Floyd's Glass House

To the Editor:

I have read The Chief's article (Dec. 28 issue) concerning Teamsters Joint Council President Anthony Rumore. In that article, Gregory Floyd, president of Local 237, commented how Mr. Rumore abused his authority.

I now write in response to Mr. Floyd's comments. Mr. Floyd should be the last person to comment on a Teamster accused of abusing his authority, because Mr. Floyd has abused his authority since he was appointed to his current position of president of Local 237.

Soon after Mr. Floyd was appointed, he fired dues-paying members with more than 100 years of dedicated service to Local 237. He did not provide these members with any due process, nor a reason for their termination. He simply stated, "You're fired, and as president I don't have to give you a reason." Such an act is contrary to the ideals of a union leader, who is supposed to protect workers.

As a second example of his abuse of authority, Mr. Floyd trumped up absurd union charges against me, which I am currently challenging. This is all part of Mr. Floyd's plan to make me ineligible to be a candidate in Local 237's next election - a desperate act of an appointed president who is fearful of a fair and democratic election.

These examples show that Mr. Floyd has not only abused his authority, but does not know what it means to be a labor leader.

EUNICE RODRIGUEZ, SSA III, Bronx West Command

Editor's note: Ms. Rodriguez is a former vice president of Teamsters Local 237.