New business is the time for a member to bring forward an item of information or introduce a motion for the membership to take direct action. It usually differs from the rest of the meeting because it pertains to an issue that was not addressed in any of the previous reports by Officers, Directors and committees. In many meetings by other organizations, motions are not in order when reports are given, but Local 27 has a history of allowing action to take place when the subject is first reported and not waiting for the new business portion of the meeting. The last item of business before adjournment is the selection of the Union Cat . Perhaps it was started as an incentive to keep members in attendance until at least new business.
Adjournment is the last order of business and no motion to adjourn is needed.
When there is no further business, the president declares the meeting adjourned. How long a meeting will last depends on how much information is reported and how controversial a subject becomes. The Regular Business meeting is the only forum for the official action of the regular membership outside of a referendum vote. If you can t attend a meeting, ensure that your station representative attends and keep them informed on important business to bring before the membership. Don t forget to read your Union meeting minutes and keep your officers and directors informed by phone, mail or fax.