Jesse J. Averhart
23 North Lenape Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08618
(609)865-5431
December 29, 2008
Anthony Miskowski Secretary
CWA Local 1033
321 West State St.
Trenton, New Jersey 08618
Dear Mr. Miskowski:
This complaint references the failure of this Executive Board to move this Local forward, into the 21st century and
install an interactive website to share and receive information with the membership.
The provisions for this "complaint" is provided in the Union Constitution, Article IX, Section 7, providing that:
The purpose of these appeal procedures is to provide reasonable regulations for
the consideration and review of complaints of members regarding actions of the
Union or Local Officers or governing body, which are alleged to be in violation of
the Constitution, Local Bylaws, rights and privileges of members. Emphasis added.
These "reasonable regulations," are found at Article XI—Amendments, entitled "Internal Appeals Procedures" of the
Constitution.
As provided therein Mr. Miskowski, please place this complaint on the agenda for the next General Membership
Meeting scheduled in January 2009, as required by the Constitution.
STATEMENT OF COMPLAINT
In November 2008, this Executive Board was sworn-in for a new three year term. However, it appears there is no
intent to change, but to continue business as usual---nothing. Apparently, this Board is convinced that the world wide
web (www) information highway is not for this Local. Is this decision in the best interest of the members.”
On or about December 13, 2008 calendars were mailed to members. Postage was $1.19 for each mailing to
5000+ members. What was the overall production cost? The total expenditure for the mere mailing of calendars was
close to $10,000. This was not an economically viable expenditure of member’s dues, even in the best of financial
times.
Conversely, the cost of a website would cost less than $100.00 annually and upkeep provided by volunteer
members of this Local. Communications via the internet was negotiated in the contract to use the employer’s
network---e-mail, notices, announcements, etc.--- so the members and union could interact in a meaningful way.
The incumbent officers had no problem putting up a website to promote themselves. However, there apparently is
a problem doing the same to promote this local to the members and unorganized workers.
Members have a right and privilege to the most cost effective, constructive and expedient means of
communicating with their Local. The Local has an obligation to provide timely communications and updates as they
may affect the membership. For this administration to continue down it’s present path is just another example of a
continuing pattern of malfeasance and misappropriation of members’ dues.
REMEDY
This Board needs to be prodded. It is time for this Board to govern with some semblance of professional dignity.
If this Board cannot govern through informed decision-making for the good of the membership, then this matter should
be put to vote before the membership, to decide which path we shall take, past or future.
Thank you,
/s/ Jesse J. Averhart
Jesse J. Averhart
c. Members For Change
bc: ☺