February, 2001
 
 

Brothers and Sisters:
 
 

My name is Rick Massengill and I am the Affiliations Coordinator for PACE (Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union). PACE is the product of a merger between the former OCAW and the United Paperworkers Union. PACE has over 300,000 members and is the largest Union in America that represents oil and chemical workers like yourself. Our Union is responsible for negotiating with the oil companies, and through Pattern Bargaining we have secured good wages and benefits for all people who work in that industry. Since the ExxonMobil merger we now represent most of their refineries.

You may have heard that PACE and GCIWU is going through the process of affiliation (merging) our Unions which will add strength and bargaining power for both of us. The oil industry is merging and becoming stronger, leaner and meaner. We (you and us) have to do the same if we are going to survive. You are working for the largest profit making company in the country. Last year Exxon posted profits of almost $17 billion. More than GM or GE and certainly more than their competitors. In the wake of that announcement they also reported that they will get rid of 19,000 jobs. Does that make any sense to you? Where will the jobs come from? Look around at the number of contractors that you have in your facility and the plans they have to contract out more in the future. You need to know that this concerns the PACE ExxonMobil membership as much as it concerns you. What happens to you will happen to us if we don't act in solidarity to stop it.

Our Unions together will be stronger. We have the resources and numbers to be a more powerful force in the negotiation with you company. You will keep your present structure, contract, the ability to make your own decisions and all of your property and finances will stay with you. We will add to that, our Legal Department, Safety and Health experts, and Education Department, Special Projects Department, etc., etc. We will also assign an International Representative to assist you in negotiations and your day to day dealings with ExxonMobil. You are lucky to have the caliber of representatives, officers and stewards. They will continue to work on your behalf and have the ability to tap into PACE's resources.

The business of affiliation is the business of our Unions and not ExxonMobil. I hope they won't interfere and allow you to make your own personal decision when you vote. The National Labor Relations Board says that it is against the law for a company to interfere with Union Business. We hope the company will honor your rights and not try to scare you with nonsense like strikes, dues lockouts, etc. In PACE you make the decision to strike or not to strike, just like you do now. WE CANNOT TAKE YOU OUT ON STRIKE, unless you are part of Oil bargaining, which you won't be. Your contract is not even on date. In PACE it takes 66 2/3% of membership vote to strike, presently your by-laws say 50% plus 1, so if anything, its harder to strike in PACE. The PACE dues structure is 2 (two) hours pay per month and we will raise them slowly over a long period of time to bring you up to 2 (two) hours. One (1) hour will stay with your local and is used as you see fit. Every dues dollar that PACE receives goes to represent its members. By the way, there is concern over PACE's endorsement of GORE in the Presidential election. We did it because of his stance on worker's issues. We take no position on gun control or abortion and as a local in PACE you can support any body you wish.

Becoming part of PACE is not punishment for ExxonMobil, but a reward for GCIWU. In the coming weeks we will be honest with you and in return we ask for you to keep and open mind and get involved. This is an important step and our membership is looking forward to having you become part of your great Union. In the future we will be holding meetings, and we will be available to answer your questions. We have people from ExxonMobil, Billings, MT. And also from the former Mobil groups in the area. In addition we have people from other oil companies to offer their help. Pleas take advantage of their commitment. Also check the website at www.pace4-2001.com for updates and events. Our phone number at the Hampton Inn is 281-421-1234, ask for me, John Throne or Jim Motter. We will be working out of the GCIWU hall during the day, 281-427-1024.

In Solidarity.
 
 

Rick Massengill, Affiliation Coordinator

PACE International Union