As your Secretary/Treasurer, I was illegally suspended for fulfilling my required duties to the Council of Building Stewards—as delineated in the Constitution (Article 5 Section F) and Bylaws (Article II Special Rules of Order Section II, The Executive Board Letter H).
The Executive Board held an emergency session in order to suspend and silence me---because I sought to voice and share union improprieties in an October 19, 2006 Council of Building Stewards’ meeting.
Karen Aronowitz, Artie Leichner, and the Executive Board conspired to conceal information regarding the new promissory note agreement, forged without the knowledge and/or consent of the Council of Building Stewards as stipulated in UTD Constitution: Article V Governance, Sections A, B, C, and D. Moreover, these co-conspirators engaged in deceptive practices by eliciting the support of the following: Christopher Radney, Executive Board Member, J.R.E./Teacher, Financial Oversight Committee Member; Joyce Beamer, Steward/Thomas Jefferson Middle; Fernando Egea, Steward/Miami Sunset Adult; and David Moss, Steward/Redland Middle. These participants failed to engage in a fair and comprehensive investigation of the charges levied against me. Thus they submitted punitive, flagrant, and false allegations against me. The erroneous charges sullied my character, as the charges had no relevance to our UTD Constitution & Bylaws.
Providing you with information is important in your totally understanding what has occurred with me throughout this process. Only until you are fully aware of what has transpired can you objectively view my role -- and the roles of all individuals involved. What follows is designed to give you a synopsis of what has occurred behind the scenes in UTD.
The Emergency Executive Board Meeting
Prior to the emergency Executive Board meeting scheduled for October 23, 2006, I requested members from the Internal Functions committee to attend. UTD President, upon hearing their intention to attend the meeting, informed the committee members that the matter would be conducted in an Executive Session. The UTD President deliberately deceived the Internal Functions Committee members when she led them to believe that the matter was only to be considered in an Executive Session. When in fact, at 5:00 pm, on October 23, 2006, she convened the Executive Board. Members of the Internal Functions Committee, and any other member in general, could have attended this open forum meeting. During the meeting, Peter Hill, Executive Board Member, made a motion to move the meeting into Executive Session—but the motion failed for lack of votes.
Illegal Suspension
In the meeting, Executive Board Members accused me of making false and erroneous statements in regard to the promissory note. Members, openly, questioned and challenged my professional and ethical judgment as well as insulted my character. The negative discussions and comments hurled at me created a hostile environment and fostered a climate that caused me much anxiety and duress. All, designed, to encourage me to resign. Some members called for my resignation during the meeting. Since, I refused, they engaged in discussions of suspension. I informed the Executive Board that any discussions of my suspension should be brought to the General Council. However, in a hostile manner and with reckless disregard, they proceeded to suspend me. The meeting resulted in me being suspended with pay. However, to add insult to injury, there was even discussion as to whether I should be suspended with or without pay. And, aside from suspending me as Secretary/ Treasurer, I was suspended from all other offices held on the State and National levels as well
The suspension was illegal based on the Executive Board’s failure to adhere to our own UTD’s Bylaws. Proper adherence suggests that:
1. Formal investigation is conducted
2. Investigator findings are submitted to the Executive Board
3. General Council renders findings: Substantiated or Unsubstantiated
4. Executive Board votes to accept or reject findings/recommendations
For example, if or when a finding or recommendation is substantiated or accepted by the Executive Board, then the Executive Board may move to suspend or take an action. Most importantly, all actions and/or recommendations accepted by the Executive Board must be brought before the Council of Building Stewards, to adopt, amend, or rescind—as delineated by UTD’s Bylaws.
The Humiliating Treatment
I returned to my office to gather my personal affects. While gathering my personal items, I was watched and questioned by Artie Leichner, Vice President, relative to some items I was removing. Upon finishing, Peter Hill, Executive Board Member, contacted security to escort me out of the building. Naturally, I felt humiliated.
Then, in order to minimize the damages resulting form the alleged “erroneous information,” I shared at the meeting, a letter was sent to all stewards sharing their version of what the facts were.
Do You Know The Real Scoop about UTD Finances?
*On March 2, 2006, your Secretary/Treasurer invited members of the Internal Functions Committee and Financial Oversight committee to attend the Executive Board Meeting. And, to prevent these members’ attendance, a board member ordered the meeting into Executive Session.
*Did you know that UTD furniture was collateral for our lease/mortgage? Did you know the furniture was sold prior to the mortgage being paid in full? Some would consider this fraudulent. What if we did not have the RSC settlement? Monies earmarked for the RSC settlement was to pay off the Commercial Bank Loan. However, a portion of this money was used to payoff the lease mortgage loan.
*Did you know the AFT requested approval through the Executive Board to sell the Stanley Axlrod Tower without the Council of Building Stewards’ approval?
*Did you know that the president has a practice of altering the Council of Building Steward ‘s minutes prior to approval from the Council?
*Did you know the AFT has no authority of UTD’s Constitution and Bylaws? Did you know that your president believes that AFT has more than financial and operational oversight?
*Did you know managers received bonuses at their annual performance reviews without the Secretary/Treasurer and the Executive Board’s knowledge?
*Did you know that your union dues pay for a cellular phone for an utd employee who seats at a desk with a telephone—all day?
*Did you know that as of July 2006, the Chief Financial Officer, your Secretary/Treasurer, was denied access to all financial records and was not allowed to examine check disbursements?
*Did you know that the UTD President denied the Secretary/Treasurer knowledge and access to all UTD pending contracts?
*Did you know that the UTD President, Vice President and the Executive Board feel that the Council of Building Stewards is incapable of rendering a decision that is “deem important” by the Executive Board? Nor, is it felt that the Council is considered “competent” enough to interpret the UTD Constitution and Bylaws?
A Final Scoop
Over the last year and a half, I have championed your rights in silence—but no longer can I fight alone. My troubles began when I informed the Executive Board in a memorandum, dated March 2, 2006, that the UTD President was grossly interphering with my role and responsibilities, as Secretary/Treasure, by not providing full disclosure of UTD financial activity--a duty prescribed to me by our Constitution and Bylaws.
I ask you to exercise you judiciary rights. RUN YOUR OWN UNION! AGAIN, I SAY, “RUN YOUR OWN UNION!”
Do not allow a “puppet president” to dictate her will and usurp your authority—and sir come to the will of a carpetbagger from the North.
I encourage all stewards to read and fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a union steward.
Stand with me and let’s run a MEMBER DRIVEN UNION!