News

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On September 29, 2023, the International Union ordered the merger of part of the former Local 6 Illinois into Local 8’s jurisdiction. I want to commend all of you—new members, members of former Local 6, and previous members of Local 8—alike for managing this transition well and helping to strengthen our newly reorganized Local. 

When the IU issued its order, it also directed us to meet and revise our Constitution and By-Laws, including setting forth a uniform dues structure. After a long and thorough process, we did so and recently submitted our proposed Constitution to the IU Executive Board for its approval.  I am happy to report that the IU Executive Board has approved the enclosed proposal. The next step is for you to approve it and help secure the future of BAC Local 8 Illinois for years to come. 

Separate and apart from the merger of Local 6, many of these proposed changes are long overdue. For example, this Constitution incorporates a number of policies and procedures that are required due to actions at previous IU Conventions. These include adding an organizing committee including rank-and-file members; updated definitions to various membership categories; and Code changes that ensure we retain trade jurisdiction over our traditional crafts, and that delete outdated modes of communication in favor of modern methods, among others.

I encourage all of you to read it closely. These changes will provide us with the stable foundation necessary to operate in an often-uncertain climate for labor unions, yet they will also ensure that we remain nimble enough to respond to events and take advantage of opportunities in real-time. In short, I believe this document will serve as an invaluable resource for this generation of Local 8 members and the next and I ask you to vote “Yes” to approve the document in the enclosed ballot.

The proposal also includes a uniform dues structure. We have analyzed our agreements and our revenue and expenses and propose a 4.5% working due with 1% going to the IU and a $25 monthly due. For most of you this won’t have an impact as your dues—both monthly and working—will be unchanged. But for some of you, this change will result in a higher overall rate of dues. I recognize that this is a tall order, and I don’t ask you to make this sacrifice lightly. For us to be stronger together, this rate of dues will—in my judgment—be best for all of us. It will enable us to pay for the services that we all rely upon and that we can’t afford to go without. Services such as contract enforcement, grievance handling, and research and analysis for bargaining will be more effective and beneficial with these rates in place.

We have accomplished a great deal together and I remain confident that if we approve the proposed Constitution, we will continue that path.

In Solidarity,

Matt Braun, President BAC Local 8 IL