2004 Resolution - 001

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SUBJECT: Proposed Founding UAN Constitution

Introduced by: UAN Executive Council

Action: Passed 6/24/04

WHEREAS, paragraph 1 of the 2003 Autonomy and Affiliation Agreement between the UAN and ANA provides that the UAN shall be a wholly autonomous, self-governing national labor organization; and

WHEREAS, paragraph 2 of the Autonomy Agreement provides that the UAN shall in all respects have its own governing documents and establish and implement its own policies; and

WHEREAS, paragraph 2 of the Autonomy Agreement further provides that the purposes, functions and governance of the UAN shall be defined by its own Constitution, one that ensures democratic self-governance as a national labor organization under the leadership of elected nurse members; and

WHEREAS, the National Labor Assembly believes that the adoption of a national constitution is the necessary foundation for a strong, viable national union structure under the leadership and direction of elected registered nurse members; and

WHEREAS, in order to address local, state and national concerns, the Executive Council, the Organizational Structure Committee, the State Nurse Associations, the E&GW leaders, and the NLA delegates have diligently and comprehensively participated in the creation of this Proposed Founding Constitution through multiple meetings, conference calls (10/8-9, 11/7, 11/13, 11/24, 12/8, 1/12, 1/28, 1/31, 2/3-5, 3/2, 3/8, 3/22, 3/23, 4/1, 4/3, 4/21, 4/22, 4/23, 4/26, 5/1-2, 5/20, 6/9) and other communications; and

WHEREAS, the National Labor Assembly believes that this Proposed Founding UAN Constitution respects the rights of Registered Nurses as members; provides for responsible and representative leadership within the UAN; strengthens local labor programs through building a constitutional partnership across the country; maintains a strong link to the State Nurses Associations and the American Nurses Association; and encourages mechanisms for growth and solidarity among collective bargaining RNs; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution dated April 12, 2004, the Executive Council unanimously approved a Proposed Founding Constitution and authorized its transmission to the delegates of the 2004 NLA, the Chairs of the State Nurses Associations collective bargaining cabinets or similar entities and the State Nurses Associations; and

WHEREAS, after receiving additional comments from our delegates during the last month, the Executive Council prepared a revised Proposed Founding Constitution, incorporating these comments, which has been placed before you for consideration today.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Labor Assembly hereby approves and adopts the UAN Proposed Founding Constitution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Labor Assembly wishes to thank the many participants and contributors in this process, and particularly extends its gratitude to the Organizational Structure Committee (Ann Converso, New York; Debbie Lund, Oregon; Mike Nilsson, Florida; Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, New York; Anne (Kate) Steenberg, Montana; Beverly Thorp, Colorado; and Linda Warino, Ohio) for their tireless and exceptional work in this next chapter in the history of the UAN through the development of this Founding Constitution.