2015 NSO Handbook 1 - National Staff Organization · 2015 NSO Handbook 1 Introduction . The world’s largest union of union staff -- that’s what the National Staff Organization

2015 NSO Handbook 1

Introduction

The world’s largest union of union staff -- that’s what the National Staff Organization has become. Through the efforts of literally hundreds of staff leaders, NSO has grown from a mere 35 members in a handful of states in 1969, to 4,220 (as of August 31, 2014) with 84 affiliates in 50 states and the District of Columbia. A major portion of that growth came with the decision by the 1978 NSO Representative Assembly to organize associate staff members. Today, NSO has almost 2,000 full-time and over 200 part-time associate staff members.

NSO's record of advocacy has also had astounding growth. Under NSO's legal, arbitration, and field assistance policy, $212,190.48 for the year ending August 31, 2014 was spent for cases ranging from NLRB unit deter-minations, dismissal arbitrations and reprimands, to health and retirement legal cases.

NSO believes in member participation. The talent and expertise among members mean there is plenty of help available for affiliates. NSO members travel throughout the United States to provide direct on-site assistance to affiliates and members. In one instance, it took nearly a dozen NSO members three years to help affiliates gain recognition and secures a first-time master contract.

By action of the 1986 Representative Assembly, NSO now has two vice-presidents: one for defense and the other for program.

NSO has two major programs to strengthen the bargaining power of its affiliates:

Coordinated Bargaining: Affiliates participate in NSO's program of coordinated bargaining. Fourcoordinated bargaining councils (CBCs) have been formed and meet regularly, and have been activelyinvolved in helping affiliates reach settlements. All affiliates are required to participate in the CBCprogram.

NSO Charlie Love Crisis Fund: The lengthy 1980 Illinois Staff Organization strike underscored the needfor the creation of a special fund to aid members faced with a prolonged crisis. The fund, now over$5,432,158.79 (August 31, 2014), is available to help members who have gone without a paycheck foran extended period of time because of a crisis. The NSO Charlie Love Crisis Fund is supported by a $25per member dues assessment as well as timely investments. To aid affiliates, NSO has established aspecial "Crisis Evaluation Team," operating through the CBCs, to work with the affiliate in exploringways to resolve the particular crisis. NSO will also provide facilitators to assist members and/or affiliateswith internal disputes.

Internal Dispute Resolution

The resolution of internal problems within a union or among unions is important. By action of the Representative Assembly, NSO has established an Internal Dispute Resolution policy and program to deal with problems that occur between associate and professional staff members in the workplace, between staff members in an affiliate, or between affiliates in a state. Members can refer to the Internal Dispute Resolution section of this handbook. The process is not intended to circumvent the collective bargaining process or the grievance procedure, but to be used as an adjunct to already established procedures.

2015 NSO Handbook 2

NSO Affiliates

Association of Field Service Employees/NEA (AFSE) Alabama Education Association Associate Staff Org.

Michigan Education Special Services Association— Professional Staff Association

Alabama Education Association Professional Staff Org. Michigan Education Special Services Association— Alaska-NSO Arizona Education Association Staff Organization

Support Staff Association Michigan Executive Directors Association (MEDA)

Arkansas Staff Organization California Associate Staff Organization

United Staff of Minnesota (ASO) The Education Minnesota Professional Organization (TEMPO)

California Staff Organization Colorado Education Association Staff Organization

Mississippi Educators Staff Organization Missouri Associate Staff Organization

Associate Staff Org. of the Connecticut Ed. Assn. Connecticut EA Professional Staff Organization

Missouri Professional Staff Organization Montana Education Association Staff Organization

Delaware State Education Association SO Florida Staff Organization

NEA Staff Organization (NEASO) Nebraska Staff Association

Georgia Staff Organization Nevada Clark County Associate Staff Organization Graduate Employees’ Organization Staff Union Nevada Clark County Professional Staff Organization Hawaii State Teachers Staff Organization Nevada Clark County Trust (ASO) Idaho Education Association Staff Organization New Hampshire Staff Organization Illinois Education Association Staff Organization New Jersey Education Association Professional Consultants Assn Indiana Professional Staff Organization New Jersey Education Association United Staff Association Indiana State Teachers Association Associate Staff Org New Mexico-NSO Iowa Professional Staff Organization North Carolina Association of Educators Staff Organization Iowa Professional Associate Staff North Dakota Staff Organization Kansas Auxiliary Staff Organization Ohio Associate Staff Union Kansas Staff Organization (PSO) Ohio Professional Staff Union Kentucky Education Association Staff Organization Oklahoma Auxiliary Staff Organization Louisiana State Staff Organization Oklahoma Professional Staff Organization Maine Education Association Staff Organization Maryland State Education Association Staff Org.

Oregon Education Association Associate Staff Organization Oregon Education Association Professional Staff Organization

Professional Staff Association of Maryland State Education Association

Pennsylvania State Education Association Staff Organization NEA-Rhode Island Staff Organization

Maryland TABCO (ASO) South Carolina Staff Organization – NSO Massachusetts Association of Teacher Attorneys Massachusetts Field Service Organization

South Dakota ASO South Dakota Professional Staff Organization

Massachusetts Teachers Association Staff Organization Massachusetts Professional Coordinators

Tennessee Professional Staff Organization Texas Associate Staff Organization

Memphis (TN) Education Association Staff Organization Michigan Correctional Officers Prof. Staff/NSO

Professional Staff Association of the Texas State Teachers Assn Utah Staff Organization

Michigan EA Associate Staff Organization Michigan Education Association Financial Services –

Vermont Staff Organization Virginia Associate Staff Organization (VASO)

Representatives Virginia Professional Staff Association Michigan Education Association Financial Services Assn (MEAFSA)

Washington Education Association Staff Organization West Virginia United Staff Union

Michigan Education Association Professional Staff Assn. Michigan Education Special Services Association—

Wisconsin United Staff Union Wyoming Staff Organization

Professional Staff Association

2015 NSO Handbook 3

National Staff Organization Regions

2015 NSO Handbook 4

NSO Executive Committee

Under the structure of NSO's Executive Committee, there are nine directors plus the offices of: president, vice-president for defense, vice-president for program, secretary, and treasurer. Of the directors, seven are elected from regions and two are at-large representatives. All are elected for two-year terms. Regional Directors

The nine regions are as shown below:

Region 1: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

Region 2: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West

Virginia, NEASO, AFSE Region 3: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,

Tennessee Region 4: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin Region 6: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,

North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas Region 7: Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming

Directors from Regions #2, #4, and #6 are elected in even-numbered years.

Directors from Regions #1, #3, #5, and #7 are elected in odd-numbered years.

Two at-large directors, A and B, are elected in odd-numbered years in separate elections. Officers:

The offices of President, Vice-President for Defense, Vice-President for Program, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected in even numbered years.

2015 NSO Handbook 5

NATIONAL STAFF ORGANIZATION 2014-2015 Executive Committee

POSITION NAME ADDRESS

PRESIDENT:

CHUCK AGERSTRAND [email protected] 517/230-1998 (Cell)

Michigan Education Association 1216 Kendale Blvd. PO Box 2573 East Lansing MI 48826-2573 [email protected] 800/292-1934 or 517/337-5462 517/332-1584 (MEA FAX –Secure)

VICE-PRESIDENT: (Defense)

MIKE BOYER [email protected] 509/981-6728 (Cell)

Washington Education Association 230 E. Montgomery Spokane, WA 99207 509-326-4046

VICE- PRESIDENT: (Program)

LYNN ADLER [email protected] 312/771-7120 (Cell)

Illinois Education Association 230 W. Monroe, Ste. 2640 Chicago IL 60606 [email protected] 312/407-0098

SECRETARY:

MARY A. HENSON [email protected] 419/792-2722 (Cell) 517/622-1892 (NSO FAX - Secure)

Michigan Education Association 17500 W. Eleven Mile Rd., Ste. 200 Lathrup Village, MI 48076 [email protected] 248/559-9727 248/559-9730 (FAX—not secured)

TREASURER:

RON GOLDENSTEIN 402/432-3401 (Cell)

Nebraska State Education Association 605 South 14th, Suite 200 Lincoln NE 68508-2742 [email protected] 402/475-7611 or 800/742-0047 402/475-2489 (FAX—Not Secure)

REGION 1:

CHERYL SINGLETON [email protected] 781/443-3190 (Cell)

Massachusetts Teachers Association 756 Orchard St., 3rd Floor Raynham MA 02767 [email protected] 617/878-8657 508/880-7575 (FAX)

REGION 2:

BRAD DARJEAN [email protected] 337-351-6967 (Cell)

Maryland State Education Association 2521 Riva Road, Suite L3 Annapolis, MD 21401 [email protected] 410-226-3133 410/351-7110 (FAX-secured)

REGION 3:

TAMMY WHITAKER [email protected] 904-607-1765 (Cell) 904-438-5128 (FAX—Secure)

Florida Education Association 213 South Adams St. Tallahassee FL 32301 904-264-8810

mailto:[email protected]













2015 NSO Handbook 6

POSITION NAME ADDRESS

REGION 4:

DAWN BASURTO [email protected] 916-207-6856 (Cell)

California Teachers Association 1118 10th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916/325-1531 916/325-1583 (FAX—Not Secured)

REGION 5:

KATHY HILL [email protected] 317/459-7771 (Cell)

Indiana State Teachers Association Business Department 150 West Market Street, Ste. 200 Indianapolis IN 46204 [email protected] 317/263-3375 or 800-382-4037, ext. 375 317/655-3701 (FAX—Not Secured)

REGION 6: MARY FREEL

Omaha Education Association 4202 South 57 Street Omaha, NE 68117-1349 [email protected] 402/346-0400, ext. 11

REGION 7:

CATHERINE ALEXANDER [email protected] 503/816-3785 (Cell)

Beaverton Education Association 20450 NW Amberwood Drive, Ste. 125 Beaverton, OR 97006 [email protected] 503/645-6606

AT-LARGE A: ROBERT BLACKWELL [email protected] 910/381-9851 (Cell)

North Carolina Association of Educators [email protected]

AT-LARGE B:

TOM GREENE [email protected] 517/896-7860 (Cell)

Michigan Education Association 1216 Kendale Blvd. East Lansing, MI 48823 [email protected] 800-292-1934











2015 NSO Handbook 7

Officers and Executive Committee Positions Responsibilities/Expectations

President

Preside at all official meetings of NSO (minimum of four Executive Committee meetings, one annual Representative Assembly, officer meetings as necessary) and perform duties customarily associated with the office. Prepare and submit an annual report on NSO activities to the Representative Assembly. Select committee members with approval of Executive Committee and serves as ex-officio member of all committees other than the elections committee. Acts as official NSO representative with NEA and other organizations including outside contacts for financial services for members, etc. Assists all other officers and executive committee members in the discharge of their duties including arranging meeting sites, facilitates bargaining and training assistance, including on-site assistance, develops budget and financial assistance, coordinates CBC programs, etc. Weekly time commitment: Approximately 10-16 hours Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 45 days (not including on-site assistance)

Vice President for Defense Provides advice on contract/employment-related matters. Approves requests for on-site assistance; secures advocates as required; approves financial assistance in accordance with NSO guidelines; works closely with MicroSearch Corporation to update staff arbitration database; maintains Arbitrator Evaluation Service; acts as official NSO representative in securing legal assistance as prior approved. Attends minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel) and officer meetings (as required). Provides on-site assistance in grievance processing/arbitration; provides training assistance in grievance processing/arbitration as well as other areas. Weekly time commitment: Approximately 10-17 hours Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 27-35 days (not including on-site assistance)

Vice President for Program

Prior approves, plans and secures trainers for all NSO-sponsored local affiliate training as well as the annual Winter Advocacy Retreat. Prior approves and secures on-site assistance in bargaining/crisis and NSO Crisis Investigations. Plans Representative Assembly program and speakers; prepares report on Program areas for RA. Approves and secures teams to facilitate NSO Crisis Investigations, NSO Internal Dispute Policy, etc. Approves financial assistance to affiliates except for Grievance/Arbitration services. Chairs/co-chairs and attends NSO Committees such as CBC Task Force, Associate Staff, NSO Goal Setting, etc. Attends minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel), and officer meetings (as required). Provides on-site advocacy and training assistance to affiliates. Represents NSO as directed by the President before NEA and outside groups such as International Congress of Staff Unions, etc. Weekly time commitment: Approximately 5-10 hours Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 31 days (not including on-site assistance)

Secretary

Responsible for records of all correspondence and meetings of the Executive Committee and Representative Assembly, officers’ and other meetings as required. Gathers appropriate annual data for RA and is custodian of all files of the organization. Maintains mailing lists of local affiliates’ presidents for communication and election mailings. Serves as the meeting planner for the RA, Winter Advocacy Retreat, Leadership Academy and any national conferences/meetings including coordinating registration, trainer requirements, attendee materials designing/writing/printing Delegate Handbook, Handbook CD and Presidents Resource Guide, Retreat registration brochures, correspondence, etc. Assist affiliates with Landrum-Griffin requirements for officer elections, RA delegate elections, etc. Administers NSO

2015 NSO Handbook 8

Constitution and is the Executive Committee liaison to the Credentials Committee for the Representative Assembly. Attends a minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel), and officer meetings (as required). Provides on-site advocacy and training assistance to affiliates, as requested. Weekly time commitment: Approximately 15-25 hours Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 25-35 days (not including on-site assistance)

Treasurer Prepares and presents an annual report to the membership. Prepares an annual financial statement distributed to the Representative Assembly; prepares quarterly financial statement distributed to the officers and executive committee. Maintains list of affiliates meeting electronic membership update requirements and collects LM forms from affiliates. Maintains membership data for dues/budget calculations. Prepares proposed annual budget and dues amounts. Advises and assists affiliates with local filing requirements for Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service. Maintains bonding for NSO officers and local affiliate officers. Administers NSO investments. Attends a minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel), and officer meetings (as required). Provides on-site advocacy and training assistance to affiliates. Weekly time commitment: Approximately 6-10 hours Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 20-25 days (not including on-site assistance)

Regional Executive Committee Member Assists affiliates in respective region for all NSO services; co-chairs CBC respective to region (usually meet 3-4 times annually, approximately two days each); may chair/co-chair or act as liaison to standing and/or special committees such as Research, Special Services, etc. Works with appropriate Vice President to assist affiliates in training, bargaining assistance, crisis investigations, grievance/arbitration assistance, internal dispute resolutions, etc. Provide quarterly regional report to Executive Committee. Attends a minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel), CBC meetings (as determined by CBC). Upon request, provides on-site advocacy and training assistance to affiliates. Weekly time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 18-22 days (not including on-site assistance)

At-Large Executive Committee Member May be asked to assist in any/all regions as necessary; co-chairs CBC as assigned by President/Executive Committee; may chair/co-chair or act as liaison to standing and/or special committees such as Research, Special Services, etc. Works with appropriate Vice President to assist affiliates in training, bargaining assistance, crisis investigations, grievance/arbitration assistance, internal dispute resolutions, etc. Provide quarterly reports to Executive Committee. Attends a minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel), CBC meetings (as determined by CBC), Research or Special Services committee as assigned (two days including travel). Upon request, provides on site advocacy and training assistance to affiliates. Weekly time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 18-22 days (not including on-site assistance)

2015 NSO Handbook

9

Harvard Trade Union Program

The Harvard Trade Union Program, which runs January through February each year, is designed for trade union officials and employees to learn advocacy skills. NSO has budgeted $13,000 to be used for the Harvard Trade Union Program. A full tuition grant is available under the Chip Tassone Scholarship and is earmarked for NSO Associate Staff members. Two half scholarships (named after Chuck Leberknight—OH and John Warms—NJ) may be available to NSO Professional Staff members. The program is a six week course on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Any NSO member, in good standing, must send a letter of interest in the HTUP to the NSO liaison. The following represents the process for consideration:

All HTUP scholarship applications must be completed and submitted directly to the NSO Liaison (Cheryl Singleton);

The application period for the HTUP commences July 15 and expires September 15 of each year;

All applications must be received by the NSO HTUP Liaison (Cheryl Singleton) no later than September 15 of the calendar year;

A letter of interest must be sent directly to the NSO/HTUP liaison for consideration;

The HTUP applicant must have their affiliate’s endorsement to qualify for an NSO Scholarship and said endorsement must accompany the HTUP application;

NSO will screen all HTUP applications per the criteria established, and provide Harvard with NSO’s recommendation on who may attend and receive the NSO Scholarship;

Pursuant to the criteria established, it is within the total discretion of the NSO to determine which applicant should receive approval for the HTUP NSO Scholarship;

Notification to the Harvard Trade Union Program on who has been approved for participation will occur after the September 15 deadline;

All applicants will receive notice from NSO on their status for a scholarship as soon as a determination has been made on who has been endorsed for the program;

Should an applicant not receive approval for an NSO scholarship, the participant may apply again, however a new application must be received by the NSO Liaison (Cheryl Singleton) for the subsequent calendar year.

Upon receipt of the letter of interest, a comprehensive application packet and cover letter detailing the application process and what needs to be done, will be sent to the applicant. A copy of this letter is sent to the appropriate NSO Region Director.

2015 NSO Handbook

10

Criteria: o Availability of funding (from sources other than NSO, if necessary) o A member in good standing in an NSO affiliate as well as NSO. o Minority/female status o Availability of time (candidate must secure time away from the job prior to

submission of the letter of interest) o Date of application o Actual participation in the NSO Affiliate o Years of service o Did applicant make contact w/ NSO liaison? (before or after application?) o Has applicant spoken to Exec/Manager (whoever approves leave)? o Has applicant secured necessary funding for remaining expenses? o Has applicant notified affiliate president of interest?

Contact: Cheryl Singleton Phone: 617/878-8657 (Office) Massachusetts Teacher Association

756 Orchard St., 3rd Floor Raynham MA 02767

508/880-7575 (Fax) 781/443-3190 (Cell) Email: [email protected]


2015 NSO Handbook

11

Harvard Trade Union Program Scholarship Agreement

This Scholarship Agreement is between the National Staff Organization (NSO) and the Scholarship Recipient (SR) and provides for repayment to NSO of scholarship funds expended on behalf of any Scholarship Recipient who attends, at NSO expense, the Harvard Trade Union Program (HTUP) as follows:

1. A copy of this signed Agreement shall be deemed a duplicate original.

2. The HTUP Scholarship Recipient, by his/her signature, promises to repay the NSO dollar-for-dollar for any NSO scholarship payments to HTUP expended on the SR’s behalf to attend HTUP in the event Scholarship Recipient terminates his/her employment/membership within three (3) consecutive years immediately following attendance at the HTUP.

3. The NSO shall be the sole judge as to whether the HTUP Scholarship Recipient’s actions are in

breach of the Paragraph 2 three (3)-year time period above. Circumstances which do not constitute breach of Paragraph 2 are death, involuntary discharge, involuntary layoff, military leave and work or non-work injury preventing candidate from rendering HTUP leadership services to their bargaining unit. There may within the three (3)-year period be other causes which excuse repayment. Any such justification absolving repayment is solely up to a majority vote of the full NSO Executive Committee.

4. Consideration for this promise and agreement to repay NSO is the expectation that the HTUP

Scholarship Recipient return to the workplace and render leadership services to the affiliate and its members based upon NSO-paid attendance at the HTUP.

Entered into this __________ day of ______________________, 20_____. NATIONAL STAFF ORGANIZATION (NSO) HTUP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT By: __________________________________ (Name)

__________________________________ (NSO Title)

By: ___________________________________ (HTUP Scholarship Recipient Name)

Date: _________________________________

Date: _________________________________

Adopted by NSO Executive Committee, June 8, 2011, Motion #7

2015 NSO Handbook 12

Guidelines for Karen Cherry Disaster Relief Assistance

In 2005, the National Staff Organization established the NSO Disaster Relief Fund to assist active NSO members who have suffered property damage and financial loss as a result of a natural disaster. Past donations from our affiliates have helped NSO members who have sustained home damage as a result of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and fires. Donations to the NSO Disaster Relief Fund could help NSO members in the future who encounter such disasters as those enumerated above. The essence of this fund is to provide financial assistance to our brothers and sisters who encounter emergency situations. In short, donations from NSO affiliates make vital resources available at a time in our members’ lives when the need is greatest. In 2013, the NSO Executive Committee renamed the Fund, the Karen Cherry Disaster Relief Fund. The goal of this fund centers on NSO members helping other NSO members in need. Karen Cherry’s (Michigan ASO) spirit epitomizes the goal of helping others. She passed away in October 2013, but her spirit will live on through the Disaster Relief Fund. Karen served as the NSO Research Committee chair. Daisies were her favorite flower. Who is eligible for NSO Disaster Relief Assistance?

To be eligible for assistance from the NSO Disaster Relief Fund, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements.

• Must be an active NSO member in good standing • Must have incurred lost or damaged property due to a disaster

When Can Members Apply?

NSO members can apply for assistance from the NSO Disaster Relief Fund. Funding will focus on individuals’ needs including but not limited to assisting survivors with utility payments and rent – difficult to meet due to unemployment stemming from the disaster and/or the need to re-establish residences that were damaged/destroyed.

NSO members may request emergency assistance in connection with loss of properties and have suffered severe damage due to sudden, unexpected phenomena (such as a hurricane, serious fires or explosions, flooding). Emergency assistance does not involve cases of damage or deterioration that has been caused by gradual processes such as decay, pollution, erosion, etc.

Where do NSO Members Apply?

The fund is managed by NSO. Requests for emergency assistance may be sent to the NSO President with a copy to the Regional Director and NSO Comptroller. Requests for immediate emergency assistance can be authorized by NSO up to $1,000.00. Financial requests that exceed $1,000 will require the approval of the NSO Executive Committee.

All requests for assistance will be subject to review by the NSO Executive Committee, with the exception of requests for emergency assistance.


Karen Cherry Disaster Relief Fund Application for Financial Assistance

Purpose: The purpose of the NSO Disaster Relief Fund is to assist active NSO members who have suffered property damage and financial loss as a result of a disaster. Source of funding: Charitable donations from the members and friends of the National Staff Organization. Eligibility: Affected members of the National Staff Organization.

PLEASE PROVIDE THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW (Further information may be requested for the processing of this application.)

Name ________________________________________________________________________ NSO Affiliate __________________________________________________________________ Home Address ________________________________________________________________ Work Address ________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home) ______________________ Telephone (Work) ______________________ Email _______________________________________ Cell ____________________________ NSO Disaster Relief Fund applicants must have sustained losses related to a disaster. Which disaster caused the damage? ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

How will you use the funds that the NSO Disaster Relief Fund may provide?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Send application and any relevant documentation to NSO Treasurer, Ron Goldenstein, 9600 Iron Gate Ct., Lincoln, NE 68526-9612


Where to Call

NSO Secretary Affiliations, Constitution, Elections, RA Delegates

Mary Henson [email protected] [email protected]

(o) 248-559-9727 (f) 517-622-1892 (Secure) (c) 419-792-2722

Arbitration/Defense Assistance Mike Boyer [email protected]

(o) 509-326-4046 (f) (c) 509-981-6728

On-Site Bargaining Assistance Training Assistance

Lynn Adler [email protected]

(o) 312-407-0098 (f) (c) 312-771-7120

Communications Director Rosemary Carey [email protected]

(o) 800-292-1934 (f) (c) 517-230-8075

Central States CBC Mary Freel [email protected] [email protected]

(o) 402-346-0440, ext. 11 (f) (c)

Cheryl Singleton [email protected] [email protected]

(o) 617-878-8657 (f) 508-880-7575 (Not secure) (c) 781-443-3190

Corridor States CBC Robert Blackwell [email protected]

(o) (f) (c) 910-381-9851

Kathy Hill [email protected] [email protected]

(o) 317-263-3375 (f) 317-655-3730 (Not secure) (c) 317-459-7771

Southern States CBC Tammy Whitaker [email protected]

(o) 904-264-8810 (f) 904-438-5128 (c) 904-607-1765

Tom Greene [email protected] [email protected]

(o) 800-292-1934 (f) (c) 517-896-7860

















Western States CBC Catherine Alexander [email protected]

(o) 503-645-6066 (f) (c) 503-816-3785

Dawn Basurto [email protected]

(o) 916-325-1531 (f) 916-325-1583 (Not secure) (c) 916-207-6856

Comptroller, Crisis Fund Department of Labor Requirements LM-2, 3, or 4 Forms) Dues Transmittal/ Status

Ron Goldenstein [email protected]

(o) 402-475-7611 (f) 402-475-2489 (c) 402-432-3401

Harvard Trade Union Program Cheryl Singleton [email protected] [email protected]

(o): 617/878-8657 (f): 508/880-7575 (c): 781/443-3190

Affiliates in Good Standing Ron Goldenstein [email protected]

See Above

Research Robert Blackwell

See Above

Chair, Dawn Basurto [email protected]

(o) 916-325-1531 (f) 916-325-1583 (Not secure) (c) 916-207-6856

Pension Benefits Tammy Whitaker See Above

Ron Goldenstein See Above

Retirement Consultant Mort Reinhart [email protected]

(o) 908-526-3492 (f) (c)

Winter Advocacy Retreat Lynn Adler See Above

Mary Henson See Above

Crisis Assistance Region Directors

NSO Website www.nationalstaff.org

Webmaster Miriam Garcia [email protected]

(o) 800-292-1934, ext. 6274 (f) (c)

Parliamentarian John Reilly [email protected]

(o) (f) (c)









http://www.nationalstaff.org/




Health Benefits Task Force Brad Darjean

[email protected] (o) 410-266-3133 (f) 410-352-6110 (Not secure) (c) 337-351-6967

Legislative Liaison Catherine Alexander See Above

Special Services Committee Kathy Hill See Above

Organizing Committee Brad Darjean

See Above

NSO-Retired Bernadette Lange [email protected] Diane Thompson-Russell [email protected]

...or call NSO President Chuck Agerstrand 800/292-1934 (Office); 517/230-1998 (cell)





NSO Web Page

NSO maintains its own Web page. The address is:

http://www.nationalstaff.org

The website is now password protected so that only NSO members who have registered can view the entire site and be able to read the latest news and information about NSO. To access the site, NSO members must provide their own username and password. Once the information has been registered, members can access the site. For information about NSO’s advocacy history, a list of Executive Committee members and other standing committees, a review of major programs and NSO’s grievance and arbitration policy, go to About Us. For current news from NSO and state affiliates, click on News, NSO Now!, Affiliates and Legislative Updates. If you are considering running for an NSO position, you can find election notices, campaign and election rules and regulations and candidate petitions at NSO Elections. The Calendar and Conferences will keep you updated on major NSO events, along with a recap of conference activities. Editions of the NSO Contact newsletter are online at NSO Contact Newsletter.

