Committee mailing 3\/27\/06<\/p>\n
Greetings Local 47 Colleagues,<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve been receiving so many comments from fellow Local 47
\nmembers that we wanted to share them with you. The anger at
\n the actions of this administration are reaching a boiling point
\nfor many. As is our custom, the comments will be sent anonymously
\nunless otherwise directed.<\/p>\n
It is vital that you come to the April 24th meeting at the Union
\nand bring 3 people with you! It is OUR local, not the
\n administrations local and it is time we had a voice again!<\/p>\n
THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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Be aware representatives of RMA continue to erode the opportunity
\nto vote on contracts that directly affect Professional Recording Musicians. <\/p>\n
RMA recently choose to limit Recording Musicians voting rights by setting again the amount of recording work to qualify to vote on national contracts. This was done some years ago to to shore up there stronghold by retaining control over all work. <\/p>\n
Those recording musicians who are gainfully employed have the right to make decisions over their employment. By limiting the right to vote contains their control and entitlement over all work. This action also affects composers choices on who they want to engage on their sessions. Ultimately these action taken by RMA representatives will inevitably take the process away from composers only to be told who you’ll get. <\/p>\n
Investigate and inquire <\/p>\n
The next recording you hope you’ll get may be shared alone only to wait for that next hope………………….. <\/p>\n
Thought: If the RMA limits the opportunity to qualify to vote of the 1000 members in LA. Who are they representing? Support RMA so they’ll be able to use your money to set their agenda. This will give them the ability to push you back even further from achieving a recording career or the one your trying to hang on to will soon disappear. <\/p>\n
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Dear
\n Committee
\n Although I do not know Doug Cain…….Based on all of the info we have
\n at this point, I feel we should be asking for his resignation……and
\n as far as Hal Espinosa is concerned, I am very dissapointed in the way
\n he has handled this entire situation….It seems as though the leaders
\n of our Union have adopted the general Holier-than-Thou attitude that
\n now permeates the entire political system of this country. I find this
\n very disheartening and dissapointing. Maybe it is time for us all to
\n wake up, be more inolved, and vote for people who have our best
\n interests in mind. <\/p>\n
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I have been receiving these emails and can sympathize with
\n your complaints. I have decided to NOT renew my
\n membership. In the 32 years of membership, I have not received any benefits
\n to being a member. Never once has the Union found me work, or for
\n that matter done anything for me and the majority of the members.
\n With the frustration of the other members compounded daily by
\n the present administration, my only recommendations are to IMPEACH
\n Hal Espinosa, FIRE Doug Caine and the rest of the administration. <\/p>\n
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Dear Committee, <\/p>\n
I call your attention to a letter to the editor written by Tibor Zelig in
\n the January Overture. If it is true that the new tv contract contains a
\n new clause which cuts the scale from $252 to $200 I would be very disturbed.
\n Did the negotiating team include RMA members who gave this away? If so, why
\n would anyone want to harm the livelihood of musicians who work in tv
\n orchestras larger than five members? Could it be that the negotiating team
\n is comprised of musicians who are only concerned about movie wages and who
\n have in effect written off the problems of tv muxicians? Could it be that
\n the acknowledged reduction of employment in tv has resulted in a downgrading
\n attitude toward the remaining work? <\/p>\n
But there are musicians who do work in the few remaining tv shows and who do
\n very little movie work. It is grossly unfair that they now have no
\n representation in the negotiations. <\/p>\n
Do you have further knowlege in this matter? It seems that this is a
\n flagrant omission that has been conveniently kept quiet, considering that
\n the musicians who play on current TV shows, would be not a little upset to
\n see a check go down from $252 to $200. <\/p>\n
Thank you for your efforts. <\/p>\n
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Please if possible could there be some discussion started about the health care problem which I would say, is a problem for a majority of the membership because a majority doesn’t do the recording and I know that the orchestral work and certainly the chamber music work doesn not alone make one eligible to qualify for those health care benefits. In every other organization for professionals and in companies as well, health care and pension benefits are there for everyone. So why should the Musicians’ Union be different??? I have also had to pay outright for my dental care. As was said by the Democratic Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi, health care should be a right and not a privilege for every American – aren’t we Americans??? Don’t we pay into it and don’t our checks reflect that? thanks, J<\/p>\n
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How about some discussions on our health benefits. Shouldn’t it be
\n available to all inspite of how much one qualifies? Why should I have
\n to join Kaiser when money is taken out of my Union jobs to pay for
\n health benefits I don’t qualify for just because I am not in that
\n “recording circle”. thanks, a concerned Union member! <\/p>\n
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I would love to know what in god’s name is going on
\n with the top officials at the Union? Has everyone down
\n there on Vine Street that has any position of power
\n absolutely lost it? <\/p>\n
It is time that members stand and and say enough is
\n enough. We all pay dues, and without the people that
\n they are firing, what will our dues go towards, buying
\n President Espinoza a new desk chair that has a
\n massager, Dean Caine a new set of golf clubs. I mean
\n come on. Lets stand up and say enough is enough. <\/p>\n
Its bad enough that they fired Barbara Markay while on
\n vacation, but to fire Errol Henry while he is at home
\n ill is a blow below the belt to not only Mr. Henry
\n himself but also to the membership. <\/p>\n
Lets start taking out the trash, starting from the top
\n down. If Mr Espinoza think that he he ir-replaceable,
\n then its the job of the voting membership to show him,
\n that he is very much replaceable. And the same goes
\n with anyone else on the board. <\/p>\n
I think that its about time that the membership show
\n that we are the governing body, and we will say who
\n gets fired and who does not. <\/p>\n
Democracy is a wonderful thing, lets exercise it.<\/p>\n
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…who is Doug Caine???…why has he been given this power???…<\/p>\n
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errol has been wonderful to all of us and is totally efficient…..
