The role of a union is to defend its members, protect their rights, and ensure fairness in every process — from financial transparency to leadership elections. But what happens when those responsibilities are ignored, delayed, or quietly bypassed?
1. The Election Notice That Almost Didn't Happen
The MSA Bylaws are clear: members must be given proper notice of nomination periods and elections. That notice wasn't issued until I publicly raised the issue. Had I not pressed, members would have had no opportunity to nominate candidates — and the President could have simply appointed someone of her choosing to fill the Vice President seat.
This is not a small oversight. It's a direct violation of the bylaws. And it would have deprived members of one of their most basic rights: the right to vote.
2. A Pattern of Artificial Barriers?
When I attempted to enroll as a member on September 11th, my application was delayed past the nomination deadline — even though the bylaws state dues are paid by payroll deduction and enrollment should take effect once the form is submitted. That delay nearly barred me from running.
Ask yourself: Has this happened before? Were other elections bypassed? Were positions quietly filled by appointment instead of by vote? If so, this is more than an error — it's a pattern of undermining democracy inside the MSA.
3. Transparency Isn't Optional
This isn't just about elections. Transparency also applies to finances. When was the last time you were sent a financial report? When were you last shown how your dues are being safeguarded?
Are they hiding something?
4. Why It Matters
A union that denies members notice of elections, blocks nominations, or withholds financial transparency isn't protecting its members — it's protecting itself.
MSA members deserve:
- Proper notice of all elections
- Full transparency of financial records
- Protection of member rights, not artificial barriers
Final Thought
The strength of any union is its members. Without notice, without transparency, and without a real vote, members are left powerless — and leadership becomes self-appointed. That's not democracy. That's control.
It's time to put members back at the center of the MSA.