Organizational Structure Overview:

The United Faculty of Evergreen (UFE) is operated according to: 1) its article of incorporation; 2) its constitution; 3) its bylaws; and 4) its standing rules (made by committees or other bodies).

The constitution can be changed only by 2/3 of the votes cast of the members of the UFE, and only after due notice. The bylaws can be changed by a majority vote of the members of the UFE, and only after due notice. The standing rules can be changed by a majority vote of the bodies that created them.

The governing bodies of the UFE are: 1) its membership; 2) its Stewards Council; and 3) its Coordinating Committee (consisting of the officers and at-large representatives).

The membership of the UFE has the final say on union issues and will participate regularly in elections of officers, approval of union business, approval of contracts and activities related to bargaining, and the review of union matters.

The Stewards Council is responsible for communication with and soliciting opinions from all those in the UFE bargaining unit. It is in charge of approving union policies and actions, and nominating committees as needed. The Stewards Council is expected to actively work on union rules and policy.

The Coordinating Committee of the UFE carries out the policy and actions of the union, in accordance with the decisions of the Stewards Council and the membership. The Coordinating Committee is expected to propose policies and actions to the Stewards Council and to nominate committees as needed.

Standing committees of UFE are expected to include (but are not limited to) a Bargaining Committee and a Grievance Committee.

 

Table of Contents

Constitution:

Article I – Name and Incorporation
Article II – Purpose
Article III – Affiliation
Article IV – Membership
Article V – Dues, Fees, and Assessments
Article VI – Officers
Article VII – Stewards Council
Article VIII – Coordinating Committee
Article IX – Policy Authority
Article X – Parliamentary Authority
Article XI – Amendments
Article XII – Non-Discrimination

Bylaws:

Article I – Constitution
Article II – Dues, Fees, and Assessments
Article III – Meetings
Article IV – Duties of Officers
Article V – Duties of Stewards and the Stewards Council
Article VI – Duties of the Coordinating Committee
Article VII – At-Large Representatives on the Coordinating Committee
Article VIII – Elections
Article IX – Committees
Article X – Membership and Fiscal Year
Article XI – Ratification of Agreements
Article XII – Quorum
Article XIII – Amendments

CONSTITUTION

Article I—Name and Incorporation

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the United Faculty of Evergreen, hereafter referred to as UFE.

Section 2. UFE shall be incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Washington.

Article II—Purpose

The purpose of the UFE shall be: 1) to represent all eligible faculty members in bargaining, grievances, and in all matters relating to terms and conditions of employment with The Evergreen State College; 2) to protect and enhance Evergreen’s unique traditions that have earned it prominence among the nation’s public colleges and liberal arts colleges: innovation, interdisciplinary teaching and learning, collegiality and egalitarianism; 3) to encourage mutual understanding and cooperation among the union members; 4) to engage in legislative, political, civic, welfare and other actions which further the interests of the membership, of public education, and the labor movement; and 5) to bring about a world where justice and equality are a reality, not just empty words.

Article III—Affiliation

The UFE shall affiliate with United Faculty of Washington State (hereinafter UFWS): Washington Education Association; National Education Association; AFT Washington; American Federation of Teachers, the American Federation of Labor/Congress of Industrial Organizations and the Washington State Labor Council.

Article IV—Membership

Section 1. All members of the faculty, with the exception of those who teach summer quarter only, may, upon payment of dues as herein provided, become members of the UFE with full rights and privileges of membership.

Section 2. Active members of the UFE shall also be members of the UFWS.

Section 3. Except for nonpayment of dues and assessments, no member shall be fined, censured, suspended, expelled, or otherwise disciplined.

Section 4. All members of the UFE shall have equal rights and privileges within the UFE, including:

1. nominating candidates;
2. petitioning UFE;
3. participating in membership meetings; and
4. voting in elections, referenda, resolutions and petitions of the UFE.

All members except those acting as deans may also:

1. vote on contract ratification;
2. hold office; and
3. be represented by the union, individually and/or collectively.

Section 5. Members shall retain their membership rights when on paid or unpaid leave from teaching.

