In order to preserve and maintain our interests as individuals, employees and union members, the housestaff employed by the University of Washington join together in this labor union, which is called the Resident & Fellow Physician Union – Northwest .

All references to the University of Washington Housestaff Association, UWHA, or equivalent shall be changed to Resident and Fellow Physician Union – Northwest, RFPU – NW, or equivalent. All references to the Association shall be changed to the Union.

Article I, amended by membership approval on Amendment 17

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ARTICLE II. OBJECTS

The objects of this Union are as follows:

Section 1.

To unite into one collective bargaining unit the resident and fellow physicians currently in ACGME accredited programs employed by the University of Washington.

Section 2.

To improve and maintain excellent standards of patient care.

Section 3.

To negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements with the University of Washington so as to insure benefits and conditions appropriate to the services performed by the housestaff. These benefits and conditions include, but are not limited to, salary, health, life and disability insurance, vacation, holiday, working conditions and patient care.

Section 4.

To provide services to the membership so as to encourage professional and collegial relationships among housestaff.

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ARTICLE III. INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNION AND HEADQUARTERS

Section 1.

The RFPU – NW is an independent professional collective bargaining unit. Subject to prior approval by the Board and by the membership, the Union may affiliate with other unions to further the best interests of the entire membership. Approval of any such affiliation requires: first, approval by a minimum of Board members; and, second, approval by a majority of union members voting by secret ballot following reasonable notice of such vote.

Section 2.

The union headquarters will be at or in the vicinity of the University of Washington Medical Center or Harborview Medical Center, where a majority of the housestaff work.

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ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.

Regular Members: All interns, residents, and fellows possessing M.D., D.O., D.D.S. or equivalent degrees and who are employed by the University of Washington and are part of the RFPU – NW collective bargaining unit as defined by PERC shall be eligible for membership in the Union as a Regular Member. Only active, dues paying, Regular Members may vote in elections for board members, vote on changes to the Union constitution or bylaws, and vote on ratification or changes to the CBA.

Section 2.

Starting in the academic year 2019-2020, after ratification of this amendment, the total amount withdrawn in dues will not exceed 0.5% of a member’s PGY-level salary per year.

Section 3.

Following the 2016-17 academic year, any dues increase or special assessment requires prior approval by secret ballot by a majority of voting members following reasonable advance notice to all members of such secret ballot.

Article IV, Section 2 amended by membership approval on Amendment 13,
Article IV, Sections 1 and 4 amended by membership approval on Amendment 6,
Article IV, Section 6 amended by membership approval on Amendment 7,
Article IV, Sections 1 and 7 added by membership approval on Amendment 14

Section 4.

If it is so decided by other means, residents and fellows belonging to non-ACGME accredited programs who meet the remainder of the requirements previously outlined in Article IV, Section 1 shall not be prohibited from joining the RFPU – NW .

Section 5.

Associate Members: Any individual who does not qualify as a Regular Member, but who shows an active interest in the affairs of the RFPU – NW may be granted an associate membership by vote of the members of the Board present at any regular or special meeting. This membership will last for the remainder of the academic year. Associate members are not covered under the CBA, are not eligible to serve on the RFPU – NW Board*, vote in elections for board members, or vote on changes to the Union constitution or bylaws. *Appointment to a role such as immediate past president or Alumni board member may supersede these restrictions where specified.

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ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Section 1.

The President will determine the date and location of any membership meeting. There shall be at least one membership meeting per year.

Section 2.

The President is authorized to call a special membership meeting. Also, the President will call a special membership meeting when so directed by a majority vote of the entire Executive Board or upon written request of 20% of the membership.

Section 3.

The Union will provide reasonable notice at least ten and no more than fifty days in advance of all regular and special membership meetings in order to encourage and facilitate membership participation.

Section 4.

The President, or in his/her absence, the Vice-President will preside over all membership meetings.

Section 5.

A member of the Board or designee of the Executive Board will make a record of the proceedings at membership meetings.

Section 6.

Unless otherwise provided, Robert’s Rules will govern membership meetings.

Article V, Section 5 amended by membership approval on Amendment 19

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ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board may retain professional personnel as necessary to carry out the day-to-day operations of the union and other personnel as necessary.

Section 2. President

(1) The President will preside over all union meetings. They will be the Chairperson of the Executive Board. The President will be the official spokesperson for the Union.

