Perhaps, I can help out here. Every eline that is sent by AFA local 70 is charged for, those aren't free, regardless of what the eline pertains too. Members dues at Council 70 pay for each e-line that goes out.
Sending out campaign materials on a AFA local 70 eline is violating section D article VIII.D 3 of the Local Union Officer Election Handbook, sent out to each candidate. (see below)
Just because PIT did it one time, does NOT make the following null and void. In fact these rules were in play back then, so I am not sure how it was allowed. The following is an fyi for you:
Section D article VIII.D 3 of the Local Union Officer Election Handbook
Use of Electronic Communication
Members campaigning for AFA officer positions may wish to use computer forums to address issues with voting members. The use of computer forums is a legally acceptable means to provide information regarding candidates and to exchange information regarding candidates,as long as company or union funds are not being used to make use of the forum. The AFA C & B has been amended to provide that AFA candidates for union office may use the AFA's computer forum. However, at no time may such use be financed by AFA or Company funds.
The above section is why there is a $75 charge and it goes through the International office. This is to protect the members from inappropriate use of OUR dues !!!
The next article, VIII.D.2
Prohibited AFA Assistance
AFA's Constitution specifically prohibits the use of union funds, facilities, material or equipment (including use of union offices, Xerox machines, telephones, letterhead or newsletters) to promote anyone's candidacy for local office. Use of telephone lists (and unlisted numbers) where such lists are not available to the entire membership is not permitted. Current office holders must pay careful attention to the separation of their required duties and campaign activities. This separation applies both to candidates and campaign workers.
So, if Local 70 pays for each e-line with it's own union funds, you are asking the current interim LECP to violate the above articles by allowing the candidates to do so.
I applaud him for knowing this information, standing up and saying no !
As a paying union member I agree with whoever said it here----Tell the candidates to buck up and pay their 75 bucks--- I don't want my dues paying for it and we should not allow it now because another base did it a few years back.
That was a whole other ball game than this election is.