More Than Three Decades of Service
Union member since early 1990, with more than
three decades of active service.
Candidate for President • Local 577M
Experienced Leadership for Local 577M
Kenneth Roberts III
Printing Packaging and Production Workers Union
Experience. Accountability. A stronger future for every member.
I am running for President of Local 577M because our members deserve
knowledgeable, independent leadership that understands every shop,
listens to every unit, and is prepared to negotiate from a position
of strength.
The Questions Members Should Ask
Are you better off than you were before?
Are represented employees who are not members being recruited?
Are we in a better position for the future?
Should our Local president remain only an employee of District
Council 1?
Union Service and Experience
Shop Representation
Shop steward since January 1991, representing
members and addressing workplace concerns.
Local Executive Board
Local Executive Board member for 25 years,
contributing long-term knowledge and continuity to Local 577M.
Recording Secretary
Recording Secretary for Local 577M and District Council 1 for
nine years
, documenting shop reports, negotiations, grievances,
and the issues affecting units across the Local.
Labor Council Experience
Executive Board member, Milwaukee Area Labor Council, March
2006–March 2013
, serving two terms. Responsibilities included
interviewing state and local candidates seeking the labor
community’s endorsement.
Collective Bargaining
Thirty-five years of collective bargaining experience,
negotiating agreements for bindery and litho units under five
Local presidents, including the most recent negotiations
alongside the opposing candidate.
Prepared to Lead on Day One
As Recording Secretary, I have documented reports from shops
throughout the Local. That work has given me broad familiarity with
the issues members have faced, the progress and challenges in past
negotiations, and the grievances raised across our represented units.
My bargaining experience spans 35 years negotiating under five past
and present Local presidents. I have negotiated 12 bindery agreements
and nine litho contracts. I understand that effective leadership
requires preparation, institutional knowledge, careful documentation,
and the ability to work with members and negotiating teams even when
views differ.
Campaign Priorities
01
Measure Results
Members should be able to judge their union by results. We must
ask plainly whether wages, benefits, working conditions,
representation, and bargaining strength have improved—and be
honest about where more work is needed.
02
Recruit and Engage Every Eligible Worker
Our future depends on an active and growing membership. We need
a consistent plan to speak with represented employees who are
not members, explain the value of membership, listen to their
concerns, and find a way for them to take part.
03
Build for the Future
Local 577M must be ready for future negotiations, workplace
changes, and organizing challenges. That means stronger
communication among shops, informed stewards and officers,
careful preparation, and a plan that puts members in a better
position for the years ahead.
Our building in Milwaukee is a large part of keeping dues low. The tax-free
rent income we receive from it goes a long way to offset our
officer salaries. Some members of DC1 have questioned whether
repairs and maintenance of the building were getting cost
prohibitive, and we should explore what the market value was.
But I am adamant about protecting our investment.
Independent, Accountable Leadership
Local presidents within District Council 1 are not paid for serving
as Local president. Salaried positions are held by District Council 1
officers. A Local president who does not hold an elected District
Council office may instead be employed and paid by District Council 1
as a business representative.
The current Local president is no longer a District Council 1 officer
and serves only as an employed business representative; my opponent is
not seeking an elected DC1 office. But I am also running for
Secretary/Treasurer of District Council 1.
I believe electing a Local president who also holds an elected DC1
position would give Local 577M a stronger, more independent and
accountable voice within the District Council, rather than leaving the
president’s paid role dependent solely on employment as a business
representative.
This is a question of governance, accountability, and whose interests
the Local president must be free to put first.
Campaigning Rules
The Election Committee has determined that candidates may not campaign
on the property of represented shops. Candidates may not enter a shop
for the purpose of campaigning, including the shop where they are
employed.
Candidates may distribute union-printed flyers or place union-printed
signs off property near shops. I apologize that these restrictions
have kept me from meeting most of you in person.
Please visit kfr3.com to learn more
about my experience, priorities, and campaign. All campaign activity
should follow the Election Committee’s complete and current rules.
Questions may be sent to
Vote for Experience and a Stronger Future
I have spent more than three decades representing members, negotiating
contracts, documenting the work of our Locals and District Council,
and learning the issues facing our shops. I am ready to put that
experience to work as President of Local 577M and
Secretary/Treasurer of DC1.
In the past we have had many more members, in our Local and the entire
District Council, but we only had three paid officers, which were the
three Local presidents. Our membership is now down. Despite that, we
now have two officers and two business representatives on payroll—the
three Local presidents and one vice-president.
As a candidate for DC1 Secretary/Treasurer, I would eliminate one of
the business representative positions, returning the District Council
to three paid positions instead of two officers and two business
representatives. This would have the potential to save us dues.
Ask the questions. Examine the record. Choose leadership prepared for
what comes next.
Experienced Leadership for Local 577M
Vote for Kenneth Roberts III for President
Experience. Accountability. A Stronger Future.
A Proven Record of Service
- Union member since early 1990
- Shop steward since January 1991
- 25 years on the Local Executive Board
- Nine years as Recording Secretary
- 35 years negotiating collective bargaining agreements
- Two terms on the Milwaukee Area Labor Council Executive Board
Prepared to Lead
- Strong contracts
- Active membership
- Independent leadership
- Accountable representation
- Protection of the Local’s investment
- A stronger position for the future