For more information, contact Rosemary Carey, NSO Communications Director, at [email protected] or Miriam Garcia, NSO Webmaster Miriam Garcia, at [email protected].





NSO AFFILIATE PRESIDENTS INFORMATION SHEET

In order to ensure that affiliates receive timely NSO information it is imperative that we have accurate information in our database. A home address is required for campaigning and election purposes. Please complete this form any time there is a change in address, phone number, email address or affiliate president. Either return the form by fax or email to: Mary Henson, 517/622-1892 (NSO Fax), or at [email protected].

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY AND COMPLETE ALL FIELDS

President’s Name: ____________________________________________________________ NSO Affiliate Name: ___________________________________________________________ (Check one) Professional Associate Wall-to-Wall Term of Office: ___________________________ to ________________________________ Commences Expires

(mm/dd/year) (mm/dd/year)

OFFICE ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Office Phone: ______________________________________________

Office Fax: _______________________________________________

Office Email: _______________________________________________

HOME ADDRESS: (Required information for DOL purposes and national communications from the NSO Executive Committee) ____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: ______________________________________________

Home Fax: ______________________________________________

Home Email: _______________________________________________

Cell Phone: _______________________________________________

Mailing Preference Home Address Office Address



NSO Whistleblower (WB) Policy

Each NSO officer, Executive Committee member and consultant is obligated to comply with legal requirements in carrying out their responsibilities. The purpose of this policy is to reaffirm those methods for addressing conduct which may be perceived as misconduct. In that regard this policy must be considered in conjunction with the NSO Conflict of Interest Policy.

The NSO has no paid employees or officers. Its operations and conduct are subject to review by the Department of Labor and procedures under its Constitution and Bylaws. In furtherance hereof, it files reports with the U.S. Department of Labor and through IRS-Form 990 it is subject to audits from both and agencies.

Any whistleblower (WB) concern should be put in writing and brought to the NSO President, or either of the Vice Presidents. If requested the concern will be kept anonymous. If the NSO officer has reasonable cause to believe there is misconduct, the NSO President or alternative officer will take appropriate action.

Any WB investigation shall be handled as the WB officer sees fit. A complainant shall not be subject to any form of retaliation because of a complaint, participation in any investigation or good-faith implementation of this policy.

Nothing in this WB policy deprives any complainant, NSO officer, Executive Committee or consultant of any rights under NSO governing documents or statutes. Information and documents in implementing this policy shall be treated as confidential as possible.

This WB policy shall be effective on the date of adoption by the NSO Executive Committee and may be amended as appropriate. This policy only applies to the NSO as a parent organization and is not binding or applicable on any affiliate member. Any affiliate member shall be free to promulgate and maintain its own WB policy. This WB policy shall be disclosed to the Representative Assembly with a clear explanation for its existence and it applicability to any NSO affiliate.

Adopted by the NSO Executive Committee, #8, October 22, 2010


NSO Document Retention Policy

The NSO, as a parent organization at the time of this policy and its adoption, has no employees or an office. Its elected leaders and officers are dispersed throughout the United States employed by NEA affiliates.

Accordingly, with due regard to the above, the NSO Executive Committee has developed this Document Retention Policy (“DRP”). The DRP encourages each officer to prudently maintain NSO records. Specifically financial records, treasurer’s reports, and corporate records shall be retained seven (7) years, seven (7) years and three (3)n years respectfully. Documents of incorporation, tax-exempt records, Board minutes and agenda items shall be retained indefinitely in the NSO record books. Executive Committee documents re: quarterly meetings shall be kept according to the attached chart. These records listed shall be kept by the officers or individuals designated by the NSO Executive Committee.

DOCUMENT PROTECTION

Documents (hard copy, online or other media) will be stored in a protected environment for the duration of the Document Retention Schedule.

DOCUMENT DESTRUCTION

Hard copies of documents will be destroyed by shredding after they have been retained until the end of the Document Retention Schedule. Online copies will be destroyed by proven means to destroy such media after they have been retained until the end of the Document Retention Schedule.

PROVISION OF DOCUMENTATION FOR INVESTIGATIONS OR LITIGATION

Documents requested and subpoenaed by legally authorized personnel will be provided within legal guidelines. The NSO President will authorize document production with due regard to the numerous locations and persons who may be custodians.

Adopted by the NSO Executive Committee, # 9, October 22, 2010


NSO DOCUMENT RETENTION SCHEDULE CORPORATE RECORDS

DURATION

KEEPER OF RECORDS/CUSTODIAN

Articles of Incorporation to apply for corporate status Permanent Secretary IRS Form 1023 (in the USA) to file for tax-exempt and/or chartable status.

Permanent Treasurer

Letter of Determination (for example, from the IRS in the USA) granting tax exempt and/or charitable status.

Permanent Treasurer

Bylaws Permanent Secretary Board policies Permanent Secretary Resolutions Permanent Secretary Board meeting minutes Permanent Secretary Tax or employee identification number designation Permanent Treasurer Annual corporate filings Permanent Treasurer FINANCIAL RECORDS Chart of accounts Permanent Treasurer Fiscal Policies and Procedures Permanent Treasurer Audits Permanent Treasurer Financial Statements Permanent Treasurer General Ledger Permanent Treasurer Check registers/books 7 years Treasurer Business expenses documents 7 years Treasurer Bank deposit slips 7 years Treasurer Cancelled checks 7 years Treasurer Invoices 7 years Treasurer Investment records (deposits/earnings, withdrawals) 7 years Treasurer Property asset inventories 7 years Treasurer Petty cash receipts/documents 3 years Treasurer Credit card receipts/travel vouchers 3 years Treasurer Department of Labor (DOL) Reports LM-2, LM-3 or LM-4 Permanent Treasurer

TAX RECORDS Annual tax filing for the organization (IRS Form 990, 990EZ, or 990N)

Permanent Treasurer

Filings of fees paid to professionals (IRS Form 1099 in the USA)

7 years Treasurer

INSURANCE RECORDS Directors and Officers Insurance Policy Permanent Treasurer Insurance Policy Not applicable Treasurer General Liability Insurance Policy Permanent Treasurer Insurance claims applications Permanent Treasurer Insurance disbursements/denials Permanent Treasurer Adopted by the NSO Executive Committee, #9, October 22, 2010


Conflict of Interest for NSO Officers, Executive Committee

and Consultants

The NSO is a volunteer organization with no paid employees. Nonetheless, NSO officers, Executive Committee and consultants are obligated to carry out responsibilities in a manner that advances the interests of NSO. They may take no action detrimental to those interests. Further, said fiduciary obligations and must not incur any obligation that is in conflict or has the appearance of conflict with the proper and faithful performance of NSO responsibilities and interests. This policy shall be implemented by the NSO President and any activity thought to be prohibited shall be presented to him or her. If a person perceiving a conflict of interest is unsatisfied with the NSO President’s response, he/she may take it to any Executive Committee individual or to the Representative Assembly by invoking procedures established under the NSO Constitution. If the alleged conflict is with the NSO President, it shall be brought to any other member of the Executive Committee who shall be responsible for assessing the claim and responding by utilizing the Vice Presidents and other Executive Committee members. In all events, a reply shall be forthcoming. This policy shall be effective upon adoption by the Executive Committee. It shall supersede any prior NSO policy on this subject and may be amended from time to time by the Executive Committee with at least thirty (30) days’ advance notice before action on an amendment by the Executive Committee. This policy only applies to the NSO as a parent organization and is not binding or applicable on any affiliate member. Any affiliate member shall be free to promulgate and maintain its own conflict of interest policy. This NSO Conflict of Interest Policy shall be disclosed to the Representative assembly for publication or action with a clear explanation for its existence and inapplicability to any NSO affiliate.

Adopted by the NSO Executive Committee, #7, October 22, 2010


NSO UNION MEMBERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

I will not criticize any union colleague except to the individual directly. If any union colleague is being criticized in my presence, I will confront the

criticism and ask that it stop. I will not participate in any conversations with management that criticize, or

negatively speculate about any union colleague. I will settle my differences with union colleagues within the union.

I will engage in debate, offer others every opportunity for debate and respect

minority viewpoints and I will observe and support the majority mandate of my union.

I will avoid actions that undermine the bargaining and contract rights of other

unions in the workplace. I will not perform the work of a worker who is off the job because he/she is

taking a stand for the rights of workers to fair treatment and decent working conditions. Adopted by the National Staff Organization, 1996 NSO/Representative Assembly/2012 RA/NSO Code of Conduct 6512.docx


Standards for Affiliation with the National Staff Organization

Under the provisions of Article II of the NSO Constitution, the NSO Representative Assembly, upon recommendation of the NSO Executive Committee, shall authorize and recognize as a local affiliate of the National Staff Organization such organizations as are established from among staff members who are in a direct employment relationship with education associations or other organizations with which NSO has a community of interest provided such local affiliates shall have among their primary purposes improvements in the terms or conditions of employment for the advancement of the welfare of their members. I. The staff association shall forward to NSO a copy of its Constitution and By-Laws.

II. The staff association shall guarantee to its membership the following:

A. At least four (4) meetings per year of the total membership and/or of a representative council made up of representatives selected on a basis of fair representation.

*B. Procedures to conduct all elections of officers and representatives or governing bodies with open nominations and secret ballot.

*C. Application of the one-person, one-vote principle for representation on its governing bodies including guaranteed ethnic-minority representation at least proportionate to its ethnic-minority membership.

*D. Every member to have equal rights and privileges within the organization:

1. to nominate candidates; 2. to vote in elections or on referenda of the organization; 3. to attend membership meetings; 4. to participate in the deliberation and voting upon the business of such meetings

except that in voting on contract ratification only members in the unit shall have the right to vote.

*E. Every member to have the right:

1. to meet and assemble fully with other members; 2. to express any views, arguments or opinions; 3. to express his/her views at meetings upon candidates in an election of the

organization or upon any business properly brought before the meeting.

*F. No increase in the rate of dues and no levy of general or special assessment except by:


Application for Affiliation with the National Staff Organization

In accordance with a majority vote of its general membership taken on __________________ the (Date) Name of Association ______________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________ (Number) (Street) __________________________________________________________________________________ (City) (County) (State) (Zip) hereby makes application to be recognized as an affiliate of the National Staff Organization and agrees to adhere to the appropriate Standards for Affiliation with the National Staff Organization. The Association shall forward this application to NSO with: A copy of its current Constitution and Bylaws A copy of its Certificate of Incorporation An application for tax exemption An application for bonding

The Association agrees to forward its membership dues to the NSO within the time limits as specified within the Standards for Affiliation with the National Staff Organization. Date: __________________________ ______________________________________ (Signature of President) ______________________________________ (Signature of Secretary) Please return to: Chuck Agerstrand, President, National Staff Organization c/o 1216 Kendale Blvd., PO Box 2573 East Lansing, Michigan 48826-2573


LOCAL AFFILIATE MODEL CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the (affiliate name), dedicated to the freedom and strength of those who serve the organized education (or labor) profession, do hereby ordain and establish this Constitution to promote the advancement of collective bargaining and unionism.

ARTICLE I Name and Purpose Section 1. The business of this (union) shall be conducted under the title of (affiliate name)

hereinafter referred to as the "(union)". Section 2. The purpose of the (affiliate name) shall be to represent and advocate the

employment concerns of its members and to enhance the effectiveness of its members toward that end.

ARTICLE II Affiliations/Charter Section 1. The (affiliate name) shall affiliate with and be chartered by the National Staff

Organization (NSO) and shall conform to the NSO Constitution and Bylaws, rules and regulations of the NSO, legally authorized decisions of the NSO Executive Committee and policies adopted by the Representative Assembly.

Section 2. In default of the rules and regulations of the National Staff Organization, such

charter referenced in Section 1 of this Article may be suspended or revoked in accordance with procedures provided by the NSO Constitution. Should the (local affiliate) be suspended, expelled, or otherwise forfeit the NSO charter, then the (local affiliate) and their successors bind themselves to surrender the same. Upon disaffiliation, suspension or revocation of the charter conferred by the National Staff Organization (NSO), the (local affiliate) shall thereupon cease and desist from using such name National Staff Organization for any purpose whatsoever.


ARTICLE III Authority and Indemnification

The (affiliate name) shall indemnify and hold harmless its officers, Executive Committee members, and other agents from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, obligations, suits or other form of legal action or litigation arising from or related to any action taken by such officers, Executive Committee members, or other agents in the performance of any duties authorized by the operation of the Constitution and Bylaws or by any action derivative from powers authorized under those documents.

ARTICLE IV Dissolution The assets of the (affiliate name) will be distributed to the (National Staff Organization Charlie Love Crisis Fund or other designation determined by the local affiliate) upon dissolution.

ARTICLE V Membership Section 1. Membership in the (local affiliate) shall be open to those persons who are

employed as full-time regular (and other appropriate employment categories) employees who pay dues and assessments as provided in the Bylaws and are Members in Good Standing as provided in the Constitution and Bylaws.

Membership, however, shall not be open through any means any individual who

is not eligible for participation in the bargaining unit represented by (local affiliate) by virtue of being ruled a managerial employee or otherwise excluded by the NLRB.

Section 2. Except for non-payment of dues, no member shall be fined, suspended, expelled

or otherwise disciplined pursuant to the provisions of Article XIII, Hearing Procedures, without being served with specific written charges and given a reasonable time in which to prepare a defense which may be asserted at a full and fair hearing.

Section 3. Effect of Merger on Bargaining Rights and Representation Rights: In the event of

merger and/or melding of the (Employer) and the consequent administrative and governance procedures, there shall be no essential change in the identity of servicing or bargaining representative which is a party to a contract with the employing entity. Further, the identity of the bargaining agent for purposes of collective bargaining, shall remain unimpaired, so that no question concerning representation may be raised arising from the merger. Thus, an administrative


merger of staffs, or consolidation of operations, shall not create a question concerning representation under NLRB law.

ARTICLE VI Funds Section 1. The (local affiliate) General Funds or property of the (local affiliate) shall be used

only for such purposes as are specified in the Constitution and Bylaws of the (local affiliate) and as may be required to transact and properly conduct its business. Under no circumstances shall any of the General Funds be used for donations to members, or for political or religious purposes.

ARTICLE VII Officers and Executive Committee Section 1. The officers of the (local affiliate) shall consist of the President, Vice-President,

Secretary, Treasurer elected at large by all members of the (local affiliate). Executive Committee members shall not be elected at large, but rather, be elected by members within representation areas of the state on a basis of one Executive Committee member for each 10 members or major fraction thereof. (NOTE: The establishment of the number of executive committee members shall be determined by the affiliate and is specifically mentioned in the Constitution.)

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall consist of the parties as per Section 1 of this

Article, and it shall be the agency through which the general administrative and executive functions of the (local affiliate) shall be carried out.

Section 3. The terms of office, specific duties, and election procedures for all members of

the Executive Committee shall be provided in the Bylaws and shall be in accordance with the NSO Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 4. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to assess all members an

amount not to exceed twice (2X) the annual dues during any single membership year in order to meet unusual financial demands placed upon the (local affiliate) or its members. Assessments shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the general membership.

Section 5. The Executive Committee shall have the power to establish and implement

disciplinary procedures for the members consistent with the (local affiliate) Constitution and Bylaws.


Section 6. Members of the Executive Committee of the (local affiliate) shall serve their terms so long as they satisfactorily perform the duties of their office.

Where an Executive Committee member is guilty of misconduct, such member

may be removed for cause (shown after notice and hearing) and a majority vote of the general membership of the (local affiliate).

a. Recommendation for recall can be made by the submission of a petition

containing the signatures of twenty (20%) percent of the membership of the (local affiliate) to the Executive Committee.

b. The Executive Committee shall notify in writing any Executive Committee

member who has been recommended for recall. c. Any Executive Committee member may appeal in writing to the Executive

Committee. d. The Executive Committee shall schedule hearings, whenever necessary, to

review the recommendations of recall of an officer. e. The report by the Executive Committee of those hearings shall be made

available to the membership of the (local affiliate). f. A mail ballot of the membership of the (local affiliate) shall be taken two (2)

weeks after the issuance of the report by the Executive Committee. g. Such recall shall be determined by majority vote of the valid ballots cast by

the membership of the (local affiliate). Section 7. Nothing in this Article shall be construed as precluding officers from succeeding

themselves in office, if duly elected. Section 8. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall

succeed to the office of President, and that individual shall serve until the next annual election.

Section 9. The President shall have authority to make interpretations of this Constitution,

subject to review and approval by the (local affiliate) Executive Committee. Section 10. (REQUIRED PROVISION) Except to the extent specified in the NSO Constitution,

no officer of the (local affiliate )shall have the power to act as agent for or otherwise bind the NSO in any way whatsoever. No member or group of members or other person or persons shall have the power to act on behalf of or otherwise bind the (local affiliate) except to the extent specifically authorized by


the President of the (local affiliate) or by the Executive Committee of the (local affiliate).

ARTICLE VIII Nomination of Officers Section 1. The President, with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee, shall

appoint an election committee of ____ members who shall accept nominations for office for the May meeting of the (local affiliate) general membership. Other candidates for office shall present petitions signed by at least three (3) members. Each nominee must be a member in good standing of the (local affiliate) and give his/her written consent to appear on the ballot.

Section 2. In addition to the provisions of Section 1 hereof, nominations from the floor shall

be called for and received at the May general membership meeting, provided the nominees are members in good standing of the (local affiliate).

ARTICLE IX Election of Delegates to the NSO Representative Assembly Section 1. Delegates to the NSO Representative Assembly shall be elected by secret ballot

by the members of the (local affiliate) in accordance with provisions of the NSO Constitution and Bylaws and the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA).

Section 2. Additionally, runners up shall serve as alternates in order of the highest vote-

getter to the lowest vote-getter. Section 3. The President of the (local affiliate) shall serve as delegate by virtue of office. Section 4 Delegates and alternates shall serve a term of (to be determined by the affiliate,

but no more than a two-year term) year. Nothing in this Article shall be construed as precluding delegates and alternates from succeeding themselves in office, if duly elected.

ARTICLE X Member in Good Standing

Section 1. "Member" or "member in good standing” includes any person who has fulfilled the requirements for membership or affiliation in the (local affiliate), and who neither has voluntarily withdrawn from membership nor has been expelled or suspended from membership after appropriate proceedings consistent with lawful provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the (local affiliate).


Section 2. The following shall constitute the basis for the filing of charges that a member is

not in Good Standing:

a. Violation of any provision of the (local affiliate) Constitution, Bylaws or duly adopted interpretation of the (local affiliate) Constitution or Bylaws.

b. Misappropriation, embezzlement, or improper or illegal use of (local affiliate)

funds. c. Any action by any (local affiliate) officer or authorized representative

of (local affiliate) which results in the unauthorized expenditure of funds from the (local affiliate).

d. Acting in collusion with management to the detriment of the welfare of

the (local affiliate) or its membership. e. Refusal to carry out legally authorized decisions of the (local affiliate)

Executive Committee or general membership. f. Instituting or urging others to institute action outside the (local affiliate),

against the (local affiliate), against the National Staff Organization, or against any officer of the (local affiliate) without first exhausting all internal remedies within the (local affiliate), provided that nothing in the foregoing shall diminish a member’s rights to seek recourse under protections afforded by the LMRDA.

g. Using the name of the National Staff Organization or of the (local affiliate) in

an unauthorized manner or for an unauthorized purpose. h. Obtaining membership through fraud or misrepresentation. i. Deliberately interfering with any official of the National Staff Organization or

of the (local affiliate) in the discharge of such officials’ lawful duties, including but not limited to the solicitation or acceptance of a bribe or the acceptance of any gift of more than nominal value form any employer, member, group of members or employee of the Organization, or from any person or firm that has or is seeking to establish a business relationship with the NSO or the (local affiliate).

j. Conviction of a crime which, under the Labor Management Reporting and

Disclosure Act, would disqualify the person from membership.


k. Knowingly submitting a false membership dues report or other financial or audit report to the National Staff Organization or the (local affiliate), or knowingly and intentionally making any false financial report or statement to any lawfully constituted body at any level of the (local affiliate).

Section 3. Hearing(s) on any charge(s) made against a member or affiliate pursuant to this

Article shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Article XIII, Hearing Procedures.

ARTICLE XI Coordinated Bargaining Council

Section 1. The (local affiliate) shall join and participate in the NSO Coordinated Bargaining

Council in accordance with the NSO Constitution and Bylaws. ARTICLE XII Hearing Procedures Section 1. Any individual member of the (local affiliate) may file charges for any reason

specified in this Constitution against any member or (local affiliate). Section 2. Procedures for conducting a hearing pursuant to this Article shall be established

by the (local affiliate) Executive Committee and shall be attached to this Constitution and Bylaws as an Appendix.

Section 3. Changes and/or revisions to the Hearing Procedures established separately from

the Constitution and Bylaws and shall be the responsibility and authority of the Executive Committee, subject to review and approval of the general membership of the (local affiliate).

ARTICLE XIII Exhaustion of Remedies Every member against whom charges have been preferred or disciplinary action taken as a result thereof, or against whom adverse rulings or decisions have been rendered or who claims to be aggrieved, shall be obliged to first exhaust all remedies provided for in the (local affiliate) Constitution and Bylaws and following the NSO Constitution and Bylaws before resorting to any court, tribunal or agency against the (local affiliate), the NSO, or any officer or employee thereof. The duty to exhaust shall not limit, abrogate, interfere with, or contravene rights guaranteed to seek redress under the LMRDA and/or an administrative agency or court of competent jurisdiction.


ARTICLE XIV Rules of Order Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, shall be authority on parliamentary procedure at any meeting of the duly constituted bodies of the (local affiliate). ARTICLE XV Amendments Section 1. Amendments to this Constitution may be introduced by the Executive

Committee or by petition of not less than ten (10) members to the Executive Committee.

All proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be sent to the general

membership at least thirty (30) days prior to mail voting on the proposed amendments. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the general membership voting on the issue shall be required to adopt proposed amendments.

Section 2. The Bylaws may be amended by majority of the general membership voting on

the issue.


BYLAWS ARTICLE I Terms of Office Section 1. All officers and Executive Committee members shall be elected for a two (2) year

period which shall commence September 1 through August 31.

ARTICLE II Elections and Vacancies Section 1. Officers and Executive Committee members of the (local affiliate) shall be

elected by secret ballot in accordance with provisions of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act and guidelines recommended by the Department of Labor.

A. Officers shall be elected in even-numbered years.

B. Executive Committee members shall be elected for two year terms in odd-numbered years.

(NSO recommends that this language becomes policy. Representation on the Executive Committee shall not be less than thirty

(30%) percent ethnic minorities and women. In the event that the regular election process does not produce necessary representation on the Committee, it shall be expanded through a special election by the general membership until the required ethnic minorities and women representation percentage is reached.)

Section 2. Officers members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members voting. If,

in any case, no candidate receives a majority vote for a particular office, there shall immediately be a run-off election between the two (2) candidates for that office receiving the highest number of votes on the first ballot. Executive Committee members shall be elected by majority with a an immediate run-off of the two candidates receiving more votes than other candidate(s) shall be held, if necessary, to determine a majority.

