10/31/07

First of all I need to take a moment to tell Dennis much I have enjoyed working with him over the last 20 years. Both as a coworker and working under him as our President. There are 3 things that stand out in my mind. 1) The first time I met him I had just come into Storage working on a crew, I knew he was looking for someone to take over as the Area Officer for Goleta and Ventura. I had just come from Distribution as an Officer and still felt the need to be involved. He welcomed me with open arms, that was the start of a long friendship. 2)I watched and helped as he made history for this Local when we Intervened with the P.U.C. taking on the Company in a way that had never been done. No other Union in this State has ever done anything like this. 3) I watched him get so mad during a meeting, without saying a word he stated to gather his paperwork then get up and walk out, with the Company right behind us tiring to kiss his ass. Lastly I want to thank his Beautiful wife Beth, for allowing us to take so much of his time. Like it or not Beth he belongs to you now.

Now let me tell you a little about myself

I've work for the Company for 30 years of that time I've been an Officer of this Local and another which I will leave unnamed, for 20 years. I come from a very strong Union family, as a kid I watched my dads Local go on strike every year. I've seen men die on the picket line, and go to jail on any given day because they were willing to fight for there family's lively hood. The one thing I remember my dad telling me, the day you walk out you've lost everything you were fighting for. But they stood on principle, paving the way for all Unions today. Now I'm here to keep this Local strong, and with the help of the members we will remain that way.

The meal deal

I have received more e-mail on this one subject than anything else. And what I can tell you, nothing has changed on the date the Company plans to have paid all those that received a payout the first time. They hope to have everything done by the end of the year. Those that have retired and received a check the first time around, will also be entitled to this payout. So stay tuned.

Thanks Roy