Emil Oxfeld was a New Jersey attorney and a labor relations consultant. He worked for NSO pro bono for many years as he loved unions and to advocate for union members. When he would give his reports to the RA delegates, he would break out into a chorus of “Solidarity Forever” and other union related songs. Those who knew him best speak of his great legal mind and his ability to remember cases and transcripts off the top of his head like no other person. This award was established in 2000.

Criteria:

The nominee should embody these skills: advocate, knowledge, tenacity, courage, wisdom, integrity, compassion, mentor, dignity, and honor.

Eligibility:

Any current or past NSO member that has worked to advocate defend, or protect the rights of NSO members.

Nomination Process:

Any NSO member who wishes to nominate a deserving person of the Emil Oxford Advocacy Award should write a narrative (no longer than two pages) describing how the nominee encompasses the spirit of Emil Oxford (advocate, knowledge, tenacity, courage, wisdom, integrity, compassion, mentor, dignity, and honor) and send that to the NSO President (president@nationalstaff.org) before March 1st. The NSO Executive Committee will review all nominations.

Award Winners

Year	Winner
2025	Rob Day (NSO General Counsel)
2024	Mike Boyer (Washington State)
2023	Tal Hutchins (Ohio)
2022	Joseph DiVincenzo (New York)
2018	Butch Santicola (Pennsylvania) – awarded posthumously
2016	Jesse Morre (Louisiana)
2015	Marius Ambrose (Maryland)
2013	Jeanne Beyer (Colorado)
2012	Gerry Lange (New Jersey)
2010	Bernadette Lange (New Jersey)
2009	Diane Thompson (Nebraska)
2008	Bonnie LePage (Massachusetts)
2007	Dennis Krueger (Iowa)
2006	John Reilly (Massachusetts)
2005	Jack Schamel (NSO advocate)
2004	Chuck Lieberknight (Ohio) – awarded posthumously
2002	Ginnie Ross (Region 6 Director)
2001	John Warms (New Jersey)
2000	Emil Oxfeld (NSO labor relations consultant)

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Nomination Form

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NSO Contact Person

Dawn Basurto

Secretary

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secretary@nationalstaff.org

California Staff Organization

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John Warms Legend Award

In 2010, the NSO Executive Committee established the John Warms Legend Award.  This award was named after John Warms, NSO President from 1976-1998, who was responsible for many of the current programs within NSO.   During Warms leadership, NSO established the NSO Coordinated Bargaining Councils, the Charlie Love Crisis Fund and the Harvard Trade Union Scholarship program. He reaffirmed that NSO’s primary duty was to protect, defend, secure and advocate for members’ rights. In the late 70s and early 80s, he supported changes in the NSO Constitution and Bylaws that enabled associate staff to become NSO members.

Eligibility:

The National Staff Organization established the John Warms Legend Award for an exceptional NSO member whose contributions in advocacy, union service and commitment to union serves as a model and a tribute to the spirit of John Warms. All members of the National Staff Organization, including all retired members, are eligible.

Award Criteria:

The recipient of the John Warms Legend Award should demonstrate the ideals and union values of John Warms and the qualities he most admired in union advocates: service, vision, pragmatism and tenacity in advocating for the members of the National Staff Organization.

Emphasis will be placed on accomplishments that showcase the relevance of union advocacy and engagement as a means to constructive change within our union.

Completed nomination forms and supporting documents must be received by the NSO Secretary by March 1st of each year.

Determination:

The award will be based on an outstanding or exceptional contribution to the National Staff Organization.  Examples include an achievement, particularly high quality of work, a set of skills, a creative idea or innovation, etc., expressed in some action within the applicant’s/nominee’s work unit that can be shown to have an exceptional impact upon the National Staff Organization.

The identified contribution(s) may have resulted in a wide range of identifiable outcomes; culture-sensitive, economic well-being of our members, and improved service to members. The nominator(s) must provide evidence of the candidate’s impact on the National Staff Organization and its members.

The overarching principle in the review process is the principle of exceptional quality. This award is chiefly concerned with the quality of our work. The quantity of work may serve as a factor when appropriate. Therefore, the Committee will look for evidence of intensity and a level of focus that achieves more or better quality of our advocacy work.

Award Winners

Year	Winner
2024	Catherine Alexander (Oregon)
2023	Robert Blackwell (North Carolina)
2019	Org4Power Team: Janet Beck, Mike Horner, Bob Linquist, Jeff Wahlquest
2018	Lynn Adler (Illinois)
2014	Emmit Jimmar (Alabama)
2011	Chuck Agerstrand (Michigan)

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Nomination Form

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NSO Contact Person

Dawn Basurto

Secretary

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secretary@nationalstaff.org

California Staff Organization

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Mother Jones Award for Outstanding Union Activism

The National Staff Organization created the Mother Jones award to recognize the efforts of individual members that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to advance unionism and the labor movement in their communities. NSO believes that this recognition reinforces the preamble of its constitution, which states; “to promote public education and advance collective bargaining and unionism.”

Mary G. Harris Jones, (c. 1830-1930) known as Mother Jones was a pioneer and prominent union organizer in the early 1900’s. She was also a teacher and dress maker that organized members of the United Mine Workers to fight for better working conditions. Her persuasive and powerful speeches inspired the masses to join in on strikes and protest to protect the workers, their families and especially the children.

This well-spoken woman was also instrumental with empowering the wives and daughters to have an active voice in the movement carrying mops and brooms into battle.  She led membership drives, marches, and strikes that sometimes landed her in jail but that did not stop her from her organizing activities.

She was the co-founder of the Industrial Workers of the World and a true union activist whose undying passion drove her to fight for the common people who thought their voices did not matter.

    “Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living”

                                                                          Mother Jones         

This award was established at the 2016 Representative Assembly as New Business Item #16-06. NSO has a historical relationship with Mother Jones, continues to be a contributor to the Mother Jones Museum, and it was at a NSO RA that the DVD “Mother Jones: America’s Most Dangerous Woman” was first shown.

The intent of the Mother Jones Award for Outstanding Union Activism is to recognize activism in the Labor Movement carried out by rank-and-file NSO members that extends beyond their affiliate work. This recognition of activism will also serve to promote and inspire others to become more involved in the labor movement. Award recipients will be featured on websites, newsletters, and press releases to highlight our own NSO members.

The Mother Jones Award for Outstanding Union Activism is open for all NSO members. Therefore, professional and associate staff members are eligible to participate on an equal standing.

We ask that affiliate presidents inform their membership of the Mother Jones Award for Outstanding Union Activism, distribute this document, as well as the nomination form to your membership. Each affiliate will then implement their own selection process to present an individual for national consideration.

Each affiliate nomination will be submitted to the NSO Executive Committee who will then be responsible for the selection of the national award winner. The identified recipient will receive a plaque commemorating their dedication to unionism and the labor movement.

“Goodbye boys, I’m under arrest. I may have to go to jail. I may not see you for a long time. Keep up the fight! Don’t surrender!” 

– Mother Jones

Award Winners

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Year	Winner
2019	Elizabeth Hrenda (Pennsylvania)
2017	David Rathke (Illinois)

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Nomination Form

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NSO Contact Person

Rose Tapp

Region 4 Director

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regionaldirector4@nationalstaff.org

California Staff Organization

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Current Nomination Forms

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The NSO-Retired was established at the 2000 Representative Assembly. At any time, retired NSO members may join with a lifetime membership $100.

Membership benefits include receiving the NSO Contact and access to the NSO Website; networking; and NSO training opportunities.

Many NSO affiliates provide active members with a lifetime membership upon retirement.

Brochure

*** HOLD FOR LINK TO CURRENT BROCHURE ***

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• Current LM Reports must be on file with the NSO Treasurer
• Membership Database must be current on the database website
• Up-to-date Dues and Crisis Fund payments

Affiliates must be able to prove financial need by providing to the Regional Director a copy of current budget, income and expense statements, and explain the reasons for seeking financial assistance. Regional Directors will consult with the NSO Treasurer taking into consideration LM data to determine the need for assistance, and level of assistance needed.

Regional directors will provide to the NSO Comptroller the names of affiliates who have been approved for assistance and the amount of assistance approved. Generally, $400 is the maximum amount that can be approved between the NSO Treasurer and the Regional Director.

Adopted by the NSO Executive Committee June 8, 2010

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Each affiliate attending CBC meetings will be entitled to reimbursement of hotel room costs, including taxes, for one room based upon double occupancy for attendance at CBC meetings. Wall to wall affiliates will be entitled to a second room in order to ensure representation for both professional and associate staff. Affiliates who send representatives who cannot room together due to gender differences will be eligible for reimbursement for an additional room. If representatives choose to have separate rooms for other reasons, they will be reimbursed for ½ of the hotel room costs, including taxes. In no event will affiliates receive reimbursement for more than their allotted representatives. Each CBC is allotted no more than two nights of room reimbursement for CBC meetings during a fiscal year. Room reimbursement for travel to and from CBC meetings will not be allowed and are the responsibility of the affiliate. Affiliates must submit vouchers for reimbursement within 30 days per NSO policy. CBC co-chairs will provide the NSO Treasurer and the NSO Comptroller with a list of all individuals and affiliates attending CBC meetings eligible for reimbursement. Additional costs of hotel incidentals will not be reimbursed.

Reimbursement for National Meetings and Trainings

Each affiliate may be reimbursed for an additional night of hotel costs for a National CBC meeting set by NSO in accordance with the guidelines above.