Section 6. Non-teaching retirees may continue to retain membership rights upon payment of retiree dues of $50 per year.

Article V—Dues, Fees, and Assessments

Section 1. UFE members shall pay dues or fees as established in the Bylaws. The dues shall be payable within sixty (60) days of September 1 or date of employment, or through payroll deductions.

Section 2. The UFE may levy special assessments on its membership as provided in the Bylaws, provided that there are specified termination dates for such assessments and provided that such assessments shall be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members who vote on the proposal to levy the special assessment.

Section 3. Increases in fees by affiliate organizations may automatically increase dues proportionally.

Article VI—Officers

Section 1. The officers of the UFE shall consist of a Chair, Vice-Chair, Communications Coordinator, Treasurer, Steward Coordinator, and two at-large representatives. The position of Chair may also consist of Co-Chairs.

Section 2. Nominations of officers and at-large representatives shall be closed at the spring meeting following notice to all members and an open period for nominations. Specific requirements concerning this notice and this open period shall be contained in the Bylaws. The election shall be held not less than five (5) nor more than fifteen (15) days after nominations have been closed.

Section 3. The term of office for officers and at-large representatives shall be two (2) years, beginning June 1. Terms of officers shall be limited to three (3) consecutive terms. At-large representatives are not subject to term limits.

Section 4. In the event of vacancy in the office of Chair, the Vice-Chair shall become Chair for the balance of the term. Duties of the Chair may also be transferred to an elected Co-Chair and/or an appointed interim Chair or Co-Chair.

Section 5. The duties of officers shall be as provided in the Bylaws.

Section 6. An elected officer may be removed from office for cause by a recall election which may be initiated by the general membership.

A general membership meeting will be scheduled prior to the recall election within thirty (30) days after receipt of a recall petition that contains the names and signatures of at least 20% of the members. Following the general membership meeting, the recall election shall be by secret ballot made available to all members in good standing. A threshold of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting membership must be reached for a recall of an elected officer to be considered valid.

Prior to this general membership meeting, the Coordinating Committee shall notify in writing any officer who is subject to recall.

Article VII—Stewards Council

Section 1. The Stewards Council shall be the legislative and policy making body of the UFE between meetings of the general membership.

Section 2. The Stewards Council shall consist of the Coordinating Committee and all stewards. All officers and at-large representatives shall be considered stewards. Stewards remain part of the council so long as they retain the role of steward.

Section 3. Officers of the Coordinating Committee and stewards shall be elected during or following the spring general membership meeting. Stewards may also be appointed for a term and then be elected to serve as a steward. Procedures for elections shall be specified in the Bylaws.

Section 4. The appointment and election processes for stewards, along with the specific duties of the Stewards Council, shall be provided in the Bylaws.

Section 5. Each member of the Stewards Council shall attend regular meetings of the Stewards Council. After three consecutive absences of a steward, the Chair may declare the seat unfilled and the Coordinating Committee may appoint a member to fill out the term.

Section 6. Each member of the Stewards Council shall attend regular meetings of the Stewards Council. After three consecutive absences of a steward, the Chair may remove the member from the role of Steward or suspend their position for the purpose of achieving quorum or accomplishing other necessary duties of the Stewards Council.

Section 7. Any member of the UFE who is not a member of the Stewards Council may request to attend its meetings and may receive permission to speak, but may not vote.

Article VIII—Coordinating Committee

Section 1. The Coordinating Committee shall be comprised of the officers and two (2) at-large representatives.

Section 2. The Coordinating Committee shall be the body through which the general administrative and executive functions of the UFE shall be carried out.

Section 3. Officers and at-large representatives shall be elected as set forth in the Bylaws.

Section 4. The specific duties of the Coordinating Committee shall be provided in the Bylaws.

Section 5. An at-large representative may be recalled in the same manner as officers (as outlined in Article VI, Section 6).

Section 6. Except for the office of the Chair, vacancies on the Coordinating Committee shall be filled as follows: a) if six (6) months or more remain in the term, then by special election; and b) if less than six (6) months remains, then by appointment of the Coordinating Committee. Interim officer appointments may be made with approval from the Stewards Council; interim appointments may not last longer than six (6) months.

