Board Member Verbally Attacking another Board Member

[Guest Theresa]

This is my first term on my Local Union Board. I have been verbally attacked twice this week by another board member simply because I was voicing an opinion about the topic of discussion that differed from hers. She literally suggested that we "take it outside". Is there anything legally or otherwise that I can do about this?

[Rob Elsman]

Oh, come on! This sounds like an episode of Gunsmoke.

[Theresa9959]

Unfortunately I am VERY serious!

[David A Foulkes]

This is my first term on my Local Union Board. I have been verbally attacked twice this week by another board member simply because I was voicing an opinion about the topic of discussion that differed from hers. She literally suggested that we "take it outside". Is there anything legally or otherwise that I can do about this?

The Chair (President or whoever) should have taken control of this situation, giving the member a warning (normally a first step), and then calling the member to order, which any other member can do as well. The process, and its continuation, is described more fully on page 626ff in RONR. If the President/Chair fails to act, or worse, if it was the President/Chair, you've got bigger problems. As far as legal goes, this forum will not be able to answer that.

As for "taking it outside" you would have to be the judge of the wisdom of that move.

[Tim Wynn]

This is my first term on my Local Union Board. I have been verbally attacked twice this week by another board member simply because I was voicing an opinion about the topic of discussion that differed from hers.

Oh, that's not good. In the parliamentary terms, that's called indecorum, and it's a violation of the rules. See RONR(10th ed.), p. 379 - 382. When and how all this was said will determine which of the rules were broken, but it sounds like she may have stepped across many of them. The chair should step in and get this under control.

She literally suggested that we "take it outside".

That could certainly be enough to call the member to order. See RONR(10th ed.), p. 626 - 627.

Is there anything legally or otherwise that I can do about this?

From a parliamentary standpoint, you can raise a point of order when she commits a transgression of the rules of decorum. You should be able to rely on the chair to enforce the rules and protect your rights. When it's your turn to debate a question, she cannot interject her opinions in such a way. When it's her turn to debate a question, she must refrain from attacking you or your motives, and she shouldn't speak directly to you or use your name.

You really must take action to stop this quickly, before it goes too far. Arm yourself with the rules and a workable knowledge of them. Read RONR(10th ed.), p. 379 - 382, and be ready to quote pertinent sections from it at the next meeting. See also Point of Order (p. 240 - 247) and Appeal (p. 247 - 252).

Good Luck.

[Rob Elsman]

Unfortunately I am VERY serious!

Okay. I want you to give us three sentences that you consider most representative of having been verbally attacked. Use three dots to bleep out any expletives. Give us three exact sentences.

[Tim Wynn]

Okay. I want you to give us three sentences that you consider most representative of having been verbally attacked. Use three dots to bleep out any expletives. Give us three exact sentences.

Are you suggesting it requires three sentences to be attacked? Robert's Rules says a member's motives can be attacked by three letters.

[Theresa9959]

We were discussing a potential Christmas party for our membership. She had stated her opinion and I was stating mine. I never said anything directly to her. I was merely stating my suggestion and opinion as to how to handle getting an accurate head count for this possible party. Before I could even finish my entire thought she said something to the affect that she didn't understand why I always had to disagree with her (do I not have a right as an Executive Board Member to voice my opinion?) and that maybe we needed to take it outside. At this I said "My God, I can't even finish a sentence." She said, "My God is your God". What??? And then she informed me that I was to never address her again. So I guess in her eyes it's okay for her to address me and attack me for not being of the same opinion, but I am NOT to ever address her. This is the 2nd time this week during a board meeting she has done this. 4 days ago, because I voiced an opinion different from hers she told me she wanted verification as to whose side I'm on; management or the membership. All this because I voiced a differing opinion. 2 other members, that agreed with my opinion are not afraid to open their mouths. Does this sound like the proper way to run an Executive Board meeting? And no, the president did nothing. The vice president finally did something approximately 1 hour later. Then we were also told that we can not discuss anything that happens at a E board meeting with our membership and if they hear about something discussed in a meeting from someone other than a board member the board member that opened their mouth will be removed. Really? I thought what was discussed at Board Meetings is suppose to be put in minutes and reported to the membership.

[Rob Elsman]

We were discussing a potential Christmas party for our membership. She had stated her opinion and I was stating mine. I never said anything directly to her. I was merely stating my suggestion and opinion as to how to handle getting an accurate head count for this possible party. Before I could even finish my entire thought she said something to the affect that she didn't understand why I always had to disagree with her (do I not have a right as an Executive Board Member to voice my opinion?) and that maybe we needed to take it outside. At this I said "My God, I can't even finish a sentence." She said, "My God is your God". What??? And then she informed me that I was to never address her again. So I guess in her eyes it's okay for her to address me and attack me for not being of the same opinion, but I am NOT to ever address her. This is the 2nd time this week during a board meeting she has done this. 4 days ago, because I voiced an opinion different from hers she told me she wanted verification as to whose side I'm on; management or the membership. All this because I voiced a differing opinion. 2 other members, that agreed with my opinion are not afraid to open their mouths. Does this sound like the proper way to run an Executive Board meeting? And no, the president did nothing. The vice president finally did something approximately 1 hour later. Then we were also told that we can not discuss anything that happens at a E board meeting with our membership and if they hear about something discussed in a meeting from someone other than a board member the board member that opened their mouth will be removed. Really? I thought what was discussed at Board Meetings is suppose to be put in minutes and reported to the membership.

