Submitted for the Orange Empire News November Edition '97 This didn't make the cut! But then, I never thought it would.
By Mike Drake (Vice-President GT Unit)
Elaine DeVille resigned as
an officer (effective October 8, 1997). She took a transfer that was closer to
her home and provided her with a better opportunity for the raising of her son.
She told me she had to think it over long and hard before making the decision
to accept the transfer because of her commitment to the members who elected
her.
She wasn't on the Executive Board for long but she sure made a
mark. Elaine was one of the hardest working stewards in the GT Unit I have ever
seen. She had the ability to be relentless in pursuit of member's rights. There
were occasions when she went farther than I would have (because it looked like
a lost cause) and pulled the 'rabbit out of the hat' with a convincing
argument.
During her brief tenure as an elected official of our Local,
she served as the Chairperson of the "Equity Committee". Her activities
included encouraging all members (regardless of age, gender or ethnicity) to be
involved in equitable treatment for all. It meant organizing meetings,
attending meetings in other Locals at night and on her own time.
She did
all of this and fought the company in grievance meetings on behalf of members.
She carried around a briefcase full of papers and documents and was always
ready to lend a helping hand or answer a member's questions. During this year's
United Way Drive, she was the pusher. She always got a little bit more
or asked the solicitors to do one more location. Finally, she did 'yeoman's
service' in organizing the paperwork! I know because I was the 'coordinator'
and paperwork is not my cup of tea! [Final report on the United Way drive next
edition but don't expect it to be printed].
I will miss her and any
member that has been touched by her help should! I only hope the person that
ultimately is selected to fill the vacancy created by her departure is half as
competent, caring and capable.
The President
had enough votes and the members from GT had pretty much resigned themselves to
the fact that there wouldn't be an election. They were right because one of the
lackies of the "Queen of Hearts moved to appoint "popeye" (Vivian Thunnel) and
thats how it went.