(2) The President will be the chief executive officer of the Union and will have the power to carry out and effectuate the business of the Union, including financial transactions, subject to approval of the Executive Board.

(3) The President will interpret the Constitution subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

(4) In any instance where a Secretary or Treasurer of the Union is necessary for a legal, administrative, or other purpose, the President shall act in those capacities, subject to approval of the Executive Board.

Section 3. Vice-President

(1) In addition to serving as an Executive Board Member, the Vice-President will assist with managing the Board and during negotiation years will assist the Lead Negotiator in negotiating and grievance duties.

(2) The Vice-President will perform such other duties as may be agreed upon by the Executive Board.

Section 4. Membership Engagement Chair

(1) The Membership Engagement Chair will be responsible for co-leading the planning, coordinating, and overseeing of social and charitable events of the Union in partnership with RFPU – NW staff members, with the assistance of other members of the Union.

Section 5. Collective Action Chair

The Collective Action Chair will be responsible for co-leading the planning, coordinating, and overseeing of member engagement in escalations with RFPU-NW, with the assistance of other members of the Union.

Section 6. Political Engagement Chair

The Political Engagement Chair will be responsible for co-leading the planning, coordinating, and overseeing of political engagement and advocacy, and lobbying efforts in partnership with RFPU – NW staff members, with the assistance of other members of the Union.

Section 7. Due to the removal of the Secretary and Treasurer positions, prior duties of these positions will be held by the Union’s professional staff.

Section 8.

President-elect

(1) The President-elect shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall fulfill responsibilities as assigned by the current President. The President is encouraged to have the President-elect be highly involved in the management of the RFPU – NW to assist with the transition in leadership at the end of their term.

(2) Before January 1st of each year, a general election will be held to determine who will fill the office of President-elect. All RFPU – NW members in good standing shall be eligible to run for the position of President-elect. The candidate who obtains a simple majority will be designated the President-elect.

(3) Prior to the President-elect becoming the RFPU – NW President, their ascension to the office of President must be ratified by the RFPU – NW Board by a simple majority. The ratification vote shall be held prior to April 1st. Once ratified, the President-elect will become the President on July 1st and serve in this office until June 30th.

(4) In the event that the RFPU – NW Board fails to ratify the ascension of the President-elect, the position of President shall be included in the next round of elections and shall be open to all RFPU – NW Members in good standing. Whichever candidate obtains a simple majority vote for the position of President, they will become the President on July 1st and serve in this office until June 30th.

Section 9.

Lead Negotiator

(1) The Lead Negotiator will serve as the Chair of the Negotiating Committee whenever this committee is formed.

(2) The Lead Negotiator will be responsible for submitting grievances as directed by the President and the Board, and will be responsible for progressing grievances along the grievance procedures as necessary.

(3) The Lead Negotiator will be the organization’s primary contact for issues that arise which involve individual members.

(4) By April of each year, a general election will be held to determine who will fill the office of Lead Negotiator. Should the Lead Negotiator not be able to complete their term, then the election of their successor may be held earlier as directed by the RFPU – NW President.

(5) The Lead Negotiator will be a member of the Executive Board.

Article VI, Sections 1 amended, 7 added by membership approval on Amendment 1,
Article VI, Sections 1 amended, 8 added by membership approval on Amendment 2,
Article VI, Sections 1 amended, 9 added by membership approval on Amendment 3, and
Article VI, Section 7 amended by membership approval on Amendment 16, and Article VI, Sections 1 through 7 amended, 7 added by membership approval on Amendment 20

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ARTICLE VII. BOARD

Section 1.

The Board will consist of the Officers (Executive Board) and at least 6 Representatives. There will be no more than 18 total Board members. The Board will have the power to appoint all union committees and to exercise supervision over all the activities of the Union.

(1) The Representatives will assist in the administration of the collective bargaining agreement, in the governance of the Union, and in addressing the problems of members. There will not be more than six from any given residency and fellowship program.

(2) The Representatives will perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President, Executive Board, or professional staff.

Section 2.

The Board will stand ready to assist in addressing the problem of any Union member and will be available for consultation with any member. The Board will have final authority to address all matters involving grievances under the collective bargaining agreement with the University.

Section 3.

Regular meetings of the Board will be held monthly or semi–‐monthly. Special meetings of the Board will be called by the President at their discretion or when so directed by 4 members of the Board. The President or their designee will provide reasonable notice of all meetings of the Board. Four members of the Board will constitute a quorum. Each Board member has one vote.

