Constitution

Collective Bargaining -- Labor relations Topic: constitution a national union Essay Question: What importance constitution a national union? How dictate internal government procedures union? Essay 250 words length APA format.

What is the importance of the constitution of a national union? How does it dictate the internal government and procedures of the union?

The constitution of a national union dictates the rules that member unions must follow if these branches are to become a part of the larger organization. It sets standards for membership both to protect individual members as well as to protect the reputation of the union itself. For example, a union constitution defines what type of worker it represents and the standards for membership for individual employees as well as for representative affiliate organizations. It also defines membership dues and other concerns that an employee would have upon becoming a member of the union (Constitution and by-laws, 2013, Providence Teacher's Union). The union must have quality standards regarding its participant organizations and must ensure that its mission fairly serves that of the persons whose dues it collects. Also, workers should be aware of policies on issues such as striking before they agree to become part of a union or a unionized workforce.

The constitution defines the roles, responsibilities, and scope of the executive council and president. It establishes committees, meetings, and affiliations of the union. It sets limits upon who can be elected to office within specific parameters and defines the goals of the organization these leaders must serve. Administrative protocols can have a great deal of influence in shaping the future course of the organization. For example, by defining how voting takes place at the national union convention, the union constitution can exercise considerable influence upon who is chosen to represent the organization as a whole and the homogeneity of opinion demanded of local branches (Sloane & Witney 2010:137). The constitution may note the rights of members of the organization, such as collective bargaining rights, which are provided by federal or state law for union members (Sloane & Witney 2010:137).

References

Constitution and by-laws. (2013). Providence Teacher's Union: AFT. AFL-CIO. Retrieved from:

http://www.proteun.org/by-laws.htm

Sloane, A.A. & Witney, F. (2010). Labor relations (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice

Hall.