Section 3. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, at the first Executive

Committee meeting after the election, the Executive Committee shall elect one (1) of the two (2) Vice-President(s) to assume that office, or to act in the absence of the President, until the next annual election.


In the event of a vacancy in any other position, the Executive Committee shall appoint a member to the position to serve until the next annual election.

Section 4. Disputes regarding the eligibility of any candidate for elective office, the results,

conduct or appropriateness of any election, may be raised by any member. Any question or dispute about any election or procedure involving an election shall be in writing to the Executive Committee within thirty (30) days of the election. The question shall be reviewed and determined by a special Committee consisting of five (5) members elected from the Executive Committee. The special Committee shall review the matter and send a written ruling within sixty (60) days to the President. The Committee’s ruling shall be final.

ARTICLE III Duties of Officers Section 1. The President shall preside at all official meetings of the (local affiliate) and shall

perform such duties as are customarily associated with the office. Section 2. The President shall prepare and submit an annual report on the (local affiliate)

activities to the annual meeting. Section 3. The President shall select and/or discharge all committee members with the

approval of the Executive Committee and shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees other than the elections committee.

Section 4. The Vice-President shall act in the absence of the President and shall succeed to

the presidency in the event the office becomes vacant in accordance with provisions of these Bylaws.

Section 5. The Secretary shall be responsible for records of all correspondence and

meetings of the Executive Committee and annual general membership meeting. He/she shall gather appropriate annual data and be custodian of all files of the (local affiliate). The Secretary shall annually submit to the NSO Treasurer a complete list of names and addresses of all officers and members, and the terms of office for officers and executive committee members. Additionally, the names, addresses and terms of office of newly elected officers shall be reported to the NSO Secretary within thirty (30) days of being elected.

Section 6. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of dues and assessments,

pay all bills as approved in the budget, make a monthly report to the Executive Committee, and make an annual report to the membership. He/she shall operate under rules and policies established by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall prepare appropriate information to be filed with the Secretary of


Labor and the Internal Revenue Service annually with a copy to be sent to the National Staff Organization. He/she shall prepare an annual financial statement, which shall be distributed to the general membership.

Section 7. All officers of the (local affiliate) who handle funds or other property of the

Organization shall be covered by fidelity bonds having a value of at least ten (10%) percent of the funds handled by each of them during the preceding fiscal year.

Section 8. In addition to the duties referenced in the Sections of this Article above, the

officers shall perform additional duties as may be necessary to conduct the affairs of the Organization.

ARTICLE IV Duties of the Executive Committee Section 1. The Executive Committee shall conduct, manage, and control the affairs and

business of the (local affiliate), including interpretation of this Constitution and Bylaws between general membership meetings except as otherwise provided herein.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall prepare and submit a budget and proposed dues

for approval at the annual meeting of the membership of the (local affiliate). Section 3. The Executive Committee shall implement motions and resolutions approved by

the general membership and may devise and put into operation other measures not inconsistent with the objectives of the (local affiliate); it shall fix the time and shall make all necessary arrangements for the general membership meeting(s).

Section 4. The Executive Committee shall have the power by reason of a national emergency or natural calamity, to suspend or eliminate any meeting of the general membership or Executive Committee.

Section 5. The Executive Committee shall establish and/or disband all standing or special

committees and review the activities of all such committees. ARTICLE V Dues The dues for members of the (local affiliate) shall be established by Executive Committee with approval of the general membership.


ARTICLE VI Membership and Fiscal Year The membership and fiscal year shall be September 1 through August 31. ARTICLE VII Quorum Section 1. A quorum for the Executive Committee and all committees shall consist of a

majority of those elected and/or appointed to that body. Section 2. A quorum for the general membership meeting shall be a majority of those

present and voting, unless otherwise specified in this Constitution and Bylaws of the (local affiliate).


(local affiliate) --Appendix to the Constitution and Bylaws-- PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING A HEARING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XIII OF THE (local affiliate) CONSTITUTION 1. Filing of Charges: Charges under Article XIII of the (local affiliate) Constitution shall be in

writing and filed in duplicate with the (local affiliate) Executive Committee or President, who shall, by inspection, determine whether they be of a nature to justify trial. The (local affiliate) President may return any charges so filed for amendment or for such additional explanation or specification as the President deems proper. If, in the Executive Committee's or President's opinion, the charges be such as to justify a trial the President shall, without unnecessary delay, arrange for a trial by the Executive Committee to be conducted in one (1) of two (2) forms described in the next succeeding section, the particular form to be determined by the President, provided, however, if it is a (local affiliate) officer against whom charges have been filed, he/she shall be tried by the (local affiliate) Executive Committee.

2. Trial Procedures: Trials by the Executive Committee under the last preceding section

may be (1) upon testimony and evidence heard by the Executive Committee in formal session, or (2) testimony and evidence taken by a (local affiliate) representative and reported to the members of the Executive Committee. If the method last named be selected, the President shall appoint a Representative, who shall take the testimony of accuser and accused as well as of any other witnesses whose testimony shall be requested by either of the above parties or deemed necessary by the (local affiliate) representative. As soon as practicable after completing the taking of evidence, the Representative shall report the same to the (local affiliate) Secretary with a definite statement of the Representative's conclusions and recommendations thereon. Such report, conclusions and recommendations shall be submitted to each member of the Executive Committee, and said Committee may thereupon either in formal session or by an order signed by a majority of the Executive Committee, though not in session, make its findings upon the case, and in case of conviction, pass sentence.

The accused, if convicted, may appeal within one (1) year after date of such conviction

to the Executive Committee, and if the decision of that body be adverse, to the next general membership meeting, but no appeal shall suspend operation of the decision appealed from, and if the convicted shall fail or refuse to comply with such decision, the body to which an appeal has been taken shall require such compliance as a condition precedent to hearing and determination of the appeal.

In any trial before the Executive Committee and upon any appeal the accused, whether

or not the accused be present in person, may be represented by counsel; provided that no one shall act as counsel who is not a member in good standing of the (local affiliate).


3. Written Charges: Charges shall be in writing and shall be signed by the member or

members bringing the charges. The charges shall be specific, citing in detail the nature, the date, and the circumstances of the alleged offense and where a violation of a constitutional provision is alleged, the specific section shall be cited, along with the specific act or failure to act which constitutes the alleged violation. The charges shall be filed with the Secretary of the trial body or if the Secretary of such trial body is a directly interested party, with the presiding officer of the trial body.

4. Recording of Hearings: The Executive Committee or its designee sub-panel shall fix the

date, time and place for the trial, in such manner as to afford the maximum convenience to both the accused and the accuser practical under all the circumstances except as otherwise specifically provided in the Constitution, it shall not be necessary to maintain a verbatim record of the trial unless request for such record is made by a directly interested part to the proceedings. If such request is made, the party making the request shall be responsible for the cost of such record and of three (3) copies of the transcript, one (1) of which shall be furnished to the trial body and one (1) to the opposing party. The reporter shall attach an affidavit to each copy of the transcript stating that it is a true and accurate record of the evidence taken at the trial.

5. Rights of Accused Person: The accused person shall be guaranteed the following rights:

a. The right to be served personally with, or to have forwarded by certified mail to the accused person's current address, return receipt requested, a full copy of the charges within fifteen (15) days after they are filed and to receive a copy at least thirty (30) days before the trial date.

b. The right to file a written answer to the charge. c. The right to be tried within sixty (60) days after having been personally served, or

sixty-three (63) calendar days after having been forwarded a copy of the charge(s) as provided in the Constitution,

d. The right to have at least fifteen (15) days advance notice of the date, time, and

place of the trial. e. The right to confront the accuser. f. The right to cross-examine the accuser and any witnesses. g. The right to present witnesses in the accused person's behalf. h. The right to compel the production of (local affiliate) records pertinent to the case.


i. The right to choose a (local affiliate) member to act as the accused person's counsel in the case.

j. The right to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty. k. The right to refuse to testify: provided, however, that this right shall not include the

right to refuse to produce at trial any papers, books, or financial or other records which are the property of the (local affiliate) and which are pertinent to the case.

l. The right to appeal, in the manner hereafter provided. m. The right to choose either an open or closed hearing.

6. Rights of Charging Person(s): The person bringing the charges shall be guaranteed the

following rights:

a. The right to receive a copy of any written answer to the charge, which may be filed by the accused at the time such answer, is filed.

b. The right to have the initial trial body convened no later than seventy-eight (78)

calendar days after the charge(s) have been filed. c. The right to have at least fifteen (15) days advance notice of the date, time, and

place of the trial. d. The right to give personal testimony. e. The right to present the testimony of others and to cross-examine witnesses

presented by the accused. f. The right to compel the production of (local affiliate) records pertinent to the case. g. The right to choose a person to act as the charging party's counsel in the case. h. The right to appeal, in the manner hereafter provided.

7. Obligations of Charging Person(s): The person bringing the charges shall be under the

following obligations:

a. To file the original charge in sufficient detail as to afford the accused person full opportunity to prepare a defense.

b. To appear in person at the trial.


c. To assume the burden of proof. 8. Penalties: An Executive Committee trial body may, if it finds the accused person guilty,

assess any one (1) or more of the following penalties:

a. A formal reprimand accompanied by a formal warning against any repetition of the act or acts of which the accused is found guilty.

b. A fine in an amount not to exceed one (1) year's dues, to be paid to the (local

affiliate) . c. Full or partial restitution, where the consequences of the offense can be measured

in material terms. d. Removal from office in the (local affiliate). e. Suspension from the right to hold any elected position for a period not to exceed

four (4) years. f. Suspension from the right to hold or seek any elected position at any level office for

a period not to exceed four (4) years. g. Suspension from membership for a specified period of time, not to exceed two (2) years. h. Expulsion from membership.

9. Penalties Against Charging Party (ies)--Malice: If the charges are not sustained, and the

Executive Committee trial body is convinced that the charges were not brought in good faith or were actuated by malice, the trial body or the appellate body may impose such penalty on the charging party as in its judgment is deemed proper under the circumstances. In any case, the party against whom the penalty is imposed shall have the right to appeal the imposition of the penalty in the manner provided for other appeals, beginning at the level immediately above the trial or appellate level at which the penalty was imposed, and no such penalty shall take effect while an appeal of such penalty is pending.

10. Decision: All decisions must be rendered by the trial body within thirty (30) days

following completion of the trial, except by mutual consent of the accuser and the accused. Such decision shall be in writing and shall be transmitted by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person bringing the charge and to the accused simultaneously.


11. Appeal to (local affiliate) General Membership: Where the appeal is made to the (local affiliate) general membership, the general membership shall proceed, in the manner described for the hearing of original charges to hear such appeal; provided, however, that the general membership trial body may, in its discretion, hear the appeal on the record established at the Executive Committee level as a new case at its option.

As amended at the 2001 Representative Assembly.


EXHAUSTION OF REMEDIES 1. Exhaustion of Remedies in (local affiliate) Constitution: Every member, officer or other

subordinate body against whom charges have been preferred and disciplinary action taken as a result thereof, or against whom adverse rulings or decisions have been rendered or who claims to be aggrieved, shall be obliged to exhaust all remedies provided for in the (local affiliate) Constitution and in the NSO Constitution before resorting to any court, tribunal or agency against the (local affiliate) or the National Staff Organization, any subordinate body or any officer or employee thereof. The duty to exhaust shall not limit, abrogate, interfere with, or contravene rights guaranteed to seek redress under the LMRDA and/or an administrative agency or court of competent jurisdiction.

2. Appeal to Court of Law: Where a member resorts to a court of law and loses its cause

therein, all costs and expenses incurred by (local affiliate) may be assessed against such member, in the nature of a fine, subject to all penalties applicable where fines remain unpaid.

3. Right to Appeals Procedure: The appeals procedure provided herein is also available to

and must be followed by any active or inactive member, who is aggrieved by any decision, ruling, opinion or action of the (local affiliate), membership, officers, or Executive Committee, excluding collective bargaining matters.

4. Timely Rendering of Decisions: Unless otherwise provided herein, such as in

emergencies or trusteeships, all decisions following trials or hearing should be made and rendered within sixty (60) days of the date the hearing or trial commenced, unless otherwise ordered by the Executive Committee. This time requirement shall not be mandatory, but is only directory.

5. Decisions Full Force and Effect/Appeal: Decisions of a trial body shall be in full force

and effect from the date of the decision until and unless reversed or modified by an appellate body at a higher level; provided, however, that, except in matters subject to trusteeships, any appellate body, upon receiving a notice of appeal, may order a delay in the carrying out of any penalty which has been assessed pending its hearing and disposition of the appeal.


Membership Lists

All NSO affiliates must maintain up-to-date membership lists on the NSO membership website. Access to the membership list is available only to authorized users that have been approved by NSO. This is generally limited to the President, Secretary, or Treasurer. Only the membership records for that affiliate may be accessed. Robert Blackwell is the only person that can grant authorization and that process may be started by going to the membership website, www.nso-membership.org. If any problems or questions arise when trying to get authorization or use the membership system, contact should be made with Mr. Blackwell. The membership data must be updated annually by an authorized user no later than October 31 to ensure that members receive a personalized membership card. For the purpose of the determination of an affiliate in good standing, membership information must be updated electronically no later than June 1 of each year and notice of such update should be made to the NSO Treasurer. Annual updates are an NSO requirement for seating at the NSO Representative Assembly. Any questions about this requirement should be directed to an NSO officer or director.

Contact: Ron Goldenstein NSO Treasurer Nebraska Education Association 605 South 14th, Suite 200 Lincoln NE 68508-2742

Phone: 402-475-7611 402-475-2489 (FAX-not secure) Email: [email protected]

Robert Blackwell At-Large A Director North Carolina Assn of Educators

Phone: 910/381-9851 (cell) Email: [email protected]

https://mail2.mea.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.nso-membership.org/




1. majority vote of members in good standing voting by secret mail ballot after reasonable notice of intention to vote upon such question or voting in a membership referendum conducted by secret ballot.

*G. No limitation on a member's right to institute an action against the association in any court or proceeding before any administrative agency.

*H. No member to be fined, suspended, expelled or otherwise disciplined except for non-payment of dues without being served with specific written charges and given a reasonable time in which to prepare a defense which may be asserted at a full and fair hearing.

*I. Any member whose rights as an employee are affected by a collective bargaining agreement the right to inspect at any reasonable time and duplicate copies of such collective bargaining agreements during any reasonable time. Copies of each collective bargaining agreement shall be maintained and be available for inspection by any member or by any employee whose rights are affected by such agreements.

*J. Officers of the association to serve their terms so long as they ethically perform the duties of their office. Where an officer is guilty of misconduct, such an officer may be removed for cause (shown after notice and a hearing) and by a majority vote of the members of the association.

III. Any staff organization affiliate shall have a majority of all potential members in that unit as NSO members.

IV. The staff association shall submit reports on request to NSO. V. Notification of the name of the bank in which dues are deposited shall be sent to NSO.

Any change in the bank in which dues are deposited shall be sent to NSO within thirty (30) days of the change.

VI. The staff association shall transmit the appropriate NSO dues money to NSO no later than thirty (30) days after its receipt by the staff association from the employer unless extended by the President of NSO.

VII. The staff association shall be incorporated and provide NSO with a copy of its official certificate of incorporation.

VIII. The staff association shall apply for tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code 501(c) (5) and govern itself in a manner that will not jeopardize its tax-exempt status. Associations may apply to NSO to be included in a group exemption letter.

IX. The treasurer and president of the staff association shall be bonded under a policy provided by and paid for by NSO. The staff association shall adhere to the following accounting procedures in compliance with the bonding policy.

A. The bank accounts in which all deposits are made shall be in the name of the association.

B. Endorsement of checks shall be limited to endorsements for deposit to the credit of the association only.


C. The books and accounts of the treasurer shall be examined at least once a year and a statement by the auditor(s) made part of the association's permanent records. A copy of audit statement shall be forwarded to NSO upon completion. Said audit may be done by a staff association auditing committee.

D. Association bank accounts shall be reconciled by someone other than the treasurer. E. No payments in cash (including checks made out to "cash") shall be made from

funds of the association. F. A voucher system for payment of bills shall be instituted in each staff association.

X. The staff association's fiscal year shall be September 1 to August 31.

XI. The staff association shall represent all members to the full extent of the provisions of the law.

XII. The staff association shall adhere to those NSO policies wherein non-compliance would constitute a liability to the welfare of the members of the staff association or to NSO.

XIII. Affiliation shall not legally carry any liability for damages against the staff association or NSO due to actions taken independently by either.

*XIV. Every local staff association shall elect its officers not less often than once every three years by secret ballot among members in good standing.

*XV. Every local staff association shall file appropriate reports and annual financial records with the Secretary of Labor and forward a copy of said reports and records to NSO.

*XVI. NSO may, at the request of the NSO Executive Committee or 10% of the members of a staff association, conduct an investigation of compliance with the above Standards by that staff association under guidelines established by the NSO Representative Assembly.

*A requirement of Landrum-Griffin ______________________________________________________________________________

Definitions one-person, one vote: a voting procedure by which the vote of each member of the constituency has equal weight,

so that in the elected legislative body, each delegate represents approximately the same number of constituents as each and every other delegate.

ethnic-minority: those persons designated as ethnic-minority by statistics published by the United States Bureau of

the Census and at all times shall specifically include Blacks, Mexican Americans (Chicanos), other Spanish-speaking groups, Asian Americans and Indians (First Americans).


National Staff Organization

CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE We, the members of the National Staff Organization, dedicated to the freedom and strength of those who serve the organized education and labor professions, do hereby ordain and establish this Constitution to promote public education and advance collective bargaining and unionism.

ARTICLE I

Name and Purpose Section 1. The business of this Organization shall be conducted under the title of the National Staff

Organization hereinafter referred to as either “NSO” or the "Organization." Section 2. The purpose of this Organization shall be to represent and advocate the employment

concerns of its members and to enhance the effectiveness of its affiliates toward that end.

ARTICLE II Affiliations

Section 1. The Organization may affiliate local, regional, state, and national organizations of staff

meeting the requirements of this Constitution and the Bylaws and policies adopted by the Representative Assembly.

Section 2. The Organization may affiliate organized national special interest groups meeting the

requirements of this Constitution and the Bylaws and policies adopted by the Representative Assembly.

ARTICLE III Authority and Indemnification

The Organization shall indemnify and hold harmless its Executive Committee members and other agents from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, obligations, suits or other form of legal action or litigation arising from or related to any action taken by such Executive Committee members or other agents in the performance of any duties authorized by the operation of the Constitution and Bylaws or by any action derivative from powers authorized under those documents.


ARTICLE IV Dissolution

The assets of the NSO will be distributed on a pro rata basis to all of its affiliates upon dissolution.

ARTICLE V Membership

Section 1. Membership in this Organization shall be open to those persons who are employed as

full-time or part-time regular employees of local, regional, state, or national education associations or organizations that are:

(1) affiliated with the NEA or one (1) of its subsidiary organizations, or (2) merged in accordance with the policies of the NEA, or (3) Independent of NEA affiliation and that pay dues and assessments as

provided in the Constitution and Bylaws.

Membership, however, shall not be open through any means to any individual who is not eligible for participation in a bargaining unit by virtue of an individual being ruled a managerial employee by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Section 2. Membership for full- or part-time employees shall be available through an affiliated organization.

Section 3. Membership in this Organization shall be open to those retired persons who were

eligible for membership at the time of their retirement. A retired member shall not have the right to vote or hold office.

Section 4. Except for non-payment of dues, no member or affiliate shall be fined, suspended,

expelled or otherwise disciplined pursuant to the provisions of Article XIII, NSO Hearing Procedures, without being served with specific written charges and given a reasonable time in which to prepare a defense that may be asserted at a full and fair hearing.

Section 5. In the event of a merger and/or melding of a local organization and the consequent

administrative and governance procedures, there shall be no essential change in the identity of the servicing or bargaining representative that is a party to a contract with the employing entity. Further, the identity of the bargaining agent, for purposes of collective bargaining, shall remain unimpaired so that no question concerning representation may be raised arising from the merger. Thus, an administrative merger of staffs or consolidation of operations shall not create a question concerning representation under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).


NATIONAL STAFF ORGANIZATION --Appendix to the NSO Constitution and Bylaws--

PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING A HEARING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XIII OF THE NSO CONSTITUTION

1. Filing of Charges: Charges under Article XIII of the National Staff Organization Constitution shall

be in writing and filed in duplicate with the NSO Executive Committee or President, who shall, by inspection, determine whether they be of a nature to justify trial. The NSO President may return any charges so filed for amendment or for such additional explanation or specification as the NSO President deems proper. If, in the NSO Executive Committee's or President's opinion, the charges be such as to justify a trial the NSO President shall, without unnecessary delay, arrange for a trial by the NSO Executive Committee to be conducted in one (1) of two (2) forms described in the next succeeding section, the particular form to be determined by the NSO President, provided, however, if it is an NSO officer against whom charges have been filed, he/she shall be tried by the NSO Executive Committee

2. Trial Procedures: Trials by the NSO Executive Committee under the last preceding section may be

(1) upon testimony and evidence heard by the NSO Executive Committee in formal session, or (2) testimony and evidence taken by an NSO Representative and reported to the members of the NSO Executive Committee. If the method last named be selected, the NSO President shall appoint an NSO Representative, who shall take the testimony of accuser and accused as well as of any other witnesses whose testimony shall be requested by either of the above parties or deemed necessary by the NSO Representative. As soon as practicable after completing the taking of evidence, the NSO Representative shall report the same to the NSO Secretary with a definite statement of the NSO Representative's conclusions and recommendations thereon. Such report, conclusions and recommendations shall be submitted to each member of the NSO Executive Committee, and said Committee may thereupon either in formal session or by an order signed by a majority of the NSO Executive Committee, though not in session, make its findings upon the case, and in case of conviction, pass sentence.

The accused, if convicted, may appeal within one (1) year after date of such conviction appeal to the NSO Executive Committee, and if the decision of that body be adverse, to the next Regular Representative Assembly, but no appeal shall suspend operation of the decision appealed from, and if the convicted shall fail or refuse to comply with such decision, the body to which an appeal has been taken shall require such compliance as a condition precedent to hearing and determination of the appeal.

In any trial before the NSO Executive Committee and upon any appeal the accused, whether or not the accused be present in person, may be represented by counsel; provided that no one shall act as counsel who is not a member in good standing of the NSO.

3. Written Charges: Charges shall be in writing and shall be signed by the member or members bringing the charges. The charges shall be specific, citing in detail the nature, the date, and the circumstances of the alleged offense and where a violation of a constitutional provision is alleged, the specific section shall be cited, along with the specific act or failure to act which constitutes the alleged violation. The charges shall be filed with the Secretary of the trial body or if the Secretary of such trial body is a directly interested party, with the presiding officer of the trial body.


4. Recording of Hearings: The NSO Executive Committee or its designee sub-panel shall fix the date, time and place for the trial, in such manner as to afford the maximum convenience to both the accused and the accuser practical under all the circumstances except as otherwise specifically provided in the NSO Constitution, it shall not be necessary to maintain a verbatim record of the trial unless request for such record is made by a directly interested part to the proceedings. If such request is made, the party making the request shall be responsible for the cost of such record and of three (3) copies of the transcript, one (1) of which shall be furnished to the trial body and one (1) to the opposing party. The reporter shall attach an affidavit to each copy of the transcript stating that it is a true and accurate record of the evidence taken at the trial.

5. Rights of Accused Person: The accused person shall be guaranteed the following rights:

a. The right to be served personally with, or to have forwarded by certified mail to the accused person's current address or record with the Local Affiliate, return receipt requested, a full copy of the charges within fifteen (15) days after they are filed and to receive a copy at least thirty (30) days before the trial date.

b. The right to file a written answer to the charge. c. The right to be tried within sixty (60) days after having been personally served, or sixty-three

(63) calendar days after having been forwarded a copy of the charge(s) as provided in the NSO Constitution,

d. The right to have at least fifteen (15) days advance notice of the date, time, and place of the trial.

e. The right to confront the accuser. f. The right to cross-examine the accuser and any witnesses. g. The right to present witnesses in the accused person's behalf. h. The right to compel the production of NSO and/or Local Affiliate records pertinent to the case. i. The right to choose a NSO member to act as the accused person's counsel in the case. j. The right to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty. k. The right to refuse to testify: provided, however, that this right shall not include the right to

refuse to produce at trial any papers, books, or financial or other records which are the property of the NSO and/or the Local Affiliate and which are pertinent to the case.

l. The right to appeal, in the manner hereafter provided. m. The right to choose either an open or closed hearing.

