Sunday, August 31, 2008

THE BURNING EMBER 17

BULLFROG ATTACKING YOUR PRIVACY

Here we go again. Having failed numerous times to find any misdoings with which to attack other members of the local executive board and the members of the local who oppose him, the frustrated bullfrog is trying other things. So now with all the forethought a of blundering lummox Greg Stinson is once again ineptly reaching into his bag of slimy tricks in what will prove to be another vain attempt to attack members of the local. This time though his ham-fisted actions are putting the privacy of all members of the local at stake and exposing the local to criminal and civil action. Now it is bad enough that he has taken personal information from the local office for his own use, but now he is stooping to a new low of treachery and deceit. Going back to something he tried to do before and failed at; he again has placed video and sound recording equipment in his office.

The last time he tried this charges were filed against him, however the National APWU intervened and prevented him from being properly disciplined. Now, in spite of a lack of continued support from National Officers, which was clearly demonstrated by the snubbing he received at the recent National Convention, the bullfrog has somehow become emboldened and is trying again to make video and audio recordings of members in his office.

Keeping in mind that he seems to be a very slow learner, one might ask how anyone would know that he has set up his spy gear; my sources have again been most helpful. Other than the fact that he was seen rummaging around in the vent openings, allegedly chasing a mouse, maybe it was Mickey or Minnie, the answer came from his own mouth. When a member, who was in his office, asked if he was recording her he said yes and when she asked him to turn the recording off or step outside to discuss an issue he refused. Well now there is a surprise—the bullfrog again showing no regard or respect for the members. Aside from the fact that it is against the law to electronically intercept or record a conversation without the consent of the person being recorded, this appalling action is a complete violation of the trust and privacy of the members, furthermore who knows where else in the office he has set up equipment.

A steward could be in the conference room discussing something with a member and not even know they were being recorded. They could be discussing discipline or even a serious personal medical, FMLA, or FECA issue and they end up being recorded for whomever to see. No one knows who has access to the recordings; there is no control. Members and others who come to the office have a right to expect a reasonable level of privacy; that is gone. Now, if I were to go to the local office, I will not discuss anything until I know that all covert recording equipment was removed. All members should likewise be concerned.

Maybe we need to purchase some spy gear detection equipment or interference devices and have the office swept clean. I believe we need a new president. All of this is because the bullfrog is looking for anything he can use to attack other members of the executive board and the stewards and members who oppose him. The members now need to hold him accountable. We need to show up to the September membership meeting and seek answers and direct him to remove all recording equipment. More importantly, we need to become active in the local elections this fall. We need to actively discuss the issues that have affected the local over the past years and support openly and actively the good members who will step up and will work toward strengthening the local. I have my eyes open and I am looking to see who is nominated in October. For those who wish to know I will share with you the names of those who I will be supporting.

In the meantime, join the other members at the September meeting and demand that Stinson account for his misdoings. You can call him on his cell at 503-819-7298; be aware he will probably record your conversation. You can also email him atorbulldog1@verizon.net, gstin29803@yahoo.com.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I suggest you get proof as to the audio and/or video survielance installed, then have it removed, then file charges against Mr. Stinson. If true, he is as desperate as one can get. He is almost certain he won't retain his current union office position, nor will he get another good shot at the MVS Craft Director position, nor does he currently (as far as I know) have a valid DOT Medical Card to come back to driving. Big problem! Maybe someone can suggest the VER early out option to him?

Anonymous said...

What makes you think he will actually show up at the September meeting to confront him ???

Anonymous said...

Why do members/officers still talk about filing charges? How many times does national have to step and demonstrate that they have absolutely no interest in fairness or honesty or union principles. Time after time they demonstrate absolute contempt for everything the "little" people stand for in our locals yet we continually feel somehow obligated to kiss up to them and ignore the dishonesty and hyprocracy they demonstrate. Stinson isn't any different then stapleton or burrus or the other self serving lying tyrants. Just like management these scumbags will protect their own against any adverse action. If action needs to be taken it will have to be outside of the apwu.

Anonymous said...

The charges that could be filed don't nessecarily have to be within the local union do they? After all, we do have police departments and courts and judges. Then there are those that oversee union activities and wrongdoing, corruption and fraud. Some of these could actually be outside of Nationals hands. Get my drift?

Anonymous said...

Don't be so sure that Stinson won't get re-elected. The membership voted for him once and we still don't know who else will be running. What if the other candidates are not experienced? What if there are several candidates and the vote is diluted? What if MVS wants to keep Stinson out of their office and they all vote for him? What if members don't vote? It is up to those of us who care to get our co workers to vote. Of course, not for Stinson. Unless we want 3 more years of this crap, we need to vote and get out the vote for the candidate of our choice.

Anonymous said...

Don't worry; he won't be re-elected. Even the dues paying custodian has a better chance than Stinson does. I could throw darts on a board of the other candidates who run against him and any one of them would be a better choice, to work in harmony with the other elected local officials. He has done nothing but stir up a hornets nest. Bee suits may now be a requirement.

Anonymous said...

Don't sell the custodians short!

Anonymous said...

The team of Brian Dunsmore and Joe Cogan will lead a group of officers over the next 3 years that will try to rebuild the Local into something that we call ALL be proud of.

Anonymous said...

Good, the first sign of campaigners for elected office. Team; that's something that has been missing from our current local president. His team of one may soon be shown the door. Maybe we won't need the beekeeper suits after all?

Anonymous said...

What...? ....maybe the whole membership is just as sick of the "old" timers as the "new" people. I just wonder why the total focus is always Greg this, and Greg that...and blah...blah...blah. Maybe like the next Presidential election we need ALL new blood to cleanse and purge this local of it's mentality. Do we hope the next assortment of E-board members can get along, or will we have an "outsider" as Prez again to continue the in house fighting. Looks like "Needs adult supervision" applys across the board here.

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

Sorry to disappoint you, but anyone who has attended an eboard meeting can see where the problem begins. Greg wants every one to follow blindly, and that isn't going to happen when he can't lead. To lose all of the leadership ability that is represented by most members of the current eboard would be a huge mistake. Leaders like Cogan should not sidelined.