How to submit C & B changes and Resolutions

[Postaltexan]

I was wanting to try to give a little idea about how we can go about initiating change within the guidelines as set forth by the Constitution & Bylaws endorsed at the 103rd National Convention in Grand Rapids Mi. Aug. 07 - 10, 2007. To the best of my ability.

The attached files are the forms that are used in the State of Florida but with a little change can be used by anyone.

Merriam-Webster; describes resolution as ( the act or process of resolving a: the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones b: the act of answering : solving c: the act of determining.) this among other acts, but for our purposes this will be enough.

RESOLUTIONS

We will need to identify what exactly it is we want resolved, for this purpose I will use the function of mail count.

First we would need to check the appropriate box for binding or non-binding, ( this is to assure that the resolution will be ordered, or is just suggested to be negotiated ) with the USPS or within the Association.

Binding would mean that it is mandated by our membership for our elected leaders to take into negotiations, whereas non-binding is that we would like to see these changes.

Next item we would need to address is the issues as was said before were using mailcount as the issue we want resolved. Item 5 then asks for the document from which we would like to see change and that would be National Agreement.

                    b.  Requests which Article in the Nat. Agreement, which is Art. 9.2
                    Section C a. & b.

Whereas: Mailcount is and has not been a fair and equitable way of compensation, due to diminishing time standards and lack of mail volume.

This is our statement identifying the exact issue and reason for wanting change to our contract.
We now need to clearly make our resolution to this issue.

Be it resolved: That the NRLCA negotiate a hourly rate of pay to compensate the members in the Rural Craft.

This has taken a complex issue and made it simple enough for everyone to understand. ie USPS

Intent / Reason for change: To create a fair days  pay for fair days work.

Again keeping it simple so there is no confusion. Now endorse and proceed to the next part of resolving the issue that has affected you in such a way as to promote the change you want.
This of course is the act of following through, we need to make an argument on behalf of our resolution and ensure that it is made clear, we would need to submit our resolution to our District for approval. We would need to go to the District meeting and argue on behalf of our change and to encourage that this change need be done and why. There will be an opportunity for both sides to argue on behalf of this resolution, that of those in favor and those that oppose. There could also be modifications to our resolution that can be proposed, and it will take the voting members to endorse this resolution or to vote against. This is why it is imperative that we attend those meetings and convince those voting members of the importance of this change.

Next if passed it will proceed to State convention to go through the process again, and if passed on to National. This is why we must attend these functions or endorse those that feel the way we do about our resolution to encourage the passing of said resolution changes.



CONSITUTION & BYLAW CHANGES


 The next item I will address is Constitution & Bylaw changes, to keep it simple once again I will use the National Constitution Constitution & Bylaws.

Following the directions on the Constitution & Bylaw change document, I would then proceed to #4 where we would chose or mark Constitution,
                             

       b. Article II,  Section, Purpose, Paragraph 5.

    Present Language: ( This Association shall not affiliate or merge with any other organization or group without a majority vote of the delegates at a National Convention.)

    Proposed Language: ( DELETE ENTIRE PARAGRAPH )

    Intent of/ Reason for Change: To allow the merger of this Association with a another Union to create a much larger base of members, therefore greater bargaining power, to use in negotiating with the USPS.

    Once again we would need to submit this change to District for approval  and if passed  to State  then on to National for approval.






    These examples are just that, and only you know what changes you would like to see, yet now is the time to look into these changes and fine tune them to be submitted to your colleagues at your District meetings.

    We have this option available to us, and only this option can we use to make the corrections we would like to see in our future. It is our responsibility to pursue these avenues, as we are the NRLCA, not just those that have been elected to negotiate on our behalf.

    I hope this is helpful to any and all who may have confusion on the ways of change in this Association, remember we are not just ensuring our future but those of our families and those that follow.

    Thats the way Jay sees it.