Pursuant to NSO Executive Committee action, other training and events set by NSO (Leadership Academy, Pension Benefits Conference, etc.) may be reimbursed one night of hotel costs at ½ the room rate, including taxes, for representatives attending such events. Reimbursement will be limited to the number of individuals from each affiliate set by the NSO Executive Committee. Reimbursement for affiliates sending representatives to the NSO Treasurer’s Workshop/Training at the NSO Winter Advocacy Retreat will be limited to one individual from each affiliate. Reimbursement will be made upon the proper submission of an NSO voucher as above. All such requests for reimbursement must be submitted on NSO vouchers within 30 days of the event/training per NSO policy. Additional costs of hotel incidentals will not be reimbursed.

The NSO Executive Committee may approve changes to these policies and procedures.

Current Expense Voucher

Adopted June 2009

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Expense Guidelines for Advocates, Committee Members, Consultants, and On- Site Trainers

It is the policy of the National Staff Organization to reimburse its officers, committee members, members, trainers, and consultants for actual and reasonable expenses while engaged in authorized NSO business. Below are common explanations, based upon current NSO policy, for reimbursement of said expenses. Should you have questions or concerns, please contact the NSO Treasurer.

Air Travel

If air travel is necessary, roundtrip, coach airfare will be reimbursed. Unless extenuating circumstances exist, travelers should procure a 21 day or greater, advance purchase, coach airline ticket. Travelers will be reimbursed for advanced seat selection in the economy section of the aircraft or similar programs like Southwest EarlyBird check-in. NSO will not reimburse the cost of business class, “plus” seating, first class, emergency row seating, or similar upgrades to an economy ticket. If such a seat is purchased, the expense submission must include the cost of a coach seat, on the same flight had it been purchased on the same day or a clear breakdown of the additional cost of the coach seat upgrades plus applicable taxes/fees.

Mileage

Mileage will be reimbursed at the current IRS rate from the individual’s home/worksite to the airport or, in lieu of airline travel, up to the cost of a coach roundtrip airline ticket that would have been purchased in compliance with the “Air Travel” section of this document. Documentation of the cost of the airline ticket must be submitted with the expense voucher. All mileage must be documented with the beginning/ending address and total miles utilizing an independent mapping service like MapQuest or Google Maps.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are not a routine expense and will not be reimbursed unless prior approval has been secured from the NSO Officer responsible for your assignment (e.g. arbitration assistance would be approved by the VP Defense). Proof of the approval shall be provided with the expense voucher. Any required fuel purchases will be reimbursed as part of the rental car expense.

Lodging

NSO will reimburse for lodging under the following conditions:

• Overnight lodging shall be utilized only in the course of NSO business.
• For out-of-state travel, NSO will reimburse lodging expenses for the actual days of the business and up to one (1) travel day prior to the conference/event and one (1) travel day following the conference/event. It is expected that those attending a conference will obtain lodging at the designated conference hotel, if available.
• Other overnight stays may be allowed subject to approval of the NSO President or NSO Treasurer.
• The cost of lodging should be kept to a reasonable amount given the location and travel requirements of the traveler.

Meals

All actual meal costs shall be reimbursed for each day of travel for NSO business.

Receipts

Itemized receipts must be submitted for each expense, including those billed on a hotel folio. For items purchased with a credit card, include the itemized receipt and a copy of the signed receipt with any additions like a tip.

Hotel Tips

Reasonable, undocumented tips to hotel staff, including maid service and baggage handling, will be accepted as approved expenses.

Expense Voucher

All expenses must be submitted on the approved NSO Expense Voucher, available from the NSO Treasurer or the individual responsible for your assignment. You must attach the original, itemized receipt for each expense and account for each day’s expenses on a separate line. Do not group multiple days of lodging, meals, or other daily expenses into one line. Electronic submission of legible, itemized receipts and the signed voucher is preferred. Scan all of the receipts and voucher together into one PDF document and email to the NSO Treasurer at the address shown on the voucher. Expense vouchers must be submitted no later than 30 days following the end of the assignment/event. For events occurring in August, please submit your vouchers no later than September 15.

Loyalty Programs

NSO has access to several loyalty programs. These programs have no cost and may reduce the cost of airfare and/or hotel rooms. You are free to use these programs for all travel regardless of purpose. These programs do not affect your individual loyalty program.

American Airlines          Corporate Code 970740

Hyatt Hotels         Corporate Code 201622

The NSO Executive Committee has final jurisdiction regarding all reimbursement policies. Any member who feels arbitrary treatment by the NSO President or Treasurer may appeal to the NSO Executive Committee. The decision of the NSO Executive Committee will be final.

Contact Person

Treasurer

Eric Watson-Urban

Treasurer

treasurer@nationalstaff.org

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Ohio Professional Staff Union

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The internal audit committee shall meet one day prior to each scheduled September and March Executive Committee meeting for the purpose of conducting an examination of the organization’s financial records. At a minimum, the examination should include the following items:

Bank Reconciliations

• Review bank statements with reconciliation reports and compare all balances to what is recorded in QuickBooks.

Receipts

• Review bank statements for deposits and trace the deposits to the corresponding postings in QuickBooks.
• Review the billing invoices to the NSO membership database to ensure proper billing is occurring.
• Review all non-dues receipts, and trace supporting documentation.

Disbursements

• Randomly select at least one (1) month since the last Internal Audit Committee meeting and review all cancelled checks that cleared the bank for that time period.
• The review shall include:
  • An examination of all cancelled checks for consistency of payee and check endorsement.
  • A comparison of the amount and payee on each check against what was recorded in the disbursements journal in QuickBooks.
  • A review of supporting documentation, including:
    • Signed and approved expense vouchers
    • Proof of Mileage
    • Verification of purpose and legitimacy of expenses
    • Verification that authorizations for ‘out of policy’ expenditures are documented with appropriate authorization
    • Verification that the expense policies of the organization are being followed
• Ensure all cancelled checks for the review time period have been provided to the audit committee for examination.

Fixed Asset Purchases

• Review inventory of fixed assets and make sure all new purchases, according to the organization’s policy, are added to the inventory list as applicable.

Budget

• Compare budget to actual expenditures and make sure there are adequate explanations for any substantial variations.

Monitor Compliance with the Credit Card Policy and Procedures

• Randomly select at least one (1) month of credit card reconciliations since the last Internal Audit Committee meeting for all NSO credit card holders.
• The examination shall include a thorough review of the credit card statements to:
  • Determine consistency of expenses
  • Review the supporting documentation for the month(s) being reviewed, including:
    • Signed and approved credit card reconciliations
    • Verify the purpose and legitimacy of expenses
    • Verification that authorizations for ‘out of policy’ expenditures documented with appropriate authorization
    • Verification that the expense policies of the organization are being followed

Internal Controls

• Review management letters from an outside accounting firm to identify internal control procedure recommendations.
• Review the organization’s internal control procedures and, if appropriate, recommend changes to the Executive Committee.

IRS and DOL Returns

• Verify all IRS Form 990, 1099s and 1096s have been filed.
• Verify LM report have been filed.
• Verify all state reports have been filed.

Auditor

• At least once per year, the Internal Audit Committee shall informally meet with the NSO Auditor to discuss the findings of the committee.

Upon the completion of each Internal Audit Committee meeting, a written report will be provided to the Executive Committee. The report must include all instances of financial irregularities and/or violations of NSO policy.

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Explanation of Budget Categories

Governance

REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY—Expenses include all hotel expenses, food, expenses for speakers, the parliamentarian, and all individuals giving committee and other reports. Executive Committee expenses relating to this meeting are also included in this line item as well as necessary meetings involved in organizing the R.A.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS—Includes necessary expenditures (meeting room rental, transportation, lodging, food).

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STIPENDS—Stipends paid to Executive Committee members: $6,000 to the President; $4,000 to the Vice President for Defense, Vice President for Program, Secretary, Treasurer and $2,000 to each Director.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES—Incurred in carrying out administrative functions of the NSO, e.g. making arrangements with hotels, meeting with NEA over problems, equipment needs, etc.

INSURANCE/LIABILITY—Insurance for NSO members who cover crisis situations for the organization; liability insurance for the Executive Committee.

Organizational Expenses

POSTAGE—Postage expenses for NSO mailings (except CONTACT newsletter).

PRINTING—General printing of materials and stationery for NSO, including RA printing.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES—Technology agreements regarding preservation of NSO arbitrations, research database, membership database, communications and retirement information.

BOOKKEEPING EXPENSES—Expenses related to necessary bookkeeping for dues statement and collections of regular and crisis fund dues.

ACCOUNTING FEES—Yearly audit costs as required by the bond covering NSO. Preparation by the NSO auditor of necessary Department of Labor and IRS reports.

LEGAL EXPENSES—Legal expenses incurred by NSO as an organization.

CONTACT EDITOR & WEBMASTER EXPENSES—All expenses related to the production of the NSO CONTACT newsletter, and administrative costs of the NSO website including a $1,750 stipend for the NSO Communications Director and & $1,500 for the Webmaster.

UNENCUMBERED FUNDS—For unforeseen expenditures.

Advocacy Expenses

ARBITRATION EXPENSES—Arbitration reimbursement expenses of 1/2 for local affiliates as provided under NSO policy. All advocate expenses working with affiliates are also included in this line item.

ONSITE FIELD ASSISTANCE—Assistance by NSO advocates and/or trainers to an NSO affiliate or member and onsite workshops and trainings.

LEGAL EXPENSES FOR AFFILIATES—Legal expenses for NSO affiliates after prior approval as provided under NSO policy.

Projects and Workshops

COMMITTEES—Costs related to various committees of NSO including pension, research, special services, and organizing which includes production of materials for the “Organizing for Power” program and organizing potential new affiliates.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE (WAR COLLEGE)—All expenses for the NSO Winter Advocacy Retreat. These expenses include all hotel expenses including food, lodging, and AV equipment. All trainer transportation expenses are also included, as well as Executive Committee expenses necessary for meetings conducted in conjunction with this event.

