UE is made up of seven geographical Districts covering the entire United States, as
outlined in the constitution. While the number of Districts and their geographic
boundaries have changed from time to time (reflecting shifts in union membership and the
location of locals), the function of the Districts has not changed since the beginnings of
our union.
The Work of the Districts
UE Districts—officially known as District Councils—work with and
provide help to locals in each region, especially in the areas of political action,
education and leadership training, organizing the unorganized, and collective bargaining.
Because these issues affect all locals, Districts serve as important links in maintaining
the structure of UE.
District Council Meetings
The Council itself consists of elected delegates from every local in the District,
meeting twice or three times a year. Each local is encouraged to send their full
complement, because here is where members can broaden their role in, and understandings
about, UE. It's at the District Council meeting that local members and officers get to
know each other, share experiences, and learn new strategies and tactics.
At District Council Meetings
Delegates hear news from all around the union. Locals report on their activities, while
presentations by the UE Political Action and Education Departments inform members about
important issues. A national union officer (either the General President,
Secretary-Treasurer or Director of Organization) attends the entire meeting to hear
members' concerns and provide updates on the national union's programs and activities.
There's plenty of socializing time, too. In short, District Council meetings are fun,
educational gatherings.
Election of Officers
The District Officers, Executive Board and Trustees are elected at the October District
Council meeting—traditionally called the District's Annual Convention. Any UE
member in the District, in good standing, is eligible to run for office. The president and
secretary, elected at this meeting, serve on the National Union's General Executive Board. Each District President also serves
as a General Vice President of the National Union.
Funding the Districts
Each UE Local contributes a monthly per capita payment to the District from its dues
money. The per capita amount is set by a vote of the District Council delegates and then
must be ratified by a majority of the locals to take effect.
This structure means Districts are financed directly by their members, not the National
Union. This is an important distinction, because District officers are made directly
responsible to the members who elected them and who finance the District. In many other
unions, District (or Regional) offices are funded by their national union—which can
sharply limit accountability to the membership.
UE's bottom-up structure is evident in how Districts are
funded—by their locals, not the National Union. This keeps UE District Officers
responsible to their members.
