May 16, 2002

(via facsimile)

An Open Letter to the Officers
and Members of BMWE

Re:    Unsigned fax/e-mail dated May 14, 2002

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

On May 14, 2002, an anonymous fax/e-mail began circulating signed only by "M.A.F.," which presumably is a reference to the so-called "Members Always First" committee. The initials "M.A.F." on this otherwise unsigned correspondence has created confusion as to its origin, and it may possibly be misconstrued as a reference to my initials. The resulting confusion relative to the use of the initials M.A.F. may, in fact, been an intentional attempt to deceive the readers. Therefore, I feel it necessary to provide this response to the anonymous fax/e-mail and assure you that the correspondence was not issued or authorized by me.

The fax/e-mail of May 14 included an alleged transcript of a conference call held on October 1, 2001, between various BMWE Union Officers from a number of system divisions and federations. The call was not a secret and the number was freely distributed, though obviously, the legitimate participants were limited in number. Those who freely identified themselves on the call realized that there were probably other uninvited and unannounced people listening in, but as stated earlier, the call was not a secret, so it was not a concern of the legitimate participants. The reason for the call was to discuss the failure of the BMWE/ IBB merger agreement to ratify, to understand why, and to talk about which direction the Brotherhood should take. It was an informal dialogue, with no one officially taking minutes.

Now, almost six months later, a document posing as a transcript of that conversation anonymously surfaces. None of the legitimate participants recorded the call. If a tape was made of that call (which I believe is what the above-mentioned fax represents), then it was done without the knowledge or permission of the participants. This is in clear violation of Federal Law, Title 18 U.S.C. 2511(1)(a), illegal interception of electronic communication.

An Open Letter to the Officers
and Members of BMWE - 2 - May 16, 2002

Acting under the cloak of anonymity, the criminal(s) responsible can state whatever he or she likes, in or out of context, spinning in whatever direction he or she chooses. They will never have to prove their statements, because they remain elusive and conceal their identity. Though we never recorded the call ourselves, I can assure you that none of the officers or appointees invited to participate in the call said anything in context, that was unconstitutional, morally, ethically or legally wrong, or in conflict with their oath of office. They are, to a man, honest and decent individuals, whose personal integrity has never been an issue. It is extremely upsetting to me that anyone would attempt to malign the dedication of these elected representatives or appointees to the members that they serve. Open criticism is a right and a responsibility, but slander and lies are a crime.

This type of deceit is reminiscent of the carriers and their attempts at union busting. When destroying our bodies with their bully boys did not work, they came at our hearts and souls with demoralizing propaganda. Well, that did not work then and it will not work now, because this Brotherhood and its membership remain strong and honorable, based upon integrity, and determined to stay true to our values as human beings and trade unionists. If this is the handiwork of one of our own, I am personally embarrassed for them. On the other hand, if we can prove that it is someone outside of our Brotherhood who did this, we will surely prosecute to the full extent of the law.

I find it hard to believe that any member or members of this great organization would condone, much less commit, such sleazy, underhanded behavior for whatever reason. If they are members of this organization, they, at least, must still have some small shred of self respect, as apparently they are too ashamed to sign their names to their handiwork.

Please feel free to distribute this correspondence. With best wishes, I remain,

In solidarity,

sd/Mac A. Fleming

President

 

President