Did You Know?

Welcome to the "Did You Know" post. When I went to work for First Transit in 2006, I had to, as a condition of employment, sign an agreement that I would allow First Transit to deduct union dues from my wages. Like a good little sheep I did so and allowed that deduction from my wages for over two years. A pox unto me for not taking the time to understand what my rights were and where my money was going!

I believe that a fully informed union member (or agency fee payer) is a happy union member (or Agency Fee Payer) so today and perhaps from time-to-time in the future, "Did You Know?" "Your local actually has an obligation to keep you informed but I don't remember ever being told a lot of the information so I'll hazard a guess and venture the opinion that all the local wants you know is what they consider beneficial to them. Here goes:

Did you Know?
That prior to July 1st, 2007, Local 1001 only represented Public Employees and had no specific state or federal financial disclosure obligations. When First Transit employees joined Local 1001, the rules changed and as a local representing Private Employees, they are required to file a yearly form LM-2 with the Department of Labor (unless the revenue's drop below $250,000 dollars a year and then it's an LM-3). You, the dues payer, are the union and the officers and other employees work for you! I think that's something very important to remember. Local 1001 filed a 2007 LM-2 in 2008 (just a tiny bit late :-) and the 2008 filing is due April 1st, unless the local requests a hardship exemption. A possible exemption circumstance might occur, for example, if the local didn't have anyone who knew how to enter the information or all their pencils were broken.

Did You Know?
That for the six month period, July 1st through December, 31st, 2007, the Local 1001 had cash receipts of $644,264, cash disbursements of $614,184 and on December 31st, 2007, had assets of $1,306,951. I had no idea I was that wealthy! Laidlaw and Veiola both joined Local 1001 in 2008 and I can't wait to see the 2008 LM-2.

Did You Know?
That there were 17 "Agency Fee Payers" out of 2,205 total RTD and First Transit employees on December 31st, 2007. There may be other ways to become an Agency Fee Payer but the way I'm aware of (and have posted) is under a Supreme Court decision known as Beck. These employees have the same "protections" as any other employee but pay only their fair share of union cost and no tribute, i.e. a lessor amount than the other 2,188 employees. In return, they gave up the right to attend union functions or vote in elections. I'd really like to know who those 17 are/were and I'll help others with the Beck process if you contact me.

Did You Know?
That you paid the officers and employees of Local 1001 (salary+allowances+reimbursements) a total of $260,592 for the six month period July 1st through December 31st, 2007. I sure didn't realize I was responsible for that large a payroll. It makes me feel important!

I'll close by saying that I'm absolutely not making the claim that anyone is guilty of any wrong doing. All the information posted is already public and it's the members right to know how their money is being spent.