The Finances of Local 154:
Asking the questions

      Several years ago, we presented members with a three-page report entitled "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Local 154 Finances." We attempted to answer some of the common questions about union dues and union expenditures commonly asked by our members. We wanted to establish with you a dialogue that would allow everybody to understand the Local's financial conditions and the manner by which we would work to improve them.

      Today, we can report to you that the financial conditions of Local 154 have never been better. In year 2007, we reported a new peak in our finances. Our assets are at historical heights, and independent auditors have consistently complimented our record keeping and reporting practices as exemplary among the many Locals in DC 37. We have reached this state through a systemic approach in the control of expenditures and by maintaining a system of double checks and balances.

      Tom Orawiec, Local 154 Treasurer, has been the person in charge of safekeeping this system and carrying on the goals and objectives of Local 154. He maintains records and prepares financial reports which are first, reviewed and approved by Local 154 Executive Board Members and then by the General Membership meeting. The Executive Board's responsibility is to ensure that all financial matters are properly cleared. At the General Membership meeting, members are given the opportunity to reject or accept reports and financial statement, in the same conditions as the members of the Executive Board. These same records would be audited later by the Local 154 Trustees and once a year by an independent Auditor. As soon as available, the Auditor's reports are distributed for the members' review.

      It has been long recognized that Local 154's practices exceed AFSCME standard on these matters. Our Treasurer's quality of record keeping and report presentation to the Executive Board and to the General Membership meeting go beyond AFSCME's code of financial requirements. Local 154's intent is to facilitate the members' participation in the review of all activities of the Local. At the same time, the members' responsibility is to make sure that they became part of the process by attending meetings, participating in the discussions and informing themselves on the activities of the Local. Building a strong Union depends on the participation of its members. There is no change without members' action.