Retirees in AFGE
June 3, 2009
By anonymous anonymous
Retired
Local 9
Jacksonville, AR
I am a retired member and still a member of AFGE. I have a serious problem with AFGE National Office as Mr. Gage and his ofifce staff do not care what happens to the retirees but yet they want their money. Their slogan says and I quote "Retired Fron Work But Not The Union" enquote. I used to belong ot a local that is anti retiree and they put in their by laws that you can't hold office unless you are activaly employed. that right there is going against the National Constitution and they are getting away with that. They need to be made to take that out of their bylaws but the NVP condones it he's alowwing it to be that way. In fact he has told me and my husband that he knows 4 locals in his district that are like that. That needs to be delt with as a retiree has as much right to run as the next person. The only requirement in the National Constitution is and I quote you have to be a member in good standing to run for any office. It does not say that you have to be actively employed. Read it and weep!!!!.
Its sad that AFGE has gone ot the dogs that they don't care about their members more than that. Retirees have issues as well like medicare prescriptions social security. Why can't they have a week in D.C. to discuss their issues wiht congree as well as the working class people? AFGE needs to wake up and smell the roses before they might get in serious trouble with some one. Retirees have been basically put onthe back burner but AFGE wants their money every year but don't do anything ot help them with thier issues. SAD SAD SAD !!!!
Anonymous
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Author: Bill Halle, of Local 2440, on
Jul 8, 2009 11:06 AM
Concerning the raised issue concerning the ability of retired persons to hold elected Senior executive office in a Local, it should be remembered that a local can only be comprised of persons in the bargaining unit.
As in ALL union work of any kind, elected or appointed, the approach must always be one of humility and service, nothing else. Don't even expect a, "Thank You", humility is what it's all about. Approach you old local in that way, and there is plenty of work for you to accomplish. If that local is not able to use you, shake the dust off of your feet as you leave, and go find another local that needs your help.
Finally, I too am deeply disappointed with the lack of integrity and lack of leadership in the AFGE, so I am struggling to fix it. And that is the summation of all workers history, it is a constant struggle, and just like salmon swimming upstream we all will not make it. I certainly haven't, but tomorrow is a new day.
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Author: Richard A Hitlaw, of Local 495, on
Jul 15, 2009 3:01 PM
I am too retired from the VA after 34 years. I was very active in the Local Chief Union Steward, Steward, and very active in all aspects of our Local even was a delegate at conventions electing the officers that are in ofice right now.My only avenue of being heard is this Union blog and every now and then I hear maybe one response to my question (check my earlier blog about Saturday Premium Pay )which is very important to me as I know many others in the Department of Veterans Affairs but I never hear back from our National officers that i help elect and when I do I might get back "its in the process" which it has been since 2003. It shopuld not take 5 years to get a decision especially when it effects so many workers. I ca only hope someone hears us> speant many a night on my own time representing the contract and by-laws of our contract . Its a shame that we retires are not being kept up to date on issues and suing our many years of expertise to make AFGE better.
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Author: anonymous anonymous, of Local 9, on
Jul 16, 2009 5:39 PM
You are wrong if you think that you have to be actively employed to be an officer in the union. According to the Natonal Constitution that was adopted in 2006 the only requirement is that you have ot be a member in good standing,also a member for 1 year and you can't be a member of a labor oganization not affiliated with AFL-CIO. Alot of these unions are trying ot be autonomous which is not a good thing neither. If you are a retired member and stay with your union then you are a full fledge member nad you can run for office if you want too. Back in 2003 at the convention it was adopted that if you got out of the union and later wanted to get back in you cuold do that but that you were considered an affiliate which means you can't hold office,vote ect. But if you stayed in then you're a regular member just RETIRED. Our former union is trying to do this to the retirees but she doesn't have a clue or doesn't care. The president that is. SPAN class=error>
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