Being President of a Local that has a Retiree Chapter, I am aware that Retiree interests and concerns can, at times, deviate from the agenda set forth by the National Executive Board. That is why I am personally endorsing the candidacy of Desi Neurohr for the position, Director of Retirees for the APWU. I believe Desi has established himself throughout the years, specifically in his position of Sec/Treasurer for the Pittsburgh, Pa Local, as an individual who is not beholden to a specific administration but one who is dedicated to the individuals he is elected to represent. I firmly believe the Retiree Department would be best served with Desi as their National Director.
First Name: Joe
Last Name: Shevlin
Email: 1union4all@gmail.com
Union/Local: APWU – Red Bank, New Jersey
Office held if any: President
Union and NAME of Local/Branch
"Cradle of Labor" Flint MI Area Local Retiree Chapter
Office held, if any
Retiree Advisor, MPWU State Retiree Chapter; Past Pres. MI State Retiree Chapter & Fmr. Central Region National Retiree Delegate
Desi Neurohr’s candidacy for Retiree’s Dept. Dir., after he lost a bid for Southern Region National Retiree Delegate in the last election, piqued my interest, especially when John Richards endorsed Desi. The old axiom that; politics makes strange bed fellows, is certainly in play there. Because Desi repeatedly states his credentials as being a member of the Florida State Retiree Chapter, I was curious as to the level of Desi’s involvement with his FL State Retiree Chapter. According to what I consider an unimpeachable source; Desi attended one (1) FL State Retiree Chapter convention, and was seated as a M.A.L. delegate. That’s the sum of it. Not an officer or involved in any other way. To Desi’s credit, however, he IS a dues-paying member of the FL State Retiree Chapter. And by the way; the amendment Desi tried to offer to the one Resolution that was adopted was authored by yours truly. What was Desi thinking?! Maybe it was because JPR opposed the Resolution, as he did all retiree Resolutions. It demonstrates that the Brother, who may have been a fine Local Union Sec.-Treas., a good Union man, and really smart fellow; is completely unqualified to be Director, Retirees’ Dept. Members deserve better, a person who can hit the ground running. Retirees’ Dept. members are also entitled to know the level of the qualifications of candidates they asked to vote for.
Union and NAME of Local/Branch
APWU - Traverse City Area Local (MI)
Office held, if any
Central Region - Retiree National Convention Delegate
At the Retirees Conference in Orlando, Desi tried to amend the Constitutional resolution that would guarantee that the National APWU would pay the elected Constitution Retiree Convention Delegates expenses to the off year All Crafts/Retiree Conference in Las Vegas. His amendment was ruled out of order by the Chair because it merely eliminated the relevant resolution language to read just as the Constitution already said! Duh! Just speak against it Desi if you don’t like it. I mean check with your pal JPR. And the National Convention Delegates passed the subject resolution by the required 2/3 majority. Desi, I don’t think making an improper amendment against APWU Retiree interests is very smart or looking out for APWU Retirees.