Multiple Bargaining Units - Voting

[Tim Dearinger]

Our Union represents two separate collective bargaining units. When it comes to anything involving our executive board or Lodge things, as in elections and motions that come up on the floor during a meeting, all members present get to vote. We are once again negotiating our collective bargaining agreements (contracts) for both units. We have some individuals on either units and retirees who want to be able to vote on an agreement that doesn't apply to them or in the case the retiree doesn't apply at all. Past practice has usually been that everyone was good enough to only vote for the agreement of which they are in the bargaining unit for. It has been 7 years since our last vote on a contract, however. Our C&B only states that "The majority vote of those present shall govern in all matters." That is for the regular business of a meeting. There is nothing that specifically states what to do for the ratification of a contract. Historically, we have made motions to hold specific votes for our contracts, allowing a 12-hour period for the members to come in and vote. Is it possible to limit those Members voting on specific bargaining agreements to only those in that bargaining unit. Since these volts will not take place during an actual meeting and instead during a time frame that is made by motion, can the motion include limiting it to those in that bargaining unit?

[Rob Elsman]

I think the answer to your question will be found in the union's governing documents rather than anything in RONR (12th ed.).

[Josh Martin]

On 3/25/2024 at 6:15 PM, Rob Elsman said:

I think the answer to your question will be found in the union's governing documents rather than anything in RONR (12th ed.).

And possibly also applicable law.