2003 Resolution - 004

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SUBJECT: UAN Executive Council Term Limits
Introduced by:
    Oregon Nurses Association
    Minnesota Nurses Association
    Michigan Nurses Association
    Washington State Nurses Association
Date of Resolution: April 30, 2003
Action: Passed 6/24/03

WHEREAS, these term limits deny members the opportunity to freely determine whether a current officer has performed their duties in a manner that warrants reelection; and

WHEREAS, these term limits undermine an officer's ability to envision long range programs and to carry these programs to fruition with the consent of the membership; and

WHEREAS, the continuity of the work done by the UAN Executive Council is important and is based on the establishment and maintenance of relationships with people within our organization and in other organizations with which progress for the membership is critically linked; and

WHEREAS, it takes a significant commitment to learn the work of these positions and to become an effective leader within the structure of the UAN/AFL-CIO; and

WHEREAS, the understanding of complex work and issues should not be routinely dismissed from further contribution and decisions made on behalf of the members, and

WHEREAS, these term limits promote and support an apathetic membership; and

WHEREAS, these term limits promote reliance on paid UAN staff for continuity of relationships, programs, and services.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the UAN Executive Council, in an effort to be most effective in leadership for the UAN membership, should not be limited to two consecutive terms of office; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that expanded term limits will enable UAN elected leadership to continue to build on the relationship they have forged with members and union affiliates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that greater continuity of service and programs will enhance the ability of the UAN Executive Council to serve UAN members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that term limits currently restricting Executive Council members to two consecutive terms are not in the best interest of a strong and effective organizational leadership; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that allowing UAN members to elect officers of their choice in the spirit of effective democracy is the most efficient way to further the UAN goals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that term limits be extended to provide UAN Executive Council officers the opportunity to serve for four, two year consecutive terms in office with the maximum of six, two year consecutive terms on the Executive Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that forthcoming UAN Bylaws are constructed to take effect upon passage therefore enabling implementation of this resolution at the 2004 National Labor Assembly.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the intent is for a total of (12) twelve years maximum.