UAW Local 696

Active Standing Committees

Local Union Standing Committees are the tools through which the policies and programs aimed at strengthening our union are put to work.  These committees support UAW members by implementing activities that further the social, economic and political goals of the UAW.  Local Union Standing Committees are made up of individuals who may have a special interest or strength in a particular area or they may just want to learn more about a subject and find a way to contribute to the labor movement.

An effective standing committee uses the diversity of its local membership to bring together ideas, opinions and information needed to support common labor objectives that include:

• Building solidarity among the membership

• Encouraging members to take part in activities in the local union

• Providing communication links within the workplace

• Becoming politically active

• Working with other standing committees to keep the membership informed of current issues

• Educating members to become active in the local union by setting up classes and exchanging information on issues that concern working families

• Working with our coalition partners in building a progressive social movement

Article 44 Local Union Committees

Article 44 of the UAW Constitution requires the local union to establish ten local union committees.  These committees have defined functions to perform for the local union membership.  The local union shall have the following standing committees:

• Citizenship and Legislative (CAP)

• Civil Rights

• Community Services

• Consumer Affairs

• Conservation and Recreation

• Constitution and Bylaws

• Education

• Union Label

• Veterans

• Women's Committee

• and such other committees as they deem necessary

Article 44 further states that all committee members should be appointed or elected subject to the discretion of the local union or unit workplace organization in the case of an amalgamated local union.

Standing committees shouldn't exist just because "it says so in the Constitution".  They are designed to be the "building blocks" upon which a successful local union is based.  Standing committees also provide the starting point for many long-term union activists.

How Standing Committees Operate

Standing committees have officers as well as members.  Most standing committees consist of:

• a chairperson

• a vice/co-chair

• a secretary

• a treasurer/financial secretary (where applicable)

• members

• and sometimes sub-committees/task force

The local union president, as provided under Article 40 of the UAW Constitution, is an ex-officio member of all committees in the local union.

Standing committees hold meetings on a regular basis as determined by their local union bylaws, or as determined by the committee in the consultation with the leadership.

What Standing Committees Do

An effective standing committee is a motivated, energetic and innovative group of members who can apply their abilities to their area of interest.  Standing committees work in cooperation with their local union executive board.  They identify topics, programs and issues that are important to the membership, the community, the local union, the international union and labor movement as a whole.  They develop plans and proposals for activities and, when approved by the local union executive board, carry out those plans.  Standing committees report out at membership meetings on the progress of their activities and future plans.

How To Get Involved

Local union bylaws determine how to become a standing committee member.  Some local union standing committee members are elected, while others are appointed by the local union president.  Contact your local union president regarding the procedure for becoming a standing committee member.

Consistent with the union's values and principles, effective standing committees reflect the diversity of a membership.

It is important that appointees have initiative, energy and a willingness to learn.  Members who choose to participate on a standing committee make significant contributions toward building strong locals and a more equitable society.  They do this by educating, motivating and mobilizing the membership around issues of key concern to working families.

Those interested in joining a Local 696 Standing Committee should submit a resume to the Local Union Hall or the Union Work Center Attn : Joe Buckley.

What Makes Standing Committees Successful

Communicating - not only among members of the committee, but also with the local union leadership and other committees.  Many projects and activities overlap between committees; talking and offering support to those committees will ensure success for all of us.

Asking Questions - to learn as much as possible about the objectives and purpose of the standing committees in your local.  Find out what needs to be done and what the priorities are for your committee.  Encourage others to voice their opinions and ask questions to clearly understand the issues from the leadership and rank and file perspectives.

Listening - not merely to hear what is said, but to understand the attitudes and opinions of others and to increase your own awareness and allow others to have a voice in committee decisions.

Accepting Challenges - ask for help when needed.  Be prepared to look for solutions and alternatives when faced with a problem.  Don't reject an idea only because "it's never been done before".  Seek avenues for gathering information.

Keeping At It!! - build on small successes and activities that give your committee credibility and pride.  Encourage each other and remember that working collectively can accomplish more then working alone.

What If You Need Help?

Local standing committee training and support are available from various national departments.  Assistance is available through your local union leadership, which will contact your regional office.

Local Union Standing Committees are not limited to, and can exceed, the descriptions on this webpage.  Contact your local leadership to identify the programs and activities your standing committees are involved in.

Copyright © 2006 UAW Local 696