\ncant’ we get a quorum and boot the officers…there has got to be a way to do that….heck we boot out presidents……when it the next election…..dec of this year??????
\nj
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With the disintegration of the most valued services of our Local, many FMA members are now considering leaving the Union. What reasons can we give them to stay?<\/p>\n
Ans. The RMA would be happy to see the “Saturday night players go” since they don’t consider them PROFESSIONAL musicians like themselves ( in their own mind….). The lifeboats are overcrowded as it is and there is only so much room at the trough.<\/p>\n
Also, underemployed RMA persons want to be able to float in and out of the CBA (small orchestras) at will and this is another problem we are having in some organizations not recognizing or following up with the tenure provisions in the contracts. (Varies by CBA) Of course, many of these organizations want to be able to get the “Holy Grail” orchestra and those players want to be able to collect the “tiny amount of H&W and pension” if they are not doing anything else , and by the way they feel entitled to the position because ” they know who they are”. I have spoken to several people that defend this as the natural course of things….”when the studios get slow, players move to the theater, when that gets slow they move to the CBA orchestras. Our Union has done nothing to educate those persons who are currently in some of these orchestras that they have the right of first refusal. ( I wrote an article for the Overture that was not printed under the guise that ” we cannot allow members to give legal advice to other members”.. I pointed out to Doug that this was not “legal advice” only an FYI for those persons who met the criteria for tenure under their respective contracts to be aware they had the “right of first refusal”. Doug told me ..maybe we could print it but, “we can’t give you a bi-line”. Long story short…it was never printed and who knows how many musicians just assume that a contractor change or new management means they might be “off the list” and accepted not being hired. It is my opinion that there is no incentive for our Union to enforce these provisions because in not doing so, they effectively allow these positions to be available to their power base……and “we know who they are”.<\/p>\n
This is just the tip of the iceberg in a long line. In defense of the leadership, I can only think we are being taken care of by Larry, Moe, Curly Joe, and Shemp.<\/p>\n
So much for vision and leadership. Our business is not about loyalty,,,,, its about LEVERAGE. Pass it on!<\/p>\n
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Local 47 <\/p>\n
Errol Henry was put in a job he new nothing about. He tried very hard and
\n was making progress. I fill that he was set up
\n by the administration. This is just another bumble by the people at the
\n top. How much longer do we put up with this crap by our so called leaders.
\n After raising our dues and then taking away our free benefits that we have
\n paid for with are outrages dues increase. Now they want to do less. How
\n can this bullshit be accounted for. This shows a continued lack of
\n leadership for the members and the employees that have given their services. <\/p>\n
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Hi, <\/p>\n
Thanks for the very interesting info. I’m sorry I haven’t got any email
\n from the referral service…
\n I’m surely registered with them. These stories are unbelievable! <\/p>\n
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Whoever you are,<\/p>\n
I appreciate being informed on these issues which are and have directly affected me. Do you have a plan of action to remedy what is going on? By the way you didn’t mention that the office had been moved from the front somewhere into the back. This is something that was voted on at one of the last actual meetings, and now that vote has been ignored. A stand has to be taken against this junta!<\/p>\n
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Ohhhhhhh, where do I start?? <\/p>\n
These were valid points that were presented at the
\n meeting with President Espinoza, and certainly worth
\n addressing if not immediately (which is the way it
\n should have been done) than certainly first thing
\n Monday morning. I do not see why these could not have
\n been answered within hours of receiving this memo. <\/p>\n
These were not unreasonable requests, but certainly
\n ones that are do-able. There is plenty of space in the
\n building that houses the Union. But, they don’t see it
\n that way. Whatever buys President Espinoza that desk
\n chair with the massager and Doug Caine that brand new
\n set of golf clubs works in their eyes. <\/p>\n
If I see another email about how the board does
\n nothing for the membership but everything for
\n themselves, I see no other option but for members and
\n The Committee For A More Responsible 47 to call AFM in
\n New York and let them know about what #47 is doing.
