Secy.-Treas. Gerald H. Deneau

Gerald H. Deneau, GCIU secretary-treasurer, told joint conference delegates he felt nostalgic about his trip to Boston–his first in seven years. "Seven years ago, we were $1 million in the red. Today, there is $15 million in the general fund," he said.

The money in the fund is largely from the sale of the GCIU headquarters building in downtown Washington, D.C. The building, located at 1900 L St., N.W., had been the property of the GCIU since the former Graphic Arts International Union purchased it in 1972.

Deneau said the building had accrued good value and that the sale was the "best bet" for everyone.

"Selling the building gave us a breathing spell," he said. But he warned: "This is our inheritance, so we have to be careful how we spend it."

Some of the funds have improved the education programs. It also helped revamp the Contracts and Research Department.

According to Deneau, the GCIU lost 6,000 members last year. While a six to eight percent decrease in union membership is not unusual, Deneau hopes for a smaller percentage. He stressed that the remaining members must work together to institute change.

"It takes new tactics and new ways to get it done," he said. Deneau expressed confidence in the full-time organizers hired in March. "We are focused on building a core group that knows how to organize with modern techniques."

Seattle 767M delegate Joe Norton asked Deneau about the possibility of "living within ourselves," rather than trying to expand. Deneau responded that "we have been downsizing for years." While "duplication of efforts needs to be downsized," Deneau said improving through addition is the answer. "You cannot have a first class operation without spending money, which equals staff."

Deneau addressed a previous question about a possible merger with another international union. He said the GCIU would thoroughly investigate all merger candidates. He said the GCIU hired an independent auditor to analyze financial data and other particulars. He maintained the GCIU should not be frantic to merge and there should be no "shotgun wedding."

"We are going to look at how these unions operate," he said.

Deneau pledged to "look after our history and ask the hardball questions."

Deneau emphasized the importance of sensible decisions, time, and autonomy. "We need to take with us a core of solid, well trained GCIU people so we are not swallowed up."