United to Lead, to Promote, to Secure, and to Defend

United to Lead, to Promote, to Secure, and to Defend

NSO AFFILIATE PRESIDENT HANDBOOK

Coordinated Bargaining Councils (CBC)

CBC Introduction #

In 1979, the National Staff Organization authorized a pilot project for Coordinated Bargaining among states in the Great Lakes Corridor. The success of the program caused NSO to expand to four Coordinated Bargaining Councils (CBCs) encompassing the entire United States. Each CBC develops guidelines, goals and minimum standards for their specific region and monitor bargaining of their member affiliates. Additionally, the CBCs provide support and assistance in bargaining and crisis situations. Mutual Aid Pacts have been adopted by the CBCs that provide for strategies and assistance to help an affiliate achieve a settlement. The CBCs are co-chaired by two members of the NSO Executive Committee.

The 1985 Representative Assembly of the National Staff Organization adopted Guidelines for Assistance requiring that “affiliation with NSO constitutes automatic membership in a CBC.” To that end, the 1986 Representative Assembly adopted a policy of an ‘Affiliate in Good Standing’ requiring that affiliates “shall also abide by the guidelines and procedures adopted by the CBC of which it is a member. Should the appropriate CBC determine that an affiliate is not in compliance with this definition, recommendations for action shall be referred to the Executive Committee through the CBC co-chairs.”

In 1987, the Representative Assembly demonstrated its commitment by adopting a policy for enforcement of the Affiliate in Good Standing policy:

“In order to effectively enforce the ‘Affiliate in Good Standing’ policy adopted by the 1986 NSO Representative Assembly, the following disciplinary actions may be taken against those affiliates not complying with the constitution and bylaws of NSO including all policies adopted by the RA and the guidelines and procedures adopted by the CBC of which it is a member.

Should the appropriate CBC determine that an affiliate is not in compliance with this definition, recommendations for action should be referred to the Executive Committee through the CBC co-chairs.

Disciplinary action shall be uniform and progressive and may include: withholding of crisis fund monies, withholding of any kind of assistance, fines levied against the affiliate, censorship. Action shall be taken only after the CBC co-chairs have contacted the affiliate and encouraged the affiliate’s compliance with the guidelines and procedures adopted by the CBC.”

1987 Representative Assembly

The 1988 RA directed the NSO Executive Committee to make recommendations for strengthening the functions of the CBCs. These recommendations include a broadened emphasis on training to be developed by and through the CBCs for topics specific to the region: e.g., disputes on salary placement may lead to a specialized training program and redeveloped goals and minimum standards in this area.

CBC Zones #

Bargaining Assistance #

The National Staff Organization encourages its affiliates to participate in training programs so that each union develops advocates to negotiate their own employment contract. For those times when at-the-table assistance is necessary, NSO has a contingency of professionals who will volunteer to assist your affiliate to bring about a settlement.

Requests for at-the-table assistance are coordinated through your Regional Director and your Coordinated Bargaining Council (CBC) co-chairs. The Vice President for Program must PRIOR APPROVE ALL REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE and will work with all parties to assign the most effective advocate for your situation. NSO assistance is available for advocates and training in traditional and collective style of negotiations, including Interest Based Bargaining.

Requests for other bargaining assistance must likewise be coordinated through your Regional Director and your CBC co-chairs at the direction of the VP for Program. See the Crisis Fund Guidelines for detailed information on NSO’s financial assistance to affiliates and members when faced with a negotiations crisis.

Coordinated Bargaining Financial Assistance #

NSO provides special travel assistance to affiliates who would face financial hardship in providing representation on the Coordinated Bargaining Council. Assistance is on a case-by-case basis of up to one-half of the airfare to a maximum of $200 per affiliate while NSO funds are available. NSO budgets $2,000 for this program. Applicants must file their request with one of their CBC chairs. The criteria to be considered are: (1) local dues; (2) percent of potential membership; (3) total assets; (4) number of members; and (5) local hardship (e.g., unusual union expenses).

Who To Contact #

Vice-President of Program #

Vice-President of Program

Updated on February 5, 2024