\n This is downright ludicrious. <\/p>\n
Also, in my opinion, NO ANSWER = NO COMMENT. This
\n means that they know that they have done wrong, but
\n can’t or won’t justify it to those people to whom it
\n makes the difference (the membership). <\/p>\n
I can probably arrange to have Live Trucks for every
\n news station in L.A. parked out on Vine Street,
\n letting the general populus know of the poor decisions
\n that are being made. If the California Governor Recall
\n Election was any indication, it will not take any time
\n at all for this “situation” to be “resolved.” The
\n sight of News Vans in front of the Union Building will
\n generate a whole bunch of interest in and of itself. I
\n can almost guarantee it. <\/p>\n
I’m gonna be sick over this, but thank you to the
\n Members for #47 and FMA who were there to stand up to
\n the members of the board for the little guy. <\/p>\n
Time to go kneel in front of the comode and commence
\n being sick over this. <\/p>\n
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This just gets worse and worse. I feel really badly for Barbara and Erroll–no employee deserves to be treated in such an amateurish, cavalier and callous way by his or her employer. This makes that buffoon Donald Trump look like he is an effective manager. If the facts as you’ve described them are complete and accurate, both of these individuals should press a case with the State Employment Development Department since it would appear that they have a very valid grievance. <\/p>\n
Why in the world should any non-studio or symphony musician stay in the union? That being said, I just got the first ever referral from the Referral Service which I’ve converted into a modest engagement for a trio playing a three-hour afternoon gig. I would rather keep my identity confidential however and trust that you will honor your commitment to do so.<\/p>\n
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Thank you for you tremendously valuable work in monitoring Local 47 procedures.<\/p>\n
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Interesting. Many of these questions need to be answered for the membership to have confidence in the current administration. <\/p>\n
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ok..i had an idea awhile back…about getting barbara hired for the whole federation…..
\nhow about just for the southern cal locals
\norange county.. san diego…
\nlong beach.. ventura.. santa barbara…..
\nall these unions care about musicians and give you personal attention..like barbara and errol did….i just booked a kids show in ventura for the city that was a referral from that local….how sweet is that….and i have only known him the last year or so….
\ni don’t know what barbara was making…..but let’s say $50,000?? ( i hope i am not insulting you barbara..you are worth $200,000 on the low end :)…….so each of these locals pitch in 10,000 and she has her job back…though it would be overwhelming to take on that much…but, maybe add an assistant…..
\nwhy don’t we get the locals together and see if that is an option….
\ni know you all want me to be patient…but what has happened her is unacceptable and a slap in the face to those of us who have paid our work dues…i paid $2000.00 in money to the union last year……i want to call the new york office and complain….and to hal and vince, too….what am i allowed to do here to not cause trouble and make it worse….cuz when i think about it, i would like to go up and knock a few heads around!!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
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I don’t know what’s going on over there .. but I don’t
\n like the sounds of it…… I’ve worked with Errol for
\n over a year….. I thought he was very responsible and
\n took care of business…extremely competent…..
