2007 Resolution - Number 2-07

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SUBJECT: Resolution Establishing Principles to Guide the Executive Council in Discussions with Other Unions Representing Registered Nurses

Introduced by: UAN Executive Council

Action: Passed 3/21/07

WHEREAS, the 2005 National Labor Assembly (NLA) adopted the Nurse Unity Resolution, which authorized the Executive Council to pursue discussions with other unions representing Registered Nurses concerning possible partnerships or affiliations; and

WHEREAS, in authorizing the Executive Council to pursue these discussions, the 2005 NLA recognized the importance of maintaining the UAN’s autonomy, preserving its democratic structure and maximizing communications between the Executive Council and the Affiliate leadership during the course of such discussions; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Council has been approached by certain other unions representing Registered Nurses that recognize the value of a relationship with the UAN in maximizing Registered Nurse power and achieving a patient advocacy agenda; and

WHEREAS, a number of Affiliates are partnering with other unions representing Registered Nurses in organizing and advancing state legislative agendas; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Council recognizes that the rapid and continuing changes occurring in the labor movement require a re-examination of the relationship between the UAN and other unions; and

WHEREAS, just as other unions have long recognized the value of growth through affiliation, the Executive Council understands that one of the best opportunities for significantly increasing our numbers, and thus our power, is through affiliations that would bring a significant number of new members into the UAN and our Affiliates;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following principles shall guide the Executive Council in its discussions with other unions concerning possible partnerships or affiliations:

1. The UAN shall remain an autonomous, Registered Nurse member-run national labor organization, with full control over its governance structure, finances and membership.
2. The UAN shall retain its strong, unified democratic governance structure under which its members, through their elected NLA representatives, determine the direction and policies of the UAN.
3. The UAN shall continue to be the preeminent national union representing Registered Nurses, dedicated to strengthening its Affiliates’ labor programs, organizing Registered Nurses into the Affiliates and the UAN and safeguarding the rights of the UAN’s members and Affiliates.
4. The UAN, through its governance structure, shall continue to be the decision-maker on all national programmatic and policy issues related to nursing and Registered Nurses.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, during the course of discussions with other unions, the Executive Council shall be as transparent as possible and shall communicate regularly with and receive input from the National Labor Cabinet and the Affiliates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, pursuant to Article I.E of the UAN Constitution, any affiliation agreement entered into by the Executive Council shall be subject to ratification by the National Labor Assembly; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Executive Council shall not enter into an affiliation agreement where the UAN becomes a local of another union, is required to conform to its constitution and policies of another union’s constitution, bylaws and/or policies and/or have its members become members of another union; is required to relinquish all properties, funds, and assets, both real and personal, of such local union of affiliated body in the event of secession, dissolution or disaffiliation, with said other union.