Terms of Reference

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This document outlines the terms of reference for the PRGS Organizes Collective Bargaining Committee (hereafter “Committee”). The Committee represents the interests of bargaining unit members during negotiations with RAND Corporation (“the employer”). The following terms of reference constitute the Committee’s objectives, composition, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.

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1. Objective. The primary objective of the Committee is to negotiate, on behalf of bargaining unit members, fair and equitable employment terms and conditions, including but not limited to wages, benefits, working hours, and workplace policies, with the employer, via the  employer's representatives.

2. Officers. The Committee shall elect from among its members the following officers:

   1. Chairperson: Leads Committee meetings and liaises with union leadership.

   2. Vice Chairperson: Assists Chairperson and assumes responsibilities in their absence.

   3. Secretary: Maintains records of meetings, communications, and documents related to negotiations.

3. Term of Office. The term of Committee members shall end with the constitution of the local union.

4. Roles and Responsibilities.

   1. Conduct thorough research on industry standards, labor laws, and the employer’s financial status to prepare for negotiations.

   2. Gather input and feedback from unit members to identify their priorities and concerns.

   3. Develop a negotiation strategy that aligns with the union’s objectives and unit interests.

   4. Engage in collective bargaining sessions with the employer’s representatives.

   5. Keep unit members informed about the progress of negotiations through regular updates and meetings.

   6. Seek legal counsel or expert advice when necessary to support negotiations.

5. Decision-making Process. The Committee shall strive to make decisions unanimously. Where unanimous decision-making is not reached, decisions within the Committee shall be made by a majority vote of its members. The Chairperson shall facilitate discussions and ensure that all Committee members have the opportunity to express their views.

6. Reporting and Transparency.

   1. The Committee shall report regularly to the union’s leadership, providing updates on negotiations.

   2. Bargaining proposals made by the Committee shall be posted in a manner accessible to unit members as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after a proposal is made.

7. Conflict Resolution. The Committee shall strive to resolve internal conflicts or disagreements through open and constructive dialogue. In cases of significant disputes that cannot be resolved internally, the matter may be referred to UAW designees or an independent mediator.

8. Confidentiality. Due to the sensitive nature of the work involved in collective bargaining, Committee members must keep confidential matters not under consensus of the Committee.

9. Committee Meetings. The Committee shall meet at least twice monthly during collective bargaining, exclusive of meetings with the employer, and at least once monthly when collective bargaining is not occurring. Committee meetings shall be closed, but specific agenda items may be open to union members at the Committee’s discretion.

10. Quorum. Attendance by fifty percent of the Committee members shall constitute a quorum.

11. Sanctions. A Committee member who does not uphold their responsibilities or misses a significant number of meetings without making arrangements in advance may be asked by the Chair or Vice Chair to resign from the Committee. If the member refuses to resign, the Committee member may be removed from the Committee by majority vote.

12. Vacancies. Should a Committee member vacate their position before their term expires, an election must be called to fill the vacancy within 21 calendar days.

 

Ratified October 4, 2023 by Danielle Sobol, Felipe De Leon, Jim Mignano, Matt Kubasak, and Tara Blagg.