1. After ratification of the collective bargaining agreement in 1994, nominations for Shop Stewards were held at all divisions. None of the Shop Stewards were opposed. They were elected by acclamation. They have remained in those positions for over three years.

2. In late 1996, one of the Oakland Stewards transferred to another division. Business Agent Dias asked Tony Ingram, an Oakland Driver if he would be willing to accept appointment. Brother Dias did so because Ingram had acquitted himself well in discussions between the union and company over route size and composition. No objection to the appointment was raised until your letter of October 29, 1997 (corrected from October 30,1997), approximately nine months after the fact.

The selection of Tony Ingram is consistent with Local 70's practices. Stewards are elected, except ;for those occasions when no one expresses interest.

We reject your request for an election of Chief Steward and Shop Steward. It's not warranted by the facts. Moreover, it would constitute a violation of Local 70 Stewards Bylaws which provide that Stewards can only be removed by an election or the Executive Board should they be found guilty of conduct in violation of our Constitution and Bylaws.

The Stewards Bylaws require an election following contract ratification. With the contract extension, there may be some confusion about timing for the next Stewards election. It will be sometime after June 30, 1998. Contract extensions of and by themselves do not extend the length of term for Shop Stewards. The Local intends to conform to the Bylaws and Constitution. If you or other members are interested in becoming Shop Stewards, that opportunity will present itself next year.

In Union,


Chuck Mack
Secretary-Treasurer

CM:bm

OPEIU29/afl-cio

cc:
Local 70Executive Board
Larry Dias
Dominic Chiovarae

Cert. Mail/RRR#P 196 647 304
ALEXANDER.DOC

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