6. Rights of Charging Person(s): The person bringing the charges shall be guaranteed the following

rights:

a. The right to receive a copy of any written answer to the charge, which may be filed by the accused at the time such answer, is filed.

b. The right to have the initial trial body convened no later than seventy-eight (78) calendar days after the charge(s) have been filed.

c. The right to have at least fifteen (15) days advance notice of the date, time, and place of the trial.

d. The right to give personal testimony. e. The right to present the testimony of others and to cross-examine witnesses presented by the

accused. f. The right to compel the production of NSO and/or Local Affiliate records pertinent to the case. g. The right to choose a person to act as the charging party's counsel in the case. h. The right to appeal, in the manner hereafter provided.


7. Obligations of Charging Person(s): The person bringing the charges shall be under the following obligations:

a. To file the original charge in sufficient detail as to afford the accused person full opportunity to

prepare a defense. b. To appear in person at the trial. c. To assume the burden of proof.

8. Penalties: An NSO Executive Committee trial body may, if it finds the accused person guilty, assess any one (1) or more of the following penalties:

a. A formal reprimand accompanied by a formal warning against any repetition of the act or acts of which the accused is found guilty.

b. A fine in an amount not to exceed one (1) year's dues, to be paid to the NSO and/or Local Affiliate at which the charges originate.

c. Full or partial restitution, where the consequences of the offense can be measured in material terms.

d. Removal from office in the National Staff Organization and/or Local Affiliate at the level at which the charges originate.

e. Suspension from the right to hold any elected position at the level at which the charges originate for a period not to exceed four (4) years.

f. Suspension from the right to hold or seek any elected position at any level office National Staff Organization and/or Local Affiliate for a period not to exceed four (4) years.

g. Suspension from membership for a specified period of tune, not to exceed two (2) years. h. Expulsion from membership. i. Suspension from employment by the National Staff Organization or its

subordinate bodies. j. Removal from employment by the National Staff Organization or its subordinate bodies.

Any individual who has been suspended, expelled or removed as provided in paragraphs (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), or (j), above, may not, during the period of such penalty, be employed in any capacity by the National Staff Organization or any subordinate body.

9. Penalties Against Charging Party (ies)--Malice: If the charges are not sustained, and the NSO Executive Committee trial body is convinced that the charges were not brought in good faith or were actuated by malice, the trial body or the appellate body may impose such penalty on the charging party as in its judgment is deemed proper under the circumstances. In any case, the party against whom the penalty is imposed shall have the right to appeal the imposition of the penalty in the manner provided for other appeals, beginning at the level immediately above the trial or appellate level at which the penalty was imposed, and no such penalty shall take effect while an appeal of such penalty is pending.

10. Decision: All decisions must be rendered by the trial body within thirty (30) days following

completion of the trial, except by mutual consent of the accuser and the accused. Such decision shall be in writing and shall be transmitted by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person bringing the charge and to the accused simultaneously.

11. Appeal to NSO RA: Where the appeal is made to the NSO Representative Assembly at the

convention, the NSO RA shall proceed, in the manner described for the hearing of original charges to hear such appeal; provided, however, that the RA trial body may, in its discretion, hear the appeal on the record established at the Local Affiliate level as a new case at its option.


EXHAUSTION OF REMEDIES 1. Exhaustion of Remedies in NSO Constitution and NSO Local Affiliate: Every member, officer,

Local Affiliate, CBC or other subordinate body against whom charges have been preferred and disciplinary action taken as a result thereof, or against whom adverse rulings or decisions have been rendered or who claims to be aggrieved, shall be obliged to exhaust all remedies provided for in the NSO Constitution and by the NSO Local Affiliate before resorting to any court, tribunal or agency against the National Staff Organization, any subordinate body or any officer or employee thereof. The duty to exhaust shall not limit, abrogate, interfere with, or contravene rights guaranteed to seek redress under the LMRDA and/or an administrative agency or court of competent jurisdiction.

2. Appeal to Court of Law: Where a Local Affiliate, CBC or other subordinate body, before or

following exhaustion of all remedies provided for within the National Staff Organization, resorts to a court of law and loses its cause therein, all costs and expenses incurred by the National Staff Organization may be assessed against such Local Affiliate, CBC or other subordinate body, in the nature of a fine, subject to all penalties applicable where fines remain unpaid.

Where such Court action is by a Local Affiliate, CBC or other subordinate body against a Local Affiliate, CBC or other subordinate body, the foregoing provision in respect to the payment of costs and expenses shall be applicable in favor of the Local Affiliate, CBC or other subordinate body proceeded against in court.

3. Right to Appeals Procedure: The appeals procedure provided herein is also available to and must be followed by any active or inactive member, who is aggrieved by any decision, ruling, opinion or action of the Local Affiliate, membership, officers, or NSO Executive Committee, excluding collective bargaining matters.

4. Timely Rendering of Decisions: Unless otherwise provided herein, such as in emergencies or

trusteeships, all decisions following trials or hearing should be made and rendered within sixty (60) days of the date the hearing or trial commenced, unless otherwise ordered by the NSO Executive Committee. This time requirement shall not be mandatory, but is only directory.

5. Decisions Full Force and Effect/Appeal: Decisions of a trial body shall be in full force and effect

from the date of the decision until and unless reversed or modified by an appellate body at a higher level; provided, however, that, except in matters subject to trusteeships, any appellate body, upon receiving a notice of appeal, may order a delay in the carrying out of any penalty which has been assessed pending its hearing and disposition of the appeal.

The NSO Executive Committee approved the Hearing Procedures presented here in June, 1995. The Constitution and Bylaws amendments authorizing the Hearing Procedures were adopted in 1998. The Hearing Procedures were amended by the 2008 Representative Assembly.


Resolving Internal Problems

Contact the NSO Vice-President for Program

The National Staff Organization Executive Committee has developed a "process" that could be used by NSO affiliates for resolving internal problems that occur between associate and professional staff members in the workplace. The process is similar to the "quality of work life" models that have appeared within the private sector. All Too Often...

All too often it takes a dispute between individuals in a bargaining unit or a grievance filed by one person (in one bargaining unit) with another person (in another bargaining unit) to emphasize the need for a "process" to assist in resolving day-to-day workplace problems. All too often such problems expand beyond the individuals primarily associated with the dispute to other groups within the workplace. After all, the workplace consists of a collection of informal groups, of which each of us are participants. Many of us recognize the organization for which we work is a very dynamic, changing and developing in structure. As a by-product, attitudes, disputes, grievances are more likely to occur. This seems to be more true with our employer where they (managers) are overly preoccupied with new techniques, new staffing plans, flow charts, "Who controls whom" issues.

Employers Can't Do It...

It has been our experience that almost all employers have no vehicle for addressing in meaningful terms such problems that occur in the workplace between associate and professional staff and their employer. Reasons vary. In some respects, some managers look for any opportunity to undermine relationships, either within or between unions. The result creates greater controversy, low morale and polarization among employees. In other respects, some managers have not observed the workplace with an eye toward improving work environment quality. Sometimes, our own members have a parochial view of how to deal with each other.

NSO Can Provide Solutions...

NSO affiliates can look to a solution. First, there needs to be a strong commitment on all sides to create a positive environment. It would be preferable to have employers involved. However, we believe unions made up of associate and professional staff can take the initiative -- and have a positive impact on work environment. The "process" with


the most reasonable chance for success for resolving inter- and intra-union problems follows:

The objective is to set an atmosphere of mutual trust, sincerity and integrity and to provide the best possible working environment for members of a bargaining unit. Consistent with the objective is that such a "process" must establish and maintain effective two-way communication. Such communication should occur outside of the grievance procedure.

1. Union leadership, or members within local unions, should assess their internal problems, and determine whether such problems could be addressed on a joint basis by and between representatives of the staff.

Such a meeting can be activated by either group by placing a phone call to the

"key" leadership. "Key" leadership are representatives from the respective organizations and at the appropriate time may also include those persons who are directly involved in the dispute. The "key" leadership must exert strong leadership and a commitment to seek the best solution.

2. An informal discussion should occur among "key" individuals within each group. The focus of the discussion: "Should things continue as they are?"

3. Assuming the parties are willing, separate meetings should occur among those "key" leaders who are considered a part of the problem or a part of the solution. A list of concerns and expectations should be developed.

4. A third party neutral, provided locally or through the National Staff Organization, would serve as presiding officer of the meeting and expedite the proceedings to ensure both sides have an equal opportunity to present their views. The "neutral" could also assist in resolving procedural matters and other conflicts that stand in the way of progress.

5. A joint meeting occurs and is intended as non-adversarial, where the "key" leaders can compare concerns and expectations that were identified when the parties met separately. Afterwards, the groups' task will be to work together to translate from the two lists, a single list of goals, concerns, expectations and ground rules, if any. Critical at this time is the need to discover common and jointly owned problems.

6. The organization that evolves could be an ad-hoc body; meetings scheduled when it is determined a need exists.

7. Direct participation of all parties is critical to finding mutually agreeable solutions and build an improved communications.

As stated earlier, this "process" should allow the joint committee to separate its work from collective bargaining issues. It is not this committee's function to bargain the contract or to administer the contract. It is, however, permissible and legitimate for the committee to discuss


a pattern of events that produce grievances, or discuss interpersonal problems that develop between unions' members. NSO INVOLVEMENT . . . Jurisdictional/Internal Disputes

Jurisdictional Dispute Procedures

1. Jurisdictional/Internal Dispute -- Definition:

A jurisdictional/Internal dispute is hereby defined as any disagreement arising between NSO members within the same unit, NSO members in a different unit within the same state, or any unit determination proceedings occurring within the same state causing one of the parties to the above disagreements to seek assistance from NSO.

2. NSO will take no position on the above captioned disputes unless and until one or more parties to the dispute move(s) for NSO assistance.

3. Upon receipt of a formal motion for assistance by the moving party(s) to the NSO President, the President will dispatch a member of the NSO Executive Committee to the state within which the dispute arose.

4. Should the defending party request assistance -- as a result of the moving party's action -- the President shall dispatch an appropriate Professional or Associate staff member from the Executive Committee to consult with the defending party.

5. The consulting Executive Committee members shall meet with the officers of the affiliates in dispute and shall attempt to resolve the dispute through a process of mediation. He/she shall also issue a report on the nature, apparent causes, current status of and recommended solution to the dispute. Such reports and recommendations shall be based, where applicable, on existing NSO policy. Reporting Executive Committee members may also make recommendations regarding new NSO policy or alterations to existing policy for Executive Committee/RA consideration.

6. Upon receipt of the reports, the President shall confer with the Executive Committee Regional Director from the affected region and shall notify the Executive Committee of the jurisdictional dispute.

7. The President and Regional Director shall jointly determine if the Dispute Resolution Team (DRT) should be appointed. If the President and Regional Director disagree, the matter will be placed before the Executive Committee via telecommunications link, for determination.

8. If a DRT is to be appointed, the President shall activate that procedure within 48 hours of the decision to appoint. The Executive Committee member from the affected region shall be a member of the DRT unless that Regional Director is also an officer of one of the involved parties. In that case, the Regional Director of a contiguous region or an At-Large Director shall be appointed.


9. The DRT shall arrange to visit the parties within the state affected, within 21 days of the President's/Executive Committee decision to activate the DRT.

10. The DRT shall jointly and separately meet with the officers and selected members of the various units of the various units in dispute and carry out the interview process.

11. The DRT shall remain on site for no more than 48 hours. Upon completion of the interview process, they shall issue a joint report to the President, who shall distribute it to the Executive Committee. The report shall include the findings of fact, contentions of the parties, applicable policies of NSO and recommendations for resolution of the dispute.

12. The report shall be placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled Executive Committee meeting for discussion and possible action.

13. Following action by the Executive Committee the President shall notify the parties to the dispute of the action of the Executive Committee and shall offer further assistance to both parties, if necessary, in carrying out the resolution.

14. The President and Regional Director shall maintain a liaison with the parties in dispute and shall report on the progress of the parties at the next regularly scheduled Executive Committee meeting.

One Caveat...

Hopefully, through the development of a new level of inter- and intra-union trust, a specific problem may be resolved. One caveat is that the parties to this arrangement must recognize that trust levels are such that it may not yet turn around a specific relationship that may have been going "sour" for a long time. Anyone that has been involved in any problem-solving model knows it requires more perseverance to create a "win-win" relationship than a "win-lose" one. All too often, it is easier for individuals to set up roadblocks rather than explore new avenues of communications and seek mutually agreeable solutions. Time and effort are necessary if this collaborative approach to problem solving is to be successful.

If we are to develop in the workplace an atmosphere of mutual trust, and provide the best possible working environment, we must establish such a process. Given a chance, the "process" outlined here will provide us that opportunity.


ARTICLE VI Funds

Section 1. The NSO General Funds or property of NSO shall be used only for such purposes as are

specified in the Constitution and Bylaws of the NSO and as may be required to transact and properly conduct its business. Under no circumstances shall any of the General Funds be used for donations to members or for political or religious purposes.

Section 2. The granting of loans to an affiliate shall be approved by the Executive Committee. The

affiliate shall be required to sign a promissory note prior to receiving any funds. Said loans are for employment-related matters dealing with a pending or actual dismissal (or suspension leading to dismissal) of an NSO member where the member is not receiving compensation. (State Unemployment Compensation is excluded from this prohibition.)

ARTICLE VII Officers and Executive Committee

Section 1. The Officers shall consist of the President, Vice-President for Defense, Vice-President for

Program, Secretary, and Treasurer. There shall be nine (9) Directors of whom seven (7) shall be Regional Directors and two (2) shall be Directors At-Large, elected by a majority vote of the delegates to the Representative Assembly. All officers and directors shall serve as Trustees of the Organization.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall consist of the parties as per Section 1 of this Article and

shall be the agency through which the general administrative and executive functions of the Organization shall be carried out.

Section 3. The terms of office, specific duties, and election procedures for all members of the

Executive Committee shall be provided in the Bylaws. Section 4. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to assess all members an amount not to

exceed twice (2X) the annual dues during any single membership year in order to meet unusual financial demands placed upon the Organization or its members and affiliates. Assessments shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Committee.

Section 5. The Executive Committee shall have the power to establish and implement disciplinary

procedures for the members consistent with the NSO Constitution and Bylaws if not otherwise provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 6. Members of the Executive Committee of the Organization shall serve their terms so long

as they satisfactorily perform the duties of their office. Where a member of the Executive Committee is guilty of misconduct, such member may

be removed for cause (shown after notice and hearing) and a majority vote of the delegates voting at the Representative Assembly.

a. Recommendation for recall can be made by the submission of a petition to the

Executive Committee containing the signatures of twenty (20%) percent of the delegates to the Representative Assembly.


b. The Executive Committee shall notify, in writing, any member of the Executive Committee who has been recommended for recall.

c. Any such Executive Committee member may appeal in writing to the Executive Committee.

d. The Executive Committee shall schedule hearings, whenever necessary, to review the recommendations of recall of a member of the Executive Committee.

e. The report by the Executive Committee of those hearings shall be made available to the delegates of the Representative Assembly.

f. A mail ballot of the Representative Assembly shall be taken two (2) weeks after the issuance of the report by the Executive Committee.

g. Such recall shall be determined by majority vote of the delegates voting at the Representative Assembly.

Section 7. Nothing in this Article shall be construed as precluding Executive Committee members

from succeeding themselves in office, if duly elected. Section 8. The President shall have authority to make interpretations of the Constitution and Bylaws,

subject to review and approval by the NSO Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VIII Nomination of Officers

Section 1. The President, with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee, shall appoint an

Election Committee of three (3) members who are also delegates to the Representative Assembly.

The Election Committee shall accept nominations for office in accordance with Article II,

Section 1 of the Bylaws and conduct the election for these positions at the Representative Assembly.

To be placed on the ballot, a nominee shall be a member in good standing; consent to

be on the ballot; and submit a petition to the Election Committee with the signatures of at least three (3) members.

Section 2. The Election Committee shall also receive nominations from the floor of the

Representative Assembly prior to the election. To be placed on the ballot, a nominee from the floor shall be a member in good standing; consent to be on the ballot; and submit a petition to the Election Committee with the signatures of at least three (3) members.

ARTICLE IX Representative Assembly

Section 1. The Representative Assembly shall be the legislative body of the Organization. Section 2. A. Organizational Delegates: All affiliates shall be eligible for no less than one (1)

Organizational Delegate to the Representative Assembly. Each affiliate with ten (10) or fewer members shall be entitled to have one (1) Organizational Delegate; affiliates with more than ten (10) members shall be entitled to have two (2) Organizational Delegates.


B. Membership Delegates: In addition to Organizational Delegates, each affiliate

shall be entitled to have one (1) Membership Delegate for every twenty-five (25) members, or fraction thereof, over twenty-five (25), that is an affiliate with • twenty-six to fifty (26-50) members qualifies for one (1) Membership

Delegate; • an affiliate with fifty-one to seventy-five (51-75) members qualifies for two

(2) Membership Delegates; • an affiliate with seventy-six to one hundred (76–100) members qualifies

for three (3) Membership Delegates; etc.

C. Wall-to-Wall and/or Multiple Bargaining Unit Adjustment: In addition to Organizational and Membership Delegates, each Wall-to-Wall and/or Multiple Bargaining Unit affiliate shall be entitled to additional delegates to equal the total number of delegates if each group of employees were independent bargaining units. For purposes of this provision, groups of employees shall be defined as professional staff or associate staff.

Section 3. The Representative Assembly shall meet annually at a time and place established by the

Executive Committee except when cancelled under the provisions of Article IV, Section 4 of the Bylaws and shall be considered the annual meeting of the Organization. Special Representative Assemblies may be called by the Executive Committee with prior notice to the delegates of at least thirty (30) days.

Section 4. Delegates and alternates to the Representative Assembly shall be duly elected by

affiliate members with open nominations voting by secret ballot. Delegates and alternates shall be reported to NSO by May 15th.

Section 5. A majority vote of the delegates voting at the Representative Assembly shall determine

the action of the Organization except as provided otherwise in this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 6. The submission of all dues (General Funds and Charlie Love Crisis Fund Dues), affiliate

membership lists, and Department of Labor (LM) Reports shall be received by the NSO by June 1 of each year.

ARTICLE X Affiliates

Section 1. The Organization may charter an affiliate as provided for in this Article. The affiliate

shall conform to the Constitution and Bylaws, rules and regulations of the Organization, and legally authorized decisions of the Executive Committee. The NSO shall afford such affiliates all their rights and privileges as chartered affiliates of the NSO under the Constitution and Bylaws, rules and regulations of the NSO. Charters shall be signed by Officers of the Organization.


Section 2. An application for an affiliate charter shall contain the names and addresses of not fewer than two (2) persons eligible for membership in the affiliate. All affiliates currently affiliated with the Organization as of the date of adoption of this article shall be deemed to be automatically chartered.

Section 3. After an affiliate is chartered and annually thereafter, the affiliate shall submit to the

NSO Treasurer its members' names and home addresses and its officers' names, home addresses, and terms of office. The affiliate shall also report changes in this information when they occur.

No membership lists shall be sold, provided, or transferred to any outside organization. Section 4. The Constitution of every affiliate of the NSO shall contain a provision stating the

following: "Except to the extent specified in the NSO Constitution, no officer of the NSO affiliate

shall have the power to act as agent for or otherwise bind the NSO in any way whatsoever. No member or group of members or other person or persons shall have the power to act on behalf of or otherwise bind the affiliate except to the extent specifically authorized in writing by the President of the affiliate or by the Executive Committee of the affiliate."

Section 5. All elections of officers and delegates in affiliates shall be in accordance with the NSO

Constitution and Bylaws, the affiliate Constitution and Bylaws, and applicable law. Section 6. Each elected officer of each affiliate shall, upon assuming office, subscribe to the duties

of an officer as established by the NSO Constitution and Bylaws and the affiliate Constitution.

Section 7. This Constitution shall constitute a contract between the Organization and each of its

affiliates individually. All affiliates shall at all times be subject to the provisions of the NSO Constitution.

Section 8. In default of the rules and regulations of the NSO referenced in Section 1, such charter

may be suspended or revoked in accordance with procedures provided by this Constitution. It shall further provide that, should such subordinate body be suspended, expelled, or forfeit such charter, the persons to whom such charter was granted and their successors bind themselves to surrender the same. The name National Staff Organization is the property of the NSO. Upon disaffiliation, suspension, or revocation of its charter, the affiliate shall thereupon cease and desist from using the name (National Staff Organization) for any purpose whatsoever.


ARTICLE XI Affiliate in Good Standing

Section 1. "Member" or "member in good standing," or "affiliate" or "affiliate in good standing"

includes any person or affiliate that has fulfilled the requirements for membership or affiliation in the Organization and that has neither voluntarily withdrawn from membership nor has been expelled or suspended from membership after appropriate proceedings consistent with lawful provisions of this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 2. The following shall constitute the basis for the filing of charges that a member or affiliate

is not in good standing:

a. Violation of any provision of the NSO Constitution, Bylaws or duly adopted interpretation of the NSO Constitution or Bylaws.

b. Misappropriation, embezzlement, or improper or illegal use of Organization or affiliate funds.

c. Any action by any NSO officer or authorized representative of NSO that results in the unauthorized expenditure of funds from the Organization.

d. Acting in collusion with management to the detriment of the welfare of the Organization or affiliate or its membership.

e. Refusal to carry out legally authorized decisions of the Representative Assembly. f. Instituting or urging others to institute action outside the Organization or the affiliate

against the NSO, affiliate, or any officer of the Organization or of an affiliate without first exhausting all internal remedies within the Organization, provided that nothing in the foregoing shall diminish a member’s rights to seek recourse under protections afforded by the LMRDA.

g. Using the name of the NSO or of an affiliate in an unauthorized manner or for an unauthorized purpose.

h. Obtaining membership through fraud or misrepresentation. i. Deliberately interfering with any official of the NSO or of an affiliate in the

discharge of such officials’ lawful duties, including but not limited to the solicitation or acceptance of a bribe or the acceptance of any gift of more than nominal value from any employer, member, group of members or employee of the Organization, or from any person or firm that has or is seeking to establish a business relationship with the NSO or any affiliate.

j. Conviction of a crime which, under the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, would disqualify the person from membership.

k. Knowingly submitting a false membership dues report or other financial or audit report to the Organization or any affiliate, or knowingly and intentionally making any false financial report or statement to any lawfully constituted body at any level of the Organization.

Section 3. Hearing(s) on any charge(s) made against a member or affiliate pursuant to this Article

shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Article XIII, NSO Hearing Procedures.


ARTICLE XII Coordinated Bargaining Councils

Section 1. Affiliates shall join Coordinated Bargaining Councils in areas designated by the

Representative Assembly. Any affiliate refusing to affiliate with such Coordinated Bargaining Council may have its charter revoked. All affiliates in such Coordinated Bargaining Councils shall have the right to representation in conducting the business of such Coordinated Bargaining Council in accordance with the policies of the respective Coordinated Bargaining Council.

Section 2. All of the provisions of this Constitution relating to, applicable to, and governing the

conduct of the affairs of affiliates shall likewise be applicable to and govern the operation of Coordinated Bargaining Councils created hereunder with the same force and effect as though set forth herein at length.

Section 3. The Coordinated Bargaining Council shall not exercise any function that would violate

the rights, duties, authority, or control otherwise delegated in the NSO Constitution or the Constitution and Bylaws of any of the affiliates affiliated with such a Coordinated Bargaining Council.

ARTICLE XIII

NSO Hearing Procedures

Section 1. Any member or affiliate may file charges for any reason specified in this Constitution against any member or affiliate.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall establish procedures for conducting hearings pursuant to this Article and they shall be attached as an Appendix to this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 3. The Executive Committee has the authority and responsibility to propose changes to the procedures for conducting hearings and shall do so independently of proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws. Amendments to the procedures for conducting hearings are subject to the review and approval of the Representative Assembly.

ARTICLE XIV Exhaustion of Remedies

Every member or affiliate against whom charges have been preferred or disciplinary action taken as a result thereof, or against whom adverse rulings or decisions have been rendered or who claims to be aggrieved, shall be obliged to first exhaust all remedies provided for in the affiliate's Constitution and Bylaws and following the NSO Constitution and Bylaws before resorting to any court, tribunal or agency against the NSO, any affiliate, or any officer or employee thereof. The duty to exhaust shall not limit, abrogate, interfere with, or contravene rights guaranteed to seek redress under the LMRDA and/or an administrative agency or court of competent jurisdiction.

ARTICLE XV Rules of Order

Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, shall be the authority on parliamentary procedure at any meeting of the duly constituted bodies of this Organization.


ARTICLE XVI Amendments

Section 1. Amendments to this Constitution may be introduced by the Executive Committee or by

petition of not less than twenty-five (25) members to the Executive Committee. All proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be sent to the affiliate presidents for

distribution to the delegates at least thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting of the Representative Assembly. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Representative Assembly delegates voting on the issue shall be required to adopt proposed amendments.

