One of the first acts of the new Transport Workers Union Local 100 executive board was passing a seemingly symbolic resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
1. Effective immediately, the implementation to secure members' arrangement for the payment of dues by alternative means, particularly electronic transfer, shall be the first priority of TWU Local 100, its officers and representatives.
2. All officers and representatives shall dedicate themselves to the success of this program.
The resolution, just posted to the TWU's Web site, is dated Feb. 3.
While the union's spokesman downplayed the resolution significance, it does highlight the problem facing newly re-elected president Roger Toussaint. He still cannot automatically collect dues from the members. And many members are angry over the new “Toussaint Tax” that is health care premiums. On top of that, the judge who revoked automatic dues collection, Theodore Jones, just got promoted by Gov. Spitzer to the Court of Appeals.
It's unclear who will take over the TWU case and when due collection will become automatic again.
UPDATE: Jones will actually be sworn in tomorrow on the Court of Appeals.
-- Chuck Bennett
