The Law Committee, front, from left: Chairperson Philip Zannella, Jr, LL 1363 and Robert Reynolds, LL 123. Standing, from left, Mark Blondin, LL 751; Jean Leo Cote, LL 712 and Roger Poole, LL 313.

Law Committee Dedicated to
Tradition of Democracy

Delegates to the 36th Grand Lodge Convention are part of a 116-year tradition of democracy in action. They will follow past generations of IAM delegates to consider, debate and act on proposed amendments to the IAM Constitution.
Those changes will become the IAM's policies and programs for the years ahead. To assist the Convention through this historic task is the IAM Law Committee.

In accordance with Article XIX of the IAM Constitution, the Law Committee reviews every proposed amendment and considers its effect on the IAM and its members. The Law Committee makes a recommendation to the delegates who then vote to accept or reject the proposed amendment. At the 2004 Convention, delegates will be considering more than 180 proposals. The Law Committee may combine similar proposals for delegate action.

"All of us on the Law Committee realize the awesome responsibility we have to the members of this union and to ensure the IAM's role as a leader in the trade union movement," said Chairperson Phil Zannella, Jr., of Local 1363. "I'm proud to serve with this dedicated group. They do an outstanding job."

Zannella is joined by Robert Reynolds of Local 123, who serves as the Secretary and presents the Committee's recommendations to the delegates; Jean Leo Cote of Local 712; Mark Blondin of Local 751 and Roger Poole of Local 313. IAM General Counsel Allison Beck acts as an advisor to the Committee.

The Law Committee is elected every four years at the same time as the Executive Council and reflects the diversity of IAM members and industries in the United States and Canada.

Diverse Delegation Ready to Make History

A highly diverse cross section of 1,261 IAM members from 445 local lodges arrived in Cincinnati this weekend ready to make history as delegates to the IAM's 36th Grand Lodge Convention.

The list includes 83-year old Leland C. Stafford, Jr., from Local 1414 in San Mateo, California. Stafford is the oldest member serving as a delegate. Also attending is 23-year old Kenneth M. Swehla, the youngest delegate and a member of Local 130 in Everett, Washington, where he serves as Recording Secretary.

At 53, the average age of the delegates is identical to the average age at the 2000 Grand Lodge Convention in San Francisco. Nearly half the members attending this convention are first-time delegates. This year's delegation also includes 180 women, four retired members and 10 apprentices serving as elected delegates.

The cross section of delegates extends from Canada to the U.S. and Guam, with every IAM Territory included. Two hundred and sixty four delegates are from Transportation Local Lodges; 193 from the Western Territory; 34 from Headquarters, including Woodworkers and NFFE/IAM Locals; 303 from the Midwest Territory; 162 from the Southern Territory; 96 from Canada and 225 from the Eastern Territory.