Section 2. The Bylaws may be amended by majority of the Representative Assembly delegates

voting on the issue. The Constitution as originally stated was adopted in 1973, amended in 1986, amended in 1996, amended in 1998, amended in 1999, amended in 2005, amended in 2007 and most recently amended by the 2008 Representative Assembly.


BYLAWS

ARTICLE I Terms of Office

Section 1. All Officers and Directors shall be elected for a two (2) year period that shall commence immediately upon adjournment of the annual meeting.

ARTICLE II Elections and Vacancies

Section 1. Officers and Directors of the Organization shall be elected by secret ballot at the

annual meeting. Regional Directors as well as At-Large Directors shall be elected by all delegates voting at the Representative Assembly. A. Officers shall be elected in even-numbered years. B. There shall be nine (9) Directors.

1. There shall be seven (7) Regional Directors who shall have residence in the

following regions:

Region 1: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

Region 2: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

Region 3: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

Region 4: Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah

Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin

Region 6: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas

Region 7: Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming

a. Directors from Regions #2, #4, and #6 shall be elected in even-numbered

years. b. Directors from Regions #1, #3, #5 and #7 shall be elected in odd-numbered

years. c. There shall be two (2) Directors At-Large (At-Large Director A and At-Large

Director B) to be elected in odd-numbered years in separate elections.


Section 2. The Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the delegates voting at the annual meeting. If, in any case, no candidate receives a majority vote for a particular office, there shall immediately be a run-off election between the two (2) candidates for that office receiving the highest number of votes on the first ballot. Directors shall be elected by majority with an immediate run-off of the two candidates receiving more votes than other candidate(s) shall be held, if necessary, to determine a majority.

Section 3. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, at the first Executive Committee

meeting after the election, the Executive Committee shall elect one (1) of the two (2) Vice-Presidents to assume that office, or to act in the absence of the President, until the next annual election.

In the event of a vacancy in any other position, the Executive Committee shall appoint a

member to the position to serve until the next annual election. Section 4. Any member may question or dispute the eligibility of any candidate for an NSO

elective office and the results, conduct, and appropriateness of any NSO election. The member shall submit the question or dispute in writing to the President no later than sixty (60) days following the Representative Assembly. The President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall appoint a nine (9)-member Review Committee within thirty (30) days after he/she receives the member's question or dispute.

The Review Committee shall be composed of members who served as delegates at the

Representative Assembly at which the question or dispute arose. Following its appointment, the Committee shall review the matter and send a written ruling within sixty (60) days to the President. The Committee's ruling shall be final.

ARTICLE III Duties of The Officers

Section 1. The President shall preside at all official meetings of the Organization and shall perform

such duties as are customarily associated with the office. Section 2. The President shall prepare and submit an annual report on the Organization's activities

to the annual meeting. Section 3. The President shall select and/or discharge all committee members with the approval of

the Executive Committee and shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees other than the Election Committee.

Section 4. The Vice-President elected by the Executive Committee pursuant to Bylaws Article II,

Section 3, shall act in the absence of the President and shall succeed to the presidency in the event the office becomes vacant.

Section 5. The Vice-President for Defense shall be responsible for providing assistance on

contractual and legal matters and for the approval of financial assistance in these areas in accordance with NSO guidelines.


Section 6. The Vice-President for Program shall be responsible for all NSO training and for on-site bargaining assistance, as well as crisis investigations and internal dispute resolutions, and for approval of financial assistance in these areas in accordance with NSO guidelines.

Section 7. The Secretary shall be responsible for records of all correspondence and meetings of the

Executive Committee and Representative Assembly. He/she shall gather appropriate annual data and be custodian of all files of the Organization. He/she shall be responsible for all logistics of national meetings and conferences.

Section 8. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of dues and assessments, pay all

approved bills as approved in the budget, submit to an annual financial audit conducted by an independent auditor, and make an annual report to the membership. He/she shall operate under the rules and policies established by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall prepare appropriate information to be filed with the Secretary of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service annually. He/she shall prepare an annual financial statement, which shall be distributed to the Representative Assembly.

Section 9. All officers of the Organization who handle funds or other property of the Organization

shall be covered by fidelity bonds having a value of at least ten (10%) percent of the funds handled by each of them during the preceding fiscal year.

Section 10. In addition to the duties referenced in the Sections of this Article above, the Officers shall

perform additional duties as may be necessary to conduct of the affairs of the Organization.

ARTICLE IV Duties of the Executive Committee

Section 1. The Executive Committee shall conduct, manage, and control the affairs and business of

the Organization, including interpretation of this Constitution and Bylaws between Representative Assemblies.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall prepare and submit a budget and proposed dues for

approval at the annual meeting of the Representative Assembly. Section 3. The Executive Committee shall implement motions and resolutions approved by the

Representative Assembly and may devise and put into operation other measures not inconsistent with the objectives of the Organization; it shall fix the time and shall make all necessary arrangements for the annual meeting.

Section 4. The Executive Committee shall have the power by reason of a national emergency or

natural calamity, to suspend or eliminate the annual meeting of the Representative Assembly.

Section 5. The Executive Committee shall establish and/or disband all standing or special

committees and review the activities of all such committees.


Section 6. The Executive Committee may employ a staff to implement the programs and policies of this Organization. The Executive Committee shall have the power to negotiate and establish the terms and conditions of work for the staff.

Section 7. The Executive Committee members shall deliberate and participate in meetings of the

Representative Assembly; shall be entitled to vote on all matters before the Representative Assembly; and shall have all of the rights, privileges, powers, and obligations of members of the Representative Assembly.

Section 8. In addition to the duties referenced in the Sections of this Article above, the Executive

Committee members shall perform additional duties as may be necessary to conduct of the affairs of the Organization.

ARTICLE V Affiliation

The Executive Committee shall establish NSO standards for affiliation. The Executive Committee shall have the responsibility to receive applications for affiliation; determine that the new affiliates intend to comply with the standards; and authorize affiliations.

ARTICLE VI Disaffiliation

The Executive Committee shall establish procedures under which affiliation may be terminated for cause following written charges and a hearing. Termination of affiliation shall require a two-thirds (⅔) vote by the Representative Assembly.

ARTICLE VII Dues

The delegates to the Representative Assembly shall establish the dues for members and retired members.

ARTICLE VIII Membership and Fiscal Year

The membership and fiscal year shall be September 1 through August 31.


ARTICLE IX Quorum

Section 1. A quorum for the Executive Committee and all committees shall consist of a majority of

those elected and/or appointed to that body. Section 2. A quorum for the Representative Assembly shall be a majority of delegates elected to

and seated at that Representative Assembly. The Bylaws were amended in 2001, 2007 and most recently by the 2008 Representative Assembly.


Representative Assembly

The Representative Assembly is the legislative body of the NSO. The RA meets annually and usually during the first half of the month of June. The RA generally alternates its location from the east to the west of the United States. Delegates to the RA are elected by the local affiliate in compliance with the NSO Constitution:

• Each affiliated organization with 10 or less members shall be entitled to have one (1) organizational delegate;

• Affiliates with more than ten (10) members shall be entitled to have two (2) organizational

delegates; In addition, Each affiliate shall be entitled to have one (1) delegate for every twenty-five (25) members

over twenty-five (25), i.e., 26-50, 1 delegate; 51-75, 2 delegates; 76-100, 3 delegates, etc. Wall-to-Wall/Multiple Bargaining Unit adjustment: Each affiliate is entitled to additional

delegates to equal the number of delegates if each group of employees were independent bargaining units. Groups of employees are defined as professional staff or associate staff of a group eligible for NSO membership under the Constitution.

The NSO Secretary notifies each affiliate of the number of delegates it is entitled to, based upon the membership numbers reported and dues paid each year. Each affiliate in turn notifies the Secretary of the names of their delegates and alternates by registering them online at www.nso-registration.org or faxing the form to 517-622-1892. Delegates are seated with voting privileges only if their dues payments and their Crisis Fund payments have been made in full to date. The Representative Assembly elects officers of the NSO, amends the Constitution and Bylaws, adopts policies, and generally determines the direction of the Organization. The Executive Committee functions at the direction of the RA in accordance with the Constitution. (See the NSO Constitution for details.) Every local staff association shall maintain a list of members on the NSO membership system and update the list annually.

http://www.nso-registration.org/


Excerpt from the NSO Constitution

ARTICLE IX Representative Assembly

Section 1. The Representative Assembly shall be the legislative body of the Organization. Section 2. A. Organizational Delegates: All affiliates shall be eligible for no less than one

(1) Organizational Delegate to the Representative Assembly. Each affiliate with ten (10) or fewer members shall be entitled to have one (1) Organizational Delegate; affiliates with more than ten (10) members shall be entitled to have two (2) Organizational Delegates.

B. Membership Delegates: In addition to Organizational Delegates, each

affiliate shall be entitled to have one (1) Membership Delegate for every twenty-five (25) members, or fraction thereof, over twenty-five (25), that is an affiliate with • twenty-six to fifty (26-50) members qualifies for one (1) Membership

Delegate; • an affiliate with fifty-one to seventy-five (51-75) members qualifies

for two (2) Membership Delegates; • an affiliate with seventy-six to one hundred (76–100) members

qualifies for three (3) Membership Delegates; etc.

C. Wall-to-Wall and/or Multiple Bargaining Unit Adjustment: In addition to Organizational and Membership Delegates, each Wall-to-Wall and/or Multiple Bargaining Unit affiliate shall be entitled to additional delegates to equal the total number of delegates if each group of employees were independent bargaining units. For purposes of this provision, groups of employees shall be defined as professional staff or associate staff.

Section 3. The Representative Assembly shall meet annually at a time and place established

by the Executive Committee except when cancelled under the provisions of Article IV, Section 4 of the Bylaws and shall be considered the annual meeting of the Organization. Special Representative Assemblies may be called by the Executive Committee with prior notice to the delegates of at least thirty (30) days.

Section 4. Delegates and alternates to the Representative Assembly shall be duly elected by

affiliate members with open nominations voting by secret ballot. Delegates and alternates shall be reported to NSO by May 15th.


Section 5. A majority vote of the delegates voting at the Representative Assembly shall determine the action of the Organization except as provided otherwise in this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 6. The submission of all dues (General Funds and Charlie Love Crisis Fund Dues),

affiliate membership lists, and Department of Labor (LM) Reports shall be received by the NSO by June 1 of each year.


Submission of Delegates and Alternates Information for the

Representative Assembly

All delegate and alternate names, along with home addresses and emails, must be submitted electronically or faxed, beginning April 1 but no later than May 15. An affiliate officer must certify that all delegates and alternates were elected in accordance with the NSO Constitution and the provisions of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (Landrum Griffin). If there are any questions, contact:

Mary Henson, NSO Secretary [email protected]

419-792-2722 (cell) 517-622-1892 (secured fax)



Affiliate in Good Standing

The 1986 Representative Assembly of the National Staff Organization adopted a policy on an ‘affiliate in good standing’ requiring that affiliates “shall abide by the constitution and bylaws of the National Staff Organization…” ‘In good standing’ is defined as an “Member or member in good standing or affiliate who has fulfilled the requirements for membership or affiliation in the Organization, and who neither has voluntarily withdrawn from membership nor has been expelled or suspended from membership after appropriate proceedings consistent with lawful provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Organization.” [Article XI of the NSO Constitution] Non-compliance by an affiliate will affect the assistance provided by the National Staff Organization including but not limited to bargaining, crisis, financial assistance and the seating of delegates at the Representative Assembly. In 2005, the Representative Assembly amended the NSO Constitution to include the submission of ‘all dues (General Funds, and Charlie Love Crisis Fund Dues), affiliate membership lists and Department of Labor (LM) Reports” to the NSO by June 1 of each year for affiliates to be considered ‘in good standing’. [RA 2004, NBI# 11—Adopted at the 2005 Representative Assembly]


Affiliate in Good Standing Checklist

The following checklist has been developed for efficient affiliate planning to determine ‘in good standing’ for the purpose of delegate seating at the Representative Assembly and NSO services and programs. If an affiliate can answer yes to ALL inquiries, then the affiliate will be deemed ‘in good standing.’ 1.

Has the Affiliate submitted its dues to the NSO Comptroller? Submissions are quarterly: Oct. 1; Jan. 1; April1, June 1 and must be paid in full no later than June 1

Yes No

Submitted when: _________________

2. Has the Affiliate submitted its Charlie Love Crisis Fund monies? Must be paid in full by June 1.

Yes No

Submitted when: _________________

3. Has the Affiliate updated its membership list electronically on the NSO Database? Must be submitted by October 31 with notification to the NSO Treasurer

Yes No Updated when: _________________ Notification sent: _________________

4. Has the affiliate filed its LM report with the DOL* with a copy to the NSO Treasurer?

Yes No Submitted when: _________________

If you have answered “No” to any of the above questions, please contact Ron Goldenstein, NSO Treasurer at [email protected]. *DOL=Department of Labor



On-the-Floor Voting Procedures at the Representative Assembly

The Elections Committee has developed the following On-The-Floor voting procedures for the Representative Assembly. Guests: 1. Guests will be provided with a “colored” namebadge that can be

easily and quickly distinguished from credentialed delegates. 2. The seating of guests will be distinctly identified and separated

from the main floor of the representative assembly. 3. ALL guests must wear their namebadge to enter the

representative assembly.

Delegates: 1. Credentialed delegates will have white namebadges that contains the NSO logo which will allow the delegate access to the delegates’ seating area and the right to vote on issues on the floor. These credentials will be easily distinguishable from guest namebadges.

2. Delegates will be provided with a “voting” card to be used in a ‘show of division’ votes/decisions.

3. All delegates must wear their credentials (namebadge) at all times while on the Representative Assembly floor and for access to the RA area.

4. Delegates will not have access to the RA area without valid credentials.

5. Delegates will not be allowed to sit in the guest section.

Physical Logistics:

The physical set up of the Representative Assembly area shall 1. Show a distinct separation between the RA delegate seating area

and the guest section. 2. The guest section shall be distinctly separate from the RA floor.

Guest section may be on the side or behind the last row of the RA delegate seating area. A sign shall be erected to indicate the guest section and the delegate seating area.

3. No guest shall be allowed in the RA delegate seating area without advance permission of the NSO President or Secretary.

4. All doors will be closed and no admittance to the RA room will take place while on-the-floor ‘show of division’ voting is in progress.

5. There will be signs clearly marking designated areas; i.e., guest section, delegate section, etc.


6. There will be a section designated for the NSO Contact Editor that is located in the Representative Assembly area, but separate from the guest section and delegate seating area.

Tellers Committee:

There shall be the establishment/appointment of a Tellers Committee for each Representative Assembly that works in conjunction with the Credentials Committee and Elections Committee. The Tellers Committee may consist of no less than four persons, but no more than eight people. Members of the Tellers Committee shall be duly elected delegates to the NSO Representative Assembly. The duties and/or responsibilities of the Tellers Committee are as follows:

• Two Tellers shall be assigned to each aisle to assist credentialed delegates and guests to their seats.

• Shall count votes on issues before the Representative Assembly during a show of division votes.

• Regulate the door to the Representative Assembly room to determine valid credentials for delegate seating or guest section.

• Guide people to appropriate areas. • Serve as a runner for the Elections Committee and NSO Secretary. • Check credentials • Assist in the distribution of materials, except for Campaign and

Elections materials. • Ensure that guests are seated in the proper location. • Other duties as assigned by the NSO Secretary and/or Elections

Chair.

Miscellaneous: 1. Announcements shall be made, by the Chair, throughout the Representative Assembly regarding the policy of on-the-floor voting.

2. When on-the-floor voting is taking place, access to the RA room and floor will be denied.


Coordinated Bargaining Councils

In 1979, the National Staff Organization authorized a pilot project for Coordinated Bargaining among states in the Great Lakes Corridor. The success of the program caused NSO to expand to four Coordinated Bargaining Councils (CBCs) encompassing the entire United States. Each CBC develops guidelines, goals and minimum standards for their specific region and monitor bargaining of their member affiliates. Additionally, the CBCs provide support and assistance in bargaining and crisis situations. Mutual Aid Pacts have been adopted by the CBCs that provide for strategies and assistance to help an affiliate achieve a settlement. The CBCs are co-chaired by two members of the NSO Executive Committee. The 1985 Representative Assembly of the National Staff Organization adopted Guidelines for Assistance requiring that “affiliation with NSO constitutes automatic membership in a CBC.” To that end, the 1986 Representative Assembly adopted a policy of an 'Affiliate in Good Standing' requiring that affiliates “shall also abide by the guidelines and procedures adopted by the CBC of which it is a member. Should the appropriate CBC determine that an affiliate is not in compliance with this definition, recommendations for action shall be referred to the Executive Committee through the CBC co-chairs.” In 1987, the Representative Assembly demonstrated its commitment by adopting a policy for enforcement of the Affiliate in Good Standing policy:

“In order to effectively enforce the ‘Affiliate in Good Standing’ policy adopted by the 1986 NSO Representative Assembly, the following disciplinary actions may be taken against those affiliates not complying with the constitution and bylaws of NSO including all policies adopted by the RA and the guidelines and procedures adopted by the CBC of which it is a member.

Should the appropriate CBC determine that an affiliate is not in compliance with this definition, recommendations for action should be referred to the Executive Committee through the CBC co-chairs.

Disciplinary action shall be uniform and progressive and may include: withholding of crisis fund monies, withholding of any kind of assistance, fines levied against the affiliate, censorship. Action shall be taken only after the CBC co-chairs have contacted the affiliate and encouraged the affiliate's compliance with the guidelines and procedures adopted by the CBC.”

The 1988 RA directed the NSO Executive Committee to make recommendations for strengthening the functions of the CBCs. These recommendations include a broadened emphasis on training to be developed by and through the CBCs for topics specific to the region: e.g., disputes on salary placement may lead to a specialized training program and redeveloped goals and minimum standards in this area.


Coordinated Bargaining Councils States

Central States CBC: IA, KS, KY, MD, MN, MO, ND, NE, OK, SD, TX

Corridor States CBC: CT, DC, DE, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WI, NEASO, AFSE

Southern States CBC: AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, WV

Western States CBC: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

Bargaining Assistance

The National Staff Organization encourages its affiliates to participate in training programs so that each union develops advocates to negotiate their own employment contract. For those times when at-the-table assistance is necessary, NSO has a contingency of professionals who will volunteer to assist your affiliate to bring about a settlement. Requests for at-the-table assistance are coordinated through your Regional Director and your Coordinated Bargaining Council (CBC) co-chairs. The Vice President for Program must PRIOR APPROVE ALL REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE and will work with all parties to assign the most effective advocate for your situation. NSO assistance is available for advocates and training in traditional and collective style of negotiations, including Interest Based Bargaining. Requests for other bargaining assistance must likewise be coordinated through your Regional Director and your CBC co-chairs at the direction of the VP for Program. See the Crisis Fund Guidelines for detailed information on NSO's financial assistance to affiliates and members when faced with a negotiations crisis.

Coordinated Bargaining Financial Assistance

NSO provides special travel assistance to affiliates who would face financial hardship in providing representation on the Coordinated Bargaining Council. Assistance is on a case-by-case basis of up to one-half of the airfare to a maximum of $200 per affiliate while NSO funds are available. NSO budgets $2,000 for this program. Applicants must file their request with one of their CBC chairs. The criteria to be considered are: (1) local dues; (2) percent of potential membership; (3) total assets; (4) number of members; and (5) local hardship (e.g., unusual union expenses).


Coordinated Bargaining Councils

National Mutual Aid and Defense Pact

The affiliates of all NSO Coordinated Bargaining Councils are committed to creating solidarity among NSO affiliates and members through mutual assistance and defense during bargaining crises. Therefore, each affiliate agrees to provide the following assistance to any affiliate in good standing in the Council that is involved in a bargaining dispute, strike build-up and/or strike:

1. On-site assistance in contract negotiations, settlement and maintenance;

2. Consultation in organizing efforts;

3. Letters and telegrams of support;

4. Contributions to affiliate's crisis fund;

5. Censure; (i.e. a letter to state execs or governance leaders condemning or reprimanding)

6. Sanction; (i.e. informing people not to apply for positions in particular states)

7. Demonstrations/picketing state association offices, governance meetings, etc.; (to include meeting governance leaders when they arrive in another state for meetings, etc.)

8. CBC meetings scheduled in the affected state;

9. Boycotts of staff training and meetings;

10. Sympathy actions;

11. Honor of picket lines of any NSO sanctioned striking affiliate (with all of its implications).

These activities will be initiated at the request of the affiliate involved in the crisis through the CBC chairpersons/CBC Facilitating Committee. The chairpersons will coordinate the delivery of assistance to the affiliate through the Facilitating Committee.

2015 NSO Handbook

80

Coordinated Bargaining Council Guidelines

PREFACE

To the end collectively we can achieve contractual benefits and gains which are unattainable as individuals, and that the collective sharing of information and resources generates power, the NSO has determined that all NSO affiliates are required to belong to a coordinated bargaining council. The coordinated bargaining council hereby has developed and has adopted the following National Guidelines: 1. Affiliates shall participate in their designated Coordinated Bargaining Council and shall

have two (2)-voting representatives on the bargaining council. The representatives shall be the chief negotiator of the affiliate and the president or his/her designee. All inclusive affiliates may designate one (1) additional permanent representative who is a member of the affiliate’s bargaining team to ensure both professional and associate staff representation.

2. The NSO will appoint two (2) members of the Executive Committee who will serve as Co-

Chairs of the Bargaining Council. 3. Each Coordinated Bargaining Council (CBC) shall establish regional “Guidelines” and

“Goals and Settlement Standards” and a “Mutual Defense Pact.” 4. The CBC co-chairs shall select members to serve as facilitators. 5. Each Coordinated Bargaining Council (CBC) will develop strategies to assist its members

in achieving the minimum standards set by the CBC which may include, but are not limited to:

a. a common strike date b. use of interstate bargaining team members c. a common expiration date d. targeting affiliates e. selective job actions f. crisis team

2015 NSO Handbook

81

6. Prior to commencing bargaining, every affiliate shall perform a contract analysis utilizing the CBC Goals & Settlement Standards. This analysis shall be attached to the proposals or interest statements upon initial submission to the facilitator.

7. All members of the CBC will introduce language or interest statements consistent with

Council adopted goals prior to going to the table. 8. The NSO affiliate’s chief negotiator shall mail to its facilitator and co-chairs prior to

bargaining: current contract, initial positions, and employer’s initial position at the commencement of bargaining. In the case of collaborative bargaining, the chief negotiator will report issues/concerns that reflect CBC Goals and Standards, and employer’s issues/concerns at the commencement of bargaining.

9. Affiliates shall notify their facilitator of any waivers needed prior to reaching a tentative

agreement on any item which does not meet settlement standards unless the affiliate is on strike or is scheduled to strike within 24 hours. The facilitator shall notify the co-chairs who shall arrange crisis assistance as needed.

10. The total agreement shall be submitted to the facilitator prior to ratification by the

affiliate. A final analysis utilizing the Goals and Settlement Standards shall be attached to the agreement. The facilitator will forward the documents to the co-chairs.

11. The CBC facilitator and/or the CBC co-chairs shall have the right to communicate to the

affiliate any issues/concerns related to the tentative agreement. 12. If an affiliate is on a CBC-sanctioned strike in order to achieve the minimum standards

adopted by the CBC, the CBC agrees to abide by the mutual aid strategies it develops in accordance with the CBC’s mutual defense pact.

13. Affiliates which fail to cooperate with and participate in their designated CBC may be

declined staff assistance and/or financial support from NSO. 14. The CBC representatives of each CBC can adopt modifications to the purpose,

guidelines, goals or strategies at any of the CBC meetings by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those representatives present providing such modifications have been sent to the CBC affiliate representatives at least two (2) weeks prior the CBC meeting. Said modifications shall be forwarded to all other CBCs.


Regardless of what process you use in negotiations—traditional, interest-based or other—all bargaining settlements must comply with the Goals and Settlement Standards listed below. Each affiliate is required to submit their contract

analysis, along with proposals or interest statements, to their facilitator PRIOR TO commencement of bargaining. Waivers must be granted by the CBC or facilitators if affiliates do not meet the settlement standards. The overall goal is to improve the economic well-being of every member through a combination of increased lifetime earnings, improved

retirement benefits, and comprehensive family medical, dental, vision and life insurance during employment and retirement.

