Block 1 and 4 Message

February 3, 2012

To Local Council 7 Members:

Council Communications—We have received questions as to why LC7 Secretary-Treasurer Lloyd Ballard has not been a signatory on our letters to the council. The short story is that Lloyd does not agree with our positions on many issues. Some of the candid communications we have put out make him uncomfortable. He has declined our offers of inclusion.

Local Council Officer Recall—As you should be aware by now, Tony and I are the subject of a recall effort being brought forward by F/O John Bula at the next local council meeting on February 15. Tony and I believe we have always acted in your best interest. We have communicated honestly and frankly with you and aggressively stood up for what we believe is right. This is a membership-driven organization. Now is the time to let your voice be heard because in the end it is your call. Either way, we are willing to live with your decision.

We have become aware that anonymous individuals are distributing e-mail messages supporting the recall effort. That is their right; however, we view the release of your private e-mail information from the ALPA database to anonymous individuals as, at the very least, totally inappropriate and unethical. This has happened before under this administration and we will not tolerate it again. If you suspect your e-mail address has been improperly obtained, please notify us immediately.

The following is a basic overview of how the recall of a local council officer works.

Summary of the Local Council Officer Recall Procedure

1.    The agenda item in the meeting notice you received is a request for “consideration of a recall vote.” It is not a recall vote. It is a vote to request that an electronic recall ballot be sent to all members of the council.

2.    Each agenda item must be considered separately so there will be two ballots.

a.    One for the recall of the Block 1 representative, and

b.    A second one for recall of the Block 4 representative

3.    Only members of the council in attendance at the local council meeting on February 15, along with the proxies they carry, may participate in the vote.

4.    Each member in attendance may carry up to three proxies.

5.    It takes a majority of the total votes cast at the meeting to carry the motion.

6.    If the motion carries, ALPA will initiate an electronic recall balloting process.

7.    All members of the council will be eligible to participate in the electronic ballot.

8.    A majority of the electronic ballots cast will carry the decision.

9.    If the recall is successful there will be a special local council meeting called to nominate and elect the interim representative(s) for the vacated position(s).

Summary of ALPA Local Council Proxy Rules

A.    Form: It is not necessary to use the form from the Administrative Manual; however, a local council proxy must

1.    be in writing,

2.    include the name of proxy issuer,

3.    include the name of proxy holder,

4.    list the specific subjects covered by proxy,

5.    be filled out entirely by proxy issuer, and include the name of proxy holder at the time the form is signed by the issuer.

B.    Subjects: A local council proxy

1.    may only be used to vote on “subjects listed on the published agenda,” and

2.    may not be used for elections, local council assessments, strike ballots and contract ratification votes.

C.    Number: No member may vote more than three proxies.

D.   A proxy is essentially a power of attorney that authorizes the proxy holder to use his or her discretion to act on the proxy giver’s behalf. Accordingly, the proxy holder is not bound by any direction provided by the proxy giver.

The proxy form is available on the MEC website. Local Council Proxy Form

Your Union/Your Voice,