November 25, 1996
VIA UPS OVERNIGHT
Doreen May
November 25, 1996
Page 1
Doreen May
Teamsters Local Union 166
18597 Valley Boulevard
Bloomington, CA 92316
George Watts
Price Club
12700 Day Street
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
John T. Stephens, Corporate Counsel
Price Costco
4455 Mornea Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92117
Mark Spedding, Mgr. Labor Relations
Price Costco
999 Lake Drive
Issaquah, WA 98027
Ron Carey Campaign
c/o Nathaniel Charny
Cohen, Weiss & Simon
330 W. 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Bradley T. Raymond
Finkel, Whitefield, Selik, Raymond,
Ferrara & Feldman
32300 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Doreen May
November 25, 1996
Page 1
Re: Election Office Case No. P-1183-LU166-CLA
Gentlepersons:
Doreen May, a member of Local Union 166, filed a pre-election protest pursuant to Article XIV, Section 2(b) of the Rules for the 1995-1996 IBT International Union Delegate and Officer Election (“Rules”) alleging that on Wednesday, October 30, 1996, George Watts, a Price Club manager working in Price Club’s Moreno Valley store, violated the Rules by wearing a Hoffa campaign button. Ms. May also alleges that Mr. Watts violated the Rules by posting Hoffa campaign literature.
John T. Stephens, Corporate Counsel for Price Costco (“Price Co.”), denies that
Mr. Watts posted campaign literature for any candidate at the Moreno Valley Price Club.
Doreen May
November 25, 1996
Page 1
Mr. Stephens admits, however, that Mr. Watts wore a Hoffa campaign button for a “short period” on Wednesday, October 30, and admits that Mr. Watts erred in so doing.
Mr. Stephens further acknowledges the seriousness of Mr. Watt’s offense, and states that
Price Co. will make every effort to ensure that it is not repeated.
This protest was investigated by Regional Coordinator Dolly M. Gee.
Mr. Stephens now advises that he has discussed the nature and seriousness of
Mr. Watt’ offense with Mr. Watts, and explained to him the importance of Price Co.’s neutrality in the IBT election. Further, Mr. Stephens agrees to post the attached “Notice to IBT, Local 166 Members, Moreno Valley Price Club” at the Moreno Valley facility. The protestor has been advised of the foregoing, and therefore wishes to withdraw her protest.
The Election Officer, finding that the withdrawal effectuates the purpose of the Rules, permits the protest to be WITHDRAWN.
Any interested party not satisfied with this determination may request a hearing before the Election Appeals Master within one day of receipt of this letter. The parties are reminded that, absent extraordinary circumstances, no party may rely upon evidence that was not presented to the Office of the Election Officer in any such appeal. Requests for a hearing shall be made in writing and shall be served on:
Kenneth Conboy, Esq.
Latham & Watkins
885 Third Avenue, Suite 1000
New York, NY 10022
Fax (212) 751-4864
Copies of the request for hearing must be served on the parties listed above as well as upon the Election Officer, 400 N. Capitol Street, Suite 855, Washington, DC 20001, Facsimile
(202) 624-3525. A copy of the protest must accompany the request for a hearing.
Sincerely,
Barbara Zack Quindel
Election Officer
cc: Kenneth Conboy, Election Appeals Master
J. Griffin Morgan, Regional Coordinator
NOTICE TO LOCAL UNION 166 MEMBERS
EMPLOYED AT MORENO VALLEY PRICE CLUB
This is a reminder that Price Costco maintains a neutral position in the 1996 International union officer election. Price Costco management representatives are not union members and are expected to refrain from endorsing any particular candidate for union office.
_____________________ ____________________________
Date John T. Stephens
Price Costco Corporate Counsel
This is an official notice which must remain posted through December 10, 1996 and must not be defaced or altered in any manner or be covered with any other material.
Approved by Barbara Zack Quindel, IBT Election Officer.