Article IX—Policy Authority

A majority vote of the membership present and voting at any duly authorized meeting or, if not conflicting with a decision by the membership, a majority of the votes cast by the Stewards Council shall determine the policies and actions of the UFE, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution and Bylaws.

Article X—Parliamentary Authority

The most current print edition of Robert’s Rules of Order governs this organization in all parliamentary situations that are not provided for in the law or in the organization’s Charter, Constitution, Bylaws or adopted rules.

Article XI—Amendments

Proposals to amend this Constitution may be made by the Coordinating Committee or by petition of 10% of the members in good standing. Amendments to this Constitution shall require 2/3 of the votes cast by members through a secret ballot. Notice of this election and the proposed amendment(s) shall have been delivered to each member at least twenty (20) days in advance. At the discretion of the Coordinating Committee, voting may be part of an annual or special meeting or through other established election procedures. Amendments shall become effective immediately unless otherwise provided.

Article XII—Non-discrimination

The UFE shall not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status.

BYLAWS

Article I—Constitution

These Bylaws are subordinate to the Constitution of United Faculty of Evergreen (UFE).

Article II—Dues, Fees, and Assessments

Section 1. UFE members shall pay local and affiliate dues. Local dues shall be determined on a tiered scale based on salary levels and faculty status (full-time, half-time, or quarter-time; adjunct, term, regular, administrative, or contingent). The amount of local dues and any changes to them shall be approved by the Stewards Council.

Section 2. Special provisions may be made for members of other locals transferring into this local during the membership year.

Section 3. The UFE may collect fees or dues as established through bargaining, and may receive services or financial assistance through its affiliations.

Article III—Meetings

Section 1. There shall be at least nine Coordinating Committee meetings per year. All Coordinating Committee meetings shall be called by the Chair with at least seven (7) days written notice or by a majority of the Coordinating Committee with at least seven (7) days written notice. Electronic written notice is an acceptable form of this communication.

Section 2. There shall be at least three (3) Stewards Council meetings per year.

Section 3. The Chair shall call at least two (2) meetings of the membership each year. One shall be in fall with an agenda that includes adoption of the budget, and another shall be in spring with an agenda that includes the nomination of officers and at-large representatives. For membership meetings, all items on which a vote will be taken shall be listed on the agenda. Every effort will be made to make these meeting as accessible to all members as possible.

Section 4. Special meetings of the membership may be called by the Chair and/or the Coordinating Committee or within thirty (30) days of the receipt of a petition to the Chair signed by 10% of the members.

Section 5. All meetings of the membership, except special meetings, shall be announced by a written notice to each member at least fourteen (14) days in advance of said meeting.

Section 6. The Coordinating Committee or Stewards Council, by a majority vote, may call an emergency meeting of any governance body at any time. Such meetings will be limited in their decisions to dealing with the announced emergency.

Section 7. The methods of participation in meetings or any particular meeting shall be set by the Coordinating Committee as long as each meeting is conducted through some reasonable means of communication, including but not limited to face-to-face discussion, telephone, email, or video conferencing, so that all committee members participating in the meeting may simultaneously communicate with one another during the meeting.

Article IV—Duties of Officers

Section 1. The Chair shall:

1. preside at all official meetings and perform such duties as are customarily associated with the office;
2. appoint and/or discharged all committee members with the advice and consent of the Stewards Council and serve or designate someone to serve as an ex-officio (and voting) member of all committees except those created by the general membership;
3. collaboratively with the Coordinating Committee or Stewards Council, charge committees with their duties;
4. act as an official representative of UFE or designate another officer or steward to do so;
5. prepare and submit an annual report of UFE activities to the fall annual meeting following their term of office;
6. be authorized to sign checks, along with the treasurer; and
7. maintain general records and files of the UFE (excluding records and files managed by committees or records and files designated to be handled by other officers as outlined in these Bylaws).

Section 2. The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair and shall act in the absence of the Chair. The Vice-Chair shall also:

1. maintain the membership records and membership contact list, including home and email addresses; and
2. oversee the collection, transmittal, and disbursement of dues.

