Local 7901 ByLaws

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 COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA

 AFL-CIO

 LOCAL 7901

 BYLAWS

 As Amended on September 20, 2018

 BYLAWS FOR CWA LOCAL 7901

COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA

 

Preamble

 Our organization is dedicated to the ideal that all workers deserve fairness, respect and dignity in their occupation, in their industry and in their community. As long as the pursuit of these ideals is vibrant and active the members of this organization is worthy of the name Union. 

 Our Union is comprised of Communication Workers in many separate contracts. Therefore the identity of our Union is in the understanding that our industry includes the unorganized both internally and externally. Our community begins with the family members of our members and extends to any organization of workers struggling for a just and equitable existence.  May our Union both represent and welcome all who identify themselves in this way.

 We recognize the challenges of the times we live in and the obstructions we face in pursuing these ideals.  Nevertheless, we pursue these ideals with compassion towards all, and malice towards none.  We stand for these values which is consistent with District 7 and our National Union.

 Article I – Name

 Section 1.1            This Local shall be known as Local 7901, Communications Workers of America (CWA) and hereinafter shall be referred to as the Local.  The National Union, Communications Workers of America, hereinafter shall be referred to as the Union.

 Article II – Jurisdiction

 Section 2.1            Jurisdiction of this Local shall be the jurisdiction assigned by the Union and appearing on the face of the Local Charter.

 Article III – Object

 Section 3.1            The object of Local 7901 shall be to represent and serve the workers within its jurisdiction in accordance with the Bylaws and Rules of the Local and the Constitution and Policies of the Union.

 Article IV – Structure

 The structure of the Local shall consist of the following:

 Section 4.1            The Membership

 Section 4.2            The Executive Board.  The Executive Board shall consist of the following:

  1. President
  2. Executive Vice President
  3. Secretary-Treasurer
  4. The Area Vice President representing each of the areas designated below.  The contractual units shall elect Area Vice Presidents from the combined contractual units as follows:

 Area 1 - Qwest/CenturyLink; Avaya; AT&T Legacy T; Dex

 Area 2 - AT&T Mobility;

 Area 3 - PERU (Public Employees Representatives Union).

 Area 4 - Non-Profit, other union staff

 Section 4.3            In the future, the decision to add or delete from the number of vice-presidents or change vice-president's jurisdiction, will be made by the Local Executive Board, with the approval of the general membership at the next membership meetings.  Should that decision create a new Vice-President position, an election shall be held in accordance with local bylaws section

Section 4.4            The Executive Board shall be authorized to assign groups or individuals within a bargaining unit to other officers of the local to represent in grievance and/or bargaining issues.

Section 4.5            Each Elected Vice-President shall be authorized to represent Union member in any department.

 Section 4.6            Committees.

 Section 4.7            Stewards

 Article V – Membership

 Section 5.1            Eligibility.  Any person eligible for membership in the Communications Workers of America, as defined in Article 5 of its Constitution, shall be eligible for membership in the Local if performing work within the Local’s assigned jurisdiction, or if employed on a part-time or full-time basis by the Union.

 Section 5.2            Application.  Membership in the Local shall be obtained upon the approval of the Membership at a Local Membership Meeting.

 Section 5.3            Transfers.  The transfer of membership from this Local to the jurisdiction of another Local and from another Local to the jurisdiction of this Local shall be made in accordance with Article 5 of the Union Constitution.

 Section 5.4            CWA Members Should:

  1. Comply with and police the provisions of any contract duly ratified and signed in accordance with the Union Constitution.
  2. Abide by the Union Constitution and Local Bylaws, and all approved National and Local Policies.
  3. Present grievances and other matters involving relations with the employer to the Local for consideration and adjustment.
  4. Be assured that a Steward has been properly assigned to each job location.
  5. Bring to the attention of Officers or Stewards any activity considered to be not in the best interest and welfare of the Union or Local.
  6. Inform Officers or Stewards of ALL eligible persons at their work location who are not members of the Local.
  7. Attend Membership Meetings and exercise his/her voice and vote in the affairs of the Local.
  8. Honor all sanctioned legal and approved picket lines.
  9. Conduct themselves during strike in keeping with the highest traditions and principles of the labor movement with respect to theirfellow members, the community, its laws and the good name of our Union.
  10. Fulfill their assigned strike duties.
  11. Keep all business of the Union and Local strictly confidential from persons outside the Union, unless authorized or permitted by law to publicize the information.
  12. Keep the Secretary-Treasurer informed of current address and place of employment.
  13. Carry their membership card at all times.
  14. Keep their dues current.

 Section 5.5            Associate Members Program.  Associate membership shall apply to those persons who are in the process of, or are trying to be in the process of, organizing their worksite into CWA.  They shall be entitled to attend all Local committee and membership meetings, but shall have no vote.  They shall also be entitled to attend the annual Union picnic.

