Occasionally upon distribution of a letter regarding an issue, an unexpected opportunity will materialize that offers assistance in emphasizing the material contained in the letter. Case in point, rumors abound that ACRE, or some ACRE officers, are contemplating legal action because of a passage in my recent union business missive. A section of the letter these ACRE officers take umbrage with is the subject of golfing on Fridays. I have prepared for this opportunity in a number of areas:

1-I received this anonymous e-mail about five weeks ago. I performed my due diligence before sending this letter.

2-My letter has been faxed and/or e-mailed to various Internationals. I didn't speak with any union officer that did not find this arrangement questionable or objectionable.

3-I am a UTU officer and have the support and backing of my International.

4-In the event that ACRE ever decided to initiate and pursue legal action; this will open the door for the discovery of information concerning ancillary issues, I used just one example of possible abuse of the union business policy. Various ACRE members have discussed many more examples with me. IE: The ACRE Local Chairman that was denied a personal day on a Friday that he needed to attend an out of town wedding. His General Chairman's response concerning the denial was to “mark off union business”. Or the tale of an ACRE officer that marked off union business to stay at home while a boiler was being installed in his home. These stories are in no short supply. I only raised one example of golf outings, I didn't mention the Harlem Line. The frequency of these incidents suggests the old adage, where there is smoke, there is a fire. Does ACRE really wish to ignite this inferno?

During my due diligence phase, I spoke, as previously stated, with many union officers. None were aware of any union officers that are compensated in the ACRE fashion for union business. Paul Holland has been circulating in the Trainmen's room in GCT informing ACRE members that this activity is common practice for union officers. Really! Where? Instead of making general statements, Holland should offer some creditable evidence. If there is a union that may have this arrangement, I would venture an educated guess the members of that union were informed by their officers of this arrangement, prior to its implementation. If a union somewhere does have this type of arrangement, I will also bet there is no opportunity for double dipping.

ACRE signed for this side bar agreement on the very same day they signed their historic contract. ACRE officers could not even wait to see if the contract would be ratified by their membership. This may well explain the desperation exhibited by some ACRE officers during the contract's promotion.

Sincerely,

Art May