The Fairfax Workers Coalition (FWC) has been formed to:

• Improve the social and economic well-being of all its members;
• Promote equality for all members and to oppose all types of harassment and discrimination;
• Promote the efficiency of public services;
• Provide a democratic and transparent union; the operations and finances of which are accessible to all members.

This vision was developed to guide the founding members, interim executive board and any future executive board in developing bylaws and policies to protect the rights of all members, to provide for responsible governance of the FWC, and to involve as many members of the FWC as possible through the sharing of duties and responsibilities.

To achieve the vision established by the founding members of the Fairfax Workers’ Coalition, several guiding principles were developed that should be considered in all actions taken by the coalition.

Member Engagement

The Fairfax Workers’ Coalition exists to represent its members in issues concerning their employment; engage with the community and County leadership to advocate for the members’ issues; and provide a democratic process for its members to have a voice in the Coalition’s operations. It is incumbent on any officer, board, committee, or contracted representative to act in a manner that reflects positively upon the membership and to represent the will of the membership. For this Coalition to be successful it is important that members engage with the executive board to express their concerns and discuss the issues in a respectful and constructive manner.

Operational Transparency

The Fairfax Workers’ Coalition will operate with transparency, both financially and operationally. Minutes of the general membership meetings shall be taken and records kept of all calls to action and voting maintained according to Roberts Rules of Order. The executive board and officers shall have the power to enter into agreements and contracts for the benefit of the membership as outlined by the approved bylaws. Actions taken by the executive board at its regular scheduled meetings shall be documented in meeting minutes and votes properly recorded according to Roberts Rules of Order. There are times when the executive board will need to enter executive session; however, the result of any votes taken in executive session shall be documented in the minutes and available for inspection by the membership.

Financial Transparency

It is crucial that financial transparency be maintained and financial records be available for inspection by the membership. Financial summaries will be presented to the County as required to maintain payroll dues deduction. The executive board shall develop and present the membership with an annual operating budget for approval. Any major expenditures as defined by the bylaws outside those approved in the operating budget will be presented to the membership for consideration and vote. Any expenses incurred by officers that are reimbursed shall be properly documented with original receipts as required by the adopted bylaws.

As the Coalition’s assets grow, the executive board may explore financial investments such as insurance, stocks, money market funds, and real estate for consideration by the membership. The executive board will also explore establishing separate fund management accounts for political contributions separate and apart from any membership dues. The Secretary-Treasurer will present financial reports of all assets and accounts, liabilities, and obligations at regular intervals at the general membership meetings as defined by the approved bylaws.

Bylaws

Bylaws are established for the purposes of incorporation and submission to Fairfax County to obtain payroll dues deduction. A standing bylaws committee will be established to review the bylaws and propose revisions for consideration by the general membership as necessary. At no time shall the executive board or any individual officer make changes to the bylaws without approval of the membership.

Issue Focus

The Fairfax Workers’ Coalition will focus on local issues that directly impact or statewide issues that may impact its members. Concentrating efforts on these types of issues will direct our resources in areas that have the most benefit and reward for our members.

Collaboration and Partnerships

It is important to work collaboratively and build partnerships to advance the members’ issues. This is equally important when attempting to resolve disputes in the workplace between members and their employers. The executive board and committees will strive to build effective relationships and collaborate with entities to further the betterment of the membership and resolve employment issues.

Member Assistance and Benefits

Members in good standing will be provided assistance regarding disputes arising from their employment in accordance with the adopted bylaws. This assistance may be provided by trained shop stewards, trained grievance advocates or by contractors or attorneys retained by the Coalition. The executive board will also seek out other benefits such as insurance, discount programs and other “voluntary supplemental benefits” and make them available to the members (e.g., short-term disability policies, Union Plus discount programs, etc.). The executive board shall also take steps to establish a standing Member Assistance Committee in accordance with the bylaws to help members in time of need, such as during a hospital stay or surgery, catastrophic event, etc. The Member Assistance Committee, in conjunction with the executive board, will establish a Member Assistance Fund in accordance with the established bylaws. The welfare and wellbeing of our membership is a chief concern and will not be minimized or forgotten.

Community Involvement

Volunteerism and involvement in our community is important. This is a way we demonstrate our commitment to the community outside the day-to-day contact we have in our jobs. Volunteering for and contributing to charities in the community we serve, we further demonstrate that commitment.