Sylvia, Tyisha And Ali Sit Down With The Local 1233 Reporter.

The Convention Experience

Sylvia Cambell

Reporter: When you first got to the convention, what was your first impression?

Sylvia: It's not just local 1233, I.L.A. makes the final decision. Everything there is voted on by the whole I.L.A.  It was work. There were speakers you listened to during the morning session. At the end of the morning session committee meetings  and their locations were announced. Usually after lunch the delegates would go to the committee meetings.

Tyisha

Reporter: What would you like to tell others from your local about the convention?

Tyisha: It was a good experience. There was a lot to learn about our industry and our work. I would say to them, you should come to the next convention 4 years from now.

Reporter: Was there anything that could have been done better at the convention?

Tyisha: Maybe there should have been a question and answer or a comment period. Maybe we could put a suggestion box in the hall for members to drop off suggestions.

Ali Vining

Reporter: What was the best part of the convention for you?

Ali: The camaraderie, the respect among the attendees and the respect for our local 1233. People don't agree with each other but they still respect each other. You have to listen to each because everybody has a opinion on everything. Agree to disagree, yet have respect for each other. Togetherness is the key, Respect whom ever is in the chair and the executive board too. When you go away you see things totally different. If you do not understand the way your local is set-up, how the situation is compared to going to something this big and broad is totally different. You can't preach if you don't know.

Reporter: Was there anything not discussed that you thought should have been discussed?

Ali: I really don't want to say that. I took in so much and I am still taken it in right now, today. It was a lot taken in.   I didn't see many people talking about themselves. They were talking about us as a group. There were also a few politicians that came in to say what they but, that's what politicians do.

Reporter: What would you like to tell others from your local about your experience at the convention?

Ali: You have to really respect this job that you have. It might not seem great to you but compared to others we have it better than 90% of our industry. If you want to learn about this industry you have to get out and get involved. If you don't want to learn then just go to work and do what you do, and that is it. You can't preach if you don't know.

Reporter: What were some of the topics that the speakers spoke about that interest you?

Ali: Safety is a real key issue with me. It just lets you know how some of us are so lackadaisical to sometimes the people  that might be working next to you might be drunk or a little intoxicated  and how things could change so quick and people could get killed. This is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world and we, as people have to really consider that this is not about friendship but, this is about safety.