2005 Resolution - 003

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SUBJECT: UAN Mobilization Fund

Introduced by: UAN Executive Council

Action: Passed 3/17/05

WHEREAS, the 2003 and 2004 NLAs, after the appointment of a special task force to review and report on establishing a mobilization fund, charged the Executive Council with bringing to the subsequent NLA a recommendation for funding the Mobilization Fund; and

WHEREAS, the 2002 and 2005 Strategic Planning conferences reaffirmed the UANís agenda to ensure that the UAN remains the preeminent union for staff nurses, and placed organizing at the top of the priority list; and

WHEREAS, nearly 2 million Registered Nurses remain unorganized and the challenges from the industry require massive organization and increased numbers to effectively control the market and influence change to improve quality patient care; and

WHEREAS, the UAN seeks to continue to develop high standards of leadership and member services, and

WHEREAS, the UAN must solidify a strong future and overcome attacks by competing unions whose agenda it is to weaken our Affiliate foundation and thereby dilute our leader and member base; and

WHEREAS, the UAN must steadfastly resist hostile actions against our Affiliates and members and;

WHEREAS, the UAN must signal a new era of commitment to being the strongest possible union with the requisite power and resources to advance and protect our membersí interests and implement the agenda of the NLA; and

WHEREAS, the NLA previously approved the establishment of a Mobilization Fund, set forth in Article VII.D of the UAN Constitution, to provide financial support for issues of urgent concern significantly affecting UAN members and Affiliates, including strike/lockout support, organizing, and large-scale media campaigns; and

WHEREAS, the UAN seeks to move expeditiously, but also deliberately, to allow adequate time to inform and receive feedback from our leaders and delegates,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the NLA endorses the concept of a UAN assessment, to supplement current operating revenues, that establishes a target of raising approximately $8 million over a 3-year period in order to build a baseline staff of approximately twelve (12) regionally positioned organizers and support staff dedicated to organizing the unorganized, defending against raids, and conducting regional labor leader training to maximize servicing and representation of new and existing units; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that after the adjournment of the 2005 NLA, the Executive Council will educate and receive feedback from UAN leaders and members on the critical need for funding the Mobilization Fund; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Council will closely consult with the National Labor Cabinet on the full plan for and implementation of the assessment, including its specific amount and duration, in order to receive input for a report with recommendations that will be presented to the 2006 NLA, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final decision on the implementation of a Mobilization Fund assessment shall be determined by the 2006 NLA, following receipt of and deliberation on the report and recommendations mentioned above, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if approved by the 2006 NLA, the Executive Council recommends implementation of the assessment no later than July 1, 2006.