March 15, 2005
Dear UFCW 951 Member:
Russ Blunden and his supporters have been distributing and posting flyers and emails in several Meijer stores which contain lies and falsehoods about the current Department of Labor election investigation. Until now, I have remained silent in the face of his unrelenting and defamatory attacks. However, it is my obligation to set the record straight and not allow Mr. Blunden and his supporters to continue to tear down this great Union.
First, no Union official is under any investigation by the Department of Labor or any other agency. The Department of Labor is investigating Mr. Blunden's election complaint. Regarding his complaint, it is just that; his imagined complaints about why he lost the recent officers election. As with past election complaint investigations, I am confident that, in the end, the results of this election will be upheld.
Second, notwithstanding his attempt to portray the Department of Labor as his ally, the Department of Labor does not and cannot support and candidate, including Russ Blunden.
Third, when Mr. Blunden initially filed his complaint, he admitted that he had no evidence that many of his allegations even occurred. He now asks Union members to support his admittedly untrue charges. This is an act of desperation.
Fourth, even if the Labor Department receives allegations by Mr. Blunden and his supporters of alleged election misconduct, the Labor Department cannot order a new election or require that the government supervise any election. That can only occur after trial before a federal judge. If there is a trial, the Union will have the opportunity to present its many witnesses who contradict Mr. Blunden's claims, and cross-examine anyone who gave a statement supporting Mr. Blunden's charges. I sincerely hope that a trial will not be necessary. However, the Union is prepared to fight Mr. Blunden's unfair attempt at using outsiders, such as the government to overturn a free election.
Finally, while I do not intend to rebut all of Mr. Blunden's complaints, at least one allegation requires a response because it insults the intelligence and integrity of every member of the Union. I refer to the allegation he makes that the Union was, "Bribing you with pens and candy." Apparently, Mr. Blunden has such a low esteem for Union members that he actually believes that you could be bribed with a candy bar or pen. The sheer foolishness of this allegation reveals his true goal: To create a smoke screen of baseless allegations in an attempt to use the government to defeat Union democracy.
The members of UFCW 951 had the opportunity to vote in a free and fair election. The Union is a democratic organization run by an elected Executive Board largely made up of rank-and-file members like yourself. I am proud of the democratic traditions at UFCW 951 and hope you are too.
Fraternally yours,Robert Potter
President