2000-12-01 Danny Campbell Failing To Appear At Work

December 1, 2000

Dear Fellow Teamster Local 2000 Flight Attendants: I write to you today on a very serious matter. In late July of this year, I filed charges with the MinnesotaJoint Council No. 32 against Local 2000 Secretary-TreasurerDanny Campbell for failing to fulfill his responsibilitiesto the membership with respect to the following issues: 1. the handling of the ballots in both of the Contract Ratificationvotes and the Bylaw Referendum;and, 2. repeatedly refusing and failing to appear for work at the Local Union. Please be advised that prior to filing charges, I had several discussions with SecretaryTreasurer Campbell attempting to resolve these issues. I encouraged him to change his behavior, fulfill his oath to the membership, and accept his responsibilities of office. The Local Executive Board also recommended that he act in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth by the Local. When I took my oath of office, I swore to be faithful to you, the membership. I am required to address these issues and not allow Secretary-Treasurer Campbell to abuse -his-Gfficer position.

If I had chosen to ignore Secretary-TreasurerCampbell's behavior,I would have jeopardized the integrity of the Local to the point where charges could then have been, in all probability, brought against the entire Local ExecutiveBoard. Because Secretary-TreasurerCampbell continually refused to comply with the other Executive Board members and me, I had no realisticalternativebut to file formal charges. As you mayor may not be aware, while Secretary-TreasurerCampbell was a Base Representativein Detroit, he filed many charges against the previous Local Administration. He made certain that his actions were highly visible to the Company,the Local, the InternationalTeamsterUnion and the membership in an attempt to embarrass office holders. It is not my intent to do the same. While Secretary-TreasurerCampbell was campaigning for your vote to elect him Presidentof the Local, I refrainedfrom expressingto the membership my constant con"~1

.

cerns and frustrationswith Secretary-TreasurerCampbell. I did not wish to attempt to influence your decision. It was my expectation to have the charges against Secretary-TreasurerCampbell addressed and resolved before the Local election occurred, however,Secretary-Treasurer Campbell requested and received severalcontinuations which made a speedy resolution impossible. Now that our election is over and the members of the MinnesotaJoint Council No. 32 have rendered their decision, I believe that it is appropriate for me to discuss their decision with all of you. The members of the Minnesota Joint Council have found Secretary-TreasurerCampbell guilty of the above mentioned charges. Due to the severity of the charges, SecretaryTreasurerCampbell has been barred from holding an elected position or any position of authority within the Local Union for two (2) years. He has also been ordered to pay monies back to the Local. Secretary-TreasurerCampbell has the right to appeal that decision. He can request a stay in the implementation of the decision until the General Executive Board of the InternationalBrotherhood of Teamstershears his appeal. This means that he may take office as scheduled. Once the appeal process has concluded, it may be determined that Secretary-Treasurer Campbell will remain an officer. It is also possible that he will be removed and shall be barred from running for office for such period of time as may be designated by the General Executive Board of the InternationalBrotherhood of Teamsters. Each Local 2000 Base Representativehas been provided with a full-text copy of the Minnesota Joint Council's decision. This is certainly not the way I intended to leave my term of office. Nonetheless, I believe I was required to perform the responsibilitiesof the office and I am certain that by virtue of this communication, I now have fulfilled my duty to you. Our Strength Is In Our Unity.

Fraternally,

~.

~"r

Billie Davenport President and Principal Officer Teamsters Local Union 2000

.