Silencing the voice of the craft
Our union was built on strong, independent stewards who enforced the contract and defended every craft. That foundation is now being torn down from within.
Stewards who challenge management and file grievances are being silenced—not by management, but by our own president, Bob Waterhouse.
This isn’t isolated. Every craft is feeling it. When stewards are weakened in one area, all members lose protection.
Nearly 50 stewards in San Diego—yet all selected and trained under Bob in violation of our Constitution. At the same time, we’re down to just two stewards with more than three years of experience.
That’s not growth. That’s a brain drain.
Experience matters. When experienced stewards are pushed out and replaced with loyalists, enforcement weakens—and management benefits.
This isn’t leadership. It’s surrender.
Russ & Riz will end the intimidation, restore steward independence, and rebuild the strength this Local once had.
Because when stewards are strong, the membership is protected.
Stewards silenced: the cost to our union
Under current leadership, dedicated stewards are being punished by president Bob for simply doing their jobs. Filing too many grievances, disagreeing with union leadership, or holding management accountable has become grounds for decertification. This isn't leadership; it's intimidation that strips away the very advocacy our members need. When stewards are penalized for aggressive contract enforcement, it signals a dangerous shift: a union that fears its own advocates. This is about control, not accountability, creating a union of yes men.
Stripping crafts of their own voice
When experienced craft-specific stewards are removed, they are often replaced by individuals from other departments who lack the crucial understanding of that craft's unique safety concerns, operational realities, and specific contract language. This isn't just inefficient; it's a profound disservice to members. Effective advocacy comes from institutional knowledge and direct experience. Replacing it with political loyalty silences an entire craft, effectively robbing members of effective representation.
Empowering stewards: our commitment
Russ & Riz will end the culture of intimidation on day one. Stewards exist to enforce the contract and defend members – not to protect leadership. Under our administration, no steward will face decertification for filing grievances, challenging management, or disagreeing with union leadership. We will protect independent advocacy with due process, clear standards against political retaliation, and ensure craft representation remains with the craft through dedicated support and training.
"Your steward will never have to choose between protecting you and protecting their position. Under Russ & Riz, stewards will be empowered — not threatened."
Russ & Riz: Accountability. Solidarity. Action.