Section 4.

A Board member who is unable to attend a regular or special call meeting of the Board may participate in any action requiring a Board approval by telephonic, written or electronic communication.

Section 5.

The Board will approve or ratify expenditures required for operation of the Union or necessary to promote the legitimate objectives of the Union. Major business or financial decisions affecting the Union will be subject to prior approval by the Board.

Section 6.

Unless otherwise provided, Roberts Rules will govern Executive Board meetings.

Section 7.

The Board will have the power to adopt and modify Bylaws.

Section 8.

Alumni Board Member: An individual who is not eligible for regular membership in the Union, who has served on the RFPU – NW board for at least 1 year, may be appointed to serve on the board in an advisory role by vote by the members of the Board present Alumni Board members are not eligible to vote in board meetings, elections for board members, or ratification or changes to the CBA.

Article VII, Section 1 amended by membership approval on Amendment 5
Article VII, Section 8 added by membership approval on Amendment 15

Article VII, Section 1 and 3 amended by membership approval on Amendment 21

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ARTICLE VIII. VACANCIES

Section 1.

If the office of an Executive Board Officer becomes vacant for any reason, the Board in regular or special session will appoint a member in good standing to such office for the balance of the term.

Section 2.

If the office of a Representative becomes vacant for any reason, the Executive Board may appoint, subject to approval by the Board, a member in good standing to fill such office for the balance of the term.

Article VIII, Sections 1 and 2 amended by membership approval on Amendment 22

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ARTICLE IX. FINANCES

Section 1.

All checks issued by the Union must be signed by an Executive Board Officer named in Article VI.

Section 2.

The Executive Board and any other person who handles funds or property of the Union will seek to obtain a fiduciary bond in an amount not less than 10% of the Union’s assets at the close of its preceding fiscal year.

Section 3.

Any Officer or Board member performing authorized services for the Union will be reimbursed by the Union for necessary, reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in the performance of such services.

Section 4.

The Executive Board is responsible for ensuring the financial security of the Union’s assets.

Section 5.

The Executive Director will be empowered to sign checks on behalf of the Executive Board, named in Article VI.

Article IX, Section 5 added by membership approval on Amendment 8

Article IX, Sections 1 through 5 amended by membership approval on Amendment 23

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ARTICLE X. ELECTIONS

Section 1.

Officers will be elected by secret electronic ballot of the membership. All Members in good standing are eligible for office.

Section 2.

Terms of office for all Officers and Representatives will be 1 year beginning July 1st of each year and ending June 30th of the succeeding year.

Section 3.

The Executive Board and Union staff will be responsible for developing and administering procedures for a fair, democratic and orderly election of Officers and Representatives in compliance with this Constitution. If an Executive Board Officer is running for an additional term, they will forfeit their involvement in assisting with the administration of elections to which they are eligible for office.

Section 4.

Not less than 30 days prior to June 1, notice of nominations and elections will be provided to all members. The notice will set forth the guidelines and the schedule for nominations and the election. Nominations will be open for at least 14 days and elections for 3 days.

Section 5.

Any member may declare themself a candidate for office or nominate any other member for office. Such declaration/nomination must be submitted by written hard copy or electronically sent to the Union. Before the close of nominations, each nominee must submit by written hard copy or email acceptance of the nomination to the Union.

Section 6.

Not less than 7 days prior to June 1, an electronic ballot containing all duly nominated candidates for office will be provided to each member. If there is more than one candidate for a Principal Office, such candidates will be listed alphabetically. If there are more than 6 candidates for Representative, such candidates will be listed alphabetically. If there is not more than one candidate running for an office or not more than six running as a Representative, the candidate(s) is duly elected by virtue of being unopposed. If a slate of candidates runs unopposed, no election is necessary.

Section 7.

Electronic ballots will be counted at the close of voting. Candidates for the Executive Board will be elected by a plurality of valid votes cast for each office (i.e., the candidate with the most votes wins the election for each office). The candidates for Representative with the highest total of valid votes cast win the election, up to the number of which shall meet the maximum permitted size of the Board.

Section 8.

During the transition period, after the election, and prior to July 1, each outgoing Officer will acquaint their successor with the functions of the office and will deliver to the Union all books, papers and other property of the Union that may be in their possession.

