Union Brothers and Sisters,
It has been an honor to serve as your Local 1406 Secretary/Treasurer for the past 9 years.
As most of you know, I have retired from civil service on September 30th and will soon be moving back to my home state of Ohio after my long stint with the USAF that included over 20 years of active duty. In 1966 at the age of 19 when I took an oath to serve our country, I never imagined what was in store for me for the next 42 years. I am proud to have worked with America’s most patriotic citizens during that time. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling career anywhere else. (even though the pay kind-o sucked in the beginning - $67.00 per month) It is going to be strange to be away from an organization I have been part of for over two-thirds of my life. Yes, I am older than the USAF …….. only by six months, though.
Since becoming a steward in 1993 and then Secretary/Treasurer in 1999, I have seen many positive changes in our Local. Our representatives are more educated and dedicated. The process of solving employee work related issues is now streamlined through our partnership with management. The union’s ability to settle issues at the lowest level has greatly increased our productivity. You, through your Union representatives, have a voice at the table. At the National level, AFGE continues to take your issues to the Congressional Representatives in Washington, D.C. to insure the Civil Service workforce is being treated fairly.
On November 18th you will vote to select your Union officers (President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer) to represent you for the next three-year term. When you make your selection for each position, be sure you choose someone that has the experience and background in the activities and duties required of the position for which they are running. There is no “overlap” to “train the new officer” and bring them up to speed. I feel it is important that the newly elected officers are, at least, a part of the current cast of representatives to make sure there isn’t a disconnect between those newly elected and the incumbent representatives. Please consider the consequences of electing someone that “talks the talk” but maybe cannot “walk the walk”. Those you elect may directly affect your job. A union representative needs to serve because they want to help their coworkers and because they care. There is no room for an egotist. Your representatives must be available to put in the extra time and effort necessary to keep your union strong. It is not a “nine to five” job. Unpaid overtime is required to be a successful representative. It would be unfortunate for all of the BUEs if an incompetent Executive Board depleted all the progress the past representatives worked so hard to achieve. Please don’t be fooled by a candidate that is a “legend in their own mind.”
This is my educated opinion. The people you select will be your decision.
I want all of you to remember, YOU are the core of the workforce at the AFFTC. YOUR individual contributions have and continue to be directly responsible for making the base what it is today. It doesn’t matter if you maintain the base HVAC systems, work in a tool room, work on the aircraft or perform any of the unnoticed jobs around the base, YOU are the most important part of the ability of the AFFTC to complete its mission. Without YOU, it fails. That is why it is important to resolve your work related issues as expeditiously as possible with the least disruption to your work environment. As a team, you, the bargaining unit employee, your Union representatives and management can work together to create a most efficient workforce. YOU are the experts in your craft. YOUR ideas and input are vital to the success of the mission at Edwards AFB. You can be proud of your accomplishments and the job you do.
In case you have not been notified, the local is having a luncheon upstairs in the supply building next to the union office to give me a chance to say farewell to all of you and those I have worked with on base. The date and time is:
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2008; 11:30 AM TO 12:30 AM
Please stop by, as I would like to see as many of you as I can before I leave. There will be food and if you want to eat, please contact Ken Vaughan at vaughan@local1406.com or 661-510-8912 ASAP so they can have enough vittles for everyone.
Thank you for your support and friendship throughout the years. I hope to see you on Thursday. If you can’t attend, good luck and may your future bring you much happiness.
Jerry Schultz
Secretary/Treasurer
AFGE Local 1406