Although I have no vote, having been retired for 18 years, I feel I have an obligation to the Union and current and future members to offer this observation:
This election challenge, and rerun reminds me of the maneuvers that took place in the AFL unions in the 1930’s whenever the results of an election did not suit the incumbent machine.
I think the massive change in leadership of the ILWU means that the membership should be especially vigilant that someone who is not a part of the new political group is around to keep them honest. And be especially worried when the rerun of the election is so obviously based on the desires of the newly elected majority of the IEB which had to make a real stretch for justification.
Union officers without critics are subject to ill-advised and even serious errors in judgment. It is only necessary to look at the administration you have replaced to realize the negative effect of eliminating critics. (cf. the dumping of Ole Olsen).
It is ominous that the new leadership appears to operate by the same dubious rules, and is willing to spend $80,000. 00 of the membership’s money to achieve its desired results.
Art Mink 55106, retired
