A Partnership Between Members and Leadership

• Integrity in the Bargaining Process and Full Disclosure
We seek a member-driven, clearly defined Bargaining strategy with full disclosure of potential policy consequences. Member participation is a pillar of faith and trust that representatives act only in their best interests. Side letters and Arbitration awards become part of the contract and should not be concealed from members except where the privacy of the grievant requires it. For example, it is common practice for publishers of Arbitration awards to omit the name of the grievant.
• Transparency
Financial reporting should inform members of what has been done in their interest and identify areas of concern lacking attention. We would adopt a grievance tracking system to inform members of status and outcomes.
• Accountability
The Executive Board is the servant, not the master of the membership and its recommendations are subject to membership approval, modification, or rejection. Democratic reform is necessary for meaningful member oversight of the Executive Board. Direct Democracy through resolutions and ballot questions is a grass roots or bottom-up approach.
• Budget for Arbitration
It is unclear from financial reports what the expenses for arbitration have been. If there is in fact a budget for arbitration, it must be obscure. Without arbitration for enforcement, a contract is only a piece of paper. We have a Strike fund for our defense and we also need an arbitration fund to ensure we can defend what we gain at the Bargaining table. Priorities require appropriations.