President 1st Quarter Report March 31, 2022
District Lodge 19 now has completed the 1st Quarter of 2022. We are proud to report that the district as a whole is doing well, even with the rising inflation rate. Your Staff has been very diligent in finding ways to control costs and be more efficient without sacrificing representation. Please see District Lodge Quarterly Report: 1st Quarter 2022 President Report Ending Mardch 2022
Effective May 1, a Railroad Division (District Lodge 19 & TCU) will be established at the IAM Headquarters, this will consist of District Lodge 19 and TCU members only. National TCU President, Artie Maratea and I are extremely proud to announce that General Chairman, Josh Hartford has been appointed to the new position of Railroad Division Director. This Railroad Division will bring many benefits to District Lodge 19. Although District Lodge 19 and TCU will have their own autonomy we will be working together as one on all railroad issues and for the betterment of both unions. The Railroad Division gives TCU National President, Artie Maratea and District Lodge 19 P/DGC a direct line to the IAM International President. Working hand in hand with TCU builds solidarity, solidifies both personal and professional relationships, increases resources, and gives us great strength when dealing with all Railroads.
I am proud to announce that Brother Danny Tavares of Local Lodge 318 was nominated and approved by our Executive Board to replace Brother Hartford’s General Chairman position and will take office May 1, 2022. Brother Tavares is a well-respected leader in his Local Lodge. He was elected as Local Chairman in 2003 and elected as Local Lodge President in 2013 and currently holds both positions. Brother Tavares has served on District Lodge 19’s Executive Board since 2013, is our Employee Assistant Program Director, and is a member of the IAM Critical Incident Response Team. He has helped a countless number of members during his tender as DL 19 EAP Director and member of IAM CIRT. Brother Danny will be taking over the representational duties and region that Brother Hartford held. He will be working closely with Brother Hartford during the transitioning period. Please join me in welcoming Brother Danny Tavares to the staff of District Lodge 19.
National Freight Agreement update: On April 20, 2022, we had 18 negotiating sessions, which includes four Mediated Sessions. All sessions except for the first two have been virtual. Virtual negotiation is challenging. Future sessions will also be held virtually until NMB permits their mediators to meet in person. Sadly, I must report that no progress is being made. CBC Coalition collectively agrees that we are at an impasse and have expressed our position to the Mediator. Another session has been scheduled by the NMB Mediator for early May. There will be another update shortly after that meeting.
In closing, I wish to inform the members that I have decided to retire effective July 1, 2022. It has been a privilege and honor to have served the members of District Lodge 19 as a General Chairman, Asst. to P/DGC, Assistant P/DGC, and P/DGC. I truly apricate all the support of the DL staff, Executive Board, and especially the members. My last day of work will be June 30, 2022. In accordance with our Bylaws, Assistant P/DGC Kyle Loos will become the President/Directing General Chairman and Railroad Coordinator of District Lodge 19, effective July 1, 2022. I congratulate Brother Loos on becoming the P/DGC and wish him much success. Brother Loos, with your full support, will bring prosperity to District Lodge 19 and prepare it for the future.
Mike Perry