 Article VI – Local Dues and Assessments

 Section 6.1            Local Membership Dues.  Each member of the Local shall pay basic membership dues to the Local in the amount of two-and-one-quarter (2 ¼) hours wages per month, minimum.

 Membership dues may be changed only by a majority of those voting on the question by secret ballot referendum, or by a majority secret ballot vote in a meeting where a quorum is present, if the question has been advertised on bulletin boards at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the meeting, or by a notice mailed postage prepaid, to each Member, at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the meeting.

 Section 6.2            Local Special Assessments.  The Membership of this Local may levy a special assessment ONLY in the same manner as provided for changing Local dues.  However, any special assessments levied shall be in compliance with Article 6 of the Union Constitution.

 Section 6.3            Members of the Union, working for companies where contractual condition applies, must maintain Union membership governed by the terms of the contract.

 Article VII – Governing Authority

 Section 7.1            Membership.  The affairs of this Local shall be governed by its members in accordance with the Constitution and Policies of the Union in the following manner:

  1. Through action taken in Membership meetings and by referendum of the Membership.
  2. By actions and decisions of the Executive Board between Membership Meetings.
  3. By actions and decision of the Local President between meetings of the Membership and meetings of the Executive Board.

 Section 7.2            The Executive Board.  The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Executive Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer and six (4) Area Vice Presidents.

  1. The Local Executive Board must meet at least once a month as designated by the Local President.
  2. Each Member of the Executive Board shall have a voice and a vote.
  3. A majority shall be necessary to decide any business of the Executive Board or as otherwise stipulated by the Bylaws.
  4. A majority of the Members of the Executive Board shall be a quorum at any regularly called meeting.
  5. The Executive Board shall be responsible for making decisions and taking action in behalf of the Local Membership on all matters concerning the good and welfare of the Membership:
  1. Coordinate activities of the Local with the activities of the Union.
  2. Establish rules and regulations not inconsistent with these Bylaws or the Union Constitution for proper administration.
  3. Be authorized and empowered to take such action and make such decisions as may be necessary to carry out fully and adequately all provisions of the Union Constitution and these Bylaws and such action necessary to safeguard and promote the best interests of the Membership between meetings.

 F.             An officer or a steward of the Local will be full time in the office at all times when the President and Executive Vice President are both out of town.

 Article VIII – Local Meetings

 Section 8.1            Regular Meetings.  Regular meetings of the Local shall be held on the fourth Thursday of the first month in each quarter (January, April, July, and October), except that the Local Executive Board may, by a two-thirds majority vote, change the date of the regular meeting, provided such a change is advertised to the Members fifteen (15) days or more in advance of the new meeting date; or in the event that the change of meeting date follows the regular meeting, then such change shall be advertised to the Membership at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the regular meeting date. 

 Membership Meetings shall begin at 7:00 p.m.

 Section 8.2            Area Meetings.

  1. All Stewards Meetings to be held at least quarterly to be set by the Executive Vice President; All stewards from all areas shall be encouraged to attend.
  2. Area Meetings may be held as frequently as once a month, the date to be set at the discretion of the appropriate Area Vice President.

 Section 8.3            Special Meetings.  A Special Meeting of the Local may be called by the Local President or a majority vote of the Executive Board, or by a petition signed by twenty-five (25) Members who are members in good standing.  Upon receipt of a properly executed petition, the Local President shall call a Special Meeting to be held within ten (10) days.

 Section 8.4            Conduct of Membership Meetings

  1. Membership Meetings and any other business of the Local shall be conducted in conformance with the Union Constitution and the Local Bylaws and Rules.  Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern except where superseded by the Union Constitution or Local Bylaws.
  2. A quorum at a Local Membership Meeting shall consist of the attending members of the Local in good standing.
  3. The Order of Business at Membership Meetings shall consist of:
  1. Call Meeting to Order.
  2. Flag Salute.
  3. Roll Call of Officers.
  4. Presentation of Agenda.
  5. Acceptance of New Members.
  6. Financial Report.
  7. Reading and Action on Minutes of the previous Membership Meeting.
  8. Unfinished Business.
  9. Reading of Previous Executive Board Minutes.
  10. Action on Executive Board Recommendations.
  11. President’s Report
  12. Reports of Committees.
  13. New Business.
  14. Good and Welfare.
  15. Adjournment.
  1. The Order of Business may be suspended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Members present.

 Article IX – Local Committees

 Section 9.1            The Local shall have the following committees:

  1. Mobilization / External Organizing
  2. Education and Grievance
  3. Legislative
  4. Community Services/ADA
  5. Election
  6. Finance
  7. Equity and Civil Rights
  8. Women’s
  9. Safety

 Section 9.2            Members of all committees, except the Finance Committee, shall be appointed by the Local President or the Executive Vice President, subject to the approval of the Executive Board and Membership; or members of committees may be nominated by the Membership from the membership floor and approved by the Membership.