Article X, Sections 3, 5, 7 and 8 amended by membership approval on Amendment 24

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ARTICLE XI. NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE

Section 1.

A Negotiating Committee of at least 6 members will be established in advance of any complete or partial re-opening of the collective bargaining agreement. Each Officer of the Executive Board will automatically be a member of the Negotiating Committee, provided they are willing and able to serve in that capacity. Representatives can be selected for the Negotiating Committee.

Section 2.

Except in special circumstances, no less than 2 months prior to such contract re-opener, members will be notified of the opportunity to apply to serve on the Negotiating Committee. The Board will appoint sufficient member applicants as required to establish the Negotiating Committee.

Section 3.

The Negotiating Committee will serve until the re–‐opener negotiations have concluded and a collective bargaining agreement has been approved by the Executive Board and ratified by the membership.

Article IX, Section 2 amended by membership approval on Amendment 9, and
Article IX, previous Section 3 removed by membership approval on Amendment 3

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ARTICLE XII. RATIFICATION OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

All collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the Union and the University of Washington must be approved by the Executive Board and must be ratified by a majority of members voting by secret ballot. The Executive Director (if one is employed) or the Executive Board will ensure that all members receive notice of the terms of the proposed collective bargaining agreement and a reasonable opportunity to cast a secret ballot vote for or against the proposed collective bargaining agreement.

Article XII amended by membership approval on Amendment 25

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ARTICLE XIII. COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS

Section 1.

Any member/employee represented by the Union who believes his/her rights or interests have been injured by the acts or omissions of any agent or officer of the Union has a right to have his/her complaint heard and decided by the Executive Board of the Union.

Section 2.

The complaining member will reduce his/her complaint to writing no later than 30 days after they knew or reasonably should have known of the facts giving rise to the complaint. The complaint will be submitted by written hard copy or email to the Union headquarters.

Section 3.

The President or his/her designee will review and investigate any such complaint. As soon as reasonably practicable, and no later than 60 days after receipt of any such written complaint, the complainant will have an opportunity to be heard before the Executive Board provided the complaint has not been resolved.

Section 4.

The Executive Board will treat any complainant in a manner that is fair and impartial. Within a reasonable time after a complainant appears before the Executive Board, the Board will provide the complainant with a written disposition of his/her complaint. Section 5. Each member has an obligation to utilize the procedures available in this Constitution in order to give the Union an opportunity to investigate, evaluate and resolve complaints regarding the acts or omissions of Officers and/or agents of the Union.

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ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION

Section 1.

This Constitution may be amended as set forth in this Article, provided such amendment is consistent with the Purpose and Objects of the Union.

Section 2.

A proposed amendment signed by 10% of the membership may be introduced at any regular meeting of the Board. The Board also may originate a proposed amendment to this Constitution. The Board will determine if the proposed amendment qualified as consistent with the Purpose and Objects of the Union.

Section 3.

A copy of any proposed and qualified amendment, together with the recommendation of the Executive Board, will be provided to all members via electronic communication. This may be provided in the form of an electronic ballot that will be open for a minimum of 2 weeks, and amendment votes may be collected via this ballot. Alternatively or in addition, the membership shall be given the opportunity to vote on such proposed amendment at a membership meeting. If this option is chosen, the membership shall still be provided with notice of the meeting and the proposed amendments 2 weeks in advance of the meeting and provided with a secret electronic ballot contemporaneous with the membership meeting.

Section 4.

The proposed amendment will take effect upon approval by a majority of the voting members.

Article XIV, Section 3 amended by membership approval on Amendment 12

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ARTICLE XV. DURATION & DISSOLUTION

The duration of the organization shall be perpetual. Upon dissolution, the assets of the organization, if any, will be distributed to its members.

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AMENDMENT 1. CREATION OF THE OFFICE OF IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

When the President completes their term they may choose to fill the office of Immediate Past President for the duration of their successor’s term as President. If the President, at the end of their term, so chooses not to fill the office of Immediate Past President then this office will remain vacant for the duration of their successor’s term as President. The Immediate Past President does not have to be eligible for membership in the Union.

The Immediate Past President may elect to personally fill a seat of the Board, and in so doing this seat will be considered part of the Executive Board rather than the Board.

