Editorial Commentary
Major Layoffs Continue, Information Not Forthcoming
Editorial Commentary
Posted June 17, 2009
As much of the membership remains in the dark concerning their jobs the museum continues its cost cutting measures. Sources have revealed that there has been an entire class in the security department laid off, as well as a couple of other positions of which we are awaiting verification.
We at Unofficial 1503 are making every effort to make sure the facts are correct before posting them, however, the Executive Board of our local has been less than forthcoming on matters most relevant to its members, e.g. job security, contract negotiations, benefits and the list goes on.
In a vacuum of information, membership must turn to one another to get information. This is far from ideal. It is circumstances like this which lead to conjecture, rumor and gossip. Either the Executive Board is utterly oblivious to this, or holds its membership in such blatant disregard as to encourage this environment either openly or by silently condoning it.
It is likely this silence will continue based upon past performance. So those of us who remain employed at the museum and who stand to suffer irrevocable damage from mismanagement and lack of leadership must try to minimize the damage to our contract currently in negotiation and make sure that any elections or ballots are carefully monitored.
Come November, if Local 1503 remains intact, and competent members have replaced those who lack leadership, we must establish a system of removal for those individuals who are either incapable, unmotivated or self-interested to enact the will of the membership. This Union is its membership. Some people forget that.