Follow the money: where our union stands
Russ & Riz, believe that understanding where our union's money goes is fundamental to trust and solidarity. This page uncovers crucial financial questions facing our local and highlights our commitment to absolute transparency.
Unmasking the numbers: a shift in transparency
Where Did the Transparency Go?
We've noticed a significant change in how our union’s finances are reported. The financial statements issued by the previous administration were far more detailed and comprehensive than the reports we receive today.
The reports now provided to the membership are noticeably shorter and far less informative. This shift creates a troubling lack of transparency and makes it difficult for members to truly understand the condition of our union’s finances.
The examples shown above illustrate this change clearly.
Compare the financial report prepared by the Treasurer in 2021 during the Eddie Cooper administration with the report prepared in May 2025 under the current administration. The difference is obvious. The level of detail previously provided to the membership has largely disappeared.
It is important to be clear about one thing: this change is not a reflection on the work of our current Treasurer. She has done a remarkable job and is widely regarded as one of the most responsible members of the Executive Board. However, the Treasurer prepares the report that the President instructs her to produce.
Under Bob Waterhouse’s leadership, the membership has only been given an abridged version of the financial report. As a result, the transparency our members once had into the union’s finances has largely vanished.
Under a Russ & Riz administration, that will change.
We will restore the detailed financial reporting that members previously received. We believe the membership deserves full transparency regarding the union’s finances, and we will not hide or withhold information about how union funds are being spent.
This union belongs to the members.
And the members deserve to know exactly where their money is going.
The unexplained drain: a 30% loss
The consequences of this lack of transparency are stark. A clear bar chart reveals an inexplicable loss of approximately 30% of our union's reserve funds since the last administration. This substantial decrease has occurred without any material gains or clear explanations for such significant expenses. It's time to ask: where did the money go, and why are we not getting the full picture?
Our pledge: restoring financial integrity
Our campaign is founded on the principle of absolute financial transparency and accountability. We want every member to feel confident that their union dues are managed responsibly and that every expenditure serves the best interests of the membership. We are committed to bringing back detailed, accessible financial reporting and ensuring every dollar is accounted for. We believe in putting members first, always.