\n I want to know more about this but it doesn’t sound
\n good, <\/p>\n
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Thank you for sending me this email. I have had a couple of occasions to require Errol’s assistance in his capacity as a Local 47 employee. Errol was always efficient, courteous, and knowledgeable. I find this news disturbing. I would hope personality differences
\ndo not play any part in the career of a thorough professional such as I found Errol to be. Please keep me informed of developments.<\/p>\n
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Hi Committee For A More Responsible and Accountable Local 47 Administration:<\/p>\n
I was just in Errol’s office at the same time as a singer\/dancer (who was having Errol help him complete union-related paperwork) on Thursday (I think it was Thursday) of last week, and, upon my inquiry about there being only one book available with job listings, he stated that he had streamlined the network office paper processing to the point that ONLY the jobs which were not FILLED were therein for our perusal. I thought that was a pretty efficient and effective thing for Errol to have done because did it save the local money in reproduction of paper for “already filled jobs,” it also cut down our wasted efforts and cost of calls to prospective clients who had already selected musicians for their events.<\/p>\n
Who is running this local, anyway? Is it the administrators, or is it the members? The answer is obvious (smiles) … but it SHOULD be the members! I’m willing and ready to make ’em “FESS UP OR STEP DOWN! Let me know what the plans are. I’ll be there or be square! We’ve got to get Errol his job back, if possible! Who is this Doug Cain, anyway? I’ve been in the local for 24 years, and I don’t know him. Guess it’s a good time to make his acquaintance, huh?<\/p>\n
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And the beat goes on !!!!!!!!!!!! When can I vote these power
\n hungry, incompetent idiots OUT of office. They remind me so much of
\n Bushie and his gang!!!!!!!!!!!!!! max <\/p>\n
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Dear Comm Resp 47,
\n Does the firing of live performance rep Mark Casiullas fit in with this movement. I understand he (Mark) was critized for putting NON recording musician pictures in the Overture. As if rank and file members can not be highlighted? Just asking.<\/p>\n
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Errol was the notary at Local 47. I wonder if they have anyone else who can provide that service……free of charge.<\/p>\n
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I think an immediate meeting must be held to correct this situation. Isn’t there some bylaw about hiring and firing on an apparent whim?
\nDoesn’t there need to be a vote by the members?
\nThis is ridiculous.
\nThe referral service run by Mr. Henry is very effective for our visibility as a union and, by the way, an effective means of going after possible employment.<\/p>\n
Please let me know what we might do to correct this, and in the larger view, correct the seemingly whimsical “off with their heads” mentality that is becoming then norm at the union. Who’s next???<\/p>\n
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now that sucks – I have received a ton of work from Errol <\/p>\n
thanks<\/p>\n
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I can say that 3 people have been very important to my career and have been
\n their to help me. Barbara Markay, Al Ruba Cava and Vince Tividad. If you
\n had any questions. These people were always thier to help.
\n The other day I had a question about copy right. Their was no Barbara to
\n ask. If you have a question about recording forget it Vince is gone. The
\n Union has done almost nothing for me in over 20 years except these people
\n and now the union is getting rid of them.
\n I think it’s time for members to take a stance. The President, VP, and
\n Caine have to go they don’t care about our needs. <\/p>\n
Jimmy Dale <\/p>\n
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Some questions to ask yourself before you proceed.<\/p>\n
Who created the position of general manager?
\nDoug works out of Hal’s office.
\nDoug has been sworn in? What is his role and why was he sworn in?
\nWas there a new titled officer position created
\n What is the history behind that.
\nWhat is Doug’s new position costing the union?
\nWho was the general manager before?
\nIf there was what is the salary.
\nIs Doug receiving more money for this title?
\nIs Doug an Employee? Or a new additional Titled Officer?<\/p>\n
You need to find this out first. Before you assume that the President and those responsible for the creation of that position ask yourself why are they trying to make these changes in the first place.
\nIf the members are not able to organize to get a quorum to have there interests represented. Then at least it is the duty of the President to tell the members exactly what he’s doing. That’s the least they could do. Via E-MAILS, Union Newspaper. Lack of communication is exactly were all the problems begin in the first place.
\nWill we ever learn?
\n\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022<\/p>\n
Hi – <\/p>\n
I think given Barbara Markay’s years of dedicated service to the union
\n membership, I believe the membership deserves to know: <\/p>\n
1. Who, specifically, recommended and\/or ordered the firing of this
\n employee?
\n 2. For what reason(s), specifically, was she fired?
\n 3. How will the union provide the same level of service using
\n less-experienced employees in this area?<\/p>\n
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What should I do? <\/p>\n
Things seem strange enough to quit… <\/p>\n
As a member I want answers.
