Why not Bob?
Bob's failed leadership has put our union's future at risk. Fiscally irresponsible and overly eager to please management, he has wasted 30% of our union reserves and repeatedly prioritized management relationships over member solidarity. He ignores the concerns of dedicated stewards and throws them under the bus at the first complaint from management, instead of backing them up. It's time to understand why Bob's approach is not working for us.
When asked to participate in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) investigation involving management, our Bob didn’t step up — he stepped back.
Instead of simply answering questions, the response was confusion, delay, and refusal to engage without conditions. While management was under scrutiny, Bob chose not to participate in the process.
That’s not how accountability works. That’s not how you defend a union. That is cowardice.
Stewards don’t get to pick when enforcement is convenient. Leadership doesn’t get to opt out when it’s uncomfortable.
Russ & Riz will show up, every time — no excuses.
Bob's undermining of our solidarity
Bob has decertified more stewards than all previous presidents combined over the past decade. This includes experienced craft directors—individuals known for their vigorous representation—as well as dedicated stewards from across San Diego.
The reasons for these removals range from petty disagreements with Bob, to filing “too many” grievances, to simple personality conflicts with management. When stewards are punished for doing their job, it sends a chilling message to every representative in the union: stand up too strongly for members, and you could be next.
This pattern weakens our union’s ability to advocate for its members.
Even more troubling, Bob has repeatedly undercut the will of the union membership by unilaterally crippling elected union officials. When the membership elects a craft director to represent their craft, they are making a clear statement about who they trust to speak for them. Yet how can a craft director effectively represent their craft if that same individual is stripped of steward status?
Actions like this not only undermine representation, they also create unnecessary potential legal problems for the union. When the membership speaks and elects its leadership, the president has no business attempting to thwart the will of our brothers and sisters.
Union solidarity does not mean being a yes-man to the president. Union solidarity means standing together with our union brothers and sisters.
Stewards take an oath of allegiance to the union—not an oath of allegiance to any individual leader. The needs of the membership must always come before the personal preferences of a president.
Our union needs leadership that empowers its frontline representatives, not leadership that silences them.
A strong union is built on strong stewards. When leadership undermines those stewards, the entire union suffers.
Our members deserve leadership with the courage to stand up for them—not leadership that weakens the very people elected to fight for them.
Wasting our resources, weakening our future
After removing strong, experienced stewards, Bob rushes new stewards into positions without providing the crucial support and training they need to be successful and powerful. He replaces those who challenge him with those who will walk in lockstep. This cycle not only wastes valuable union resources but also leaves our members vulnerable. Combined with his fiscal irresponsibility, having wasted 30% of our union reserves, this approach threatens the very foundation of our union's financial stability and representative strength.
A new path forward: accountability and empowerment
As formerly decertified stewards, Russ and Riz have first-hand experience with the challenges and unfair tactics employed by current leadership. We understand that a union is strongest when diverse points of view can be openly discussed and respected. We will never decertify stewards simply because management complains or due to personality conflicts. We are committed to changing our constitution to bring about much-needed oversight and checks and balances to the president's position, preventing rogue conduct from bankrupting our union, which is already on a downhill slide thanks to Bob.
It's time for change. Vote Russ and Riz.
To restore accountability, solidarity, and effective representation, it is crucial to change our leadership. Your vote for Russ and Riz is a vote for a stronger, more transparent, and member-focused union.