Convention participants refused to increase union dues, and declined to change the procedure for filling vacancies in the union’s officer structure. Changes to the union’s Constitution and Bylaws must be approved by a two-thirds majority.
After lengthy debate, a proposal to raise dues by $3 per pay period failed. “I have said on a number of occasions that we have sufficient resources,” APWU President William Burrus said before the vote. “I ask that you defeat this resolution.”
The Constitution Committee, which screened constitutional proposals, also urged delegates to oppose a dues increase.
Proposals to raise dues were submitted by more than a dozen locals, and were supported by several national officers. “The simple fact is representation is not cheap,” said Don Foley, Maintenance Division NBA for the Central Region. “Representation costs money.”
But several opponents of a dues increase suggested that locals that are struggling financially should reduce their expenses or increase dues locally. “If you need a local increase, take it to your membership,” said Dave Daniels, president of the KYOWVA Area Local.
The next order of business was discussion of a resolution that would have changed the procedure for replacing union officers when they leave their positions in mid-term. Delegates rejected the proposal.
The convention voted in favor of a resolution to increase the national union’s contribution to the Postal Press Association, an organization that supports local and state editors.