Law Committee stances generate discussion
THE REPORT OF the Committee on Constitution and Law stirred up some discussion on more than one issue Tuesday afternoon.
First, Local 146 (Edmonton, Alberta) BM-ST Warren Fraleigh took the floor to question why Resolution 19, submitted by some members of his local, was not supported by the committee. This resolution called for Canadian International Vice Presidents to be elected only by delegates from Canada, and U.S. IVPs elected only by U.S. delegates. Other offices would be elected by all delegates. The Law Committee had considered the resolution, but did not support it.
Dean Milton, president of Local 146, rose to oppose the resolution, along with a number of other delegates. Opponents all had a similar message: the Boilermakers are one union and need to be represented by an executive council that will work for all members.
The Law Committee's recommendation was overwhelmingly adopted.
The Law Committee also proposed a change to Article 5.3 to grant the International President the ability to enlarge or restrict a local lodge’s jurisdiction when, in his judgment, the action would serve the interests of the members. Any such action could be appealed to the International Executive Council.
Local 146 BM-ST Fraleigh also took issue with BM-ST Warren Fraleigh, Local 146 this recommendation from the Law Committee, citing a resolution submitted by his local lodge to lengthen the hearing process.
Western Canada IVP Joe Maloney took the floor to explain that Brother Fraleigh’s complaint arose because he had refused to sign a Project Labor Agreement, jeopardizing a great deal of work for his members and all Boilermakers. The International called a hearing, and Local 146 did sign the agreement, but the hearing placed a barrier on the International’s ability to protect the work of our members.
Maloney further explained that because any action under this article can be appealed to the Executive Council, the amendment leaves the democratic process in place while allowing the International President to take swift action to protect the union’s jurisdiction when a local lodge does not do so. “If we don’t protect our jurisdiction,” he said, “we’re not going to get work, and we’re not servicing our membership.”
The Law Committee's recommendation passed.
Language concerning the International President’s authority to grant or revoke charters was challenged by a number of delegates, who took issue with the word “revoke.” Much discussion ensued, during which more than one motion was made, but none properly seconded.
Owing to the confusion, Chairman of the Law Committee Jim Pressley asked the convention for authority to take the article back to the Law Committee for further discussion. He suggested that new language on this article would be proposed in the morning.
