Why Membership Meetings?

If you didn’t know, Local 638 holds General Membership meetings every month at the Union Hall in Minneapolis. But what exactly are these meetings, and why should you care?

It's Mandatory: First, these meetings are mandatory for the Local. The IBT Constitution states, "General membership meetings shall be held monthly," except for a possible three-month break between June and October if members decide so. This rule ensures that union officials don’t skip meetings whenever they want. Regular meetings are an essential part for building trust between union leaders and members. As President, I believe that holding these meetings is crucial for maintaining a strong, transparent relationship with all members.

It's Your Meeting: These meetings are a place to stay informed participate in discussions. The IBT Constitution states that “members in attendance at membership meetings shall have the right to express their views, arguments, or opinions upon any business properly before the meeting.” Labor unions work like democratic systems, where members have a voice and a say in what happens. If you feel left out or unable to speak up, it can feel like it’s not your union. That’s why it’s so important for us to be accessible, not just at meetings but in every way we can — whether it’s at your workplace or through other channels.
 
Your Participation Matters: Finally, your participation is crucial! To officially conduct business, we need a minimum number of members at each meeting. For Local 638, that number is 15. While we usually meet this requirement, attendance rarely goes above 60 people. Consider this: there are around 3,500 members within 40 miles of the union hall, but only a small fraction attend in person, allowing them to make important decisions for the entire local.
 
Local 638 covers a vast area — from Winona, MN, to Dickenson, ND — which is 638 miles across (no, seriously. Check it!). This makes attending meetings in person challenging, or impossible, for many members. That’s why we started streaming meetings on Zoom last year. Now, you can watch, listen, and see what’s happening from wherever you are. The response has been great, with many members attending for the first time through this online option.

The Challenge: If you’ve never attended a meeting, give it a try. If you haven’t been in a while, come back and see what’s new. If you’re a regular, bring a coworker next time. And if you can’t make it in person due to distance or scheduling conflicts, reach out to your Business Agent to get access via Zoom. The strength of our union depends on active members like you. Let’s take every chance we have to be involved and shape our future together!