As we enter what I expect to be the final stages of the monitorship, we continue to make progress towards the goal of preparing the members of the local to manage your own affairs.

In late March, the Advisory Cou ncil met with the Honorable Alvin Hellerstein, the Federal District Court Judge overseeing the monitorship. Judge Hellerstein had invited the Council to meet with him in his court room because he wanted to hear a status report on the monitorship directly from your elected representatives. Mainly, he wanted to know what else the Council members believed is needed before he orders an election that will transfer the day-to-day authority of the local from the monitor to your elected officers (I will continue to maintain some oversight authority for another 18 months after the election.

Earlier, we had advised the Judge of three major goals remaining on the monitorship’s agenda: 1) revising and democratizing the local’s bylaws so that the leadership will be able to govern more effectively and be directly accountable to the membership 2) securing stronger contractual seniority rights to protect members against the re-emergence of the favoritism and job-selling that were part of the basis for the local coming under court supervision in the first place, including time to test out the enforcement of these rights 3) providing educational opportunities about union governance, contract administration, and collective bargaining to 1588 members who are considering taking on leadership roles.

The Council advised the Judge of the progress made in each of these areas. They also told him what remains to be done. In short, the consensus of the Council was that although we are close to being ready for an election, some additional time is needed to secure improved seniority rights and to provide the training opportunities for those who wish to be part of the future leadership of the local.

The progress the local has made while under the court-appointed administration has been substantial. The Bylaw revisions proposed by the Advisory Council were adopted by the General Membership Meeting. The only exception was the proposal on the president’s salary; all the other amendments passed overwhelmingly. At Global, the Local has secured landmark seniority language governing job assignments and we are in the process of determining how effectively this language translates into practice. At Ceres, we believe that we are close to reaching a similar agreement that will govern the assignment of jobs, particularly the up front positions which provide the greatest opportunity to earn tips.

We recently conducted a series of workshops about running for union office, union governance, and on negotiating and enforcing collective bargaining agreements. Moreover, the activity of the Advisory Council itself continues to offer practical experience in day-to-day union administration and leadership.

Challenges remain. While members in some shops have stepped forward in substantial numbers to take advantage of opportunities to develop into union leaders and activists, participation in others is far more modest. Perhaps this is to be expected after years of racketeer domination. However, if you are going to emerge from this monitorship as a strong union, that will have to change.

The challenge for me and my staff is to provide suitable opportunities in union leadership for your participation. But it is up to you to step forward and take advantage of them.

Robert McGuire
Local 1588 Administrator