Ask the President

Question:

At a conference in Niagara Falls NY you made many references to the need to modernize the union. You specifically talked about the need to communicate with the membership. Can you elaborate on the need for change in our union?

John, Manchester Area Local

President Burrus:

Thank you for submitting your inquiry regarding the need for change. I have incorporated my thoughts about change in most of my public remarks and believe that change is critical to our survival.

Previous generations could depend upon modest changes to important areas of their lives over an extended period of time. The change from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy occurred over several generations, while the transformation to a global economy has occurred over a span of just over 10 years.

Changes in electronics, computerization, communications, and manufacturing have had a dramatic impact on our country and our individual lives. Yesterday’s ways of functioning are not appropriate today, and they certainly will not be appropriate tomorrow.

As a representative body, it is critical for our union to change. The worst excuse for any of our actions is: “That is the way that we have always done it.” The world is different today than it was when the previous decisions were made. Every action that we engage in must be put under a microscope to determine if the means and methods are relevant today.

I have not come to a conclusion about the best forum for sharing the message of change within our union. There are a number of audiences — activists, elected officials and the entire membership. A different message must be constructed for each group. And with each different message comes a different means of delivery.

I hope that you and many other progressive-thinking local leaders will join with me in finding new and better ways to serve our membership. From the way we conduct union meetings to the way we share information, enforce the contract, and involve the members in our decisions, we must find new and better ways. Your ideas are welcomed.

Thank you for your leadership efforts.

Feb. 13, 2008