2006 Resolution - 001

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SUBJECT: UAN Mobilization Fund Resolution 2006

Introduced by: UAN Executive Council

Action: Passed 3/15/06

WHEREAS, the 2003 and 2004 NLAs, after approving the appointment of a special task force to review and report on establishing a Mobilization Fund, endorsed the concept of a Mobilization Fund and charged the UAN Executive Council with bringing to the subsequent NLAs a recommendation for its funding; and

WHEREAS, nearly two 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, as the preeminent national union for staff RNs, places organizing at the top of our priority list, and seeks to continue to develop high standards of leadership and member services; and

WHEREAS, the UAN must solidify a strong future, overcome attacks by competing unions, and effectively engage in nationwide campaigns to organize unorganized registered nurses; and

WHEREAS, the 2005 NLA unanimously approved the concept of expeditiously funding the Mobilization Fund with a target of raising $8 million in order to hire a baseline staff of 12 regionally based organizers, with appropriate staff support, and provide member and leadership training; and

WHEREAS, the 2005 NLA also directed the UAN Executive Council to educate and receive feedback from our Affiliates and delegates, and consult with the National Labor Cabinet (NLC), so that the 2006 NLA could adopt a funding mechanism for the Mobilization Fund; and

WHEREAS, after appointing a Mobilization Fund Advisory Committee comprised of E&GW Chairs and the UAN Secretary-Treasurer, which met and conferred over the past year, the UAN Executive Council held numerous meetings and conference calls with the National Labor Cabinet and NLA delegates; and

WHEREAS, as a result of this process, substantial input was given to the Executive Council and many highly useful suggestions were received and incorporated into the final report and recommendations; and

WHEREAS, during this process, it was strongly recommended that those Affiliates that do not currently have a “pass through” for UAN dues increases expeditiously amend their bylaws to include one;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2006 NLA, pursuant to its authority under Article VII of the UAN Constitution, approves a dues increase – specifically and solely earmarked for organizing and related training – in the amount of $1.16 per member every two weeks; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these dues monies shall be segregated from the UAN general fund, as required under Article VII.D.2 of the UAN Constitution, and utilized exclusively to hire approximately 12 regionally based organizers, with appropriate staff support, and provide leadership and member training to strengthen new and existing bargaining units; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the UAN Executive Council shall provide regular reports to the NLC, and annual reports to the NLA, concerning the utilization of these organizing fund monies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Labor Assembly, in 2010, shall conduct a comprehensive review of UAN’s use of the Mobilization Fund monies, and shall have the authority to terminate the increase if it sees fit; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Affiliates shall collect and segregate such dues for transmission exclusively to the UAN in accordance with the schedule set forth in Article VII.B of the UAN Constitution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such dues increase shall be effective no later than January 1, 2007; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in anticipation ofdues coming from the Mobilization Fund in early 2007 andthatrecognizing the objectives of the Mobilization Fundto bea priority for the NLA, the UAN is encouraged to begin thehiring and placement of appropriate personnel in 2006.