Snead, COPE Director, Political & Legislative Director Portia Reddick White, Gaming Division Director Joe Carbon, Organizing Director Frank McCann, Civil & Human Rights Director Sandra Burleson, General Counsel David Rosen, Education and Research Director Bob Wechsler, Communications Director Liz Giegerich, IT Director David Moses, Assistant Communications Director Jeff Rae on the web site, Organizational Development Director Tonya Gordon and Administrative Assistant to the President Michael Bakalo, who chairs the Appeals Committee.