Section 3. The Communications Coordinator shall:

1. handle correspondence for all UFE members and nonmembers, including but not limited to the notification of elections, bargaining updates, and amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws;
2. keep accurate minutes of all Coordinating Committee, membership, and Stewards Council meetings, distribute copies of Coordinating Committee minutes to Coordinating Committee members following meetings, distribute minutes of general membership meetings to all members within thirty (30) days following, and distribute minutes of Stewards Council meetings to all stewards within thirty (30) days following meetings;
3. maintain and update website; and
4. coordinate a newsletter.

Section 4. The Treasurer shall:

1. deposit all monies in a bank in the name of the UFE;
2. notify the UFE of the name of the bank in which dues are deposited;
3. hold all funds and disburse them accordingly upon the submission of vouchers approved by the Chair;
4. sign all checks along with either the Chair or Vice-Chair;
5. prepare an annual financial report which shall be distributed once each year to all members;
6. report at each membership meeting;
7. prepare the books for an audit; and
8. file the appropriate federal and state forms.

Section 5. The Steward Coordinator shall:

1. coordinate the activities of the Stewards;
2. assist the Chair and other officers; and
3. coordinate and assist with membership activities.

Section 6. When Co-Chairs are elected, they shall assume and share the duties of the Chair. They may also assume and share the duties of the Vice-Chair, provided the position of Vice-Chair is vacant.

Article V—Duties of Stewards and the Stewards Council

Section 1. Members shall be elected to the role of steward after being nominated and voted in during or following the spring general membership meeting. A member serving as a steward may relinquish this role upon request. Stewards may also be removed from their role by the Chair after three consecutive absences from Stewards Council meetings. Alternatively, members may be appointed to the role of steward after nomination by the Chair and with a majority vote for approval by the Coordinating Committee or Stewards Council. Appointed stewards must stand for election at the next spring general membership meeting.

Section 2. The duties of the Stewards Council shall consist of the following:

1. approve UFE policies and objectives;
2. establish guidelines and hear continuing reports on bargaining;
3. approve or ratify the establishment of paid positions in the UFE;
4. approve or ratify the establishment of committees not established in the Bylaws or the general membership;
5. adopt rules and agenda for its meetings; and
6. enact such other measures as may be necessary to achieve the policies and objectives of the UFE which are not in conflict with this Constitution and the Bylaws.

Section 3. The duties of the Stewards shall consist of the following:

1. maintain two-way UFE communication with union members and be responsible for handling grievances or requests for assistance from members and represented faculty;
2. organize and oversee the enrollment of new union members;
3. attend and participate in meetings of the Stewards Council, the legislative and policy making body of UFE; and
4. engage in self-education and member education on labor issues.

Section 4. The total number of stewards should strive to be equal to 10% of the represented faculty population identified by week two of each fall quarter. The body of stewards should be broadly representative of the faculty across the curriculum and across campuses, locations, and teaching schedules.

Article VI—Duties of the Coordinating Committee

Section 1. Between meetings of the Stewards Council, the Coordinating Committee shall conduct and manage the affairs and business of the UFE, including interpretation of this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 2. The Coordinating Committee shall see that the budget is prepared and submitted for approval at the fall meeting of the membership.

Section 3. The Coordinating Committee shall implement motions and resolutions approved by the membership or Stewards Council and put into operation other measures consistent with the Constitution, Bylaws, purpose and policies of the UFE. It shall fix the time and place and shall make all necessary arrangements for annual and special meetings.

Article VII—At-Large Representatives on the Coordinating Committee

Section 1. The two at-large representatives shall be elected by UFE members from among the membership, according to the provisions for elections of officers.

Section 2. A vacancy in the position of at-large representative shall be filled by a special election within thirty (30) working days.

Article VIII—Elections

Section 1. The Chair, with the approval by the Stewards Council, shall, in a timely manner, appoint a Nominations and Elections Committee consisting of three (3) members who shall complete a list of candidates for the UFE Officers, for the Coordinating Committee At-Large Representatives, and for the Stewards Council. This slate list shall be prepared for the spring annual meeting with recommendations for the time and place of the election and an election procedure that guarantees fairness. Each nominee must be a member in good standing and give their consent to appear on the ballot.