COORDINATED BARGAINING COUNCILS—All expenses for the National CBC and four Coordinated Bargaining Councils. Lodging expenses of the Negotiator and President of each participating affiliate, meeting room rentals, trainers, CBC Co-chairs and necessary Executive Committee expenses.

Communications and Affiliate Service

SPECIAL PROJECTS—Funding of programs for a particular need, including special meetings with affiliates and management on relevant issues.

NSO RETIRED MEMBER ORGANIZING—Retired membership program funding.

BONDING-NSO AFFILIATES—Necessary bonding for NSO and affiliate officers.

Contributions, Gifts, and Grants

HARVARD TUITION GRANTS—To fund the tuition of NSO members to NSO seats at the Harvard Trade Union Program; including funding for the Chip Tassone Scholarship seat.

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Financial assistance will be provided by NSO to affiliates in the form of strike benefits and/or crisis organizing after NSO conducts an assessment of the NSO affiliate to determine the type and level of resources that will be allocated.

Requests for financial assistance for crisis organizing, up to $2500, is to be made to the Regional Director.

The NSO will assume the cost of certain reasonable and necessary strike expenditures as authorized by the NSO.

NSO will provide crisis assistance to those affiliates that have been in good standing for one (1) year prior to a request for assistance from the Crisis Fund.

Eligibility

An NSO member is eligible for Crisis Fund benefits if the following qualifications are met:

1. In case of a strike, a recipient of strike benefits must be a member in good standing before a strike begins to be entitled to NSO strike assistance.
2. Probationary and New Hires:
   Probationary and new hires may become eligible for strike benefits only if they join the NSO individually or through the Affiliate by paying the required fees and/or dues prior to the strike-taking place. In the event an applicant has signed an application for membership and a NSO affiliate check-off card that has been forwarded to the employer prior to the strike taking place, he/she would be considered a member in good standing and would be entitled to strike assistance.
3. Only members who are on the active payroll at the time the strike began are entitled to strike benefits.
4. A member must participate in a strike activity assigned by the NSO Affiliate in order to be eligible for crisis assistance. Participation shall include those activities established by the NSO Affiliate.

A member is not entitled to strike funds:

1. If the dues are not paid up to date the day before the strike commences.
2. If the member is unemployed.
3. If the member is drawing sick and accident or other employer-paid leave benefits.

Schedule of Benefits

Crisis Funds are available to striking members after (5) working days of a strike. Weekly benefits (Monday through Friday) are calculated at $75.00 per day per member and will be provided retroactive to the first day of the strike. Such funds must be given to members in good standing who are on strike and are not to be used by the Affiliate to cover the cost of the strike.

Administrative Policies

NSO Crisis Assistance Program as Established by NSO Executive Committee:

1. Crisis assistance shall be based on member rights and qualifications in accordance with the rules and regulations approved by the NSO Executive Committee.
2. Strike funds can only be spent in conformity with the policies of the NSO.
3. Ordinary expenses of the NSO Affiliate, including equipment purchases, are the responsibility of the NSO Affiliate.
4. At the conclusion of a strike, all NSO strike funds, which have not been used in conducting the strike, must be returned to the NSO. If a strike settlement results in no loss of pay, the subsistence grant must be repaid to the NSO Crisis Fund.

NSO Finances

There shall be an NSO Finance Committee consisting of the President, Treasurer, three (3) Executive Committee members, plus one (1) additional person, appointed by the President. A quorum of the Finance Committee shall consist of any three- (3) members thereof.

The NSO Executive Committee shall have the power to remove any selected member of the Finance Committee by a majority vote. It shall be the general function of the NSO Finance Committee to administer the NSO Crisis Assistance program and to approve all investments of the NSO Crisis Funds subject to ratification by the NSO Executive Committee.

The NSO Treasurer shall keep the NSO Finance and Executive Committee advised at all times of income and disbursements of the Fund and to report on all such investments.

Each member of the NSO Finance Committee shall be bonded in such sum and in such manner, as the Executive Committee shall require.

1. The crisis funds shall be kept in interest-bearing bank accounts, stocks, and short-term government obligations as directed by the NSO Finance Committee.
2. All monies shall be placed in banks, depositories as approved by the NSO Executive Committee in the name of the National Staff Organization (NSO).
3. The NSO Treasurer shall issue annually a financial report summarizing the assets and liabilities of the NSO and stating the net worth of that fund (s) together with a Certified Public Accountant’s statement. Such report shall be presented annually. At any time, a financial report is requested by the NSO Executive Committee, the NSO Treasurer shall furnish such a report consisting of a statement of assets, liabilities, and the net worth of the NSO Crisis Fund.

The Finance Committee shall report annually to the NSO Representative Assembly on the assets, liabilities, and net worth of the Crisis Fund.

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SCOPE OF THIS INVESTMENT POLICY

This policy reflects the purpose, objectives, and constraints with respect to all investment accounts held in the name of the National Staff Organization (NSO).

PURPOSE OF THIS INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT

This investment policy statement is set forth by the Executive Committee of NSO to:

1. Define and assign the responsibilities of all involved parties.
2. Establish a clear understanding, for all involved parties, of the goals and objectives regarding the investment of organizational assets.
3. Establish a basis for evaluating investment results.
4. Manage invested assets according to prudent standards as established in common trust law.
5. Establish the relevant investment horizon for which the Organization’s assets will be managed.

This statement reflects the philosophy and attitude which will guide the investment of the organization’s

assets. It is intended to be sufficiently specific to be meaningful, yet flexible enough to be practical.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INVESTMENT CONSULTANT(S)

The Investment Consultant’s role is that of a discretionary advisor to the NSO Investment Committee. Investment advice concerning the management of invested assets will be offered by the Investment Consultant, and will be consistent with the investment objectives, policies, guidelines, and constraints as established in this statement. Specific responsibilities of the Investment Consultant include:

1. Assisting in the development and periodic review of this investment policy.
2. Providing “due diligence” and research on the organization’s investments.
3. Monitoring the performance of the investments.
4. Providing the Investment Committee with sufficient information and reporting to allow it to evaluate the progress toward the investment objectives and compliance with this policy statement.
5. Communicating matters of policy and performance to the Investment Committee.
6. Reviewing investment history, historical capital markets performance and the contents of this investment policy statement to any newly appointed members of the Investment Committee.

GENERAL INVESTEMENT PRINCIPLES

1. Investments shall be made to provide long-term, financial stability of the National Staff Organization.
2. The organization’s assets shall be invested with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, that a prudent person acting in like capacity and familiar with such matters would use, in the investment of assets of like character and with like aims.
3. Investment of the assets shall be so diversified as to minimize the risk of large losses, unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so.

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY

1. Preservation of Capital – Consistent with their respective investment styles and philosophies, investment managers should make reasonable efforts to preserve capital, understanding that losses may occur in individual securities.
2. Risk Aversion – Understanding that risk is present in all types of securities and investment styles, the Investment Committee recognizes that some risk is necessary to produce long-term investment results that are sufficient to meet the Organization’s objectives.
3. Liquidity — Sufficient cash and cash alternatives to meet the emergent needs of the organization with minimal impact on the assets of the organization because of market prices.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES

The primary objective for invested assets shall be the long-term growth of capital, with an emphasis on aggregate return from capital appreciation and dividend and interest income, while avoiding excessive risk. Short-term market volatility will be tolerated in as much as it is consistent with the volatility of a comparable market index.

ASSET ALLOCATION

To meet the investment objectives of the National Staff Organization, the following allocations shall be maintained by the Investment Consultant(s):

1. Not more than 70% of the assets of the organization shall be held in any single asset class (e.g. equities, bonds, cash and cash equivalents).
2. Not less than 20% of all individually owned stocks, based upon total dollars of assets, shall have an Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating of A or better on the MSCI rating scale.

Investment accounts shall be rebalanced/reallocated, on a quarterly basis, to meet these requirements.

ALLOWED ASSETS

1. Cash Equivalents
   • Treasury Bills
   • Money Market Funds
   • Commercial Paper
   • Certificates of Deposit
2. Fixed Income Securities
   • U.S. Government and Agency Securities
   • Corporate Notes and Bonds
   • Mortgage Backed Bonds
   • Preferred Stock
   • Fixed Income Securities of Foreign Governments and Corporations
   • Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (PAC CMOs) or other CMOs
3. Equity Securities
   • Common Stocks
   • Initial Public Offering Stocks/Syndicate Equity
   • Secondary Offering Stocks/Syndicate Equity
   • Convertible Notes, Bonds and Preferred Stock
   • American Depository Receipts (ADRs) of Non-U.S. Companies
   • Stocks of Non-U.S. Companies (Ordinary Shares)
4. Mutual Funds/Exchange Traded Funds
   • Mutual Funds/Exchange Traded Funds which invest in securities otherwise allowed in this statement
5. Alternative investments
   • Managed FuturesTraded Hedge Funds

PROHIBITED ASSETS

1. Commodities and Futures Contracts
2. Private Placements
3. Options
4. Venture-Capital Investments

PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS

1. Short Selling
2. Margin Transactions

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND EVALUATION

Performance reports, generated by the Investment Consultant(s), shall be compiled at least annually, and communicated to the Investment Committee for review. The investment performance of all accounts, as well as asset components, will be measured against commonly accepted performance benchmarks.

Adopted by the National Staff Organization Executive Committee the 7^TH day of June, 2021.

The post NSO Investment Policy appeared first on National Staff Organization.

• Affiliation with NSO constitutes automatic membership in a Coordinated Bargaining Council (CBC).
• Assistance will be provided by NSO after NSO conducts an assessment of the local union to determine the type and level of resources that will be allocated.

