Why Our Local Is Facing a Re-Election

Our Local is not facing a re-election by chance. This moment stems from serious concerns about how fundamental administrative responsibilities were handled during the previous election process. At the center of those concerns are deficiencies involving membership records, determinations of members in good standing, and the collection and recording of union dues—issues that go directly to the integrity of any union election.

A union election is only as credible as the records used to determine who is eligible to vote. Accurate dues records and consistent application of the "member in good standing" requirements are not optional—they are essential. When those records are inaccurate or inconsistently maintained, confidence in the election process is compromised.

It has been alleged that individuals who were not in good standing were nevertheless issued ballots, despite concerns regarding their eligibility. At the same time, there were significant deficiencies in the collection, processing, and maintenance of dues records. These are not minor administrative oversights. They are issues that strike at the heart of election integrity and every member's right to a fair and lawful election.

Because of these concerns, an official appeal was filed, has been accepted, and is currently under investigation through the Union's internal process. That investigation must be allowed to proceed, so the facts can be fully reviewed, and any necessary corrective action can be taken.

At this time, no date has been announced for a re-election. The priority should not be rushing back to the ballot box. Instead, the focus must be on correcting the underlying deficiencies—verifying members' good standing, reconciling dues records, and ensuring that every eligible member has the opportunity to vote when a re-election is ultimately scheduled.

This is about more than electing officers. It is about restoring confidence in our Union's democratic process. Every member deserves an election that is transparent, accurate, fair, and conducted in accordance with our Constitution and Bylaws.

As we move forward, our goal should be to ensure that the mistakes of the past are corrected, accountability is upheld, and every eligible member is afforded the equal right to participate in a fair election. That is how we strengthen our Union and protect the voice of every member.