Section 2. In addition to the provisions of Section 1 above, nominations from the floor shall be called for and received at the spring annual meeting. Each nominee must be a member in good standing and give their consent to appear on the ballot. Following the spring annual meeting, nominations shall be closed.

Section 3. The Coordinating Committee shall approve the time and place of elections and ensure that they are convenient for the greatest possible attendance and/or participation by all members. The election shall be by secret ballot, observing the one-person, one-vote principle.

Section 4. Elections of at-large representatives to the Coordinating Committee and of stewards shall take place with the elections of officers (whose timing is specified in the Constitution).

Section 5. Officers and at-large representatives to the Coordinating Committee shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast. In the event of a plurality or a tie, the Coordinating Committee shall hold a run-off election within fifteen (15) days between the two (2) candidates receiving the most votes.

Section 6. Stewards shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the members. Additional stewards may be appointed (as outlined in Article V).

Section 7. A vacancy in the position of any officer other than the Chair or in the position of an at-large representative to the Coordinating Committee shall be filled by a special election within thirty (30) working days.

Section 8. The election of affiliate delegates (see Article III of the Constitution for list of affiliates) shall follow the election procedures outlined by the affiliate. These delegates shall be elected by the membership at-large.

Article IX—Committees

Section 1. Both standing and special committees are authorized by the Bylaws. The Stewards Council is responsible for establishing all committees except those created by the general membership. Committee members shall be appointed or discharged by the Chair with the approval of the Stewards Council. Committee members shall serve for the duration of their committee as established by the Stewards Council and/or Chair, until they are discharged by the Chair, or an individual committee member steps down.

Section 2. Standing committees may include but shall not be limited to:

1. Bargaining Team
2. Grievance Committee

Section 3. Each committee may establish its own standing rules for the conduct or operation of the committee, provided that the rules comply with these Bylaws.

Section 4. Minutes of the proceedings of each committee shall be filed with the Communications Coordinator of the UFE. The Communications Coordinator shall provide copies of the minutes of all committees to the committee chairpersons for the ensuing year. All committees shall report to the membership as directed by the Chair or the Stewards Council.

Section 5. The chair of the Bargaining Team shall be an elected member of the Coordinating Committee. In extraordinary circumstances, a Bargaining Team chair may be selected from among the body of stewards and confirmed with a two-thirds (2/3) vote of approval by the Stewards Council.

Article X—Membership and Fiscal Year

The membership and fiscal year shall be September 1 through August 31.

Article XI—Ratification of Agreements

Section 1. The Chair and the Bargaining Team shall be authorized to sign a legal, binding, yearly or multi-year agreement with the Board of Trustees or its delegated managers only after completion of the following procedure at a general membership meeting:

1. a report and recommendation by the Bargaining Team;
2. a report and recommendation by the Coordinating Committee and Stewards Council;
3. a written digest, and full copy on request, of the proposed agreement or changes, provided to all members in advance of the ratification meeting;
4. discussion by the membership; and
5. affirmative vote by secret ballot by a majority of those voting within the voting deadline.

Section 2. Ratification of interim agreements such as memoranda of understanding shall occur at a Stewards Council meeting.

Section 3. A seventy-two (72) hour written notice of the ratification meeting is required. The notice shall specify the date, time, place and purpose of the meeting.

Article XII—Quorum

Section 1. A quorum for a general membership meeting shall be 20% of the membership.

Section 2. A quorum of the Stewards Council shall be one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Council.

Section 3. A quorum at any duly authorized meeting of the Coordinating Committee shall be a majority of the Coordinating Committee.

Article XIII – Amendments

Proposals to amend these Bylaws may be made by the Coordinating Committee or by petition of 10% of the membership. These Bylaws shall be amended by a simple majority ballot vote of the members voting. Notice of this election and the proposed amendment(s) shall have been delivered to each member at least twenty (20) days in advance. At the discretion of the Coordinating Committee, voting may be part of an annual or special meeting or through other established election procedures. Amendments shall become effective immediately unless otherwise provided.