What is Rank-and-File Unionism?
UE and COGS practice a unique type of unionism known as rank-and-file unionism. This particular form of rank and file unionism is based on the active participation of members in the union. The officers of the union (from the local level to the national) are elected by the membership of the union and, in turn, are required to report back to the membership on their stewardship of the union. This includes reports on the policies, program, expenditures, and contract negotiations which must have the prior consent of the members and their approval on all actions taken, and contracts negotiated, on their behalf. The essence of rank-and-file unionism is not democratic rhetoric, but democratic practice. In other words, the members run this union! What does this form of rank-and-file unionism mean for members of COGS at the University of Iowa? It means that we, the graduate employees of the University of Iowa, draft our own constitution and by-laws, elect our own officers, negotiate and enforce