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Through the NSO Crisis Program, a Crisis Action Investigation will be conducted to provide financial and other assistance to an affiliate facing a bargaining crisis. (See NSO Crisis Policy)

The affiliate president should contact the NSO Vice-President for Program at least 60 days prior to any anticipated action. A Crisis Action Evaluation Team will make arrangements to conduct an on-site investigation with local leaders. Recommendations for assistance will be made to the NSO Executive Committee. The Crisis Investigation must be conducted prior to any disbursement of financial assistance from the NSO Charlie Love Crisis Fund.

The NSO Charlie Love Crisis Fund

This fund was established to provide basic subsistence to members who face prolonged crisis situations. The 1982 NSO Representative Assembly adopted guidelines for operation and use of the Fund. Basically, the Fund’s operation is designed to help locals in both crisis preparation and strategies, and activities once the crisis begins. Crisis Fund financial assistance is authorized by the NSO Executive Committee in compliance with the NSO Crisis Policy. Procedures and guidelines are available through NSO Treasurer (treasurer@nationalstaff.org).

Crisis Organizing Financial Assistance

Requests for financial assistance for crisis organizing, up to $2,500, can be made to the Regional Director.

Crisis Investigation Assessment Form

Interest-Free Loans

In addition to staff assistance, NSO has provided interest-free loans to affiliates that have been in prolonged strikes and lockouts. The NSO president has the authority to arrange an emergency defense loan if needed.

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The nomination and election of NSO officers and Region Directors will be conducted in accordance with the NSO Constitution and Bylaws currently in effect, and the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) of 1959, as amended.

Term of Office

The officers (President, Vice President for Defense, Vice President for Program, Secretary and Treasurer) and nine (9) Directors of who seven (7) shall be Regional Directors and two (2) shall be Directors At-Large, elected by a majority vote of the delegates to the Representative Assembly and who shall be the trustees of the organization. Officers and Region Directors will take office immediately after the end of the Representative Assembly for which they were elected.

Nomination

Notice of nominations for NSO offices and the NSO Campaign and Election Rules will be posted to the NSO website and CONTACT beginning in January. “The Election Committee shall accept nominations for office in accordance with Article II, Section 1 of the Bylaws and conduct the election for these positions at the Representative Assembly. To be placed on the ballot, a nominee shall be a member in good standing; consent to be on the ballot; and submit a petition to the Election Committee with the signatures of at least three (3) members.” [Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1]

A valid Petition must be received by NSO Secretary no later than the conclusion of the Election Committee’s report on the first day of the Representative Assembly. A Petition Form can be found on the NSO website and used by any candidate for office. Any written nominations and/or petitions shall not be on an affiliate or employer letterhead.

Request for NSO Mailing List/Campaign Literature

Candidates may request one set of affiliate presidents’ labels, at no cost, from the NSO Secretary in writing on or before May 15. The only official, NSO-prepared list to be used by candidates is the list provided by the NSO Secretary. This does not prevent the candidate from compiling their own list using various data available to any member of NSO, such as the Research Committee Directory of Contacts or various published NSO Committee Rosters. Delegates and alternates [names and addresses] to the Representative Assembly are not available for distribution for the purpose of campaigns and elections.

Candidates will not be allowed to distribute any campaign literature or address attendees within any NSO meeting (e.g. meetings for Merger/Organizing, CBCs, executive committee, research, and any ad hoc committees). However, a candidate may campaign for a respective office and distribute campaign literature on the RA floor.

A candidate may request a campaign table that will be located outside of any NSO meeting for the purpose of distributing campaign material three (3) weeks prior to the meeting. The cost of such table will be borne solely by the candidate. NSO and/or its affiliate shall not use any funds and/or resources to assist in the campaign of a candidate.

Campaign Restrictions

Federal law prohibits the use of any employer or local affiliate funds to promote the candidacy of any person in a union office election. This prohibition applies to cash, facilities, equipment, vehicles, office, supplies, etc. of NSO and any other union, and of employees whether or not they employ NSO members. Union officers and employees may not campaign on time paid for by the union and/or employer.

Examples of prohibited activities include (copied from the Department of Labor publication “Conducting Local Union Officer Elections—A Guide for Election Officials”):

• Campaigning on time paid for by the union or employer
• Use of union/employer owned or leased equipment such as telephones; fax machines, and copy machines (including employer-owned e-mail)
• Use of union/employer supplies such as stamps, paper and envelopes
• Use of union employees to prepare campaign literature while on union time
• Use of the union letterhead
• Use of union/employer property or facilities
• Printing articles, which support or criticize an individual’s candidacy in a union newspaper or other publication
• Giving free services or special discounts to a candidate customer such as printing, photocopying, etc.

The prohibition against the use of union and employer funds applies to ANY union and ANY employer, not just to the NSO and its affiliates.

Federal law also provides that candidates must be treated equally regarding the opportunity to campaign and that all members may support the candidate of their choice without being subject to penalty, discipline or reprisal of any kinds.

All commercially produced campaign materials used by a candidate shall be union-made, made-in-the-US materials and that all printed materials be printed by union printers and include the union bug. This does not preclude a candidate from producing their own campaign literature/materials—for example, using personal/home computer, printer and other equipment, paper, etc.

Ballot Position

Two members of the Elections Committee will draw names for the order in which candidate names will appear on the ballot. The Candidates, or their representatives, may be present to observe the drawing.

Observers

Candidates are entitled to have observers present at the counting of ballots. The candidate must submit the name of their observer to any member of the Elections Committee no later than the end of day one of the Representative Assembly.

Tally of Ballots

The counting of the ballots shall be conducted by the Elections Committee after the polls close on the date and time of the election notice.

Election Results

The election results will be announced at the RA as well as posted to the NSO website. The result will also appear in the next issue of the CONTACT.

Election Records

The NSO Secretary is responsible for maintaining all nomination and election records for at least one year after the election, as required by federal law.

Candidate Petition

*** HOLD FOR CURRENT CANDIDATE PETITION

Election Notice

The above rules are not all inclusive. Additional election rules or clarifications may be issued by the NSO Executive Committee and Elections Committee and Department of Labor as needed during the nomination and election period and be distributed to all NSO affiliates.

• Adopted by the Executive Committee on June 11, 2003, revised March 26, 2004
• To become effective beginning September 1, 2003.
• Revised at the 2004 Representative Assembly, NBI #04-03
• Amended September 29, 2005 by the Executive Committee
• Amended at the June 9, 2007 Representative Assembly through the Constitution and Bylaws changes
• Amended March 28, 2008 by the Executive Committee

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NSO’s Pension Benefits Committee not only monitors the NEA Pension Plan, which many state affiliates belong, but also provides training and resource assistance to states with their own defined benefit or defined contribution retirement plans. The Pension Benefits Committee also provides assistance with other plans such as 401K, deferred compensation, etc. In cooperation with the NSO Pension Benefits Committee, data on retirement plans across the country is available for affiliates.

NSO has a Pension Consultant on retainer to provide specific, technical information under ERISA, and IRS regulations, etc.

Who To Contact

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The NSO Vice President for Defense is your contact for grievance and arbitration assistance— from advice to on-site assistance. Advice is as close as your phone when faced with a problem affecting the rights of your affiliate or a member.

On-Site Arbitration Assistance

Requests for an NSO advocate to represent your affiliate in an arbitration should be made to the Vice President for Defense as soon as possible. This allows NSO to find the advocate with expertise in the given situation and allows for coordination of calendars.

Arbitrator Evaluation Service

NSO maintains a database on arbitrators used in staff arbitrations across the country. Each affiliate completes an Arbitrator Evaluation Form that describes the arbitrator’s performance in the hearing, in the award, and any other pertinent information.

Attorney / Legal Assistance

NSO’s cadre of volunteer professional advocates generally reduces the necessity for hiring an attorney—and many of NSO’s members are attorneys. NSO may, at its option, retain an attorney to assist in certain labor relations disputes. NSO’s policy generally is to reimburse up to 50% for PRIOR APPROVED attorney assistance. In some precedent-setting situations, NSO has authorized an affiliate to retain an attorney and will reimburse an affiliate up to 100% of the legal fees. Be sure your affiliate has PRIOR, WRITTEN APPROVAL from the VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEFENSE before retaining an attorney if you desire NSO reimbursement.

An affiliate will be reimbursed for one-half of its costs up to $5,000 for the arbitrator’s fee and expenses as well as appropriate filing fees upon NSO’s receipt of all legal judgments, settlements, or other legal dispositions and arbitrator’s award. Expenses beyond $5,000 require prior approval by the NSO Executive Committee and only the amount requested will be reimbursed. Copies of all legal judgments, settlements, or other legal dispositions including the arbitrator’s decision must be submitted within six months of the final billing to receive the reimbursement. (Note: Reimbursement for attorney fees is not made without prior approval of the NSO Executive Committee.)

Financial Arbitration Assistance

Each affiliate requesting financial assistance must complete the NSO Arbitration Subsidy Request Form. NSO will pay 50% of the cost of arbitration ONLY WITH PRIOR APPROVAL BY THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEFENSE. Arbitration costs shall consist of the fees and expenses of the arbitrator and filing fees involved. No other expenses, including attorney fees and witness fees, shall bereimbursable, unless previously authorized by the NSO Vice President for Defense. Court reporters/stenographers will not be approved for reimbursement unless previously approved by the VP for Defense.

Filing fee bills should be sent to the NSO VP for Defense upon receipt. Filing fees will be paid by NSO directly to the affiliate and is subject to the 50% reimbursement rules.

To ensure full funding by NSO, the NSO Arbitration Subsidy Request Form must be submitted to the VP for Defense within six (6) months of the arbitrator’s award or grievance settlement (including cancellations).