Amendment 16 supersedes this Amendment

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AMENDMENT 2. PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION AND CREATION OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT POSITION

President-Elect

(2) By April of each year, a general election will be held to determine who will fill the office of President-elect. All RFPU – NW members in good standing shall be eligible to run for the position of President-elect. The candidate who obtains a simple majority will be designated the President-elect.

(3) Prior to the President-elect becoming the RFPU – NW President, their ascension to the office of President must be ratified by the RFPU – NW Board by a simple majority. The ratification vote shall be held prior to May 1st. Once ratified, the President-elect will become the President on July 1st and serve in this office until June 30th.

Amendment 2, sections 2 and 3 amended by membership approval on Amendment 26

Incorporated into Article XI. Executive Board

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AMENDMENT 3. CREATION OF THE LEAD NEGOTIATOR POSITION

Lead Negotiator

(1) The Lead Negotiator will serve as the Chair of the Negotiating Committee whenever this committee is formed.

(3) The Lead Negotiator will be the organization’s primary contact for issues that arise which involve individual members.

(4) The Lead Negotiator will be elected by the RFPU – NW Board by April each year and shall serve for a period of 12 months. Should the Lead Negotiator not be able to complete their term, then the election of their successor may be held earlier as directed by the RFPU – NW President.

(5) The Lead Negotiator will be a member of the Executive Board.

Amendment 3, section 4 amended by membership approval on Amendment 26

Incorporated into Article XI. Executive Board

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AMENDMENT 4. HONORARIUM FOR KEY BOARD POSITIONS

(1) Certain positions of the RFPU-NW Executive Board are vital to the ongoing viability of the organization and often require a significant time commitment. Residents and Fellows fulfilling these roles will receive an honorarium in recognition of their significant time-commitment to the organization.

(2) The President shall receive an honorarium equal to 2 times the amount of the Chief Resident Supplemental Stipend as designated in the RFPU – NW -UW CBA.

(3) The Vice President, Lead Negotiator, Political Engagement Chair, Membership Engagement Chair, and Collective Action Chair shall receive an honorarium equal to the amount of the Chief Resident Supplemental Stipend as designated in the RFPU – NW -UW CBA.

(4) During open negotiations the Lead Negotiator shall receive an honorarium equal to 2 times the amount of the Chief Resident Supplemental Stipend as designated in the RFPU – NW -UW CBA.

Amendment 4, Sections 1 and 3 amended by membership approval on Amendment 27

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AMENDMENT 5. SIZE OF BOARD

The Board will consist of the 5 Officers (Executive Board) and 6 or more Representatives (General Board). The amount of General Board members required may change from year to year and the president is responsible for determining the number of General Board member spots in a given year.

Incorporated into Article VII. Board

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AMENDMENT 6. INCLUSION OF NON-ACGME ACCREDITED MEMBERS

Incorporated into Article IV. Membership

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AMENDMENT 7. REMOVAL OF REJOIN FEE

The outstanding fee associated with late dues payments of $100 in Article IV, section 4, will no longer apply.

Incorporated into Article IV. Membership

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AMENDMENT 8. EXPANSION OF CHECK SIGNING AUTHORITY

If an Administrator or Executive Director is appointed, this person will be empowered to sign checks on behalf of the Executive Board, named in Article VI.

Incorporated into Article IX. Finances

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AMENDMENT 9. NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE ELIGIBILITY

The negotiating committee will be open to any RFPU – NW member from any department or program. All residents and fellows are strongly encouraged to participate regardless of department or program. The restrictions on negotiation committee membership based on program will no longer apply as listed in Article XI, section 2.

Incorporated into Article XI. Negotiating Committee

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AMENDMENT 10. REMOVAL OF EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER

The Executive Board reserves the right to dismiss an Executive Board member or Representative (General Board Member) should that individual be found not to be fulfilling the duties of the elected position, as determined by internal policies, enacted by a majority vote of the Executive Board. These policies will be explicated in the bylaws.

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AMENDMENT 11. PENDING BENEFITS TO RECENT NON-MEMBERS

If a member has applied for a RFPU – NW benefit that is only granted to RFPU – NW members and subsequently withdraws from union membership due to request or delinquent dues, that member shall no longer be eligible for these dues-paying-member only benefits.

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AMENDMENT 12. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

Incorporated into Article XIV. Amendments to the Constitution

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AMENDMENT 13. DUES INCREASE

Starting in the academic year 2019-2020, after ratification of this amendment, the total amount withdrawn in dues will not exceed 0.5% of a member’s PGY-level salary per year.

