Highlights of Convention Day 4
Manfred Warda, President of the ICEM (International Chemical, Energy, Mine, and General Workers Union), addressed delegates on the morning of the fourth and final day. His organization represents 472 affiliated unions (including the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers), totaling 20 million members in 132 countries. In describing how workers around the globe have suffered due to the economic crisis, Warda attributed the current state of affairs to poorly-regulated banks, political demagogues, and unbridled greed. He said trade unions from around the world have been shocked by U.S. politicians on the extreme right who use the deficit as an excuse to strip workers of their bargaining rights. He said the attack on workers in Wisconsin “must be stopped before it becomes a virus” spreading across the globe.
After the Finance Committee completed its report, the Law Committee resumed its duties. Lengthy debates arose over proposed amendments to reinstate out-of-work dues, expand the death benefit provided for in Article 15 of the constitution, and freeze increases to dues and fees until the next convention. These amendments were either withdrawn or rejected by the delegates, and the Law Committee recommendations were passed.
Law Committee recommendations to make structural changes to the organization under two IEC resolutions also sparked extensive debate. Delegates ultimately approved the recommendations. IEC Resolution #28 establishes the Construction Sector Operations Division to provide operational support for the Construction Division, the National Transient Division, and the Quality Control Council. IEC Resolution #26 establishes the Industrial Sector Operations Division to provide operational support for all lodges representing members working in non-construction industries. Resolution #26 also establishes a $1 monthly assessment per industrial sector member, effective Jan. 1, 2011, to fund industrial sector conferences and other ISO Division expenses. Future increases of $1 per month will be assessed on the first day of each year if deemed necessary by the IEC. The assessment does not apply to members in the Railroad Division and Cement Division, as those members already pay divisional dues.
As the convention neared its end, Joe Moreland, the Brotherhood’s long-time general counsel, received special recognition for his service. IP Newton B. Jones announced that Moreland was retiring at the close of the convention and called him to the dais for a presentation of the first Charles W. Jones Distinguished Service Award. IST Bill Creeden joined IP Jones in presenting Moreland with a Benelli shotgun as a token of appreciation for his extensive work for the Boilermakers. IP Jones then adjourned the convention sine die.