Before reimbursements are made, affiliates must submit copies of the following documents to the Vice President for Defense:

• AAA Demand for Arbitration Form (if applicable)
• Arbitrator’s Award
• Arbitrator’s Bill
• Any Other Applicable Bills
• NSO Arbitrator Evaluation Form

NSO Arbitration Forms

*** Arbitrator Subsidy Request Form ***
*** Arbitrator Evaluation Form ***

Who To Contact

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The National Staff Organization has broadened its training opportunities to cover all areas of union advocacy. NSO assistance is available on the national, regional and individual affiliate level.

Winter Advocacy Retreat

The premiere national training program is the NSO Winter Advocacy Retreat (or WAR College, as NEA refers to it, and formerly the “Bargaining Conference”). The Retreat program is designed for experienced and new advocates and is specially designed to meet the needs of professional, associate and wall-to-wall units, as well as full-time and part-time members.

Just to name a few topics from over the years are in the grid below. NSO also provides specialized workshops for Treasurers and New Presidents to help acquaint them with their responsibilities and to help make the job easier.

Regional Training Opportunities

While NSO focuses most of its attention on the national Winter Advocacy Retreat, specialized training programs for certain areas of the country are also provided. This training may be provided through the umbrella of the Coordinated Bargaining Council (CBC) or for one or two states. These programs may focus specifically on bargaining, or grievance processing, or any other problem specific to the region.

Local Affiliate Training

NSO may provide specialized training within an affiliate on a specific topic(s) to meet the individualized needs of an affiliate. These programs may range from “Understanding Unionism” to “How to Become an Advocate” to “The Nuts and Bolts of Grievance Processing.”

Internal Dispute Assistance

Facilitators trained in conflict resolution techniques are available to assist members and local affiliates when faced with internal disputes including: member-member; union-union; professional-associate, etc. (See NSO Dispute Resolution Policy.)

Team Development

Affiliates wanting to move forward collectively can take advantage of trainers/facilitators who will help with factions to find common goals.

How To Request Regional or Local Affiliate Training / Facilitation

A local affiliate president through your Regional Director should initiate requests for training/facilitation. The Regional Director will contact the Vice President for Program for approval of your training/facilitation request. Your Regional Director and the VP for Program will work with your affiliate to determine the program content, format, and appropriate trainers/facilitators. Financial assistance (both for trainers and direct assistance) must be prior approved by the Vice President for Program and the NSO Executive Committee.

Who To Contact

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Each Coordinated Bargaining Council has selected two members to serve on NSO’s Research Committee. This Committee surveys affiliates to compile reports on topics deemed of interest in the collective bargaining process and assists affiliates in posting their ratified contracts on the NSO Research Website. Affiliates are expected to submit an electronic version of their ratified contract as soon as it is available and complete the survey forms by stated deadlines.

Research information is made available to affiliates through the distribution of a flash drive at the annual Winter Advocacy Retreat or via US mail. The flash drive contains all reports prepared by the Committee, both in PDF and Excel spreadsheet formats. In addition, it contains the survey forms used in the collection of data from affiliates.

Research information is also available at the www.nso-research.org website. Access to the website is available to Presidents and Bargaining Chairs.

NSO Research Committee report topics may include the following:

• Directory of Contacts
• Dues Survey
• Insurance Benefits
• Job Titles/Salary Schedule Information
• Leaves
• Local Option
• Merger Language
• Settlement Report
• Transportation
• Work Hours
• Each Coordinated Bargaining Councils’ Goals and Settlement Standards
• NSO Coordinated Bargaining Councils’ Guidelines
• NSO Coordinated Bargaining Councils’ National Mutual Aid and Defense Pact

Who To Contact

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To the end collectively we can achieve contractual benefits and gains which are unattainable as individuals, and that the collective sharing of information and resources generates power, the NSO has determined that all NSO affiliates are required to belong to a coordinated bargaining council.

The coordinated bargaining council hereby has developed and has adopted the following National Guidelines:

1. Affiliates shall participate in their designated Coordinated Bargaining Council and shall have two (2)-voting representatives on the bargaining council. The representatives shall be the chief negotiator of the affiliate and the president or his/her designee. All inclusive affiliates may designate one (1) additional permanent representative who is a member of the affiliate’s bargaining team to ensure both professional and associate staff representation.
2. The NSO will appoint two (2) members of the Executive Committee who will serve as Co- Chairs of the Bargaining Council.
3. Each Coordinated Bargaining Council (CBC) shall establish regional “Guidelines” and “Goals and Settlement Standards” and a “Mutual Defense Pact.”
4. The CBC co-chairs shall select members to serve as facilitators.
5. Each Coordinated Bargaining Council (CBC) will develop strategies to assist its members in achieving the minimum standards set by the CBC which may include, but are not limited to:
   • a common strike date
   • use of interstate bargaining team members
   • a common expiration date
   • targeting affiliates
   • selective job actions
   • crisis team
6. Prior to commencing bargaining, every affiliate shall perform a contract analysis utilizing the CBC Goals & Settlement Standards. This analysis shall be attached to the proposals or interest statements upon initial submission to the facilitator.
7. All members of the CBC will introduce language or interest statements consistent with Council adopted goals prior to going to the table.
8. The NSO affiliate’s chief negotiator shall mail to its facilitator and co-chairs prior to bargaining: current contract, initial positions, and employer’s initial position at the commencement of bargaining. In the case of collaborative bargaining, the chief negotiator will report issues/concerns that reflect CBC Goals and Standards, and employer’s issues/concerns at the commencement of bargaining.
9. Affiliates shall notify their facilitator of any waivers needed prior to reaching a tentative agreement on any item which does not meet settlement standards unless the affiliate is on strike or is scheduled to strike within 24 hours. The facilitator shall notify the co- chairs who shall arrange crisis assistance as needed.
10. The total agreement shall be submitted to the facilitator prior to ratification by the affiliate. A final analysis utilizing the Goals and Settlement Standards shall be attached to the agreement. The facilitator will forward the documents to the co-chairs.
11. The CBC facilitator and/or the CBC co-chairs shall have the right to communicate to the affiliate any issues/concerns related to the tentative agreement.
12. If an affiliate is on a CBC-sanctioned strike in order to achieve the minimum standards adopted by the CBC, the CBC agrees to abide by the mutual aid strategies it develops in accordance with the CBC’s mutual defense pact.
13. Affiliates which fail to cooperate with and participate in their designated CBC may be declined staff assistance and/or financial support from NSO.
14. The CBC representatives of each CBC can adopt modifications to the purpose, guidelines, goals or strategies at any of the CBC meetings by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those representative’s present providing such modifications have been sent to the CBC affiliate representatives at least two (2) weeks prior the CBC meeting. Said modifications shall be forwarded to all other CBCs.

National NSO Goals & Settlement Standards

*** HOLD FOR SETTLEMENT STANDARDS GRID LINK ***

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1. On-site assistance in contract negotiations, settlement and maintenance;
2. Consultation in organizing efforts;
3. Letters and telegrams of support;
4. Contributions to affiliate’s crisis fund;
5. Censure; (i.e. a letter to state execs or governance leaders condemning or reprimanding)
6. Sanction; (i.e. informing people not to apply for positions in particular states)
7. Demonstrations/picketing state association offices, governance meetings, etc.; (to include meeting governance leaders when they arrive in another state for meetings, etc.)
8. CBC meetings scheduled in the affected state;
9. Boycotts of staff training and meetings;
10. Sympathy actions;
11. Honor of picket lines of any NSO sanctioned striking affiliate (with all of its implications).

These activities will be initiated at the request of the affiliate involved in the crisis through the CBC chairpersons/CBC Facilitating Committee. The chairpersons will coordinate the delivery of assistance to the affiliate through the Facilitating Committee.

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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

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Guests

1. Guests will be provided with a “colored” name badge that can be easily and quickly distinguished from credentialed delegates.
2. The seating of guests will be distinctly identified and separated from the main floor of the representative assembly.
3. ALL guests must wear their name badge to enter the representative assembly.

Delegates

1. Credentialed delegates will have white name badges that contains the NSO logo which will allow the delegate access to the delegates’ seating area and the right to vote on issues on the floor. These credentials will be easily distinguishable from guest name badges.
2. Delegates will be provided with a “voting” card to be used in a ‘show of division’ votes/decisions.
3. All delegates must wear their credentials (name badge) at all times while on the Representative Assembly floor and for access to the RA area.
4. Delegates will not have access to the RA area without valid credentials.
5. Delegates will not be allowed to sit in the guest section.

Physical Logistics

The physical set up of the Representative Assembly area shall:

1. Show a distinct separation between the RA delegate seating area and the guest section.
2. The guest section shall be distinctly separate from the RA floor. Guest section may be on the side or behind the last row of the RA delegate seating area. A sign shall be erected to indicate the guest section and the delegate seating area.
3. No guest shall be allowed in the RA delegate seating area without advance permission of the NSO President or Secretary.
4. All doors will be closed and no admittance to the RA room will take place while on-the-floor ‘show of division’ voting is in progress.
5. There will be signs clearly marking designated areas; i.e., guest section, delegate section, etc.
6. There will be a section designated for the NSO Communications Committee which will be located in the Representative Assembly area but separate from the guest section and delegate seating area.

Tellers Committee

There shall be the establishment/appointment of a Tellers Committee for each Representative Assembly that works in conjunction with the Credentials Committee and Elections Committee. The Tellers Committee may consist of no less than four persons, but no more than eight people. Members of the Tellers Committee shall be duly elected delegates to the NSO Representative Assembly. The duties and/or responsibilities of the Tellers Committee are as follows:

• Two tellers shall be assigned to each aisle to assist credentialed delegates and guests to their seats.
• Shall count votes on issues before the Representative Assembly during a show of division votes.
• Regulate the door to the Representative Assembly room to determine valid credentials for delegate seating or guest section.
• Guide people to appropriate areas.
• Serve as a runner for the Elections Committee and NSO Secretary.
• Check credentials
• Assist in the distribution of materials, except for Campaign and Elections materials.
• Ensure that guests are seated in the proper location.
• Other duties as assigned by the NSO Secretary and/or Elections Chair.

