Now that the battle to represent TSA employees has fallen short, it’s time to speak frankly about the causes for the failure.
Four years ago, the losing strategy had already been set in place by the National Office—and the incumbent pursued it with all the reckless obsession of a gambler. Read More→
When I ran four years ago, I pledged to institute monthly conference calls between the National President and Chapter Presidents. This election year, I promise the same. Many Chapter Leaders, whether they supported me before or not, like the idea. But when it was raised again this past February, the incumbent shot it down. Read More→
Throughout my campaign for NTEU National President, I have promised to appoint a National Office ombudsman whose sole responsibility will be to assist the National President in following up on issues raised by Chapter Leaders. The question arises, “How exactly would that work?” Read More→
In 2007, Eddie Walker ran against the current National President. He suggested, among other ideas, the following proposals to strengthen NTEU: institute monthly conference calls between the National President and Chapter Presidents; appoint a National Office ombudsman whose sole responsibility will be to assist the National President in following up on issues raised by Chapter Leaders; Read More→
Since the 2007 Convention, no design for the future of the union has emerged. At IRS Fall Training 2010 in St. Louis—during a discussion between the President and Chapter Leaders in which the theme was the necessity of setting up succession plans for retiring NTEU officers—the incumbent was unable to answer a question about her own succession. Read More→
The record of the Field Offices—despite the welcome appointment of a new Director at the top—has not improved since Eddie focused attention on the issue in 2007. Diverting resources away from Chapters has persisted as a problem, and there have been no gains in the level of support—or the quality of advice—provided to the rank and file. In 2007, Field personnel were often well-paid but lacking in leadership. That situation has not changed. Read More→
The incumbent convinced us all that buying the NTEU Headquarters was an excellent investment and a prestigious undertaking. The surprise selling of the property in 2010 was, therefore, a blow to many Chapter Leaders. The justification for the sale was unconvincing to many. Centered in an iconic neighborhood that encompasses the White House, the building was not in danger of losing its long term value. Read More→
In recent years, our National Office has exhibited signs of growing timidness when it comes to fighting for what is most important for its rank and file. Remarkably, ratification of the 2009 IRS National Agreement was rejected by a record one-third of the membership, although you would never know that if you received your information directly from National NTEU. Read More→
Over the past week, delegates registered for the 2011 National Convention in Seattle should have received the fourth in a series of mailings from Eddie. The latest was printed and mailed by National NTEU in accordance with our Constitution and Bylaws. Read More→
Has NTEU’s current President exaggerated her ability as a Congressional witness? Washington Post columnists have raised this question. Read More→