Incorporated into Article IV. Membership

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AMENDMENT 14. REGULAR AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Article IV is amended to include the following addendum:

Incorporated into Article IV. Membership

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AMENDMENT 15. ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS

Article VII is amended to include the following addendum:

Incorporated into Article VII. Board

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AMENDMENT 16. CREATION OF THE OFFICE OF IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

The Immediate Past President may elect to personally fill a seat of the Board. They do not have to be eligible for membership in the union.

The Immediate Past President provides advice and leadership to the Board regarding past practices and other matters to assist the Board in governing the Union. The Immediate Past President supports the President on an as-needed basis. If the immediate past president is no longer a member of the bargaining unit, they are considered an alumni board member and subsequently do not have a voting role on the board.

Amendment 16, amended by membership approval on Amendment 29

Incorporated into Article XI. Executive Board

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AMENDMENT 17. AMEND NAME AND PURPOSE

The 2020-2021 Board voted to approve the name change of our union from University of Washington Housestaff Association to Resident & Fellow Physician Union – Northwest to more accurately reflect our organization’s status as a labor union and who our membership represents. This addendum would update the name change throughout the Constitution.

Article I amended to:

All references to the University of Washington Housestaff Association, UWHA, or equivalent shall be changed to Resident and Fellow Physician Union – Northwest, RFPU – NW, or equivalent. All references to the Association shall be changed to the Union.

Incorporated into Article I. Name and Purpose

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AMENDMENT 18. AMEND MEMBERSHIP

The Supreme Court Janus decision in 2018 eliminated automatic union membership and dues collection. These two sections of Article IV date from before that time and are obsolete due to that decision.

Article IV amended:

Sections 3 and 4 of article IV are struck. Subsequent sections of Article IV are renumbered accordingly.

Incorporated into Article IV. Membership

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AMENDMENT 19. AMEND MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Article V, Section 5 is struck and replaced with the following: A member of the Board or designee of the Executive Board will make a record of the proceedings at membership meetings.

Incorporated into Article V. Membership Meetings

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AMENDMENT 20. AMEND EXECUTIVE BOARD

Article VI is amended to strike Sections 1 to 7. Current Sections 8 to 9 will stay the same, with Sections 1 to 7 consisting of the following:

Section 1. The Executive Board is made up of the Officers of the Union, which includes the President, Vice-President, Lead Negotiator, Membership Engagement Chair, Collective Action Chair, and Political Engagement Chair. The Executive Board is the highest decision making body of the Union between meetings of the entire Board and membership. The Executive Board will not contain more than two members from any given residency and fellowship program.

The Executive Board may retain professional personnel as necessary to carry out the day-to-day operations of the union and other personnel as necessary.

Section 2. President

(1) The President will preside over all union meetings. They will be the Chairperson of the Executive Board. The President will be the official spokesperson for the Union.

(3) The President will interpret the Constitution subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

Section 3. Vice-President

(2) The Vice-President will perform such other duties as may be agreed upon by the Executive Board.

Section 4. Membership Engagement Chair

Section 5. Collective Action Chair

Section 6. Political Engagement Chair

Section 7. Due to the removal of the Secretary and Treasurer positions, prior duties of these positions will be held by the Union’s professional staff.

Incorporated into Article VI. Executive Board

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AMENDMENT 21. AMEND BOARD

Article VII is amended and existing Amendment 5. Size of the Board is struck to replace “his/her” with “their” in Section 3 and to replace Section 1 with the following:

Section 1. The Board will consist of the Officers (Executive Board) and at least 6 Representatives. There will be no more than 18 total Board members. The Board will have the power to appoint all union committees and to exercise supervision over all the activities of the Union.

(2) The Representatives will perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President, Executive Board, or professional staff.”

Incorporated into Article VII. Board

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AMENDMENT 22. AMEND VACANCIES

Article VIII. amended:

Section 1.

If the office of an Executive Board Officer becomes vacant for any reason, the Board in regular or special session will appoint a member in good standing to such office for the balance of the term.

Section 2.

Incorporated into Article VIII. Vacancies

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AMENDMENT 23. AMEND FINANCES

Article IX. amended:

Section 1.

All checks issued by the Union must be signed by an Executive Board Officer, named in Article VI.

Section 2.

Section 3.

