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Last updated: 03/18/01
   

Since the inclusion of the Steward Program in the Collective Agreement, the legitimacy of Reps Council has come into question. However, the two most important functions of Reps Council, as stated in the Bylaws, remain at the top of my list of initiatives for the union. First, Reps Council is an advisory body to the Executive. Feedback from reps on issues affecting the membership is a democratic process that must be accommodated. Secondly, recruitment of new reps for Council-I like to say activists- is mandated. These two initiatives are interrelated: without new (even radical) ideas Reps Council advice to the Executive becomes stale and irrelevant.

Having outlined my philosophy, I must add that reaching these ideals has its problems. As an advisory body, Reps Council often finds out months later what has occurred at Executive through their minutes. To be up-to-date depends on the Chair attending all Executive meetings and reporting back. We also see the words "as required" often enough to feel that the executive determines the Council's work and timelines.

Homage has been paid to recruitment of active members since the inception of NASA yet it still seems to elude us. For example, in 1989 there were 50 reps on Reps Council, now we number 22. Making quorum of 10 reps is a difficult task. In response, there are some exciting projects that address recruitment. Introductory information packages are being put together to introduce new members to the Union. The Collective Agreement allows for NASA board space in every department on campus, available for use by NASA representatives. NASA shirts and pins are being freely distributed. Finally, the Joint Forum on Communications will have its report out in October, advising on how best to reach our members. The Reps Council WEB page is in great shape and the database for Committees and people serving on them is well underway.

With the support of the Secretary and the Members' Chair, I am currently updating the Reps Council policies and procedures manual (last done in 1989). It is hoped that the final version reflects the important role that Reps Council plays in creating an informed and democratic union.

 

Lynn Chandler,
Reps Council Chair

 

 

 

 


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