Rebuttal Statement in Favor of Proposed Amendments to Statewide Constitution
If CUE is going to have the power to win fair raises and improve our benefits and working conditions, we will need to engage the energy and passion of new activists.
We respect the work of the Statewide Executive Board (E-board), but it is time to expand the circle and share power.
WHAT IS A QUORUM?
A quorum is usually defined as the number of people who must be present at a meeting in order to conduct business (See Merriam-Webster, Oxford, Cambridge, yourDictionary.com).
We're not aware of any union constitution that has a quorum requirement for a mail-ballot vote. The point of sending a ballot to peoples' homes is that everyone will have an opportunity to vote. In a democratic election, people can also decide not to vote. Although we want to encourage members to vote, abstention is a valid choice.
High "quorums" on mail-ballot votes are an artificial protection for the status quo. We should trust all CUE members with more power in decision-making. We should not fear our ability to make positive change in CUE.
SETTING POLICY AND POLITICAL POSITIONS
The E-board currently has 31 members. For quorum, 16 are needed, to pass any motion - including taking political positions - just 9. Do you believe this is more democratic than having 80 convention delegates defer the decision to a ballot sent to all 5400 rank-and-file members where the majority of all members voting will decide?
CONVENTIONS: EXPANDING THE CIRCLE
We tout ourselves as a member-run union. But how many members get to make decisions? This proposal is a way to expand that group, and involve and develop new members who can help keep CUE moving forward in a way that truly represents our base.
The E-Board met in person 12 times (the constitution only requires 3) in 2003 at significant expense. As a result of CUE's growth the decision-making capacity of the E-Board has been stretched to the limit. There is more work to do than the E-Board can do on its own. We can move in one of three directions: status quo leads to either 1) an ineffective and overextended E-board; or 2) a staff-run organization. The way out is to 3) expand the circle beyond the E-Board. Vote to expand membership involvement.
Vote to share the load. Vote for more democracy. Vote for more effective governance. Vote for conventions and lower quorums. Vote to expand the circle.
"YES" vote recommended by:
Don Ciccone, San Francisco CUE Local 6 Alternate Bargainer
Jody Galluzzi, San Diego CUE Local 5 Rep to the Statewide E-board
Claudette Begin, Statewide Campaign Comm. Chair, Berkeley/OP Rep Local/Statewide Boards
Janeene Fisher, Davis CUE Local 7 President
Deborah Freeman, San Francisco CUE Local 6 Treasurer and Statewide Board Rep
Cynthia Norman, Irvine CUE Local 9 Vice-President and Statewide Board Rep
Linda Moser, Davis CUE Local 7 Treasurer, Bargainer and Statewide Board Rep
A majority of the Berkeley/UCOP CUE Local 3 Executive Board
Lyn Kelly, Los Angeles CUE Local 4 Bargainer and Local/Statewide Board Rep
Marķa Figueroa, San Diego CUE Local 5 Secretary and Statewide Board Rep