National NSO Goals and Settlement Standards

PROVISION GOAL SETTLEMENT STANDARD

MEETS GOAL OR

STANDARD

PROPOSAL OR

WAIVER Binding Arbitration Full boilerplate final and binding

arbitration Same as Goal

Business Expenses Employer responsible for all

business expenses, including car allowance and/or mileage

Employer responsible for all costs related to travel/expenses (mileage reimbursement at least equal to the current IRS figure for all business miles or its equivalent)

Employee Wellness and Assistance Program

Employee wellness and assistance plan, employer-paid or covered through group insurance, that includes counseling and services for family or personal problems, substance abuse, wellness and fitness, at the employee's option with guaranteed confidentiality and does not impact job security for the employee

Some form of employer-paid employee wellness and assistance program at the employee's option with guaranteed confidentiality

Equity A provision guaranteeing all

employees, regardless of job classification, equity in employment opportunity; including a program of affirmative action

Same as Goal



MEETS GOAL OR

STANDARD

PROPOSAL OR

WAIVER Insurance-AD&D 100% employer paid 24-hour

coverage of at least $500,000 for the death benefit per employee

100% employer paid 24-hour coverage of at least $100,000 for the death benefit per employee

Insurance-Dental Best available 100% employer paid full family and domestic partner coverage provisions to cover tax liability if applicable; union negotiates carrier and benefits

100% employer paid full family and domestic partner coverage

Insurance-Employment Liability

100% employer paid employment liability

Movement toward Goal

Insurance-Life 100% employer-paid coverage of

3x annual salary per employee; union negotiates carrier and benefits

100% employer-paid coverage of 2x annual salary per employee

Insurance-Long Term Care

100% employer-paid coverage for eligible employee and spouse/domestic partner; provisions to cover tax liability if applicable; union negotiates carrier and benefits


Insurance-LTD Long-term disability insurance of

75% of gross salary or better excluding offsets and including maximum 60-day waiting period

Long-term disability insurance

Insurance-Medical Best available 100% employer-paid

full family and domestic partner coverage; provisions to cover tax liability if applicable; union negotiates carrier and benefits




MEETS GOAL OR

STANDARD

PROPOSAL OR

WAIVER Insurance-Prescriptions

Employer-paid full family and domestic partner prescription coverage; provisions to cover tax liability if applicable; union negotiates carrier and benefits

Full family and domestic partner prescription

Insurance-Vision Best available 100% employer-paid

full family and domestic partner coverage; provisions to cover tax liability if applicable; union negotiates carrier and benefits


Job Descriptions All employees shall work under

mutually agreed to job descriptions Same as Goal

Just Cause Just cause and due process for all

unit members including the seven tests.

Same as Goal

Leaves-Bereavement

Ten days paid by employer Five days paid by employer

Leaves-Holidays Ten working days during winter break plus 10 days per year paid for by employer

Minimum of 13 days per year paid for by employer

Leaves-Personal Minimum of 5 days per year,

unused days convert to accumulated annual leave (union determines type of leave)

Three days per year

Leaves-Sabbatical One year of leave w/pay for

professional reasons with all rights of seniority, benefits, salary, etc. to continue and accrue

Work toward goal



MEETS GOAL OR

STANDARD

PROPOSAL OR

WAIVER Leaves-Sick Minimum of 20 days per year, with

unlimited accumulation and expand the use of said days to members of immediate family or household

Minimum of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation

Leaves-Unused Leave Compensation

Full per diem payment upon separation of employment for all unused vacation, sick leave and compensatory time


Leaves-Vacation 30 days per year with unlimited

accumulation Minimum of 15 days per year

Maintenance of Benefits

Continuation of employer paid group insurance benefits for employees who go on leave or are RIFed (Reduction in Force)

Option to continue same employer paid group benefits at employee's expense

Maintenance of Standards

Continuation of contract, standards, and past practices at highest level

Grievance procedure which covers all terms and conditions of employment

Merger/New Organization

Language that restricts merger until mutual agreement has been reached concerning staff and the Collective Bargaining Agreement

Same as Goal

Merit Pay Compensation cannot be tied to

staff production goals, NEA affiliate membership numbers or any type of salary negotiations outside of NSO affiliate collective bargaining agreements

Same as Goal



MEETS GOAL OR

STANDARD

PROPOSAL OR

WAIVER Non Discrimination No discrimination or disciplinary

action against any member of the unit on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status or age. The personal life of an employee is not an appropriate concern of the employer.

Same as Goal

NSO Affiliation Language stating the affiliate is an

affiliate of NSO Same as Goal

Overtime Associate Staff/Comp Time Professional Staff

1 1/2 time for all service--professional and associate staff--overwork day; double time on weekends and scheduled vacations; triple time on holidays

Hour-for-hour for professional staff; 1 1/2 time for every hour associate staff work beyond normal work week and for Saturdays; double time for Sundays and holidays for all staff

Probationary Period No probationary period Maximum of 9 months and work to shorten Relocation 100% payment of all costs caused

by involuntary transfer. All moving and relocation costs paid when impacted by voluntary transfer.

Same as Goal

Retirement 100% employer paid Taft-Hartley

Trust with the following features: a) benefit based on number of years service x final average salary x 3% (benefit equal to 60% of final average salary at 20 years service); b) retirement age based on Rule of 70 (can retire at age 50 with 20 yrs service); c) buying power increased by national CPI; d) buy in option for previous service

A minimum employer contribution of 15% towards a defined contribution plan or a 100% employer paid defined benefit plan with the following features: a) benefit based on number of years service x final average salary x 2% (benefit equal to 50% of final average salary at 25 years); b) retirement age based on Rule of 75 (can retire at age 55 after 20 years); c) buying power increased by national CPI



MEETS GOAL OR

STANDARD

PROPOSAL OR

WAIVER Retirement-Retiree Benefits

Continuation of 100% employer-paid full family group insurance benefits for retired employees and dependents (including domestic partners) survivor benefits; coordinated w/Medicare

Continuation of individual or two-party group health insurance benefits (including domestic partners), at least partially employer-paid; coordinated w/Medicare

RIF No reduction in force Layoff and recall based on seniority;

retraining and job search assistance paid for by the employer, at the employee's option; employees on layoff will have first right for temporary work without losing recall rights

Right to Strike Absence of language prohibiting strikes or honoring picket lines

Same as Goal

Rollbacks No take backs; no rollbacks Same as Goal Salary Total compensation increased by

July-July CPI plus 4% for each year of contract or maximum salary at least the average of your highest 5 CBC state affiliates plus CPI

Total compensation increased by July-July CPI for each year of contract or minimum salary at least the average of your CBC state affiliates plus CPI

Salary-Part time Employees

Full benefits and pro-rata salary Pro-rata benefits and salary

Salary-Schedule Placement

Full year-to-year credit on salary schedule for all prior paid Employer and other union experience; equitable salary placement for current staff

Same as Goal

Salary-Structure Maximum salary reached in five

years Ten steps and work toward compression and simplification of pay rates

Staff Continuing Education

All job-related education costs paid by employer

Same as Goal



MEETS GOAL OR

STANDARD

PROPOSAL OR

WAIVER Staff Training Employer funded personal training

account for each staff person to be administered by the employee; right to participate in staff training programs offered by the state and/or NEA

Access to training for all staff

Subcontracting No subcontracting; Non-bargaining

unit members may not do bargaining unit work

Same as Goal

Supervision of Other Employees

No bargaining unit member will have any supervisory function over any other bargaining unit member or any other union employee

Same as Goal

Tax-Deferred Salary Reduction Plans

Deferred compensation plan with employer contributions (e.g. 401(k), Section 125)

Availability of an employer-sponsored deferred compensation plan

Transfers-Involuntary

No involuntary transfers Involuntary transfers by reverse seniority and only if unable to fill with a voluntary transfer. Objective criteria and necessary protections should be offered to employees

Transfers-Voluntary/New Positions/Vacancies

Unit members have right of first refusal based on seniority with qualifications

Posting of all bargaining unit new positions/vacancies. Voluntary transfers to unit members first.

Union Release Time (Employer-Paid)

Unlimited, including release time for NSO, bargaining and grievances

Minimum of 10 days per year in addition to time for bargaining and grievance processing

Union Security Union shop Agency shop, if legal (exception for right to work states)

Work Week Professional staff determine own work schedule; associate staff have flexible work schedule and 35 hour week

Professional staff same as goal. No more than 40 hours per week and a flexible work schedule for associate staff


THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY


Research Assistance

Each Coordinated Bargaining Council has selected two members to serve on NSO's Research Committee. This Committee surveys affiliates to compile reports on topics deemed of interest in the collective bargaining process and assists affiliates in posting their ratified contracts on the NSO Research Website. Affiliates are expected to submit an electronic version of their ratified contract as soon as it is available and complete the survey forms by stated deadlines.

Research information is made available to affiliates through the distribution of a flash drive at the annual Winter Advocacy Retreat or via US mail. The flash drive contains all reports prepared by the Committee, both in PDF and Excel spreadsheet formats. In addition, it contains the survey forms used in the collection of data from affiliates.

Research information is also available at the www.nso-research.org website. Access to the website is available to Presidents and Chief Negotiators. User names and passwords are required for access, which can be obtained from Robert Blackwell through an online registration process.

NSO Research Committee report topics include the following:

Directory of Contacts Dues Survey Insurance Benefits Job Titles/Salary Schedule Information Leaves Local Option Merger Language Settlement Report Transportation Work Hours Each Coordinated Bargaining Councils’ Goals and Settlement Standards NSO Coordinated Bargaining Councils’ Guidelines NSO Coordinated Bargaining Councils’ National Mutual Aid and Defense Pact

Contact: Dawn Basurto, Chairperson

Phone: 916-207-6856 (cell) E-mail: [email protected]

Robert Blackwell, At-Large Director NSO Executive Committee Liaison

Phone: 910-381-9851 (cell) Email: [email protected]

http://www.nso-research.org/




Training and Facilitation Assistance

The National Staff Organization has broadened its training opportunities to cover all areas of union advocacy. NSO assistance is available on the national, regional and individual affiliate level: Winter Advocacy Retreat: The major national training program is the NSO Winter

Advocacy Retreat (or WAR College, as NEA refers to it, and formerly the "Bargaining Conference"). The Retreat program is designed for experienced and new advocates, and is specially designed to meet the needs of professional, associate and wall-to-wall units, as well as full-time and part-time members.

Just to name a few, topics for the national WAR College include (new topics are added

each year): Advanced Grievance Processing Arbitration Preparation—It’s Not Rocket Science Are you Going to Tweet That?

Introduction to Grievance Processing Kinesics: What Does Your Body Language Say About

You? Assertiveness and Bargaining…A Powerful Combination Bargaining Salary Guides

Leading Successful Meetings Let’s Get it Started! Tools for Successful Organizing

Bargaining Health Insurance Life is Easier with NSO Research Bargaining Legal Issues Mediation of Grievances Bargaining Issues: How to Manage Them at the Table Bargaining Research

Modified Positional Bargaining—A Whole New World Organizing for Power Modules I & II

Basic Unionism Basic Labor Law Under the NLRA Burning Out? Control the Flames and Come Out Intact

Organizing to Bargaining/Crisis Organizing in State Affiliates

Practical Tips for Presidents Communicate and Advocate with POWER! Communicating to Win: Getting the Word Out in Good Times & Crisis

Principles of Contract Interpretation Quality Newsletters and E-Newsletters R U Ready for Social Media

Communications for Bargaining and Beyond Connecting the Dots…The Value of Union Membership Crisis Organizing Defined Contribution Retirement Plans

Reality 501: Bargaining Pensions Retirement/Pension Plan Workshop Sometimes You’re the Bug…Sometimes You’re the

Windshield Duty of Fair Representation Subcontracting from Within Dysfunction in the Workplace Team Building Eat Your Wheaties…Get Ready to Bargain Retirement

Benefits The Do’s and Don’ts of Contract Writing Training and Presentation Skills

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Elections, but Really Didn’t Care to Ask

Exploring the Legacy: Learning from the Past to Build a Better Future

Group Decision Making Dynamics

Treasurers’ Workshop Tricks and Traps of Facilitating a Meeting Understanding Workplace Bullying What Matters Most: Retirement, Investments and

Education How the Internet Puts More Power Into the Hands of the

Union Advocate Intermediate Grievance Processing

You Did What? Tips for Representing Members Your Well Oiled Machine is Rusting—the Tools to Salvage

and Overhaul


NSO also provides specialized workshops for Treasurers and New Presidents to help acquaint them with their responsibilities and to help make the job easier.

Regional Training Opportunities: While NSO focuses most of its attention on the

national Winter Advocacy Retreat, specialized training programs for certain areas of the country are also provided. This training may be provided through the umbrella of the Coordinated Bargaining Council (CBC) or for one or two states. These programs may focus specifically on bargaining, or grievance processing, or any other problem specific to the region.

Local Affiliate Training: NSO may provide specialized training within an affiliate on a

specific topic(s) to meet the individualized needs of an affiliate. These programs may range from "Understanding Unionism" to "How to Become an Advocate" to "The Nuts and Bolts of Grievance Processing."

Internal Dispute Assistance: Facilitators trained in conflict resolution techniques are

available to assist members and local affiliates when faced with internal disputes including: member-member; union-union; professional-associate, etc. (See NSO Dispute Resolution Policy.)

Team Development: Affiliates wanting to move forward collectively can take

advantage of trainers/facilitators who will help with factions to find common goals.

TO REQUEST REGIONAL OR LOCAL AFFILIATE TRAINING/FACILITATION: A local affiliate president through your Regional Director should initiate requests for training/facilitation. The Regional Director will contact the Vice President for Program for approval of your training/facilitation request. Your Regional Director and the VP for Program will work with your affiliate to determine the program content, format, and appropriate trainers/facilitators. Financial assistance (both for trainers and direct assistance) must be prior approved by the Vice President for Program and the NSO Executive Committee.

Contact: Vice President for Program Lynn Adler Illinois Education Association

Phone: 312/407-0098 (office) 312/771-7120 (cell)

230 W. Monroe, #2640 Chicago, IL 60606

Email: [email protected] [email protected]




Grievance and Arbitration Assistance

The NSO Vice President for Defense is your contact for grievance and arbitration assistance—from advice to on-site assistance. Advice is as close as your phone when faced with a problem affecting the rights of your affiliate or a member.

On-Site Arbitration Assistance: Requests for an NSO advocate to represent your affiliate in an arbitration should be made to the Vice President for Defense as soon as possible. This allows NSO to find the advocate with expertise in the given situation and allows for coordination of calendars.

Arbitrator Evaluation Service: NSO maintains a database on arbitrators used in staff arbitrations across the country. Each affiliate completes an Arbitrator Evaluation Form that describes the arbitrator's performance in the hearing, in the award, and any other pertinent information.

Attorney/Legal Assistance: NSO's cadre of volunteer professional advocates generally reduces the necessity for hiring an attorney—and many of NSO's members are attorneys. NSO may, at its option, retain an attorney to assist in certain labor relations disputes. NSO's policy generally is to reimburse up to 50% for PRIOR APPROVED attorney assistance. In some precedent-setting situations, NSO has authorized an affiliate to retain an attorney and will reimburse an affiliate up to 100% of the legal fees. Be sure your affiliate has PRIOR, WRITTEN APPROVAL from the VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEFENSE before retaining an attorney if you desire NSO reimbursement.

An affiliate will be reimbursed for one-half of its costs up to $5,000 for the arbitrator's fee

and expenses as well as appropriate filing fees upon NSO's receipt of all legal judgments, settlements, or other legal dispositions and arbitrator's award. Expenses beyond $5,000 require prior approval by the NSO Executive Committee and only the amount requested will be reimbursed. Copies of all legal judgments, settlements, or other legal dispositions including the arbitrator's decision must be submitted within six months of the final billing to receive the reimbursement. (Note: Reimbursement for attorney fees is not made without prior approval of the NSO Executive Committee.)

Financial Arbitration Assistance: Each affiliate requesting financial assistance must

complete the NSO Arbitration Subsidy Request Form. NSO will pay 50% of the cost of arbitration ONLY WITH PRIOR APPROVAL BY THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEFENSE. Arbitration costs shall consist of the fees and expenses of the arbitrator and filing fees involved. No other expenses, including attorney fees and witness fees, shall be


reimbursable, unless previously authorized by the NSO Vice President for Defense. Court reporters/stenographers, as a rule, will not be approved for reimbursement unless previously approved by the VP for Defense.

Filing fee bills should be sent to the NSO VP for Defense upon receipt. Filing fees will be

paid by NSO directly to the affiliate, and is subject to the 50% reimbursement rules. To ensure full funding by NSO, the NSO Arbitration Subsidy Request Form must be

submitted to the VP for Defense within six (6) months of the arbitrator’s award or grievance settlement (including cancellations).

Before reimbursements are made, affiliates must submit copies of the following

documents to the Vice President for Defense:

AAA Demand for Arbitration Form (if applicable) Arbitrator's Award Arbitrator's Bill Any Other Applicable Bills NSO Arbitrator Evaluation Form

Contact: Mike Boyer Vice President for Defense

Phone: 509-981-6728 (cell)

Email: [email protected]



Arbitration Subsidy Request Form

A. NSO will pay 50% of the cost of arbitration. Arbitration costs shall consist of the fees and expenses of the arbitrator, and filing fees involved. NO other expenses, including attorney fees, and witness fees, shall be reimbursable, unless previously authorized by the NSO Vice President for Defense. Court reporter/stenographers, as a rule, will not be approved for reimbursement unless previously approved by the NSO VP for Defense.

B. Filing fee bills should be sent to the NSO VP for Defense upon receipt. Filing fees will be paid by NSO directly to the affiliate, and is subject to the 50% reimbursement rule.

C. To insure full funding by NSO, this form must be submitted to the NSO VP for Defense within six (6) months of the arbitrator’s award or grievance settlement (including cancellations).

D. BEFORE PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE, COPIES OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE NSO VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEFENSE, MIKE BOYER, WASHINGTON EA, 230 E. MONTGOMERY, SPOKANE, WA 99207.

Arbitration Subsidy Request

Enclosed

Not Applicable

1. Original Grievance Report Form

__________

___________

2. AAA Demand for Arbitration Form (if applicable)

__________

___________

3. Post-Hearing Briefs (Union/Employer, if applicable)

__________

___________

4. Arbitrator’s Award __________ ___________ 5. Arbitrator’s Bill __________ ___________ 6. Any other Applicable Bills __________ ___________ 7. NSO Arbitrator Evaluation Form __________ ___________

If any materials are not enclosed, please explain: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Make NSO subsidy check payable to:

NSO Affiliate __________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address ________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________ State ___________ Zip ____________


Arbitrator Evaluation Form

1. Name of arbitrator ______________________________ AAA Case No. _______________

THE HEARING 2. The hearing was: ___Informal ___Average ___Formal 3. Attitude toward evidence was ___Informal ___Average ___Formal 4. Attitude toward testimony was ___Informal ___Average ___Formal 5. Requires post hearing briefs ___Yes ___No

COSTS

6. For the issue involved and the specific case the charges were:

___Low ___Average ___Excessive If excessive, please explain: ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 7. The facts and contract language related to the case were:

___Weak ___50-50 ___Strong 8. The quality of the rationale in the award was:

___Poor ___Questionable ___Average ___Good ___Excellent 9. The relationship between the rationale and the award was:

___Poor ___Questionable ___Average ___Good ___Excellent

THE ARBITRATOR

10. General Assessment:

___Poor ___Questionable ___Average ___Good ___Excellent 11. Comments: __________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ 12. I would highly recommend this arbitrator for the following reasons: ___________________________________________________________________________________ 13. I would discourage use of this arbitrator for the following issues: ___________________________________________________________________________________


Pension and Financial Planning

Assistance

NSO’s Pension Benefits Committee not only monitors the NEA Pension Plan, which many state affiliates belong, but also provides training and resource assistance to states with their own defined benefit or defined contribution retirement plans. The Pension Benefits Committee also provides assistance with other plans such as 401K, deferred compensation, etc. In cooperation with the NSO Pension Benefits Committee, data on retirement plans across the country is available for affiliates. NSO has a Pension Consultant on retainer to provide specific, technical information under ERISA, and IRS regulations, etc.

Contact: Ron Goldenstein NSO Executive Committee Liaison Nebraska Education Association 605 South 14th, Suite 200 Lincoln NE 68508-2742

Phone: 402-475-7611 402-475-2489 (FAX-not secure) 402-432-3401 (cell)

Email: [email protected]

Tammy Whitaker NSO Executive Committee Liaison Florida Education Association 213 South Adams St. Tallahassee, FL 32031

Phone: 904-264-8810 904-438-5128 (FAX- secure) 904-607-1765 (cell) Email: [email protected]




Policy Regarding Retirees Health Care Litigation Assistance

I. Post-Employment/Retiree Healthcare

1. NSO Executive Committee will direct all retiree healthcare issues to a Subcommittee if it does not handle the matter itself. The Subcommittee shall be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Executive Committee.

2. The Subcommittee will be empowered to:

a. Deal directly with the affiliate;

b. Identify all officers and management involved;

c. Identify all current retirees, any special retirees, future retirees currently employed who are at issue;

d. Identify the Employer’s proposed action in detail; and

e. Collect all exact healthcare language and benefits involved. 3. Secure all collective bargaining agreements from the initial time retiree

healthcare became a benefit.

4. Secure copies of any individual retiree contracts which may exist between retirees and the Employer.

5. If the Collective Bargaining Agreement, refers to any other documents,

secure copies of and then identify them with details.

6. If there are any memorandum of agreements, grievances, arbitrations, or significant bargaining history relevant to the retiree healthcare question, secure them.

7. If the Union agreement is silent or incomplete on retiree healthcare is

every attempt to secure some understanding of what the Union, retirees or Employer thinks in detail is required.


8. Secure any other investigation as necessary for a complete report and identify also what other fact-finding seems required.

II. Prepare a summary for the file for the Executive Committee. Hire a transcriber if

necessary in order to assist the committee. III Travel to the affiliate may be required in order to comply with the requirements

of this policy. It will be authorized by the Vice President of Defense. IV. The President will appoint one individual to coordinate information with legal

counsel on all cases throughout the NSO organization dealing with these issues. V. No legal advice will be authorized unless approved by the Vice President of

Defense in connection with the Subcommittee. No NSO funds will be provided for retiree litigation without a signed contract providing for reimbursement of costs and fees in the event of any recovery.

VI. If the Executive Committee so chooses, it can assist financially by subsidizing the

legal fees at a rate of one hundred ten dollars ($110.00) an hour up to three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) a month, itemized billings, etc. evidenced by a written agreement providing for reimbursement of legal fees.

VII. No expenditure will be authorized or made unless, pursuant to a contract which

guarantees:

a. The NSO will be repaid its legal fees and costs in the event of an award.

b. The NSO has the right to approve legal counsel to the affiliate as well as legal strategy.

c. The NSO will have the right to terminate its participation in the assistance agreement for any reason and at any time by written notice to the affiliate or Plaintiff party or its legal counsel who is the beneficiary of said assistance.

VIII. Said notice of termination, per VII (c) if it occurs, does not alter, modify, diminish

or abrogate the NSO’s right to receive dollar-for-dollar reimbursement for any funds so provided to support the litigation in any way including attorney fees.

The signed Agreement which addresses the above points shall be read in full harmony with this adopted Policy Agreement.

The Agreement shall be deemed confidential and part of the attorney-client relationship.


Campaign and Election Rules

The nomination and election of NSO officers and Region Directors will be conducted in accordance with the NSO Constitution and Bylaws currently in effect, and the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) of 1959, as amended. Term of Office: The officers (President, Vice President for Defense, Vice President for Program, Secretary and Treasurer) and nine (9) Directors of who seven (7) shall be Regional Directors and two (2) shall be Directors At-Large, elected by a majority vote of the delegates to the Representative Assembly and who shall be the trustees of the organization. Officers and Region Directors will take office immediately after the end of the Representative Assembly for which they were elected. Nomination: Notice of nominations for NSO offices and the NSO Campaign and Election Rules will be posted to the NSO website and CONTACT beginning in January. “The Election Committee shall accept nominations for office in accordance with Article II, Section 1 of the Bylaws and conduct the election for these positions at the Representative Assembly. To be placed on the ballot, a nominee shall be a member in good standing; consent to be on the ballot; and submit a petition to the Election Committee with the signatures of at least three (3) members.” [Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1]

A valid Petition must be received by NSO Secretary no later than the conclusion of the Election Committee’s report on the first day of the Representative Assembly. A Petition Form can be found on the NSO website and used by any candidate for office. Any written nominations and/or petitions shall not be on an affiliate or employer letterhead. Request for NSO Mailing List/Campaign Literature: Candidates may request one set of affiliate presidents’ labels, at no cost, from the NSO Secretary in writing on or before May 15. The only official, NSO-prepared list to be used by candidates is the list provided by the NSO Secretary. This does not prevent the candidate from compiling their own list using various data available to any member of NSO, such as the Research Committee Directory of Contacts or various published NSO Committee Rosters. Delegates and alternates [names and addresses] to the Representative Assembly are not available for distribution for the purpose of campaigns and elections. Candidates will not be allowed to distribute any campaign literature or address attendees within any NSO meeting—i.e., meetings for Merger/Organizing, CBCs, executive committee, research, and any ad hoc committees. However, a candidate may campaign for a respective office and distribute campaign literature on the RA floor. A candidate may request a campaign table that will be located outside of any NSO meeting for the purpose of distributing campaign material three (3) weeks prior to the meeting. The cost of such table will be borne solely by the candidate. NSO and/or its affiliate shall not use any funds and/or resources to assist in the campaign of a candidate.


