Thursday, September 20, 2007

THURSDAY MORNING

The Convention reconvened at 9:04 a.m., Thursday, September 20, 2007. International President Warren S. George introduced Dr. Aslam Abdullah, Imam, Jamia Masjid, for the Invocation.

The delegates were shown a video from Sen. Joe Biden, Democratic candidate for President.

Organizing Committee Report

Organizing Committee Chair Daniel Sundquist reported on behalf of the committee, recommending the adoption of the following resolutions:

Resolution A – “Organizing,” to continue to make organizing a top priority at all levels of the Union; to develop specific organizing plans and provide the research necessary to ensure successful campaigns; and to identify, train and utilize volunteer organizers.

Resolution B – “School Bus Campaigns,” to use political and community pressure to drive up standards for school bus workers; and to organize at least 1,000 new school bus employees within the next three years.

Resolution N – “Employee Free Choice Act,” to support the EFCA and work to elect candidates to office in 2008 who support the bill.

General Executive Board Report Committee

General Executive Board Report Committee Chair Joneth Wyatt reported that since the last Convention the GEB had conducted six regular and two special meetings and that during that time had approved or deferred 20 out of 29 requests for financial relief, extending over $20,000 in direct assistance or, in some cases, excusing the payment of per capita taxes for up to six months. The Board also rendered ten decisions on member appeals, four of which will be reported by the Appeals Committee later today, and granted 38 strike sanctions.

In addition, organizing efforts under the direction of International Executive Mike Siano led to 32 successful campaigns bringing 2,500 new members into the ATU.

The Committee also recommended several changes and corrections to the GEB report.

Final Credentials Report

Credentials Committee Chair Omega Robinson reported that the credentials of a total of 628 delegates were found to be in order. Of the total 628 delegates duly seated, the credentials of 576 amply evidenced eligibility under the Constitution and General Laws for participation in the election of International officers. A motion to adopt the committee’s report and the revised roll of delegates was adopted.

Election of Officers

Balloting Committee Chair Rick Harris issued preliminary instructions for the elections of officers which were to be conducted in accordance with Rule 12 of the Convention Rules & Order. International Executive Vice President Michael Siano assumed the Chair for the purpose of conducting nominations for the office of International President. Warren S. George was nominated, and duly seconded. There being no further nominations, International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owens cast the unanimous ballot for Warren S. George as International President.

International President George re-assumed the Chair and conducted the nominations for the office of International Executive Vice President. Michael J. Siano was nominated and seconded. There being no further nominations, International Secretary-Treasurer Owens cast the unanimous ballot for Michael J. Siano as International Executive Vice President.

Nominations were then in order for the office of International Secretary-Treasurer. Oscar Owens was nominated and seconded. There being no further nominations, the unanimous ballot was cast for Oscar Owens as International Secretary-Treasurer.

Congratulations were proferred to the re-elected executives by those who subsequently nominated the IVPs below — with several calling the top three ATU’s “Dream Team.”

For the office of International Vice President, the following incumbents were re-elected by unanimous ballots:

International Vice Presidents:

1st: Tommy Mullins

2nd: Joseph Welch

3rd: Rodney Richmond

4th: Donald T. Hansen

5th: Robert H. Baker

6th: Larry R. Kinnear

7th: Randy Graham

8th: Javier Perez, Jr.

9th: Richard M. Murphy

10th: Bob M. Hykaway

11th: Charles Cook