Parliamentary Procedure for Local Union Meetings

Simplified and In Brief

Six Steps to Handling a Motion

A motion is a formal proposal by a Member during a meeting that the assembly take a certain action. The basic form of the motion is the Main Motion.

A Main Motion is brought before the assembly:

1. Motion is moved: While no motion is being considered by the assembly, a Member seeks recognition from the chair. Once recognized, the Member has the exclusive right to be heard at that time. The Member then makes the motion: "I move that we allocate $300 to purchase educational materials."
2. Motion is seconded: Someone, without needing to be recognized, seconds the motion. The seconder is not claiming to agree with the motion. The seconder is stating that the motion should be discussed and voted on by the assembly.
3. Motion is stated: The chair states the question: "It is moved and seconded to allocate $300 to purchase educational materials." The chair then asks, "Are you ready for the question?" The motion no longer belongs to the mover; it now belongs to the assembly.

A Main Motion is considered by the assembly:

4. Motion is debated: All remarks by Members are made to the chair, never to or about another Member. Debate can be closed only by a two-thirds vote of the assembly. Debate should be short and to the point. See Debate Protocol below for more information.
5. Motion is put: The chair says, "The motion is to allocate $300 to purchase educational materials. All in favor of the motion indicate by saying, 'Aye.' All opposed to the motion indicate by saying, 'No.' Are there any abstentions?"
6. Vote is announced: The chair announces the result and the effect of the vote.

The wording of the motion when the question is put is the wording that goes into effect. A voice vote is the regular method when a majority vote is required for adoption.

A rising vote is the normal method when a two-thirds vote is required for adoption. A "show of hands" is intended for small assemblies or after an inconclusive voice vote.

The chair announces:

"The ayes have it." Or, "The noes have it."

"The motion is adopted." Or, "The motion is lost."

The chair states the effect of the vote or orders its execution. The assembly then turns its focus to the next order of business:

"The next item of business on the agenda is ..."

The six steps may be shortened when the chair presents a motion and receives unanimous consent. For example: "If there are no objections, the Local will allocate $300.00 to purchase educational materials." If there are no objections, the motion passes. If any objection is raised, the six steps are used beginning with Step 2. This privilege of the chair is meant to speed up and condense business, not remove the input of the Members present. That is why, if there is any objection, the normal six steps apply.

Debate Protocol

There are some basic rules that should be followed when it is time for the assembly to debate a motion. They are similar to courtroom proceeding rules.

• Only one person speaks at a time, directly to the chair.
• A speaker must be recognized by the chair before speaking.
• All comments are made through the chair.
• Comments are confined to the current issue before the assembly.
• Discussion should alternate between Pro and Con when possible.
• No one can speak more than twice on any motion.
• No reading of lengthy papers or long speeches.
• No cross-conversations among the assembly. Avoid chatter.
• As a general rule, no interruptions. They are allowed in some instances.
• No verbal attacks by other Members. NEVER make it personal.
• Meetings require decorum to function. If disruptions occur, the chair can order attendees to leave or call a recess until order is restored. The assembly's right to conduct business and maintain order outweighs any individual's right to use profanities, make personal attacks, or exhibit disruptive behavior.
• Decisions are null and void in the absence of a quorum. The vote of the Executive Board would stand in such an event.
• All decisions are binding on all Members regardless of how they voted.
• All rules must be respected and obeyed in order to protect the minority.

Simplified List of Motions

This list of motions is by no means all-inclusive; again, it is simplified considerably. There are also issues of precedence that are not covered. This list is meant to orient us regarding some of the most common motions and help us with a model script.