In most organizations, the executive board customarily meets in executive session, which means that the deliberations are kept secret, RONR (10th ed.), pp. 92, 93. All the rest of this seems pretty silly to me.

[David A Foulkes]

In most organizations, the executive board customarily meets in executive session, which means that the deliberations are kept secret, RONR (10th ed.), pp. 92, 93. All the rest of this seems pretty silly to me.

Now Rob, you truly don't think this other member was indecorous and out of order, interrupting Theresa, addressing her directly, speaking out of turn without being recognized by the Chair, suggesting (implicitly) fisticuffs out in the hall, making remarks not germane to the pending question, attacking Theresa's motives (perhaps), and disturbing the assembly (almost certainly)? You think this is just silly talk, posturing, "perfecting the motion"? You don't think the member should have been called to order? And for the second time this week? Are there any other parts of RONR you'd be happy to take scissors or black magic marker to?

[Rob Elsman]

Now Rob, you truly don't think this other member was indecorous and out of order, interrupting Theresa, addressing her directly, speaking out of turn without being recognized by the Chair, suggesting (implicitly) fisticuffs out in the hall, making remarks not germane to the pending question, attacking Theresa's motives (perhaps), and disturbing the assembly (almost certainly)? You think this is just silly talk, posturing, "perfecting the motion"? You don't think the member should have been called to order? And for the second time this week? Are there any other parts of RONR you'd be happy to take scissors or black magic marker to?

Oh, honestly!

[Kim Goldsworthy]

...Local Union Board.

I have been verbally attacked twice this week by another board member simply because I was voicing an opinion about the topic of discussion that differed from hers. She literally suggested that we "take it outside".

Is there anything legally or otherwise that I can do about this?

I don't know what YOU can do - since the solution SHOULD HAVE BEEN that the chair keep order, and that the chair enforce the rules of decorum - "one speaker has the floor at a time."

Recommendation/solution:

You need a new chairman.

Your present one isn't working (literally).

Recommendation #2:

Hire a parliamentarian to act as your presiding officer.

You need an objective person to call on members to speak.

You need a good role model.

You need someone who knows Robert's Rules of Order and who knows how to enforce the rules of decorum.

[Josh Martin]

We were discussing a potential Christmas party for our membership. She had stated her opinion and I was stating mine. I never said anything directly to her. I was merely stating my suggestion and opinion as to how to handle getting an accurate head count for this possible party. Before I could even finish my entire thought she said something to the affect that she didn't understand why I always had to disagree with her (do I not have a right as an Executive Board Member to voice my opinion?) and that maybe we needed to take it outside. At this I said "My God, I can't even finish a sentence." She said, "My God is your God". What??? And then she informed me that I was to never address her again. So I guess in her eyes it's okay for her to address me and attack me for not being of the same opinion, but I am NOT to ever address her. This is the 2nd time this week during a board meeting she has done this. 4 days ago, because I voiced an opinion different from hers she told me she wanted verification as to whose side I'm on; management or the membership. All this because I voiced a differing opinion. 2 other members, that agreed with my opinion are not afraid to open their mouths. Does this sound like the proper way to run an Executive Board meeting? And no, the president did nothing. The vice president finally did something approximately 1 hour later.

The member made several violations of decorum: she failed to confine her remarks to the merits of the pending question (the bizarre God comment), she attacked another member's motives (questioning whether you were on the side of management or the membership), she addressed a member directly (speaking to you directly on several occasions), and she disturbed the assembly (interrupting a member during debate). (RONR, 10th ed., pgs. 379-382) The member is correct, however, that you should not address her directly either during a meeting (who addresses who outside of meetings is between the two of you).

I'm not quite as certain as Mr. Foulkes that the suggestion to "take it outside" was a threat of physical violence. It may well have been a suggestion to discuss the matter privately in order to better understand their positions, but such a suggestion should have waited until after the meeting, or during a recess.

Then we were also told that we can not discuss anything that happens at a E board meeting with our membership and if they hear about something discussed in a meeting from someone other than a board member the board member that opened their mouth will be removed. Really? I thought what was discussed at Board Meetings is suppose to be put in minutes and reported to the membership.

The degree to how secretive or public boards are with their dealings varies widely. I would suggest that the board adopt a rule on the subject so everyone is clear on what the expectations are, as their appear to be some differences in opinion.

