Holding the line: reality vs. rhetoric
A Silly Slogan Won’t Save Us
“Holding the line” sounds tough — but it’s just a slogan if the results aren’t there. When management interferes, grievances stall, discipline keeps piling up, and financial problems continue without transparency, we’re not holding ground — we’re losing it.
The “Regulators,” led by Bob, promised accountability and strength. Instead, Bob’s leadership caused their collapse — and every craft paid the price. The team fractured under his direction. Some vanished. Others were pushed out. What was sold as unity unraveled. VMF, MVS, and Maintenance felt it the hardest, but even the Clerks suffered losses under his watch.
The slogans sounded strong, but they were not backed by a clear plan, consistent strategy, or real results. What there was is a leadership style that focused more on rhetoric than results — the kind that thinks talking loud is the same as leading, and getting attention is the same as getting results.
Worse, he blames stewards for filing “too many grievances” instead of blaming management for violating the contract too many times. Stewards don’t create grievances — management does when it ignores the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Punishing the defenders instead of confronting the violations is backwards.
All the while, he has convinced himself he’s built “positive relationships” with managers and labor relations officials who have consistently opposed us and resisted contract enforcement. They laugh in Bob’s face.
That’s not strength. That’s instability.
You can’t claim to hold the line when the people chosen to defend it disappear.
The line is shrinking, not holding
Beneath the surface of 'holding the line,' our union is in decline. Membership is down, morale is suffering, and experienced stewards — the backbone of our defense — have been decertified. Even basic member events, like a Christmas party, have proven too difficult to organize. This isn't strength; it's a clear sign of retreat.
We chose Bob. What did we get?
Under the current leadership, the promise of “holding the line” has delivered results that should concern every member. Financial questions still linger without clear answers. Management interferes with steward representation and refuses to meet on grievances. Unjust discipline continues. Craft employees are demeaned. Effective stewards are removed instead of defended.
That isn’t protection — it’s retreat.
It reflects leadership that’s soft on management, mistaking access for influence and friendliness for respect. While members face discipline and intimidation, those elected to defend them seem asleep at the wheel.
Beyond defense: strengthening our position
'Holding the line' might address the fear of losing more, but it doesn't solve the core problems of declining membership, morale, and inadequate representation. We recognize that defense alone isn't enough when we're losing ground. Our approach is to actively strengthen our position by aggressively enforcing the contract, standing firm against management overreach, and empowering our stewards. We don't just protect a shrinking position; we fight to expand it.
"A union is not a logo. It’s not a personality. It’s not a slogan. It’s the collective strength of its members."
If members want a union that grows instead of shrinks, that enforces instead of hesitates, that redraws the line instead of defending a weaker one—then the next step is to ask hard questions, demand accountability, talk to your coworkers, and get involved. Change doesn’t happen from the sidelines. Join Russ & Riz to fight for a stronger future.