Campaign Restrictions: Federal law prohibits the use of any employer or local affiliate funds to promote the candidacy of any person in a union office election. This prohibition applies to cash, facilities, equipment, vehicles, office, supplies, etc. of NSO and any other union, and of employees whether or not they employ NSO members. Union officers and employees may not campaign on time paid for by the union and/or employer. Examples of prohibited activities include (copied from the Department of Labor publication “Conducting Local Union Officer Elections—A Guide for Election Officials”):

Campaigning on time paid for by the union or employer Use of union/employer owned or leased equipment such as telephones; fax machines, and copy

machines (including employer-owned e-mail) Use of union/employer supplies such as stamps, paper and envelopes Use of union employees to prepare campaign literature while on union time Use of the union letterhead Use of union/employer property or facilities Printing articles, which support or criticize an individual’s candidacy in a union newspaper or

other publication Giving free services or special discounts to a candidate customer such as printing, photocopying,

etc. The prohibition against the use of union and employer funds applies to ANY union and ANY employer, not just to the NSO and its affiliates. Federal law also provides that candidates must be treated equally regarding the opportunity to campaign and that all members may support the candidate of their choice without being subject to penalty, discipline or reprisal of any kinds. All commercially produced campaign materials used by a candidate shall be union-made, made-in-the-US materials and that all printed materials be printed by union printers and include the union bug. This does not preclude a candidate from producing their own campaign literature/materials—for example, using personal/home computer, printer and other equipment, paper, etc. Ballot Position: Two members of the Elections Committee will draw names for the order in which candidate names will appear on the ballot. The Candidates, or their representatives, may be present to observe the drawing. Observers: Candidates are entitled to have observers present at the counting of ballots. The candidate must submit the name of their observer to any member of the Elections Committee no later than the end of day one of the Representative Assembly. Tally of Ballots: The counting of the ballots shall be conducted by the Elections Committee after the polls close on the date and time of the election notice.


Election Results: The election results will be announced at the RA as well as posted to the NSO website. The result will also appear in the next issue of the CONTACT.

Election Records: The NSO Secretary is responsible for maintaining all nomination and election records for at least one year after the election, as required by federal law.

________________________________________ The above rules are not all inclusive. Additional election rules or clarifications may be issued by the NSO Executive Committee and Elections Committee and Department of Labor as needed during the nomination and election period, and be distributed to all NSO affiliates.

• Adopted by the Executive Committee on June 11, 2003, revised March 26, 2004 • To become effective beginning September 1, 2003. • Revised at the 2004 Representative Assembly, NBI #04-03 • Amended September 29, 2005 by the Executive Committee • Amended at the June 9, 2007 Representative Assembly through the Constitution and Bylaws changes • Amended March 28, 2008 by the Executive Committee


Name _______________________________________________________________________ Home Address_________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ (city) (state) (zip)

POSITION SEEKING: (check the position that applies) Terms commence June 13, 2015 and expire on June 10, 2017

Region 1 Director Region 3 Director Region 5 Director Region 7 Director At-Large A Director At-Large B Director

Need a minimum of three (3) signatures from active NSO members.

1. ___________________________________ 7. __________________________________

2. ___________________________________ 8. __________________________________

3. ___________________________________ 9. __________________________________

4. ___________________________________ 10. __________________________________

5. ___________________________________ 11. __________________________________

6. ___________________________________ 12. __________________________________

Candidate’s Signature ___________________________________________________________ Date: ________________________

This form must be returned to NSO Secretary Mary A. Henson no later than June 12, 2015, 10 AM.

CCAANNDDIIDDAATTEE PPEETTIITTIIOONN FFOORR NNSSOO OOFFFFIICCEE

22001155


ELECTION NOTICE

An election will be held at the 2015 Representative Assembly for the following NSO Executive Committee positions serving a two-year term (June 13, 2015—June 10, 2017).

Region 1 Director Region 3 Director Region 5 Director Region 7 Director

At-Large A Director At-Large B Director

Any active NSO member is eligible to run for the above-mentioned positions. In accordance with the NSO Constitution and Bylaws, a candidate must submit a petition signed by at least three NSO members and submit such petition to the NSO Elections Chair Jennifer Miller no later than June 12, 2015, 10 AM. (Article VIII, Section 1) See your Affiliate President, or contact the NSO Secretary, to receive a copy of the Candidate’s Petition. Furthermore, any member may be nominated from the floor at the annual Representative Assembly, accompanied by a petition with the signature of three (3) members, for any officer to be so elected, provided the nominees are members in good standing of this Organization. (Article VIII, Section 2) Further rules and regulations referred to the NSO Campaign Rules and Election Regulations.


Crisis Assistance Policy

Through the NSO Crisis Program, a Crisis Action Investigation will be conducted to provide financial and other assistance to an affiliate facing a bargaining crisis. (See NSO Crisis Policy) The affiliate president should contact the NSO Vice-President for Program at least 60 days prior to any anticipated action. A Crisis Action Evaluation Team will make arrangements to conduct an on-site investigation with local leaders. Recommendations for assistance will be made to the NSO Executive Committee. The Crisis Investigation must be conducted prior to any disbursement of financial assistance from the NSO Charlie Love Crisis Fund.

The NSO Charlie Love Crisis Fund, now over $5,432,158.79 (August 31, 2014) was established to provide basic subsistence to members who face prolonged crisis situations. The 1982 NSO Representative Assembly adopted guidelines for operation and use of the Fund. Basically, the Fund's operation is designed to help locals in both crisis preparation and strategies, and activities once the crisis begins. Crisis Fund financial assistance is authorized by the NSO Executive Committee in compliance with the NSO Crisis Policy. Procedures and guidelines are available through NSO Treasurer Ron Goldenstein ([email protected]).

Requests for financial assistance for crisis organizing, up to $2,500, is to be made to the

Regional Director. Interest-Free Loans: In addition to staff assistance, NSO has provided interest-free loans

to affiliates that have been in prolonged strikes and lockouts. The NSO president has authority to arrange an emergency defense loan, if needed.

Contact: Vice President for Program Lynn Adler

Phone: 312/407-0098 (office) 312/771-7120 (cell)

Illinois Education Association 230 W. Monroe, Ste. 2640 Chicago, IL 60606

Email: [email protected] [email protected]




Policy for Crisis Financial Assistance

Is Membership in a CBC Automatic?

-- Affiliation with NSO constitutes automatic membership in a Coordinated Bargaining Council (CBC).

-- Assistance will be provided by NSO after NSO conducts an assessment of the local

union to determine the type and level of resources that will be allocated.

Who Gets Assistance from the Crisis Funds?

-- The appropriate NSO local affiliate in good standing. -- An affiliate must be in good standing for one (1) year prior to a request for assistance

from the Crisis Fund.

How does an Affiliate Qualify for Assistance? -- Individual affiliate problems will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

What Types of Situations or Crises Qualify?

-- The funds to be used only with bargaining related problems, i.e., strikes. -- Crisis Funds go only to local affiliates, not to individuals. -- NSO evaluation prior to any affiliate job action is required for assistance. -- Each Executive Committee member would be the main contact to conduct such

evaluations along with another board member (or other staff) and the local affiliate.

When Does Assistance Begin? How Much?

-- The local affiliate must have a plan and a committee to handle NSO Crisis Fund assistance.


-- Crisis Funds are available after five (5) working days of strike -- up to $75 per day per member in wage loss assistance will be provided retroactive to the first day of the strike.*

-- Interest free loans may be available after 20 working days of strike. -- Up to $75 per day per member is a subsistence grant (no repay) and must be given to

individuals and not used by the local affiliate to cover the cost of strike. -- If strike settlement results in no loss of pay, the subsistence grant must be repaid to

NSO Crisis Fund.

How Long Does Assistance Last?

-- The subsistence grant (up to $75 per day) is for the duration of the strike. -- The NSO Executive Committee will confer with the local crisis committee as needed to

discuss issues and available crisis funds. -- The subsistence grant will continue after the interest free loans begin. -- NSO Crisis Fund assistance will be sent to the local affiliate on a weekly basis.

If Crisis Fund Goes Broke?

-- NSO will assess another $25 per NSO member. -- Arrange for a loan to NSO Crisis Fund.

Policy adopted by the NSO Representative Assembly in June 1982, and amended in June 1989. *Policy Amended by the NSO RA in June 1993.


Presented June 1999

Crisis Fund Investment Policy Purpose of the NSO Crisis Assistance Program Fund

The NSO Crisis fund provides strike assistance to NSO affiliates and members during periods of crisis. In addition, funds up to $2500 are available to affiliates for crisis organizing. The Executive Committee can only authorize loans from the Crisis Fund to the general NSO fund. This financial assistance is provided pursuant to established policies and NSO Crisis Fund guidelines. The frequency and magnitude of distributions are difficult to predict. The possibility exists that one crisis may require the complete distribution of the Fund. However, the probability is that distributions will be modest. Investment Objective for the Fund

Because of the possibility that large distributions will be necessary, the primary investment objectives for the Fund are safety and liquidity. Because of the probability that distributions will be modest, the secondary investment objectives are to maintain and enhance the real market value of the Fund. Asset Classes

Investments are to be made in the following asset classes: equity investments (common stocks, convertible securities, or mutual funds containing same), fixed investments (maturities longer than one year or mutual funds containing the same), and cash equivalents (maturities less than one year and money market funds). Equity investments should generally be in reasonably well established companies with reasonably marketable securities or mutual funds containing same. Fixed income securities should have a Moody's or Standard & Poor’s rating of an "A" or better or the equivalent. Issues that deteriorate to below an "A" and continue to be held in the portfolio shall be reviewed with the Committee. Mutual funds should have an average rating of "A" or better. Cash equivalents should be commercial paper rated Al/P 1, certificates of deposits of similar quality, U.S. Treasury and government agency securities, and high quality money market funds. The following alternatives shall not be considered for the fund: venture capital, illiquid partnerships, tangible assets, short selling, margin, securities lending, financial derivatives (specifically leveraged transactions), and real estate (except in common stocks or convertible securities issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein).


Asset Allocation

The target allocation for the NSO Crisis Fund is as follows: Cash Equivalents 20% Fixed Income Intermediate Term 30% (1-5 year maturities) Long Term 20% (6-10 year maturities) Equity 30% The actual allocation should be maintained within a range of five percentage points of the target allocation. After large distributions, the Fund should be re-balanced within a one-year period. Investments should be diversified broadly among economic sectors. No issuer should account for more than 10% of the Fund, with the exception of U.S. Treasury or Government Agency securities. The Executive Committee upon recommendation by the Finance Committee can change these asset allocations. Performance Standards

The performance of mutual funds should be compared with market indices and peer groups tailored to their respective investment style. Mutual funds should be expected to have a sound relative performance on a risk and return basis of over a 3 to 5 year horizon. Responsibilities of the Finance Committee:

Develop and recommend to the Executive Committee the Investment Policy and Asset Allocation for the Fund: Monitor Financial Consultants/Investment Managers, for the Crisis Fund; Finance Committee will implement a procedure for the selection of financial

consultant and investment manager and recommend same to the Executive Committee;

Review quarterly financial statements for the Fund and meet with Financial Consultants/Investment Manager at least annually; Review monthly asset and activity reports from Fund Managers.

Responsibilities of the Financial Consultants/Investment Manager:

Meet at least annually with the Finance Committee; Evaluate the investment performance of the Fund; Consult in the areas of investment policy, asset allocation, and security selection; Provide analysis to assist the Finance Committee in determining whether NSO is

meeting its investment objectives using appropriate benchmarks; Attempt to understand the broad financial situation of the Crisis Fund as it relates to

investments for the Fund.


Crisis Fund Financial Assistance to Affiliates

Financial assistance will be provided by NSO to affiliates in the form of strike benefits and/or crisis organizing after NSO conducts an assessment of the NSO affiliate to determine the type and level of resources that will be allocated. Requests for financial assistance for crisis organizing, up to $2500, is to be made to the Regional Director. The NSO will assume the cost of certain reasonable and necessary strike expenditures as authorized by the NSO. NSO will provide crisis assistance to those affiliates that have been in good standing for one (1) year prior to a request for assistance from the Crisis Fund. A NSO member is eligible for Crisis Fund benefits if the following qualifications are met: 1. In case of a strike, a recipient of strike benefits must be a member in good standing before

a strike begins to be entitled to NSO strike assistance.

2. Probationary and New Hires Probationary and new hires may become eligible for strike benefits only if they join the NSO individually or through the Affiliate by paying the required fees and/or dues prior to the strike-taking place. In the event an applicant has signed an application for membership and a NSO affiliate check-off card that has been forwarded to the employer prior to the strike taking place, he/she would be considered a member in good standing and would be entitled to strike assistance.

3. Only members who are on the active payroll at the time the strike began are entitled to strike benefits.

4. A member must participate in a strike activity assigned by the NSO Affiliate in order to be

eligible for crisis assistance. Participation shall include those activities established by the NSO Affiliate.


A Member Is Not Entitled To Strike Funds:

1. If the dues are not paid up-to-date the day before the strike commences.

2. If the member is unemployed.

3. If the member is drawing sick and accident or other employer paid leave benefits.

Schedule of Benefits:

Crisis Funds are available to striking members after (5) working days of a strike. Weekly benefits (Monday through Friday) are calculated at $75.00 per day per member and will be provided retroactive to the first day of the strike. Such funds must be given to members in good standing who are on strike, and are not to be used by the Affiliate to cover the cost of the strike.

Administrative Policies NSO Crisis Assistance Program as Established by NSO Executive Committee 1. Crisis assistance shall be based on member rights and qualifications in accordance with the

rules and regulations approved by the NSO Executive Committee. 2. Strike funds can only be spent in conformity with the policies of the NSO. 3. Ordinary expenses of the NSO Affiliate, including equipment purchases, are the

responsibility of the NSO Affiliate. 4. At the conclusion of a strike, all NSO strike funds, which have not been used in conducting

the strike, must be returned to the NSO. If a strike settlement results in no loss of pay, the subsistence grant must be repaid to the NSO Crisis Fund.

NSO Finances There shall be a NSO Finance Committee consisting of the President, Treasurer, three (3) Executive Committee members, plus one (1) additional person, appointed by the President. A quorum of the Finance Committee shall consist of any three- (3) members thereof. The NSO Executive Committee shall have the power to remove any selected member of the Finance Committee by a majority vote. It shall be the general function of the NSO Finance Committee to administer the NSO Crisis Assistance program and to approve all investments of the NSO Crisis Funds subject to ratification by the NSO Executive Committee.


The NSO Treasurer shall keep the NSO Finance and Executive Committee advised at all times of income and disbursements of the Fund and to report on all such investments. Each member of the NSO Finance Committee shall be bonded in such sum and in such manner, as the Executive Committee shall require. 1. The crisis funds shall be kept in interest-bearing bank accounts, stocks, and short-term

government obligations as directed by the NSO Finance Committee.

2. All monies shall be placed in banks, depositories as approved by the NSO Executive Committee in the name of the National Staff Organization (NSO).

3. The NSO Treasurer shall issue annually a financial report summarizing the assets and

liabilities of the NSO and stating the net worth of that fund (s) together with a Certified Public Accountant's statement. Such report shall be presented annually. At any time a financial report is requested by the NSO Executive Committee, the NSO Treasurer shall furnish such a report consisting of a statement of assets, liabilities, and the net worth of the NSO Crisis Fund.

The Finance Committee shall report annually to the NSO Representative Assembly on the assets, liabilities, and net worth of the Crisis Fund.


NATIONAL STAFF ORGANIZATION

PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

FOR

CONDUCTING CRISIS PROGRAMS

AND

JOB ACTION INVESTIGATIONS


ADOPTED 12/17/94

NSO INVESTIGATION REQUEST The affiliate president shall initiate the NSO Crisis Action Investigation Report to the NSO Vice President for Program and Regional Director. The NSO Investigation must be completed by NSO sixty (60) days prior to contract expiration. A COPY OF THE INVESTIGATION MUST BE SENT TO THE V-P FOR PROGRAM Affiliate Name: Number of: Total Members _____ Professional Staff ______ Associate Staff _____ NSO Regional Director: NSO CBC: CBC Co-Chairs: President: Vice-President: Address: Address: Phone (H): Phone (H): Phone (O): Phone (O): Crisis Committee Chair: _______________________ Negotiations Chair: _ Address: Address: Phone (H): Phone (H): Phone (O): Phone (O): Bargaining Team Members: NSO Investigation Team (Names): Date Crisis Action Investigation was conducted: Location: Attach members of the Union(s) present and Union position held. Attach copy of affiliate Crisis Organization Plan.


A. Coordinating Bargaining Council NSO Affiliate has complied with governance documents of its assigned CBC: Guidelines: ___ Yes ___ No Goals & Standards: ___ Yes ___ No Initial Positions: ___ Yes ___ No Mutual Aid Pact ___ Yes ___ No Communications Current & Effective ___ Yes ___ No Observations/Recommendations from CBC Co-Chairs: Approval must be given by CBC Co-Chairs with input from Facilitating Committee Date: _ Date: B. NSO Regional Director The NSO Regional Director has been informed of the potential crisis and communication with the affiliate is

current and effective. Requests for Financial Crisis Assistance, up to $2500, are to be made to the Regional Director. Acknowledgment by Regional Director Date: C. Criteria for Consideration in Formulating Strike Action Recommendations Bargaining Status 1. Number of negotiation sessions held thus far: 2. Number of mediation sessions held thus far: 3. Status of impasse and mediation: 4. Name of mediator from FMCS: 5. Have any unfair labor practice complaints been alleged or filed?


Description of the State Education Association/Employer 1. Financial Condition: 2. Changes in membership: 3. Other relevant data: Issues in Dispute List all unresolved issues in priority order: NSO Affiliate Position Employer Position 1. 2. 3. ________________________________________________ 4. 5. 6. Internal Organizing

1. Has the affiliate formally surveyed the membership regarding their desires and attitudes on negotiations issues?

2. Did you present the negotiations proposal to the membership and have it formally approved? 3. Did the affiliate consult the appropriate NSO representative regarding the local's negotiation strategy? 4. Has the affiliate actively participated in CBC and NSO training sessions and negotiations trainings? 5. How many general and/or geographic membership meetings have been held regarding negotiations? 6. How frequently have negotiations been dealt with in the affiliate's newsletter or special flyer? 7. Are members prepared to strike to require the employer to negotiate further? Has a strike vote been

taken? 8. Is it possible that direct appeal to members by the employer would weaken a united front? Has any such

action been taken by the NSO affiliates? 9. To what degree can sites effectively be closed?

10. What discussion has been held with high visibility areas regarding their support for the strike, i.e., headquarters staff, EA officers?

11. Would a strike solidify or fracture the membership? 12. Are there key affiliate leaders (or groups of individuals) that are non-supportive of their negotiations team

and contract proposal? Who? 13. Has the local contacted the CBC Co-Chairs and remained in compliance with all CBC documents and rules?


Final Preparation and Implementation 1. Has a strike budget been prepared and adopted? Attach copy. 2. Does the affiliate have a crisis fund? If so, how much money is available? (attach bank statement) 3. Has the affiliate contacted the NSO Regional Director for Crisis Organizing Funds and contacted the NSO

Crisis Fund for explanation and readiness? 4. Do either of these have loan provisions for individual members? 5. Are sufficient funds available locally to cover the following crisis budget expenditures? a. Renting meeting facilities (strike headquarters) b. Committee expenses c. Publications d. Secretarial expenses e. Special telephone facilities and equipment f. Material budget g. Advertising time or space 6. Has the affiliate contacted banks/credit unions to determine if resources are available to members? 7. Have members been instructed on the financial preparations to make in the event of a strike? Preparation

for continuation of insurance? Political Environment 1. Are any members of the affiliate elected local, county, or state officials? 2. Has the affiliate actively supported the election of local, county, or state officials? 3. Describe the affiliate's relationship with key elected leaders at the local, county, and state level. Management Assessment 1. Assess the attitudes and actions of the employer’s executive board members, attorney (if present),

negotiators, and key administrators regarding their views on core contract issues and strikes. 2. What is the relationship between the employer’s executive board and the management negotiations team? 3. Who are the key power figures for the employer? List (name and title). 4. What is the perceived management team strategy and what are their objectives? 5. What are the management team's key strengths and weaknesses? 6. Has the employer’s executive board engaged in intensive efforts to gain membership support? 7. Will the work positions be covered if the members are on strike? By whom? 8. Who represents the employer’s as negotiators? If an attorney or other negotiator, what salary is this person

receiving, and what has been spent thus far?


External Communications 1. What communications activities have taken place with the: a. Media: Who is the media spokesperson for the NSO affiliate? b. State Education Association Members/Employer’s constituents: c. Other: 2. Have other labor unions been contacted? Which Ones? What is their support? Legal Conditions 1. Have all legal avenues been considered, such as: a. Arbitration? b. Unfair labor practice charges? c. Other? 2. Does the affiliate constitution and bylaws contain the necessary provisions for taking a strike vote, ratifying

a contract, and discipline of membership? Strategy/Needs 1. What role will NSO play? 2. Affiliate needs, questions, concerns. Be as specific as possible.

2013 NSO Handbook Page 119

2012-2013 Budget

2012-2013

2011-2012

PROPOSED

BUDGET

BUDGET CHANGE

001 REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY $120,000.00

$125,000.00 $5,000.00 002 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE $80,000.00

$80,000.00 $0.00

003 INSURANCE - LIABILITY $5,000.00

$5,000.00 $0.00 004 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES $10,000.00

$10,000.00 $0.00

005 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STIPENDS $40,000.00

$40,000.00 $0.00 101 TELEPHONE $12,000.00

$12,000.00 $0.00

102 POSTAGE $3,500.00

$3,500.00 $0.00 103 PRINTING $500.00

$500.00 $0.00

104 LEGAL EXPENSES - NSO $1,000.00

$1,000.00 $0.00 105 SECRETARIAL SERVICES $500.00

$500.00 $0.00

106 TECHNOLOGY SERVICES $25,000.00

$25,000.00 $0.00 107 COMPTROLLER $7,500.00

$7,500.00 $0.00

201 ARBITRATION EXPENSES $100,000.00

$110,000.00 $10,000.00 202 LEGAL EXPENSES - AFFILIATES $70,000.00

$60,000.00 -$10,000.00

203 FIELD ASSISTANCE $80,000.00

$80,000.00 $0.00 301 NSO NATIONAL CONFERENCE $190,000.00

$200,000.00 $10,000.00

302 AFFILIATE WORKSHOPS/ON SITE $25,000.00

$25,000.00 $0.00 303 COORDINATED BARGAINING COUNCILS $50,000.00

$50,000.00 $0.00

304 NAT'L CBC/PENSION TRUSTEE/LEADERSHIP CONF. $15,000.00

$3,000.00 -$12,000.00 401 CONTACT $6,000.00

$6,000.00 $0.00

402 RESEARCH $14,000.00

$14,000.00 $0.00 403 MEMBERSHIP/MENTORING $12,000.00

$12,000.00 $0.00

404 AD HOC COMMITTEES $5,000.00

$5,000.00 $0.00 405 BONDING - NSO AFFILIATES $28,000.00

$26,000.00 -$2,000.00

406 PENSION CONSULTATION $5,000.00

$5,000.00 $0.00 407 SPECIAL SERVICES $5,000.00

$5,000.00 $0.00

408 PENSION COMMITTEE $14,000.00

$14,000.00 $0.00 409 HARVARD TUITION GRANT $26,000.00

$26,000.00 $0.00

410 NSO RETIRED MEMBER ORGANIZING $1,000.00

$1,000.00 $0.00 411 SPECIAL PROJECTS $18,000.00

$18,000.00 $0.00

413 ORGANIZING PROJECTS $35,000.00

$35,000.00 $0.00 414 AUDIT $6,000.00

$7,000.00 $1,000.00

500 UNENCUMBERED FUNDS $2,784.00

$2,500.00 -$284.00

$1,012,784.00

$1,014,500.00 $1,716.00

ASSOCIATE STAFF DUES - 2100 FTE (2279 = 11-12)

$160.00 $336,000.00

PROFESSIONAL STAFF DUES - 2300 FTE (2501 = 11-12)

$295.00 $678,500.00

TOTAL PROPOSED DUES GENERATED

$1,014,500.00 INCREASE FROM 2011-2012

ASSOCIATE STAFF INCREASE $13.00 ($1.083/Mo.) PROFESSIONAL STAFF INCREASE $24.00 ($2.00/Mo.)

NSO CRISIS FUND: $25 is assessed for each member for the NSO Crisis Fund which is kept separate from NSO’s Operating Budget.


