The loss of TSA appears to be a giant setback to our efforts to expand our influence and vision as an organization, but it’s possible to see a way to regroup and exert our clout stronger than ever.

Over the past few years, as we intensified our commitment to the TSA organizing drive, much was asked of our membership and of our Chapter Leaders. The battle commanded an enormous share of NTEU’s resources, and a great deal of sacrifice from our union chapters. The diversion of funding and Field Office personnel was felt locally, again and again.

In order to get our union back on its feet, and in order to spur enthusiasm and growth, I am proposing to institute a Chapter Rebate plan that will give back a little of what chapters have put forward in support of the TSA campaign.

As NTEU National President, I will rebate a portion of your Chapter’s dues as a onetime payment. The amount is between 1½ percent to 3 percent, depending on the size of your Chapter. Smaller Chapters will get a bigger percentage, but Chapters with larger bargaining units will also get a healthy amount. The rebate will be of sufficient size for all to use toward building membership, paying arbitration expenses, or whatever your local leadership believes will best help your Chapter. The payment will be made in the next calendar year.

How much is your Chapter’s rebate? You can receive an estimate through a very easy process. If you will be a delegate to the NTEU National Convention in Seattle, Monday, August 8, through Thursday, August 11, 2011, click on the link below, “How much of a rebate will your Chapter receive?” You will receive a link and a password exclusively tailored for your Chapter.

The amount is our best estimate, based on your membership, and based on the current information that we have. We promise that your results will be a good ballpark figure of what you can expect.

This plan is smart, it’s needed, and it’s fair.

As disappointing as the results of the TSA effort has been, I believe that with a little group reevaluation, introspection, and redirection, the opportunity exists to emerge from this adversity with greater energy and purpose than ever.

As I have pledged, as NTEU National President it is my intention that “more power will be invested in the hands of the Chapters. If you believe that those who labor in the trenches best understand the challenges on the front lines, then you believe in Eddie’s vision of teamwork.”

The Chapter Rebate plan is a concrete example of how to promote teamwork. – Eddie Walker, June 28

How much of a rebate will your Chapter receive? Click here.

Eddie will post a new message to Chapter Leaders on his website on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, June 14
  • Tuesday, June 21
  • Tuesday, June 28
  • Tuesday, July 5 - Next message
  • Tuesday, July 12
  • Tuesday, July 19
  • Tuesday, July 26
  • Tuesday, August 2
  • Thursday, August 4