For the first time, the ILA sent a copy of the Master Contract to all members on their mailing list. Beginning in late April the newly made blue booklets arrived at the home of ILA members.

At the Southern and Gulf District convention last July the LWC presented a resolution calling on the International to provide every ILA worker a copy of all contracts and agreements under which they work. This is also the law. At the behest of the International and District Leaders the convention defeated this resolution.

In an atmosphere of hostility, LWC members forced District President and convention chair Clyde Fitzgerald make sure that each resolution be read and discussed on the convention floor.

The fact that the Master Contracts are now being sent out reaffirms the truth, that when you are right on the issue justice can prevail. We, the rank & file, must continue to push and fight to improve our Union.

The reprints of the Master Contract contain several changes that were never ratified by the membership, including the elimination of the 16-hour work rule.