Union Structure
THE MEMBERS RUN THIS UNION!
UE Local 896/COGS is a democratic, rank-and-file Union. Like our national Union, UE, Local 896/COGS doesn't just depend on the members. It is the members. At all levels of our Union - Local, District, and National - democracy dictates. Members directly elect all Officers, Committee Chairs, Stewards, and Delegates on an annual basis. Every major position and policy taken by the Union is debated and voted on by the members. All major expenditures must be approved by the membership. The Coordinating Committee and Bargaining and Grievance Committee are at all times accountable to the membership. Likewise, the members must be and are actively involved in furthering the goals of the Union in order for them to be achieved. This is what we call rank-and-file democracy.
If you are already a UE/COGS member, consider getting involved in one of the committees listed below or running for a steward position in your department. If you can't make such a commitment, make an effort to attend monthly Union meetings. What every member has to say is important. If you are not currently a member of UE/COGS, talk to your departmental steward or call the COGS office and sign a membership card today. Join the Union and have a voice!
The day-to-day business of the Union is carried out by the Coordinating Committee and the Bargaining and Grievance Committee. The Coordinating Committee consists of the following officers and chairpersons: President, Vice-President, Corresponding and Recording Officer, Financial Officer, Campus Chief Steward, Area Chief Stewards (4), Bargaining and Grievance Committee Member At Large, Unity Officer, International Representative, and the Chairperson of each each standing committee (see below).
The Bargaining and Grievance Committee consists of the President, Campus Chief Steward, Area Chief Stewards (4), and one at-large member.
For stewarding purposes, COGS is divided into different areas in order to better deal with issues around the campus. To find out you area, click here.
CURRENT OFFICERS AND CHAIRPERSONS (2007-2008)
- President: Gwen Gruber
- Vice-President: Kari Thompson
- Corresponding & Recording Officer: David Howlett
- Financial Officer: Matt Lavin
- Campus Chief Steward: Darin Mohr
- Blue Area Chief Steward: Mark Warburton
- Yellow Area Chief Steward: Matt Weiss
- Red Area Chief Steward: Carlos de la Mora
- Green Area Chief Steward: Alysha Meyers
- B&G Member At Large: Mark Salisbury
- International Student Representative: Xinghua Li
- Unity Committee Chair: Nahed Zehr
- Press & Publicity Committee Chair: Rachel Carter
- Political Action Committee Chair: Matt Boswell
- Labor Solidarity Committee Chair: Jacob Hall
- Social Committee Chair: Dena Huisman
- Organizing Committee Chair: Kari Thompson
- Trustees: Robin Johnson, Megan Threlkeld, Meghan Warner
- UE National Convention Delegate: Robin Johnson
- UE Regional Council Delegates: Darin Mohr, Jen Lee
To contact any of the officers above, call (319) 337-5074 or email cogs@cogs.org
