D.E.,

Respectfully, I differ in your opinion. The IPA is each and every one of us that carries a union card, each one of us with an IPA lanyard for our UPS I.D. badge, each of us that receives the IPNN email everyday. The IPA is not just B.M. or the 5 or so guys on the E.B. It is each and every one of us. When the company violates the contract, no matter who among us it injures, our union's job is to resolve, grieve and if so needed; resolve the issue.

Recently, the union resolved a tax issue with the company. That tax issues doesn't affect me, but I'm glad the IPA went to bat for those that it affected. I guess I could have had the attitude of, Why is the IPA wasting it's time with this tax issue when it doesn't affect me, that's not where I want my tax dues being spent. But that's not what a union does.

Coming full circle, when you say don't blame it on the IPA that the MOU didn't pass, then who do we blame it on? We, the IPA members have not achieved our goal. Each of us, with our plastic IPA union card has a chance to pitch in, we are the IPA, and we only to date have 50% participation.

In addition, you say the IPA has done their best. The Exec Board has done a commendable job. However, only half of the IPA members-which is who the IPA is-have contributed. If you can honestly say that 50% participation is going above and beyond, I will not contest you, but I respectfully have a difference of opinion.

FF