Any Officer or Board member performing authorized services for the Union will be reimbursed by the union for necessary, reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in the performance of such services.

Section 4.

The Executive Board is responsible for ensuring the financial security of the Union’s assets.

Section 5.

The Executive Director will be empowered to sign checks on behalf of the Executive Board, named in Article VI.

Incorporated into Article IX. Finances

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AMENDMENT 24. AMEND ELECTIONS

Article X amended:

Section 1.

Officers will be elected by secret electronic ballot of the membership. All Members in good standing are eligible for office.

Section 2.

Terms of office for all Officers and Representatives will be 1 year beginning July 1st of each year and ending June 30th of the succeeding year.

Section 3.

The Executive Board and union Staff will be responsible for developing and administering procedures for a fair, democratic and orderly election of Officers and Representatives in compliance with this Constitution. If an Executive Board Officer is running for an additional term, they will forfeit their involvement in assisting with the administration of elections to which they are eligible for office.

Section 4.

Section 5.

Section 6.

Section 7.

Electronic ballots will be counted at the close of voting. Candidates for the Executive Board will be elected by a plurality of valid votes cast for each office (i.e., the candidate with the most votes wins the election for each office). The candidates for Representative with the highest total of valid votes cast wins the election, up to the number of which shall meet the maximum permitted size of the Board.

Section 8.

During the transition period, after the election, and prior to July 1, each outgoing Officer will acquaint his/her successor with the functions of the office and will deliver to the Union all books, papers and other property of the Union that may be in his/her possession.”

Section 9.

The Board shall, not later than three months following this amendment, develop and approve a policy which shall govern if an election should result in more Officer or Board members from a single residency or fellowship program than are permitted by Articles VI or VII.

Incorporated into Article X. Elections

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AMENDMENT 25. AMEND RATIFICATION OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

Article XII amended:

All collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the Union and the University of Washington must be approved by the Executive Board and must be ratified by a majority of members voting by secret ballot. The Executive Director (if one is employed) or the Executive Board will ensure that all members receive notice of the terms of the proposed collective bargaining agreement and a reasonable opportunity to cast a secret ballot vote for or against the proposed collective bargaining agreement.

Incorporated into Article XII.

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AMENDMENT 26. AMEND PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION AND CREATION OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT POSITION AND CREATION OF THE LEAD NEGOTIATOR POSITION

Amendment 2 amended:

(2) By April of each year, a general election will be held to determine who will fill the office of President-elect. All RFPU-NW members in good standing shall be eligible to run for the position of President-elect. The candidate who obtains a simple majority will be designated the President-elect.

(3) Prior to the President-elect becoming the RFPU – NW President, their ascension to the office of President must be ratified by the RFPU – NW Board by a simple majority. The ratification vote shall be held prior to May 1st. Once ratified, the President-elect will become the President on July 1st and serve in this office until June 30th.”

and

Amendment 3 amended:

Incorporated into Amendment 2 and Amendment 3

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AMENDMENT 27. HONORARIUM FOR KEY BOARD MEMBERS

Amendment 4 amended:

(1) Certain positions of the RFPU – NW Executive Board are vital to the ongoing viability of the organization and often require a significant time commitment. Residents or Fellows fulfilling these roles will receive an honorarium in recognition of their significant time-commitment to the organization.

(2) The President shall receive an honorarium equal to 2 times the amount of the Chief Resident Supplemental Stipend as designated in the RFPU – NW -UW CBA.

(4) During open negotiations the Lead Negotiator shall receive an honorarium equal to 2 times the amount of the Chief Resident Supplemental Stipend as designated in the RFPU-NW-UW CBA.

Incorporated into Amendment 4

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AMENDMENT 28. HONORARIUM FOR BOARD REPRESENTATIVES

RFPU-NW Board members are vital to the success of the organization. Board positions carry significant responsibilities and time commitments, and it is important that RFPU-NW recognizes these in a meaningful way. RFPU-NW affirms the importance of a Board which is diverse in background and experiences, and meaningful recognition of the work involved is critical to promoting such a Board.

(2) In support of (1), the RFPU-NW Board will provide an honorarium to Board Representatives which may be up to the Chief Resident stipend as designated in the RFPU-NW-UW Collective Bargaining Agreement.

(3) The Board will, by majority vote, set the Board Representatives honoraria amount (and may similarly modify it subsequently) subject to the limits in (2).