Candidate for President • Local 577M
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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, way 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.
Experienced Leadership for Local 577M
Kenneth Roberts III for Local President
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.
Mail questions to; ken3email@gmail.com
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?
More Than Three Decades of Union Service
Union member since early 1990, with more than three decades of active service.
Shop steward since January 1991, representing members and addressing workplace concerns.
Local Executive Board member for 25 years, contributing long-term knowledge and continuity to Local 577M.
Recording Secretary for Local 577M and District Council 1 for nine years, documenting officer reports, negotiations, grievances, and the issues affecting units across the Local.
Milwaukee Area 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 negotiating agreements for bindery and litho units under five different Local presidents, including the most recent negotiations alongside my opponent.
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
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.
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.
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 may 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
Ask the questions. Ken3email@gmail.com
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 investments
A stronger position for the future
email questions for me to ken3email@gmail.com