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Seven amendments are being proposed this year to the WEAC Constitution and Bylaws.
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Submitted by: Constitution Committee.
What it does: Seeks to clarify and standardize the language/terms describing membership classes and organizations. It splits WTCS and UW employees into two classes.
Board Recommendation: Support
Comment: Two years ago the Constitution Committee employed Attorney Ellen Henningsen to review the Constitution for clarity, consistency of language and terminology and possible conflicts. The committee is reviewing Henningsen's recommendations and is moving on those items which do not change the policies or practices of WEAC to any significant degree. The section is substituted in whole rather than dealing with multiple word changes or rearrangements.
Vote Required: Two-Thirds
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Submitted by: Constitution Committee
What it Does: Moves existing constitutional provision dealing with organizing units to the bylaws (without change).
Board Recommendation: Support
Comment: The committee believes that the specifics of this section are more appropriately placed in the bylaws.
Vote Required: Two-Thirds
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Submitted By: Constitution Committee
What it does: Removes the reference to the annual Convention from the Constitution.
Board Recommendation: Support
Comment: At one time, the Convention and RA were held in conjunction. Upon separation, the Convention became a program / activity of the organization controlled by the budget and policy of WEAC. It is not necessary to include this activity in the Constitution.
Vote required: Two-thirds
Submitted By: Constitution Committee
What it does: Deletes Article XIII
Board Recommendation: Support
Comment: When WEAC was created, it was necessary to include this catch-all phrase so that it was clear that all locals, previously affiliated with WEA Inc., became members of WEAC. That was more than 25 years ago. The grandparenting clause is no longer necessary.
Vote required: Two-thirds
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Submitted By: Constitution Committee
What it does: Alters the fair share policy to allow for more flexibility while still being consistent with the federal law.
Board Recommendation: Support
Comment: The language of the fair share policy has been revised to more clearly reflect fair share law and present practices required by recent Federal Court cases. The basic policy of providing rebates and complying with Federal law is unchanged.
Vote required: Majority
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Submitted By: President Craney
What it does: Does not count years that a board liaison serves on committees in the 6-year term limit.
Board Recommendation: Support
Comment: We have had a task force (WTCS) recommend specific liaison roles for WTCS representatives / alternates to the Board. From time to time, it makes sense to appoint past committee liaisons to regular committee positions or past committee members to liaison positions. These factors occasionally run afoul of the “6-year rule.” We do not think the rule against a committee term longer than 6 years should bar a Board member or alternate from serving in a liaison capacity.
Vote required: Majority
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Submitted By: Political Action Committee
What it does: Primarily substitutes the word “recommendation” for the word “endorsement,” streamlines procedures and conforms them to changing laws.
Board Recommendation: Support
Comment: After research and much experience with the procedures, it has been determined that our members are more comfortable with the word “recommendation” (as used in political races) than with the word “endorsement.” Thus, in order to encourage more member participation, the word has been changed. The language has been modified to reflect our changing membership (“teacher” to “member”) and the limits of the committee are those “proscribed by law” rather than enumerated. This is important because pending legislative proposals may change the activities in which the committee may lawfully engage.
Vote required: Majority
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Submitted by: President Craney
What It Does: This would allow a United Education Profession unit which has a need to fund future obligations for staff post-retirement costs to do so without having the fund count toward the carry-over limit.
Board Recommendation: Support
Comments: Since UEP guidelines were written, the staff contract was changed, entailing possible future obligations for a UEP unit. This enables them to save toward that obligation.
Vote Required: Voice vote
Posted April 3, 1998