[Josh Martin]

We were discussing a potential Christmas party for our membership. She had stated her opinion and I was stating mine. I never said anything directly to her. I was merely stating my suggestion and opinion as to how to handle getting an accurate head count for this possible party. Before I could even finish my entire thought she said something to the affect that she didn't understand why I always had to disagree with her (do I not have a right as an Executive Board Member to voice my opinion?) and that maybe we needed to take it outside. At this I said "My God, I can't even finish a sentence." She said, "My God is your God". What??? And then she informed me that I was to never address her again. So I guess in her eyes it's okay for her to address me and attack me for not being of the same opinion, but I am NOT to ever address her. This is the 2nd time this week during a board meeting she has done this. 4 days ago, because I voiced an opinion different from hers she told me she wanted verification as to whose side I'm on; management or the membership. All this because I voiced a differing opinion. 2 other members, that agreed with my opinion are not afraid to open their mouths. Does this sound like the proper way to run an Executive Board meeting? And no, the president did nothing. The vice president finally did something approximately 1 hour later.

The member made several violations of decorum: she failed to confine her remarks to the merits of the pending question (the bizarre God comment), she attacked another member's motives (questioning whether you were on the side of management or the membership), she addressed a member directly (speaking to you directly on several occasions), and she disturbed the assembly (interrupting a member during debate). (RONR, 10th ed., pgs. 379-382) The member is correct, however, that you should not address her directly either during a meeting (who addresses who outside of meetings is between the two of you).

I'm not quite as certain as Mr. Foulkes that the suggestion to "take it outside" was a threat of physical violence. It may well have been a suggestion to discuss the matter privately in order to better understand their positions, but such a suggestion should have waited until after the meeting, or during a recess.

Then we were also told that we can not discuss anything that happens at a E board meeting with our membership and if they hear about something discussed in a meeting from someone other than a board member the board member that opened their mouth will be removed. Really? I thought what was discussed at Board Meetings is suppose to be put in minutes and reported to the membership.

The degree to which boards are secretive or public in their dealings varies widely. I would suggest that the board adopt a rule on the subject so everyone is clear on what the expectations are, as there appear to be some differences in opinion.

[David A Foulkes]

I'm not quite as certain as Mr. Foulkes that the suggestion to "take it outside" was a threat of physical violence. It may well have been a suggestion to discuss the matter privately in order to better understand their positions, but such a suggestion should have waited until after the meeting, or during a recess.

Perhaps, and though I was certainly adding my personal touch to that comment (most times that I have been invited to "take it outside" it clearly wasn't for a chat and a round of mint juleps), judging from Theresa's recounting of the events, I suspect Ms. WannaPiecaMe was not reaching for "Theresa, why don't you and I step out in the hall and discuss this privately like adults to come to a better understanding." This women had no compunction about "discussing" her views quite publicly, indecorously, and disorderly, and the only understanding she seemed to be seeking was that Theresa's was a "them" and not an "us."

My $.02

[Theresa9959]

Well, here's some more interesting facts to add to this mix. This particular board member that seems to want a "Pieceame" has been on a FMLA for almost 2 years and has not paid union dues in that time, but sits on the board as the secretary-treasurer. How is that a "member in good standing", because in reading my constitution that is what it says you have to be to hold an office on the Ex. Board. Another small factor (and I am not a racist person, but I'm wondering if she is) at this particular time there are 6 African American members of this Ex. Board and I am the only caucasian. Now, what's your take on this and what can I do?

[Trina]

Well, here's some more interesting facts to add to this mix. This particular board member that seems to want a "Pieceame" has been on a FMLA for almost 2 years and has not paid union dues in that time, but sits on the board as the secretary-treasurer. How is that a "member in good standing", because in reading my constitution that is what it says you have to be to hold an office on the Ex. Board. Another small factor (and I am not a racist person, but I'm wondering if she is) at this particular time there are 6 African American members of this Ex. Board and I am the only caucasian. Now, what's your take on this and what can I do?

As for the 'member in good standing' issue, hopefully your constitution and/or bylaws define what 'in good standing' means... because RONR doesn't. Going further, non-payment of dues does not automatically cause a member to become a non-member (according to RONR).

In terms of the racial angle you mention, decorum is decorum. Enforcement of the rules of parliamentary procedure is ultimately in the hands of the assembly, which generally means that a majority must be in favor of following the rules, and must we willing to vote to enforce the rules when a problem comes up.

[Josh Martin]

Well, here's some more interesting facts to add to this mix. This particular board member that seems to want a "Pieceame" has been on a FMLA for almost 2 years and has not paid union dues in that time, but sits on the board as the secretary-treasurer. How is that a "member in good standing", because in reading my constitution that is what it says you have to be to hold an office on the Ex. Board. Another small factor (and I am not a racist person, but I'm wondering if she is) at this particular time there are 6 African American members of this Ex. Board and I am the only caucasian. Now, what's your take on this and what can I do?

Nothing in RONR requires that someone must be a member of the society to be an officer, and failure to pay dues does not automatically cause someone to lose membership or fall out of "good standing" unless the Bylaws so provide. (RONR, 10th ed., pg. 431, lines 16-20; pg. 393, line 26 - pg. 394, line 4) If your Bylaws do provide that this board member is ineligible to hold office, a Point of Order may be raised to that effect, and the decision of the chair may be appealed from. (RONR, 10th ed., pg. 247, lines 18-25)

The racial composition of the board and the reason(s) the member is being indecorous toward you have no parliamentary significance.