www.tcu6760.com
Heartland Lodge 6760
July 29, 2014
34th TCU/IAM Grand Lodge Convention
Las Vegas, Nevada - July 2014. Hundreds of TCU/IAM members came together this week for the 34th Regular TCU/IAM Convention, marking the 115th anniversary of TCU.
In a stirring and passionate address to delegates, TCU President Bob Scardelletti inspired the room with his view of not only the current state of this great union, but the future as well.
His topics included the Carmen Convention’s unity, the strong quality of TCU/IAM representatives and the importance of education to the future of TCU/IAM.
“I am extremely proud that our Carmen Division has showed such strength and unity again,” said Scardelletti.
Scardelletti singled out the strong representation that National Officers and Long Island Local Chairmen gave in achieving the agreement and avoiding a strike on the Long Island Rail Road.
“We will never back down… not as long as I’m President,” said Scardelletti igniting thunderous applause. “Not as long as our local representatives are as strong and as dedicated as you are.”
Scardelletti says training of local representatives, the cornerstone of his presidency, will continue at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.
“We have a training facility that we can call our own,” he said. “There is no better union dollar spent than the one that educates our local reps.”
The delegates were asked to consider a resolution to increase the amount that will go into the education fund.
IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger spoke to the delegates and explained how much the entire IAM Executive Council appreciated TCU in the recent IAM Election.
President Scardelletti was presented a stainless steel gavel made by IAM members, which represented TCU/IAM being a full and welcome part of the IAM.
As TCU celebrates its 115th anniversary, a bold new beginning was taking shape on the convention floor. Every national officer was re-elected by acclamation.
TCU/IAM Vice-President and Special Assistant to the President Joel Parker nominated Robert Scardelletti as President saying, “The time is now for a man of his leadership. The time is now for a man of his experience... The time is now for a man of his strength.”
AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka congratulated all the officers and delegates and thanked them for the important work they are doing.
“Doing the duty of keeping your union strong makes every union strong,” said Trumka. “That strength will show as we negotiate because every union stands together.”
In a show of strength and unity in the Carmen Division, Scardelletti nominated Carmen Division General President Rich Johnson to another term. In true unity and solidarity, Johnson and Assistant General President Carl Tingle were elected unopposed by acclamation. Every Carmen Division General officer was returned to office by acclamation.
"Brothers and sisters, I cannot express to you enough the appreciation I give to you on behalf of your Carmen Division Officers for all the respect and dignity you have shown us,” said Johnson. “You know you can count on us to face the future challenges together."
"Brothers and sisters, I cannot express to you enough the appreciation I give to you on behalf of your Carmen Division Officers for all the respect and dignity you have shown us,” said Johnson. “You know you can count on us to face the future challenges together."
