Robert’s Rules of Order: A Beginner’s Guide for Union Meetings

UAW2750 Education Committee, updated 1/26/2026

According to the UAW Education Department Handbook 505, “[Robert’s Rules of Oder] is the most widely used method of governing meetings across the world.” RONR ensures fairness, orderly discussion, and clear majority rule while protecting minority voices. It creates a level playing field by applying objective rules to everyone.

What Are Robert’s Rules of Order (RONR)?

RONR are a standard set of rules used to run meetings democratically and efficiently according to parliamentary procedure. The 12th edition RONR is currently the authoritative reference for resolving parliamentary questions (Bylaws 5:5).

How a Union Meeting Works

The President chairs the meeting, announcing the business and ensuring that the rules are followed.  Our typical meetings follow an 'order of business': 1. Approval of Agenda with Special Rules, 2. Approval of Financial Report, 3. Approval of Past Decisions (‘Minutes’), 3. Committee and Officer Reports, 4. Old Business, 5. New Business. Per the Bylaws (5:3) a quorum of 40 members in good standing must be present to conduct formal business.

How to Introduce Items

To suggest a meeting topic or motion you can: request to add items in advance by emailing the President and Recording Secretary; motion to amend the agenda during the agenda adoption vote; or introduce motions any time during the meeting, appropriate to the relevant order of business.

Key Concepts

Motion: Type “stack” in the chat or raise your hand and wait to be recognized by the chair. Say “I move to…” and describe your motion concisely. Another member must “second” to proceed.

Common Motions: Introduce topic, motion to amend, table/postpone, extend time, end debate; Some motions can interrupt proceedings including - A point of order, information, or personal privilege. See page 2 for a motions table.

Debate: Once a motion is on the floor, members may speak in turn, usually once per debate, and without interruption. “Stack For” or “Stack Against” in the chat. Debate ends when no one else wishes to speak (the stack is exhausted) or by a vote to close debate.

Vote: Most decisions require a majority; some, like ending debate, need two-thirds to pass. The chair announces the result and the Recording Secretary documents it in the minutes.

Learn More

Overview: RONR Q&A | Wikipedia 

Table of Common Motions (next page): Cornell | Purdue| BoardEffect | ULM | Kitsap

Youtube Videos: Quick Start Guide | Top 3 motions | Playlist with real-life examples

Source: Weber