Miscellaneous

1. Announcements shall be made, by the Chair, throughout the Representative Assembly regarding the policy of on-the-floor voting.
2. When on-the-floor voting is taking place, access to the RA room and floor will be denied.

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If you have answered “No” to any of the questions above, please contact the NSO Treasurer.

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‘In good standing’ is defined as an “Member or member in good standing or affiliate who has fulfilled the requirements for membership or affiliation in the Organization, and who neither has voluntarily withdrawn from membership nor has been expelled or suspended from membership after appropriate proceedings consistent with lawful provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Organization.” [Article XI of the NSO Constitution]

Non-compliance by an affiliate will affect the assistance provided by the National Staff Organization including but not limited to bargaining, crisis, financial assistance and the seating of delegates at the Representative Assembly.

In 2005, the Representative Assembly amended the NSO Constitution to include the submission of ‘all dues (General Funds, and Charlie Love Crisis Fund Dues), affiliate membership lists and Department of Labor (LM) Reports” to the NSO by June 1 of each year for affiliates to be considered ‘in good standing’. [RA 2004, NBI# 11—Adopted at the 2005 Representative Assembly]

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All inquiries should be directed to:

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The Representative Assembly is the legislative body of the NSO. The RA meets annually and usually during the first half of the month of June. The RA generally alternates its location from the east to the west of the United States.

Delegates to the RA are elected by the local affiliate in compliance with the NSO Constitution:

• Each affiliate organization with 10 or less members shall be entitled to have one (1) organizational delegate;
• Affiliates with more than ten (10) members shall be entitled to have two (2) organizational delegates;

In addition,

• Each affiliate shall be entitled to have one (1) delegate for every twenty-five (25) members over twenty-five (25), i.e., 26-50, 1 delegate; 51-75, 2 delegates; 76-100, 3 delegates, etc.
• Wall-to-Wall/Multiple Bargaining Unit adjustment: Each affiliate is entitled to additional delegates to equal the number of delegates if each group of employees were independent bargaining units. Groups of employees are defined as professional staff or associate staff of a group eligible for NSO membership under the Constitution.

The NSO Secretary notifies each affiliate of the number of delegates it is entitled to, based upon the membership numbers reported and dues paid each year. Each affiliate in turn notifies the Secretary of the names of their delegates and alternates by registering them online. Delegates are seated with voting privileges only if their dues payments and their Crisis Fund payments have been made in full to date.

The Representative Assembly elects officers of the NSO, amends the Constitution and Bylaws, adopts policies, and generally determines the direction of the Organization. The Executive Committee functions at the direction of the RA in accordance with the Constitution. (See the NSO Constitution for details.)

Every local staff association shall maintain a list of members on the NSO membership system and update the list annually.

Excerpt from the NSO Constitution

*** HOLD FOR INCLUSION OF ARTICLE IX ***

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The National Staff Organization Executive Committee has developed a process that could be used by NSO affiliates for resolving internal problems that occur between associate and professional staff members in the workplace. The process is similar to the “quality of work life” models that have appeared within the private sector.

All Too Often…

All too often it takes a dispute between individuals in a bargaining unit or a grievance filed by one person (in one bargaining unit) with another person (in another bargaining unit) to emphasize the need for a “process” to assist in resolving day-to-day workplace problems. All too often such problems expand beyond the individuals primarily associated with the dispute to other groups within the workplace. After all, the workplace consists of a collection of informal groups, of which each of us are participants.

Many of us recognize the organization for which we work is a very dynamic, changing and developing in structure. As a by-product, attitudes, disputes, grievances are more likely to occur. This seems to be more true with our employer where they (managers) are overly preoccupied with new techniques, new staffing plans, flow charts, “Who controls whom” issues.

Employers Can’t Do It…

It has been our experience that almost all employers have no vehicle for addressing in meaningful terms such problems that occur in the workplace between associate and professional staff and their employer. Reasons vary. In some respects, some managers look for any opportunity to undermine relationships, either within or between unions. The result creates greater controversy, low morale and polarization among employees. In other respects, some managers have not observed the workplace with an eye toward improving work environment quality. Sometimes, our own members have a parochial view of how to deal with each other.

NSO Can Provide Solutions…

NSO affiliates can look to a solution. First, there needs to be a strong commitment on all sides to create a positive environment. It would be preferable to have employers involved. However, we believe unions made up of associate and professional staff can take the

initiative — and have a positive impact on work environment. The “process” with the most reasonable chance for success for resolving inter- and intra-union problems follows:

The objective is to set an atmosphere of mutual trust, sincerity and integrity and to provide the best possible working environment for members of a bargaining unit. Consistent with the objective is that such a process must establish and maintain effective two-way communication. Such communication should occur outside of the grievance procedure.

1. Union leadership, or members within local unions, should assess their internal problems, and determine whether such problems could be addressed on a joint basis by and between representatives of the staff.

Such a meeting can be activated by either group by placing a phone call to the key leadership. Key leadership are representatives from the respective organizations and at the appropriate time may also include those persons who are directly involved in the dispute. The key leadership must exert strong leadership and a commitment to seek the best solution.

• An informal discussion should occur among key individuals within each group. The focus of the discussion: “Should things continue as they are?”
  • Assuming the parties are willing, separate meetings should occur among those key leaders who are considered a part of the problem or a part of the solution. A list of concerns and expectations should be developed.
  • A third party neutral, provided locally or through the National Staff Organization, would serve as presiding officer of the meeting and expedite the proceedings to ensure both sides have an equal opportunity to present their views. The neutral could also assist in resolving procedural matters and other conflicts that stand in the way of progress.
  • A joint meeting occurs and is intended as non-adversarial, where the key leaders can compare concerns and expectations that were identified when the parties met separately. Afterwards, the groups’ task will be to work together to translate from the two lists, a single list of goals, concerns, expectations and ground rules, if any. Critical at this time is the need to discover common and jointly owned problems.
  • The organization that evolves could be an ad-hoc body; meetings scheduled when it is determined a need exists.
  • Direct participation of all parties is critical to finding mutually agreeable solutions and build an improved communication.

As stated earlier, this process should allow the joint committee to separate its work from collective bargaining issues. It is not this committee’s function to bargain the contract or to administer the contract. It is, however, permissible and legitimate for the committee to discuss a pattern of events that produce grievances, or discuss interpersonal problems that develop between unions’ members.

NSO INVOLVEMENT . . . Jurisdictional/Internal Disputes

Jurisdictional Dispute Procedures

1. Jurisdictional/Internal Dispute — Definition:
   A jurisdictional/Internal dispute is hereby defined as any disagreement arising between NSO members within the same unit, NSO members in a different unit within the same state, or any unit determination proceedings occurring within the same state causing one of the parties to the above disagreements to seek assistance from NSO.
2. NSO will take no position on the above captioned disputes unless and until one or more parties to the dispute move(s) for NSO assistance.
3. Upon receipt of a formal motion for assistance by the moving party(s) to the NSO President, the President will dispatch a member of the NSO Executive Committee to the state within which the dispute arose.
4. Should the defending party request assistance — as a result of the moving party’s action — the President shall dispatch an appropriate Professional or Associate staff member from the Executive Committee to consult with the defending party.
5. The consulting Executive Committee members shall meet with the officers of the affiliates in dispute and shall attempt to resolve the dispute through a process of mediation. He/she shall also issue a report on the nature, apparent causes, current status of and recommended solution to the dispute. Such reports and recommendations shall be based, where applicable, on existing NSO policy. Reporting Executive Committee members may also make recommendations regarding new NSO policy or alterations to existing policy for Executive Committee/RA consideration.
6. Upon receipt of the reports, the President shall confer with the Regional Director from the affected region and shall notify the Executive Committee of the jurisdictional dispute.
7. The President and Regional Director shall jointly determine if the Dispute Resolution Team (DRT) should be appointed. If the President and Regional Director disagree, the matter will be placed before the Executive Committee via telecommunications link, for determination.
8. If a DRT is to be appointed, the President shall activate that procedure within 48 hours of the decision to appoint. The Executive Committee member from the affected region shall be a member of the DRT unless that Regional Director is also an officer of one of the involved parties. In that case, the Regional Director of a contiguous region or an At- Large Director shall be appointed.
9. The DRT shall arrange to visit the parties within the state affected, within 21 days of the President’s/Executive Committee decision to activate the DRT.
10. The DRT shall jointly and separately meet with the officers and selected members of the various units of the various units in dispute and carry out the interview process.
11. The DRT shall remain on site for no more than 48 hours. Upon completion of the interview process, they shall issue a joint report to the President, who shall distribute it to the Executive Committee. The report shall include the findings of fact, contentions of the parties, applicable policies of NSO and recommendations for resolution of the dispute.
12. The report shall be placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled Executive Committee meeting for discussion and possible action.
13. Following action by the Executive Committee, the President shall notify the parties to the dispute of the action of the Executive Committee and shall offer further assistance to both parties, if necessary, in carrying out the resolution.
14. The President and Regional Director shall maintain a liaison with the parties in dispute and shall report on the progress of the parties at the next regularly scheduled Executive Committee meeting.

One Caveat…

Hopefully, through the development of a new level of inter- and intra-union trust, a specific problem may be resolved. One caveat is that the parties to this arrangement must recognize that trust levels are such that it may not yet turn around a specific relationship that may have been going “sour” for a long time. Anyone that has been involved in any problem- solving model knows it requires more perseverance to create a “win-win” relationship than a “win-lose” one. All too often, it is easier for individuals to set up roadblocks rather than explore new avenues of communications and seek mutually agreeable solutions. Time and effort are necessary if this collaborative approach to problem solving is to be successful.

