Moving Forward

Ponno Burns  /  July 24, 2025

🔧 A Union That Works for You:

My Commitments as Financial Secretary

As we head into the final stretch of this election, I want to take a moment to share what I plan to focus on if I earn your trust as Financial Secretary of IUOE Local 649.

These aren’t just promises—they’re practical, member-driven goals that reflect real conversations I’ve had with many of you, and lessons learned from working shoulder-to-shoulder in the field.

📱 Smarter Tech = Smoother Union Life

We deserve tools that work as hard as we do. I will advocate for modernizing our union app to make key resources more accessible and convenient, including:

  • The ability to pay dues directly through the app

  • Access to Health & Welfare hours (while real-time updates depend on contractors reporting hours, we can improve how and when info becomes available)

  • Quick access to the Death Benefit Fund

  • Better notifications and reminders

  • Cleaner layout and easier navigation

Members shouldn’t have to dig through paperwork or wait days for basic information. Let’s put these tools at your fingertips.

đź’µ Financial Intelligence for Working People

I want to offer financial education sessions—not because I think members can’t manage their money, but because many of us were never handed the right tools to build long-term financial strength.

Topics would include:

  • Making the most of union benefits and retirement plans

  • Investing wisely—without falling for hype

  • Real-world budgeting and planning strategies

  • Understanding how to manage a pension, annuity, or other retirement assets

We’ve all seen how quickly things change—let’s make sure we’re ready for what’s ahead, together.

🧰 Transparent Stewardship

The Financial Secretary is the caretaker of the union’s finances—and I take that responsibility seriously. If elected, here’s how I’ll approach it:

  • Clear, member-friendly financial reporting

  • Timely updates on fund balances and health

  • Streamlined communication that keeps members informed

  • Honest, straightforward conversations—no fluff, no surprises

It’s not just about numbers—it’s about earning your trust every pay period.

🔄 A Few More Ideas to Explore

If given the opportunity, I’d also like to:

  • Launch Quarterly “Union Health Checks” – short updates on benefits, hours, finances, and important changes

  • Create Member Feedback Channels – easier ways to ask questions, raise concerns, or share ideas

  • Improve New Member Onboarding – helping new brothers and sisters fully understand their rights, benefits, and responsibilities from day one

🤝 Final Thought

The Financial Secretary’s job isn’t about titles—it’s about building systems that work for the people who build everything else. It’s about keeping our union strong, steady, and member-focused.

Thank you to everyone who’s shared a conversation, asked a question, or supported this campaign.
10 days to go—let’s finish strong.

In solidarity,
Ponno Burns
Candidate for Financial Secretary
IUOE Local 649