WHEREAS:

Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised is recognized by the National Association of Parliamentarians and the American Institute of Parliamentarians as the parliamentary authority; and

WHEREAS:

The current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised states the following: This 1990 (9th) edition supersedes all previous editions and automatically becomes the parliamentary authority in organizations whose bylaws prescribe "Roberts Rules of Order," "Roberts Rules of Order Revised," "Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised," or "the current edition of any of these titles, or the like, without specifying a particular edition. If the bylaws specifically identify one of the eight previous editions of the work as parliamentary authority, the bylaws should be amended to prescribe the current edition of 'Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised"' (see pg. 581); and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME International Constitution Article XII, Section 7 states: "'Roberts Rules of Order, Revised' shall be the guide in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with this Constitution or with any legally adopted special rules of the Federation"; and

WHEREAS:

It is in the best interest of AFSCME to provide a clear understanding of the what is adopted parliamentary authority.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the AFSCME International Constitution Article XII, Section 7 and Appendix C, Article VIII, Section 3 shall be amended to read: "The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the Federation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with this Constitution or with any legally adopted special rules of the Federation."

SUBMITTED BY:

Michael Hoffert, Vice President and Delegate
AFSCME Council 35
New York