The National Convention, held annually, is the highest decision-making body in UE. It is
composed of rank-and-file delegates elected by members of their local unions, plus two
delegates from each District Council.
Members Set UE Policy
Each local, and District Council, is encouraged to submit policy resolutions for
consideration by the delegates. The union's General Executive Board also submits proposals
to the Convention. Following discussion and debate, delegates vote to adopt resolutions.
Those that are accepted become the policy of the union.
Delegates also vote on any necessary changes to the Constitution, which must then be
ratified by a majority of all UE locals before they can take effect.
At the Convention
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UE Convention Committees
Credentials Committee — ensures that each local is properly
represented, has paid its per capita, and that each delegate's credentials are in order.
Constitution Committee — reviews and makes recommendations on
proposed amendments to the union's constitution before they come to the Convention floor.
All constitutional amendments adopted by the Convention are then returned to the locals
for ratification before they can become effective.
Rules and Order Committee — recommends the rules required by the Convention to assure the
fullest participation by the delegates.
Resolutions Committee — reviews policy resolutions submitted by UE Locals, District
Councils, and the General Executive Board. Like all other committees, it is composed of
delegates from all areas of the union. This committee has the power to combine similar
resolutions into a final version to be presented to the delegates. Following thorough
discussion, the committee makes recommendations on the resolutions to the Convention.
Resolutions are discussed and debated on the floor of the Convention before they are acted
upon. Once adopted, a resolution becomes the policy of the union.
Committee on Organizing — reviews the union's organizing strategy and tactics with the
Director of Organization, along with resolutions on organizing submitted to the
Convention. A full report is made to the Convention, usually taking a full afternoon.
Policy Action Committee — reviews the union's Political Action and International Solidarity
work, discusses resolutions submitted to the Convention concerning these areas, and
develops an action program for locals to use following the Convention.
Publicity and Education Committee — discusses the resolutions submitted to the Convention that deal
with publicity and education and presents a comprehensive program to the Convention for
discussion and action. This committee reviews the work of the UE's Publicity Department
(often referred to as the UE News Department, because it publishes the union's
newspaper) and Education Department.
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UE Conventions last a total of five days and, by Constitution, must be held in either
August or September.
Delegates from each District elect members to committees which guide the work of the
Convention. Committees generally meet when the Convention is not in formal session,
usually early in the Convention week.
While most of the Convention itself is devoted to the formal business of running the
union (delegates debating and adopting resolutions and accepting or rejecting Committee
Reports on the work of the union), guest speakers are invited to address the delegates on
important issues. Convention-wide workshops are also held as part of the union's
educational work. The Convention week is a great experience, but don't let anyone kid
you—it's also a lot of work!
Election of Officers
On Wednesday, delegates nominate and elect the UE's three top officers (officially
known as the General Officers). Delegates also elect three Trustees (and two
alternates) who are responsible for auditing UE's books and records four times a year and
safeguarding the property of the National Union. Any UE member in good standing for a year
or more is eligible to run for national office.
The Officers Report
The three national officers (General President, General Secretary-Treasurer and
Director of Organization) have the responsibility of giving leadership to and implementing
the policies and programs adopted by the National Convention.
At the Convention, the officers report to the delegates on their stewardship of the
union during the previous year. Specific topics include organizing, servicing of UE
locals, and administration of the union's Political Action, Education, Publicity, and
International Solidarity programs.
Pay of
Officers
and Staff
On the recommendation of the General Executive Board, delegates to the Convention also
set the pay of the General Officers and UE Staff (Field Organizers and International
Representatives) for the following year.
UE Salaries 
By Constitution, UE's three national officers "shall be paid
a salary not to exceed the highest weekly wage in the industry." To put it simply: UE
officers can't be paid more than the members they represent.
This may be surprising, but we believe it's important for UE
leaders to live like the members. We know that "boss-sized" salaries lead to
"boss-like" points of view—and union leaders who are out of touch with
their memberships.
The other question often raised has been "how do you get the
best leadership?" The answer is easy. Since pay has never been the reason to
run for office, then the motivation must come from something else. Like dedication. We
think that's a much better motivation than "doing it for the money."
An Unusual Organizational Chart
Here's a look at how UE is structured.
