Trade unions are run by and for their members and an important way that members can influence their branch is by submitting motions.
Template for Motions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NLckJxn5dfP5SC1hBYd-lRzRfQFHXgEQQcZ3hMvNt8o/
Template for Amendments: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1edAjw6braEu3_wb6hx-QqrilAVgrzM38xkcqiX6EEa8/edit
A motion is how you make a suggestion to the branch and put it forward for discussion. If you think the union should be trying something new or doing something differently, you can submit a motion to raise this with your fellow members.
Motions can be about small issues like asking the branch to spend money to print out flyers or they can be about setting new rules and changing the way the branch operates. Before submitting a motion you may want to get the opinion of your reps/officials or some other members first, but you are not required to.
If members vote to pass a branch motion then it will be carried out, and will become a rule of the branch except if it were to go against an existing rule of the wider IWGB union. If a motion is ambitious or difficult to do, then get ready to be asked to help out in making it happen!
An amendment is used after a motion has been voted on, or can be presented at the same time as a motion you’ve seen that is yet to be voted on. In either case, the amendment is used to change part of the motion, and will be voted on in the same way as a motion.
If members vote to pass an amendment to a motion, it will come into effect and overrule the wording and intent of the original motion.
For example, a group of members may write up a motion to say that the branch will agree to do a lot of things, most of which you agree with but one or two of which you don’t, or you’ve spotted one or two things you think are missing. You could write up an amendment to that motion stating why you want to amend it and how it should be amended. Members would then vote on whether to pass your amendment and change the original motion.
If your motion or amendment passes it will become a rule, so write it as if you are writing a rule and try to be as specific as you can. E.g. rather than saying “Can the branch please print off some leaflets to hand out to new members”, say “The branch will print 500 leaflets off for new members and will spend a maximum of £70”.
Motions can sometimes ask the branch to do multiple different things, so it can be helpful to split each action into bullet points. Make sure the different things you’re asking the branch to do are related though. If not, it might be better to write two separate motions.
You can also add background information to the motion to give some context as to why you think other members should vote in favour of your motion. Here’s an example motion that does this.
If you have any questions or want to pass an idea by someone, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll help you out.