If we are to develop in the workplace an atmosphere of mutual trust, and provide the best possible working environment, we must establish such a process. Given a chance, the “process” outlined here will provide us that opportunity.

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That process may be started by going to the membership website, www.nso-membership.org. If any problems or questions arise when trying to get authorization or use the membership system, contact should be made to the appropriate people listed below.

The membership data must be updated annually by an authorized user no later than October 31^st.

For the purpose of the determination of an affiliate in good standing, membership information must be updated electronically no later than June 1st of each year and notice of such update should be made to the NSO Treasurer.

Annual updates are an NSO requirement for seating at the NSO Representative Assembly. Any questions about this requirement should be directed to an NSO officer or director.

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Under the provisions of Article II of the NSO Constitution, the NSO Representative Assembly, upon recommendation of the NSO Executive Committee, shall authorize and recognize as a local affiliate of the National Staff Organization such organizations as are established from among staff members who are in a direct employment relationship with education associations or other organizations with which NSO has a community of interest provided such local affiliates shall have among their primary purposes improvements in the terms or conditions of employment for the advancement of the welfare of their members.

1. The staff association shall forward to NSO a copy of its Constitution and By-Laws.
2. The staff association shall guarantee to its membership the following:
   • At least four (4) meetings per year of the total membership and/or of a representative council made up of representatives selected on a basis of fair representation.
   • **Procedures to conduct all elections of officers and representatives or governing bodies with open nominations and secret ballot.
   • **Application of the one-person, one-vote principle for representation on its governing bodies including guaranteed ethnic-minority representation at least proportionate to its ethnic-minority membership.
   • **Every member to have equal rights and privileges within the organization:
     • to nominate candidates;
     • to vote in elections or on referenda of the organization;
     • to attend membership meetings;
     • to participate in the deliberation and voting upon the business of such meetings except that in voting on contract ratification only members in the unit shall have the right to vote.
   • **Every member to have the right:
     • to meet and assemble fully with other members;
     • to express any views, arguments or opinions;
     • to express their views at meetings upon candidates in an election of the organization or upon any business properly brought before the meeting.
   • **No increase in the rate of dues and no levy of general or special assessment except by majority vote of members in good standing voting by secret mail ballot after reasonable notice of intention to vote upon such question or voting in a membership referendum conducted by secret ballot.
   • **No limitation on a member’s right to institute an action against the association in any court or proceeding before any administrative agency.
   • **No member to be fined, suspended, expelled or otherwise disciplined except for non- payment of dues without being served with specific written charges and given a reasonable time in which to prepare a defense which may be asserted at a full and fair hearing.
   • **Any member whose rights as an employee are affected by a collective bargaining agreement the right to inspect at any reasonable time and duplicate copies of such collective bargaining agreements during any reasonable time. Copies of each collective bargaining agreement shall be maintained and be available for inspection by any member or by any employee whose rights are affected by such agreements.
   • **Officers of the association to serve their terms so long as they ethically perform the duties of their office. Where an officer is guilty of misconduct, such an officer may be removed for cause (shown after notice and a hearing) and by a majority vote of the members of the association.
3. Any staff organization affiliate shall have a majority of all potential members in that unit as NSO members.
4. The staff association shall submit reports on request to NSO.
5. Notification of the name of the bank in which dues are deposited shall be sent to NSO. Any change in the bank in which dues are deposited shall be sent to NSO within thirty (30) days of the change.
6. The staff association shall transmit the appropriate NSO dues money to NSO no later than thirty (30) days after its receipt by the staff association from the employer unless extended by the President of NSO.
7. The staff association shall be incorporated and provide NSO with a copy of its official certificate of incorporation.
8. The staff association shall apply for tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code 501(c) (5) and govern itself in a manner that will not jeopardize its tax-exempt status. Associations may apply to NSO to be included in a group exemption letter.
9. The treasurer and president of the staff association shall be bonded under a policy provided by and paid for by NSO. The staff association shall adhere to the following accounting procedures in compliance with the bonding policy.
   • The bank accounts in which all deposits are made shall be in the name of the association.
   • Endorsement of checks shall be limited to endorsements for deposit to the credit of the association only.
   • The books and accounts of the treasurer shall be examined at least once a year and a statement by the auditor(s) made part of the association’s permanent records. A copy of audit statement shall be forwarded to NSO upon completion. Said audit may be done by a staff association auditing committee.
   • Association bank accounts shall be reconciled by someone other than the treasurer.
   • No payments in cash (including checks made out to “cash”) shall be made from funds of the association.
   • A voucher system for payment of bills shall be instituted in each staff association.
10. The staff association’s fiscal year shall be September 1 to August 31.
11. The staff association shall represent all members to the full extent of the provisions of the law.
12. The staff association shall adhere to those NSO policies wherein non-compliance would constitute a liability to the welfare of the members of the staff association or to NSO.
13. Affiliation shall not legally carry any liability for damages against the staff association or NSO due to actions taken independently by either.
14. **Every local staff association shall elect its officers not less often than once every three years by secret ballot among members in good standing.
15. **Every local staff association shall file appropriate reports and annual financial records with the Secretary of Labor and forward a copy of said reports and records to NSO.
16. **NSO may, at the request of the NSO Executive Committee or 10% of the members of a staff association, conduct an investigation of compliance with the above Standards by that staff association under guidelines established by the NSO Representative Assembly.

**Requirements of Landrum-Griffin

Definitions

Affiliation Documents

Please see below for the application for affiliation with NSO and the model affiliate constitution & bylaws

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Adopted by the National Staff Organization, 1996

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This policy shall be effective upon adoption by the Executive Committee. It shall supersede any prior NSO policy on this subject and may be amended from time to time by the Executive Committee with at least thirty (30) days’ advance notice before action on an amendment by the Executive Committee.

This policy only applies to the NSO as a parent organization and is not binding or applicable on any affiliate member. Any affiliate member shall be free to promulgate and maintain its own conflict of interest policy. This NSO Conflict of Interest Policy shall be disclosed to the Representative assembly for publication or action with a clear explanation for its existence and inapplicability to any NSO affiliate.

Adopted by the NSO Executive Committee, #7, October 22, 2010

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Document Protection

Documents (hard copy, online or other media) will be stored in a protected environment for the duration of the Document Retention Schedule.

Document Destruction

Hard copies of documents will be destroyed by shredding after they have been retained until the end of the Document Retention Schedule. Online copies will be destroyed by proven means to destroy such media after they have been retained until the end of the Document Retention Schedule.
PROVISION OF DOCUMENTATION FOR INVESTIGATIONS OR LITIGATION

Provision of Documentation for Investigations or Litigation

Documents requested and subpoenaed by legally authorized personnel will be provided within legal guidelines. The NSO President will authorize document production with due regard to the numerous locations and persons who may be custodians.

Adopted by the NSO Executive Committee, # 9, October 22, 2010

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Adopted by the NSO Executive Committee, #8, October 22, 2010

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NSO maintains an online presence on the web and through various social media channels.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• X

The website has a protected members-only area where NSO members can view the entire site and be able to read the latest news and information about NSO. To access the site, NSO members must be entered into the membership system by their local affiliate. Once entered with a non-work email address, the member can access the site by claiming their account by visiting the NSO website and clicking on the ‘Members Area’ link.

For more information contact the NSO Communications Committee nsocomms@nationalstaff.org

Who To Contact

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In 2005, the National Staff Organization established the NSO Disaster Relief Fund to assist active NSO members who have suffered property damage and financial loss as a result of a natural disaster. Past donations from our affiliates have helped NSO members who have sustained home damage as a result of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and fires. Donations to the NSO Disaster Relief Fund could help NSO members in the future who encounter such disasters as those enumerated above. The essence of this fund is to provide financial assistance to our brothers and sisters who encounter emergency situations. Donations from NSO affiliates make vital resources available at a time in our members’ lives when the need is greatest.
In 2013, the NSO Executive Committee renamed the Fund, the Karen Cherry Disaster Relief Fund. The goal of this fund centers on NSO members helping other NSO members in need. Karen Cherry’s (Michigan ASO) spirit epitomizes the goal of helping others. She passed away in October 2013, but her spirit will live on through the Disaster Relief Fund. Karen served as the NSO Research Committee chair. Daisies were her favorite flower.

Eligibility

• An active NSO member in good standing
• A partial or complete loss to a member’s primary residence due to a natural disaster (e.g. flood,hurricane, tornado) or fire

Emergency Request

A member’s home that is partially or totally uninhabitable may request emergency assistance of up to $1000 to cover immediate needs. To request emergency assistance, the member should forward the following information to the NSO President, NSO Treasurer, or his/her NSO Regional Director:

• A completed application
• Proof of substantial loss, pictures preferred
• Proof of uninhabitability (e.g. hotel receipts, short-term rental agreement, emergency agency statement)
• A completed IRS Form W-9 “Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification” available https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

The President, Treasurer, and Regional Director will review the request and determine what funds should be distributed.

Non-Emergency Request

A member who has suffered a loss that does not render the home uninhabitable should forward the following information to his/her Regional Director:

• A completed application
• Copies of receipts identifying repairs made to the home
• A complete copy of his/her insurance policy including deductible amounts and coverage determination letters from the insurer
• Proof of loss, pictures preferred
• A listing of sources of other financial assistance related to the loss (e.g. GoFundMe accounts, FEMA assistance, HUD assistance, Religious/Community assistance, etc.)
• A completed IRS Form W-9 “Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification” available at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
  The information

The information will be shared with the NSO Executive Committee at its next meeting for review and action.

Limits

• No member may receive assistance more than once every five (5) years, emergency and non-emergency requests resulting from the same incident shall be considered a single request
• No member may receive more than $5,000 of aggregate assistance from the fund per occurrence
• Losses that occur to structures other than the home essential to the security and/or safety of the property (e.g. fences, trees, etc.) may receive assistance up to $500

Additional Information

• The Karen Cherry Disaster Relief Fund is solely funded by voluntary contributions from NSO members. There may be occasions when a request may be reduced or denied due to fund limitations.
• Benefits from the fund are considered taxable income. Prior to disbursement, a completed and signed W-9 must be received by the NSO Treasurer. A 1099-Misc will be sent to the address on record at the end of the calendar year and reported to the IRS.

Contact Person

Application Form

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The Harvard Trade Union Program (HTUP), which runs January through February each year, is
designed for trade union officials and employees to learn advocacy skills. A full tuition grant is
available to one NSO Associate Staff member under the Chip Tassone Scholarship and one, half
scholarship in honor of Chuck Leberknight—OH and John Warms—NJ is available to NSO Professional
Staff members. The program is a five or six-week course on the campus of Harvard University in
Cambridge, MA.
Any NSO member, in good standing, must send a letter of interest in the HTUP and application to
the NSO liaison.

Application Process

• All HTUP scholarship applications must be completed and submitted directly to the NSO Liaison;
• All applications must be received by the NSO HTUP Liaison no earlier than July 15, andno later than September 1 of any given year;
• The HTUP applicant must have their affiliate’s endorsement to qualify for an NSO Scholarship and said endorsement must accompany the HTUP application;
• NSO will screen all HTUP applications per the criteria established, and provide Harvard with NSO’s recommendation on who may attend and receive the NSO Scholarship;
• Pursuant to the criteria established, it is within the total discretion of the NSO Executive Committee to determine which applicant(s) should receive the NSO Scholarship(s);
• All applicants will be notified of their application status by October 15.
• Should an applicant not receive a NSO scholarship, the participant may apply again, during the application period outlined above.
  

Selection Criteria

• A member in good standing
• Endorsement from the applicant’s NSO Affiliate
• Availability of time
• Participation level in the NSO Affiliate
• Years of service in the labor movement
• Demonstrates an understanding of the role of a union member in NSO and exhibits a high level of enthusiasm and passion evidenced in the application

Contact Person

Application Form

***HOLD LINK HERE FOR CURRENT HTUP AGREEMENT ***

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Preside at all official meetings of NSO (minimum of four Executive Committee meetings, one annual Representative Assembly, officer meetings as necessary) and perform duties customarily associated with the office. Prepare and submit an annual report on NSO activities to the Representative Assembly. Select com- mittee members with approval of Executive Committee and serves as ex-officio member of all committees other than the elections committee. Acts as official NSO representative with NEA and other organizations including outside contacts for financial services for members, etc. Assists all other officers and executive committee members in the discharge of their duties including arranging meeting sites, facilitates bargain- ing and training assistance, including on-site assistance, develops budget and financial assistance, coordinates CBC programs, etc.

Weekly time commitment: Approximately 10-16 hours
Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 45 days (not including on-site assistance)

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Vice President for Defense

Provides advice on contract/employment-related matters. Approves requests for on-site assistance; secures advocates as required; approves financial assistance in accordance with NSO guidelines; works closely with MicroSearch Corporation to update staff arbitration database; maintains Arbitrator Evaluation Service; acts as official NSO representative in securing legal assistance as prior approved. Attends minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel) and officer meetings (as required). Provides on-site assistance in grievance processing/arbitration; provides training assistance in grievance processing/arbitration as well as other areas.

Weekly time commitment: Approximately 10-17 hours
Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 27-35 days (not including on-site assistance)

Vice President for Program

Prior approves, plans and secures trainers for all NSO-sponsored local affiliate training as well as the annual Winter Advocacy Retreat. Prior approves and secures on-site assistance in bargaining/crisis and NSO Crisis Investigations. Plans Representative Assembly program and speakers; prepares report on Program areas for RA. Approves and secures teams to facilitate NSO Crisis Investigations, NSO Internal Dispute Policy, etc. Approves financial assistance to affiliates except for Grievance/Arbitration services. Chairs/co-chairs and attends NSO Committees such as CBC Task Force, Associate Staff, NSO Goal Setting, etc. Attends minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel), and officer meetings (as required). Provides on-site advocacy and training assistance to affiliates. Represents NSO as directed by the President before NEA and outside groups such as International Congress of Staff Unions, etc.

Weekly time commitment: Approximately 5-10 hours
Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 31 days (not including on-site assistance)

Secretary

Responsible for records of all correspondence and meetings of the Executive Committee and Representative Assembly, officers’ and other meetings as required. Gathers appropriate annual data for RA and is custodian of all files of the organization. Maintains mailing lists of local affiliates’ presidents for communication and election mailings. Serves as the meeting planner for the RA, Winter Advocacy Retreat, Leadership Academy and any national conferences/meetings including coordinating registration, trainer requirements, attendee materials designing/writing/printing Delegate Handbook, Handbook CD and Presidents Resource Guide, Retreat registration brochures, correspondence, etc. Assist affiliates with Landrum-Griffin requirements for officer elections, RA delegate elections, etc. Administers NSO Constitution and is the Executive Committee liaison to the Credentials Committee for the Representative Assembly. Attends a minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel), and officer meetings (as required). Provides on-site advocacy and training assistance to affiliates, as requested.

Weekly time commitment: Approximately 15-25 hours
Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 25-35 days (not including on-site assistance)

Treasurer

Prepares and presents an annual report to the membership. Prepares an annual financial statement distributed to the Representative Assembly; prepares quarterly financial statement distributed to the officers and executive committee. Maintains list of affiliates meeting electronic membership update requirements and collects LM forms from affiliates. Maintains membership data for dues/budget calculations. Prepares proposed annual budget and dues amounts. Advises and assists affiliates with local filing requirements for Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service. Maintains bonding for NSO officers and local affiliate officers. Administers NSO investments. Attends a minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel), and officer meetings (as required). Provides on-site advocacy and training assistance to affiliates.

Weekly time commitment: Approximately 6-10 hours
Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 20-25 days (not including on-site assistance)

Regional Executive Committee Member

Assists affiliates in respective region for all NSO services; co-chairs CBC respective to region (usually meet 3-4 times annually, approximately two days each); may chair/co-chair or act as liaison to standing and/or special committees such as Research, Special Services, etc. Works with appropriate Vice President to assist affiliates in training, bargaining assistance, crisis investigations, grievance/arbitration assistance, internal dispute resolutions, etc. Provide quarterly regional report to Executive Committee. Attends a minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel), CBC meetings (as determined by CBC). Upon request, provides on-site advocacy and training assistance to affiliates.

Weekly time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours
Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 18-22 days (not including on-site assistance)

At-Large Executive Committee Member

May be asked to assist in any/all regions as necessary; co-chairs CBC as assigned by President/Executive Committee; may chair/co-chair or act as liaison to standing and/or special committees such as Research, Special Services, etc. Works with appropriate Vice President to assist affiliates in training, bargaining assistance, crisis investigations, grievance/arbitration assistance, internal dispute resolutions, etc. Provide quarterly reports to Executive Committee. Attends a minimum of four Executive Committee meetings (four days including travel), one Representative Assembly (five days including travel), CBC meetings (as determined by CBC), Research or Special Services committee as assigned (two days including travel). Upon request, pro- vides on-site advocacy and training assistance to affiliates.

Weekly time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours
Minimum annual leave time: Approximately 18-22 days (not including on-site assistance)

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• Directors from Regions 2, 4, and 6 are elected in even-numbered years.
• Directors from Regions 1, 3, 5, and 7 are elected in odd-numbered years.
• Two at-large directors, one representing Associate Staff and the other representing Professional Staff, are elected in odd-numbered years in separate elections.
• Officers (president, vice-presidents, secretary, and treasurer) are elected in even-numbered years.

[year] Executive Committee

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NSO’s record of advocacy has also had astounding growth. Under NSO’s legal, arbitration, and field assistance policy, $141,083 for the year ending August 31, 2019 was spent for cases ranging from NLRB unit determinations, dismissal arbitrations and reprimands, to health and retirement legal cases.

NSO believes in member participation. The talent and expertise among members mean there is plenty of help available for affiliates. NSO members travel throughout the United States to provide direct on-site assistance to affiliates and members. In one instance, it took nearly a dozen NSO members three years to help affiliates gain recognition and secure a first-time master contract.

By action of the 1986 Representative Assembly, NSO now has two vice-presidents: one for defense and the other for program.

NSO has two major programs to strengthen the bargaining power of its affiliates:

• Coordinated Bargaining: Affiliates participate in NSO’s program of coordinated bargaining. Four coordinated bargaining councils (CBCs) have been formed and meet regularly and have been actively involved in helping affiliates reach settlements. All affiliates are required to participate in the CBC program.

• NSO Charlie Love Crisis Fund: The lengthy 1980 Illinois Staff Organization strike underscored the need for the creation of a special fund to aid members faced with a prolonged crisis. The fund, now over $7,316,767 (August 31, 2019), is available to help members who have gone without a paycheck for an extended period of time because of a crisis. The NSO Charlie Love Crisis Fund is supported by a $25 per member dues assessment as well as timely investments. To aid affiliates, NSO has established a special “Crisis Evaluation Team,” operating through the CBCs, to work with the affiliate in exploring ways to resolve the particular crisis. NSO will also provide facilitators to assist members and/or affiliates with internal disputes.

Internal Dispute Resolution

The resolution of internal problems within a union or among unions is important. By action of the Representative Assembly, NSO has established an Internal Dispute Resolution policy and program to deal with problems that occur between associate and professional staff members in the workplace, between staff members in an affiliate, or between affiliates in a state. Members can refer to the Internal Dispute Resolution section of this handbook. The process is not intended to circumvent the collective bargaining process or the grievance procedure, but to be used as an adjunct to already establish procedures.

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