\n Other wise I will join the OVER 100 musician I know that HAVE
\n quit………………………………………………….. <\/p>\n
Best Regard, <\/p>\n
Local 47 member for 20 years<\/p>\n
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I attended the January 23rd General Membership meeting and would like to
\n acknowledge the 80+ members who attended. Let’s continue to keep showing up
\n to express our views. Inevitably, when this membership feels strongly enough
\n that a change needs to be made, I believe we will step up and make such a
\n change. I feel there are more and more people who are frustrated with the
\n current policies of this union and it will come to a boiling point soon. We
\n will meet the current quorum of 100 and I suspect when people are fed up
\n enough we will surpass it dramatically and make our voices heard. <\/p>\n
Personally, I’m not happy with the current leadership and will be voting
\n them out of office next election. <\/p>\n
I’d like to thank the following people for taking the time, after the
\n meeting was called, to express their feelings and opinions, listen to all of
\n our views, and continue the debate:
\n Board members Bonnie Janofsky and Don Muggeridge
\n AFM47 members Ron Hess, Bob Sanders, and Charles Fernandez. <\/p>\n
During the after-meeting discussions there were serious exchanges of views,
\n dis-agreements, and all things that a healthy dialog brings. The difference
\n to me was that I felt I was being heard by the people above. I don’t feel
\n that our current officers are listening to all of the membership as they
\n haven’t stayed to talk to the attending members for the last two meetings
\n I’ve attended. It’s not like they had to be somewhere else as they must have
\n set aside a few hours to be there in the event of a quorum. Why not spend
\n the time listening to those of us with concerns? We’re not going to bite
\n you. We’re all adults and can easily have a heated debate about what’s
\n important to the membership. <\/p>\n
It seems to me that the current policies and actions of this local are based
\n on economic fears, scarcity, and the idea that we need to hold onto the
\n little that we have. As someone who believes in abundance over scarcity, I
\n think there are other ways to create growth and opportunity for the entire
\n membership. We start by listening and having a dialog about where we are
\n now, and where we see ourselves in the future, then we take steps (sometimes
\n they can be very small ones) to move forward. <\/p>\n
Feel free to print my name. <\/p>\n
Regards, <\/p>\n
Lennie Moore<\/p>\n
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I think those that showed up should get reimbursed for their gas (from the Union Board), since they were forced to leave! Just a thought. <\/p>\n
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It is less than equal that a board of 12 decide policy for any organization
\n who consists of more than those 12 members. Under the circumstances, 50
\n people is enough. I think, however, if there were refreshments there as there
\n have been sometimes for special meetings, it would entice people. Many
\n members are coming straight from jobs, family responsibilities, etc. If there
\n were some interesting food and beverages, it would be helpful in getting more
\n members to attend. What about starting a fund for refreshments? Make the
\n meeting a little less dry and more interesting<\/p>\n
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AAHH! Human nature hasn’t evolved since the caveman days when groups got
\n together and figured if they could consolidate a narrow position in the
\n clan, they could exert power and gain economic and or social
\n advantage……screw the rest of the clan…whose only use is to frame the
\n environment as a backdrop barometer used for measuring their success.
\n Let’s move on here…..let’s come up with some ideas on how to bring the
\n tide in so all boats rise! Musicians united by the idea that ALL are
\n contributing and worthy of support by the environment will be the way to
\n heal all wounds. This is what our Union should be about. <\/p>\n
\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022<\/p>\n
Thanks for mentioning about Trombetta’s son receiving that scholorship.
\n When I read it in “overture” I did a bugs bunny doubletake. I’m not
\n questioning the kids ability but even John Coltrane wouldn’t be eligible
\n if his dad was on the board, or an officer. Pulling no punches, I can’t
\n believe they were stupid enough to print it … especially since no one
\n really even knew about it. <\/p>\n
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I think it is good and necessary to have a place to discuss
\n union issues without reprisal. This email forum does just that.
\n If we had jobs with tenure or contract, this anonymous forum
\n perhaps wouldn’t be necessary. But since jobs are gotten by whom
\n one knows and whom one likes, it would be really impossible to
\n get honest opinions in an open, unsecret, if you will, forum.
\n Let’s not quibble about who has set this dialogue in motion and
\n get to the point.
\n That being said, I think it would be a good idea for whoever
\n “the committee” is to label their opinion as such so we know who
\n the contributors are and who management is. No names necessary. <\/p>\n
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Colleagues,<\/p>\n
Please make time to come to the April 24th Local 47 meeting at the Union. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7PM, and they waste NO time shutting it down, so plan on being there early and bring at least 3 people with you! We can get our local back, but only with your help!<\/p>\n
Thank you for your time<\/p>\n
THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Committee mailing 3\/27\/06 Greetings Local 47 Colleagues, We\u2019ve been receiving so many comments from fellow Local 47 members that we wanted to share them with you. The anger at the actions of this administration are reaching a boiling point for many. As is our custom, the comments will be sent anonymously unless otherwise directed. It […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-committee-newsletters"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}