Local 514 adopted RRO to conduct its membership meetings because it is efficient at getting through an agenda. The Rules focus choosing proposals that are supported by a majority of those attending our membership meetings and empowers them to make workable decisions in a timely, orderly manner. The goal is for the membership to manage its Local.
When motions are made and the chairperson or president declares a motion to be “out of order,” it is usually because the motion would violate the Local’s guidelines or the TWU constitution. Sometimes a motion is ruled out of order because it would require the local to violate a state or federal law. During the last TWU board meeting, President Sam Cirri declared a motion to purchase Tulsa Talons tickets for our membership out of order. Sam knew that a previous motion to purchase hats for our members had already been made and seconded. Adding the price of the Talons tickets would violate a previous motion made by Greg Sewell back in 2008 that limits the amount of money the local can spend on promotions and entertainment.
Out of order sounds negative, and anyone who has been around AA and Local 514 very long has heard the story about how they got tired of hearing a certain union president saying, “out of order, Brother” so they will not attend union meetings anymore. The story has been told so much it has legendary status, even though that president has been gone for almost twenty years. Sam has the duty as chair of the union meeting to use the term “out of order” to steer the meeting and get the business of the union taken care of as efficiently as possible. The use of the term “out of order” may be heard from time to time; not to be confused with calling a member out of order, but to handle the business of the Union.
“Out of order” can always be challenged under Roberts rules of order. Anytime the chair makes a decision, that decision may be appealed. Any voting member who wishes to appeal a decision may do so by saying, “I appeal the decision of the chair.” If the appeal is seconded, the chair then asks, “On what grounds do you appeal my decision?” The member states the reasons. The chairperson then speaks briefly to the intent of the ruling being appealed. The body may then debate the ruling and the merits of the appeal. A vote is taken, requiring a simple majority to overrule the original decision of the chairperson.
Four Motions that are Always Out of Order!
- Motions that conflict with laws (federal, state, or local), or with bylaws, constitution, or rules of the organization;
- Motions which present something already rejected during the same session, or conflict with a motion already adopted;
- Motions which conflict with or present substantially the same question as one which has been temporarily disposed of (meaning, Postponed, Laid on Table, Referred to Committee, or Being Reconsidered);
- Motions which propose actions beyond the scope of the organization’s bylaws. (However, a 2/3 vote may allow this kind of motion).