Explanation of NSO Budget Categories

GOVERNANCE REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY—Expenses include all hotel expenses, food, expenses for speakers, the

parliamentarian, and all individuals giving committee and other reports. Executive Committee expenses relating to this meeting are also included in this line item as well as necessary meetings involved in organizing the R.A.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS—Includes necessary expenditures (meeting room rental, transportation, lodging, food).

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STIPENDS—Stipends paid to Executive Committee members: $5,750 to the President; $3,750 to the Vice President for Defense, Vice President for Program, Secretary, Treasurer and $1,875 to each Director.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES—Incurred in carrying out administrative functions of the NSO, e.g. making arrangements with hotels, meeting with NEA over problems, equipment needs, etc.

INSURANCE/LIABILITY—Insurance for NSO members who cover crisis situations for the organization; liability insurance for the Executive Committee.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENSES BOOKKEEPING EXPENSES—Expenses related to necessary bookkeeping for dues statement and

collections of regular and crisis fund dues. Telephone expenses for all people involved in NSO business.

CONTACT EDITOR & WEBMASTER EXPENSES—All expenses related to the production of the NSO CONTACT newsletter, and administrative costs of the NSO website including a $1,750 stipend for the NSO Communications Director and & $1,500 for the Webmaster.

TELEPHONE—Necessary telephone expenses for conducting NSO business.

POSTAGE—Postage expenses for NSO mailings (except CONTACT newsletter).

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES—Technology agreements regarding preservation of NSO arbitrations, research database, membership database, communications and retirement information.

ACCOUNTING FEES—Yearly audit costs as required by the bond covering NSO. Preparation by the NSO auditor of necessary Department of Labor and IRS reports.

LEGAL EXPENSES—Legal expenses incurred by NSO as an organization.

SECRETARIAL SERVICES—Secretarial services for NSO by office personnel.

PRINTING—General printing of materials and stationery for NSO, including RA printing.

UNENCUMBERED FUNDS—For unforeseen expenditures.


ADVOCACY AND DEFENSE ARBITRATION EXPENSES—Arbitration reimbursement expenses of 1/2 for local affiliates as provided

under NSO policy. All advocate expenses working with affiliates are also included in this line item.

FIELD ASSISTANCE—NSO provided assistance by NSO advocates to an NSO affiliate or member.

LEGAL EXPENSES FOR AFFILIATES—Legal expenses for NSO affiliates after prior approval as provided under NSO policy.

MERGER/ORGANIZING PROJECTS—Costs related to the NSO Organizing Committee for meetings, promotional materials, and the production of materials for the “Organizing for Power” program as well as organizing potential new affiliates.

PROJECTS AND WORKSHOPS NATIONAL CONFERENCE (WAR COLLEGE)—All expenses for the NSO Winter Advocacy Retreat. These

expenses include all hotel expenses including food, lodging, and AV equipment. All trainer transportation expenses are also included, as well as Executive Committee expenses necessary for meetings conducted in conjunction with this event.

AFFILIATE WORKSHOPS/ON-SITE—All on-site workshops for affiliates as approved by the Vice President for Program.

COORDINATED BARGAINING COUNCILS—All expenses for the four Coordinated Bargaining Councils. Lodging expenses of the Negotiator and President of each participating affiliate, meeting room rentals, trainers, CBC Co-chairs and necessary Executive Committee expenses.

NATIONAL CBC—Funding for National CBC meetings including trainer expenses and room reimbursement for affiliates.

COMMUNICATIONS AND AFFILIATE SERVICES RESEARCH COMMITTEE—Research expenses, including the funding of the Research Committee for

necessary meetings and production of materials.

MEMBERSHIP/MENTORING—Expenses incurred in the organizing/affiliating of new affiliates, and the maintenance of current affiliates.

AD HOC COMMITTEES—Expenses for Ad Hoc Committees created to study a particular concern.

SPECIAL SERVICES—Expenses for Special Service Committee and meetings and the production of membership identification cards.

SPECIAL PROJECTS—Funding of programs for a particular need, including special meetings with affiliates and management on relevant issues.

PENSION BENEFITS COMMITTEE—Expenses for the Pension Benefits Committee of NSO for necessary meetings, assistance to NSO affiliates, and for the funding of representation on the NEA retirement plan. NSO also maintains a membership in the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP).

PENSION CONSULTATION—NSO Pension Benefits Consultant expenses and fees to assist affiliates.

NSO RETIRED MEMBER ORGANIZING—Retired membership program funding.

BONDING-NSO AFFILIATES—Necessary bonding for NSO and affiliate officers.


CONTRIBUTIONS, GIFTS & GRANTS HARVARD TUITION GRANTS—To fund the tuition of NSO members to NSO seats at the Harvard

Trade Union Program; including funding for the Chip Tassone Scholarship seat.


The Bond, which protects all NSO affiliates, requires a yearly audit be done of each affiliate's accounts. This audit

is the responsibility of the individual affiliates. A Department of Labor Officer and the NSO Treasurer have developed the following procedures that have been adopted by the NSO Executive Committee. These procedures should be used to complete your affiliate's audit.

Audit Procedures

1. Reconcile all bank accounts for the beginning and end of the audit period.

a. Checking Accounts – Most bank statements include instructions for reconciling the balance indicated on the balance recorded in the books. The usual method is to begin with the balance on the bank statement, subtracting outstanding checks (checks issued but not yet appearing on the bank statement) and adding deposits in transit (deposits recorded on records but not yet appearing on the bank statement).

b. Savings Accounts – Be sure to include only the interest actually credited to the account as of the date of reconciliation.

Note: The beginning and ending cash balances after your reconciliation should be the same as the beginning and ending cash in banks on the LM report if the audit period is the same as the fiscal year. Now you have exactly what cash assets you started with and finished with.

2. Receipts:

a. Test the mathematical accuracy of journal columns or checkbooks by re-adding the receipt amounts posted in the receipt journal or the deposit amounts added to the checkbook balance for a two (2) month period.

b. Randomly select two (2) months and follow all receipts from the first record of entry to the deposit. Review the documentation (if any) associated with individual receipts.

c. Test for the accuracy and propriety of miscellaneous income. Determine whether or not it is properly classified and recorded.

d. Optional: Compare total bank deposits with total book receipts for audit period (if all interest, credit memos, deposits in transit, etc. have been accounted for, the totals should be equal).

3. Disbursements:

a. Test the mathematical accuracy of journal columns or checkbooks by re-adding the disbursement amounts posted in the disbursement journal or the checks/withdrawals deducted from the checkbook for a two (2) month period.


b. Account for numerical sequence of checks. Checks should be pre-numbered, in sequence, when ordered from the bank. Every number in the sequence must be accounted for, whether issued or voided.

c. Select two (2) or three (3) months and check each disbursement for evidence of supporting documentation (copy of invoice, signed voucher for expenses, etc.) and for signature by authorized personnel.

d. Optional: Compare total checks/withdrawals on the banks statements with total disbursements reflected in books (if all debit memos, service fees, outstanding checks, etc. have been accounted for, the totals should be equal).

e. After the above steps, perform a cash reconciliation by taking the beginning cash, then add receipts and subtract disbursements. The result should equal the ending cash balance. Any differences should be resolved.

4. General:

a. A complete set of financial statements should be available. Randomly select two (2) or three (3) months and compare the information on the financial statement with the recorded information in the journal/checkbook. If they do not agree, attempt to reconcile the difference and expand the test.

b. If amounts have been recorded as receivable such as unpaid dues, rents, loans, etc., then these should be confirmed by the individual listed as owing them and the probability of collection. If deemed uncollectable, then the records should be adjusted accordingly.

c. Expenses and related income must be recorded in the same accounting period. Therefore, invoices or vouchers received after the end of the fiscal year, but for expenses incurred prior to the end of the fiscal year must be recorded as payable at the close of the fiscal year.

d. Review various reports filed with governmental units. Have they been filed in a timely manner and are they accurate?

e. Determine compliance with Executive Board action and/or constitution regarding financial affairs. Confirm that directives have been followed. Note any transactions not covered by action of the authorizing body or bodies. Note actions or transactions not in compliance with constitutional requirements.

The Audit Committee should submit a written report with accompanying commentary related to each of the steps listed above.

2014-2015 NSO MEMBERSHIP CHANGE FORM


DATE: _________________________________

Affiliate Union Name: ______________________________________________________________

Treasurer: _________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Work Phone #: _______________________ Work E-mail:_________________________________

Home Phone #: ______________________ Home E-mail:_________________________________

# Of Members

Total

Full-Time Professional Staff Members at $31200 dues/year $

Part-Time Professional Staff Members at $15600 dues/year $

Full-Time Associate Staff Members at $16800 dues/year $

Part-Time Associate Staff Members at $8400 dues/year $

Adjusted Total GENERAL FUND Dues for the Year (Please make checks payable to: “National Staff Organization”)

$

Total # Of Members

Adjusted Total CRISIS FUND Dues at $2500 per member per year. $

(Please make checks payable to: “Charlie Love Crisis Fund”)

# NSO Retired Members LIFETIME at $10000 paid one time $

(Please make checks payable to: “National Staff Organization”)

version January 2014


✔ 100%75%50%25%

EMAIL ADDRESS:

Purpose of Travel & Expenses: (Be specific-note type of meeting, workshop,

** Gas/Airfare/ Mileage

Date Description Transporation Lodging B'Fast Lunch Dinner .56 per Mile Phone Other Totals

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- Totals - - - - - - - - -

Original Receipts Must Be Attached with Submission of Voucher for Reimbursements ** Indicate mileage with proof (Mapquest or similar)

Submit To Ronald Goldenstein9600 Iron Gate Court Signature DateLincoln, NE 68526-9612 I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS TRUE AND ACCURATE

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS ABOVE (by your name and address). QUESTIONS MAY ARISE AND WE MAY NEED TO CONTACT YOU. THIS WILL HELP EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF YOUR REIMBURSEMENT.

NATIONAL STAFF ORGANIZATIONEXPENSE VOUCHER

Meals

Indicate % of Time Spent

VOUCHERS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH ORIGINAL RECEIPTS WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS FOLLOWING THE EXPENDITURES FOR REIMBURSEMENT

" ✔ " Box Below

Name:

Address:


NATIONAL STAFF ORGANIZATION EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY

1. POLICY It is the policy of the National Staff Organization to reimburse its officers, committee members, members, and consultants for actual and reasonable expenses while engaged in authorized NSO business.

2. PROCEDURES In order to receive reimbursement for expenses incurred on behalf of NSO, members and officers must complete an official NSO Expense Voucher and send same to the NSO Financial Advisor within thirty (30) calendar days of incurring the expenditure. Expenses incurred just prior to the end of the fiscal year (Aug. 31st) must be submitted no later than Sept. 15th. All vouchers should be submitted immediately upon the completion of travel to ensure timely accounting.

3. REIMBURSEMENTS Reasonable expenses are defined as those that are necessary to conduct the business of NSO advocacy and are generally limited to transportation, meals, and lodging necessary for such business. Those expenses of a purely personal nature will not be reimbursed. Receipts should be secured for all expenses in case of questions regarding expenditures.

Transportation Reimbursement for transportation will be for the most economical method. Mileage will be permitted at the current IRS rate for the use of personal automobile, but will be limited to no more than the lowest available airfare if airfare is available. Allowable miles are those miles traveled between home or work location and destination. An NSO officer must approve, in advance, expenses which may be outside normal travel expenses. Rental cars are not an allowable expense unless there are extraordinary circumstances and an NSO officer grants prior authorization.

Airfare will be reimbursed at the coach rate and travelers are expected to make their own reservation. Airline receipts must be attached to the NSO voucher.

Taxi/Shuttle reimbursement for transportation will be permitted for travel to and from airport to destination as well as garage parking fees upon the submission of proper receipts(s).

Lodging and Meals Reimbursement for the reasonable cost of required overnight lodging will be provided. Original hotel folios detailing charges must be attached to the NSO voucher.

NSO will reimburse only for actual expenses for meals. Group meals are reimbursable only with prior authorization by a NSO officer. Receipts are required for any meals $25.00 or more.

Telephone and Internet Phone and Internet charges will be reimbursed while engaged in authorized NSO business and are necessary for the conduct of NSO business. Prior approval from an NSO officer must be obtained if there are questions about such expenses.

4. QUESTIONS Any questions regarding reimbursement of actual expenses should be directed to the NSO Treasurer or NSO Comptroller.

5. APPEALS The NSO Executive Committee has final jurisdiction regarding these reimbursement policies. Any member who feels arbitrary treatment by an NSO officer may appeal to the NSO Executive Committee. The decision of the NSO Executive Committee will be final.

*NSO Officer is defined as President, Vice President of Defense, Vice President of Program, Secretary, or Treasurer Adopted March, 2007


Reimbursement of Hotel Expenses for Affiliates

Reimbursement for CBC Meetings:

Each affiliate attending CBC meetings will be entitled to reimbursement of hotel room costs, including taxes, for one room based upon double occupancy for attendance at CBC meetings. Wall to wall affiliates will be entitled to a second room in order to ensure representation for both professional and associate staff. Affiliates who send representatives who cannot room together due to gender differences will be eligible for reimbursement for an additional room. If representatives choose to have separate rooms for other reasons, they will be reimbursed for ½ of the hotel room costs, including taxes. In no event will affiliates receive reimbursement for more than their allotted representatives. Each CBC is allotted no more than two nights of room reimbursement for CBC meetings during a fiscal year. Room reimbursement for travel to and from CBC meetings will not be allowed and are the responsibility of the affiliate. Affiliates must submit vouchers for reimbursement within 30 days per NSO policy. CBC co-chairs will provide the NSO Treasurer and the NSO Comptroller with a list of all individuals and affiliates attending CBC meetings eligible for reimbursement. Additional costs of hotel incidentals will not be reimbursed. Reimbursement for National Meetings and Trainings:

Each affiliate may be reimbursed for an additional night of hotel costs for a National CBC meeting set by NSO in accordance with the guidelines above. Pursuant to NSO Executive Committee action, other training and events set by NSO (Leadership Academy, Pension Benefits Conference, etc.) may be reimbursed one night of hotel costs at ½ the room rate, including taxes, for representatives attending such events. Reimbursement will be limited to the number of individuals from each affiliate set by the NSO Executive Committee. Reimbursement for affiliates sending representatives to the NSO Treasurer’s Workshop/Training at the NSO Winter Advocacy Retreat will be limited to one individual from each affiliate. Reimbursement will be made upon the proper submission of an NSO voucher as above. All such requests for reimbursement must be submitted on NSO vouchers within 30 days of the event/training per NSO policy. Additional costs of hotel incidentals will not be reimbursed. The NSO Executive Committee may approve changes to these policies and procedures. Adopted June 2009


Standards For NSO Affiliates Seeking Financial Assistance

NSO Affiliates seeking financial assistance from NSO for CBC meetings, Winter Advocacy Retreat attendance, and other trainings will request assistance from their Regional Directors. The affiliate must be in good standing, meeting the following standards at a minimum:

• Current LM Reports must be on file with the NSO Treasurer • Membership Database must be current on the database

website • Up-to-date Dues and Crisis Fund payments

Affiliates must be able to prove financial need by providing to the Regional Director a copy of current budget, income and expense statements, and explain the reasons for seeking financial assistance. Regional Directors will consult with the NSO Treasurer taking into consideration LM data to determine the need for assistance, and level of assistance needed. Regional directors will provide to the NSO Comptroller the names of affiliates who have been approved for assistance and the amount of assistance approved. Generally, $400 is the maximum amount that can be approved between the NSO Treasurer and the Regional Director. Adopted by the NSO Executive Committee June 8, 2010


NATIONAL STAFF ORGANIZATIONYEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2014 PROPOSED BUDGET WITH COMPARISIONS AND ANALYSISGENERAL OPERATING ACCOUNTS

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)2012 Actual Vs. 2013 Budget Vs. Column D

2014 Budget 2014 Budget Variances +/-Increase Increase $1,500

Actual Results Proposed (Reduction) (Reduction)2012 Budget 2013 Budget - 2014 Variance Variance

DUES 946,681 956,355 954,000 7,319 (2,355)

GOVERNANCE:001 REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY 144,070 125,000 120,000 (24,070) (5,000) (1)002 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS 79,283 80,000 80,000 717 - 003 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STIPENDS 42,000 40,000 37,625 (4,375) (2,375) (2)004 ADMNISTRATIVE EXPENSES 8,700 10,000 10,000 1,300 - 005 INSURANCE - LIABILITY 10,101 5,000 5,000 (5,101) - (3)

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENSES:101 COMPTROLLER 5,670 7,500 5,250 (420) (2,250) 102 CONTACT EDITOR & WEBMASTER EXPENS 6,725 6,000 6,000 (725) - 103 TELEPHONE 7,818 12,000 8,000 182 (4,000) 104 POSTAGE 3,719 3,500 3,500 (219) - 105 TECHNOLOGY SERVICES 23,534 25,000 25,000 1,466 - 106 ACCOUNTING FEES 7,512 7,000 8,000 488 1,000 108 LEGAL EXPENSES - NSO - 1,000 1,000 1,000 - 109 SECRETARIAL SERVICES 350 500 500 150 - 110 PRINTING 38 500 500 462 - 111 UNEMCUMBERED FUNDS - 2,500 2,625 2,625 125 (8)

ADVOCACY AND DEFENSE:201 ARBITRATION EXPENSES 114,046 110,000 110,000 (4,046) - (9)202 FIELD ASSISTANCE 106,653 80,000 85,000 (21,653) 5,000 (10)203 LEGAL EXPENSES FOR AFFILIATES 47,056 60,000 50,000 2,944 (10,000) (11)204 MERGER/ORGANIZING PROJECTS 50,456 35,000 20,000 (30,456) (15,000) (12)

PROJECTS AND WORKSHOPS:301 NATIONAL CONFERENCE(WAR COLLEGE) 170,279 200,000 200,000 29,721 - (13)302 AFFILIATE WORKSHOPS/ON SITE 23,018 25,000 20,000 (3,018) (5,000) (14)303 COORDINATED BARGAINING COUNCILS 50,021 50,000 48,000 (2,021) (2,000) (15)304 NAT'L CBC/PENSION TRUSTEE/LEADERSHI 21,966 3,000 5,000 (16,966) 2,000 (16)

COMMUNICATION AND AFIILIATE SERVICES:401 RESEARCH COM. 16,760 14,000 14,000 (2,760) - (17)402 MEMBERSHIP/MENTORING 8,305 12,000 10,000 1,695 (2,000) (18)403 AD HOC COMMITTEES 2,432 5,000 4,000 1,568 (1,000) (19)404 SPECIAL SERVICES 9,010 5,000 4,000 (5,010) (1,000) (20)405 SPECIAL PROJECTS 53,050 18,000 12,000 (41,050) (6,000) (21)406 PENSION COMMITTEE 11,424 14,000 14,000 2,576 - (22)407 PENSION CONSULTATION 3,500 5,000 5,000 1,500 - (23)408 NSO RETIRED MEMBER ORGANIZING 6,115 1,000 1,000 (5,115) - (24)409 BONDING - NSO AFFILIATES 28,154 26,000 26,000 (2,154) - (25)

CONTRIBUTIONS, GIFTS & GRANTS501 HARVARD TUTION GRANTS 26,000 26,000 13,000 (13,000) (13,000) (26)

1,087,765 1,014,500 954,000 (133,765) (60,500)

COLUMN(D) VARIANCE FLUCTUATIONS ARE CALCULATED BETWEEN THE 2012 ACTUAL RESULTS VS. THE 2014 PROPOSED BUDGET (Column C - Column A)(E) VARIANCE FLUCTUATIONS ARE CALCULATED BETWEEN THE 2013 BUDGET VS. THE 2014 PROPOSED BUDGET (Column C - Column B)

NOTE: (2013 actual results will not be available until the fiscal year has ended at August 31, 2013)

Variance fluctuations that are +/- $1000 are explained on attachment. Please see numbered entries correlating the information. For Example: (5) noted above is regarding Insurance - Liability: Go to page 2; item number 5 for explanation of increase or decrease.

Explanation Code


NSO-Retired

The NSO-Retired was established at the 2000 Representative Assembly. At any time, retired NSO members may join with a lifetime membership $100. Membership benefits include receiving the NSO Contact and access to the NSO Website; networking; and NSO training opportunities. Many NSO affiliates provide active members with a lifetime membership upon retirement. CONTACT: Bernadette Lange

1640 Palmetto Palm Way North Port, FL 34288

Phone: 941-661-3618 (cell) 941-426-5989 (home) Email: [email protected]

Diane Thompson-Russell 934 North 154th Street Omaha, NE 68154

Phone: 402-321-1617 (cell) 402-445-9335 (home) Email: [email protected]




John Warms Legend Award

In 2010, the NSO Executive Committee established the John Warms Legend Award. This award was named after John Warms, who while serving as NSO President, was responsible for many of the current programs within NSO

and as an example helped in the establishment of the NSO Coordinated Bargaining Councils, the Charlie Love Crisis Fund and the Harvard Trade Union Scholarship program. He reaffirmed that NSO’s primary duty was to protect, defend, secure and advocate for members’ rights. In the late 70s and early 80s, he supported changes in the NSO Constitution and Bylaws that enabled associate staff to become NSO members. He led initiatives to ensure that minorities would be represented within

NSO. John will be remembered for his innovative and dynamic leadership. NSO benefited from his advocacy and his rich appreciation for the value that unionism can play in the lives of the members of NSO. His legacy will be everlasting with this award. John was an uncommon man, yet had the common touch. He was an intuitive politician with a keen intellect and an infectious vitality in his belief in unionism. There wasn’t a place he wouldn’t go to remind union members of their responsibility to each other. He was someone who could build coalitions and who brought groups together that ordinarily would not talk. Eligibility: The National Staff Organization establishes the John Warms Legend Award for an exceptional NSO member whose contributions in advocacy, union service and commitment to union serves as a model and a tribute to the spirit of John Warms. All members of The National Staff Organization, including all retired members, are eligible.

Award Criteria: The recipient of the John Warms Legend Award should demonstrate the ideals and union values of John Warms and the qualities he most admired in union advocates: service, vision, pragmatism and tenacity in advocating for the members of The National Staff Organization. Emphasis will be placed on accomplishments that showcase the relevance of union advocacy and engagement as a means to constructive change within our union. Eligible candidates must be an NSO or NSO-Retired union member.

Attributes of the Successful Candidate:

Selflessness Energy Leadership Principled Must be able to deal with the employer Must have a strong commitment of collective action

The recipient of the John Warms Legend Award should be a role model who demonstrates the impact of volunteer union service as a way to address the challenges of NSO affiliates and members.


The recipient of the John Warms Legend Award should be a role model who in the course of his or her union work has elevated the affiliate and the NSO through collective action, and has endeavored to change the landscape with respect to our issues.

Determination: The award will be based on an outstanding or exceptional contribution to the National Staff Organization. Examples include an achievement, particularly high quality of work, a set of skills, a creative idea or innovation, etc., expressed in some action within the applicant's/nominee's work unit that can be shown to have an exceptional impact upon the National Staff Organization.

The identified contribution(s) may have resulted in a wide range of identifiable outcomes; culture sensitive, economic well-being of our members, and improved service to members. The nominator(s) must provide evidence of the candidate’s impact on the National Staff Organization and its members.

The overarching principle in the review process is the principle of exceptional quality. This award is chiefly concerned with the quality of our work. The quantity of work may serve as a factor when appropriate. Therefore, the Committee will look for evidence of intensity and a level of focus that achieves more or better quality of our advocacy work.

The nomination form can be downloaded by going to www.nationalstaff.org and must be received by the NSO Secretary (Mary Henson @ [email protected]) no later than March 1 of any given year.




John Warms Legend Award Nomination Form

Nominee Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ NSO Affiliate: ________________________ E-Mail address: _____________________________________ Phone: ________________ Work: ________________ Home: _________________ Cell: _________________ Number of Years as a NSO Member: ________ Nominated by: _______________________ Date: _____________________ The candidate must be an active member and meet all of the following criteria. A written narrative must accompany the nomination, describing how the nominee the following criteria:

Demonstrate the ideals and union values of John Warms. Showcase the relevance of union advocacy and engagement.

Role model who demonstrates the impact of volunteer union service as a way to

address the challenges of NSO affiliates and members.

Has endeavored to change the landscape with respect to our issues.

Eligible candidates must be living union members

Core Values language

Nomination Checklist of Required Documentation:

Nomination Form: ______ Supporting documentation: (no more than 3 pages) ______ 3 Letters of support: _____ 1 page statement of worthiness: _______

Contact Person for Further Information: _________________________________________________________ Contact Person’s Telephone Numbers: __________________________________________________________ Signature: ________________________________________________________________________________

Send to: Mary Henson

c/o Michigan Education Association 17500 W. Eleven Mile Road, Suite 200

Lathrup Village, MI 48076 [email protected]

NOTE: All completed forms must be mailed to Mary Henson with a postmark deadline of no later than March 1.

NO LATE NOMINATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED