Parliamentary Process

Here we have collected basic directions on how a meeting is to be held and how a motion is brought before an assembly according to the IBEW Constitution and Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. These directions are cited for further reference and explanations as RONR (11thed.), along with the page and line numbers of that page. This is the format in which to go about business but is also a complex process to keep an even playing field for all opinions on union matters. We would be glad to assist in the understanding of the parliamentary process as prescribed by the IBEW Constitution and for any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Colin Cronan at colin.cronan@gmail.com and we will get back to you in a timely manner. Thank you.

 IBEW Constitution and Bylaws

The IBEW Constitution and our Local Union 674 Bylaws are to prescribe how the local functions, and includes all rules that the local considers so important that they cannot be changed without previous notice to the members and a majority vote.

The IBEW Constitution supersedes the L.U. Bylaws, and in the case of any conflicting rules the Constitution reigns supreme.

The provisions of the bylaws have direct bearing on the rights of the members within the organization-whether present or absent from the assembly. It is a good policy for every member on the joining society to be given a copy of the bylaws. 

A member should become familiar with the contents of these rules if he looks toward full participation in the local’s affairs.

  Anatomy of a Union Meeting

RONR (11THed.), chapter II

1. The chair calls the meeting to order: Once a quorum has been assembled.

2. Reading and Approval of the Minutes

3. Reports of Officers, Boards, and Standing Committees

4. Reports of Special Committees: Select or Ad Hoc committees that exist until they have completed their appointed task.

5. Special Orders: Matters which have previously been assigned a type of special priority.

6. Unfinished Business and General Orders: "Old Business" or matters scheduled for this specific meeting.

7. New Business: Matters to be initiated at the current meeting.

8. Adjournment: The end of the meeting.

Motions

A motion is a formal proposal by a member, in a meeting, that the assembly take certain action (RONR (11THed.), p58, II. 5-7). The proposed action may be of a substantive nature, or it may express a certain view or direct that a particular investigation be conducted and the findings be reported to the assembly for possible further action.

Click here for instructions on how to a motion is brought before an assembly