 All Committee Chairs shall be selected by majority vote of the Executive Board subject to approval of the Membership.

 Section 9.3            Vacancies on all committees, except the Finance Committee shall be filled in the same manner as the office was originally filled.

 If a vacancy occurs in any elected position of the Finance Committee, that vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the President, subject to approval of the Executive Board and Membership.

 Section 9.4            A Member of any Local Committee, except the Finance Committee, may be removed by majority vote of the Local Executive Board.

 Section 9.5            Duties of Committees.

  1. Mobilization

1.             The Mobilization Committee shall be responsible for the organizing efforts of all employees within the Local’s jurisdiction with direction from the Local Officers. 

2.             External Organizing efforts will be under the direction of the Local President and Executive Board 

  1. Education Committee and Grievance

1.             The Committee is structured with the Executive Vice President as the Chair, Area Vice Presidents and Stewards approved by the Executive Board and the Membership.

2.             The Committee shall assist the Stewards as directed by the Executive Vice President.

3.             The Committee shall assist in developing the Local’s educational program, and with the Local Officers, be responsible for effectuating the Union’s and Local’s educational program.

4.             The Committee shall meet at least quarterly or upon call of the Executive Vice President, with at least one (1) week advance notice.

  1. Legislative Committee

1.             The Legislative Committee shall assist in developing and pursuing the program of the Union and the Local in the legislative field.  It shall be responsible for the Local’s program to register each qualified voter.

  1. Community Services/ADA Committee

1.             The Community Services/ADA Committee shall assist in developing all Community Services programs and shall interface with the Local Members and the community in areas relating to alcohol and drugs.

  1. Election Committee
  1. The Election Committee shall conduct all nominations, elections and referenda of this Local.
  2. The Election Committee, prior to an election, shall make available guidelines to be used in preparing campaign material.  These guidelines will be mailed to all candidates.
  1. Finance Committee
  1. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be the Chair of the Committee.
  2. The finance Committee shall be responsible for making recommendations on all matters relating to the finances of the Local.
  3. The Finance Committee will meet not less than once a month for the inspection of vouchers, records, income, expenditures, etc., and report its findings to the Executive Board and the Membership.
  4. The Finance Committee shall develop and implement rules and procedures to insure the financial stability of the Local with approval of the Membership.
  5. The Finance Committee shall meet prior to the end of the fiscal year to develop and establish a Local Budget for the following year.  The proposed Local Budget shall be presented to the Executive Board then at the General Membership Meeting for inspection and questioning at least once prior to its vote for approval.
  1. Equity and Civil Rights

1.             To encourage membership participation in the Local as well as working on methods of eliminating discrimination in the workplace and community.

  1. Women’s

1.             To educate the women of CWA Local 7901 labor’s position on the local, state and national laws regarding women’s issues.

2.             To inform all union members about women and family issues.

3.             To discuss problems of women workers in the workplace with the local union leadership.

  1. Safety Committee

1.             Shall be responsible for addressing items concerning the health and safety of the membership.

 Article X – Duties of the Local Officers and Stewards

 Section 10.1          Officers of the Local shall be:

  1. President
  2. Executive Vice President
  3. Secretary-Treasurer
  4. Four (4) Area Vice Presidents

 Section 10.2          Duties of the Local President.  The Local President shall:

  1. Preside at meetings of the Local and Executive Board.
  2. Exercise general supervision over the affairs of the Local and its office.
  3. Enforce strict observation of the Union Constitution and the Local Bylaws.
  4. Assume responsibility for furtherance of the purposes of the Local.
  5. Act as Official Spokesperson for the Local.
  6. Follow instructions from the International Union and comply with the instructions of the Executive Board when not in conflict with the provisions of the Union Constitution or Local Bylaws.
  7. Authorize and approve all expenditures and countersign all checks drawn on the Treasury of the Local.
  8. Attend all conventions as a Delegate of the Local and as Chair of the Local Delegation.
  9. Supervise all committees of the Local and be an Ex-Officio Member of all committees.
  10. Exercise any and all duties, powers, and functions for or incident to the Office of President.
  11. Be bonded in accordance with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Constitution and any State or Federal laws.
  12. Appoint all Delegates in State, County and City Council bodies or Councils, subject to approval of the Executive Board and Membership.
  13. Have such additional duties as assigned by the Local or required by the Constitution or Policies of the Union.

                N.            Be responsible for the Local’s publications

                O.            Be responsible for developing and presenting a proposed strategic plan to the E-Board and membership annually.

 Section 10.3          Duties of the Executive Vice President.  The Executive Vice President shall:

  1. Assume the duties of the President in the event that the President is on leave, is absent, or is unable to act.
  2. Be responsible for the administration of training all Stewards.
  3. Be an ex-Officio Member of all Committees.
  4. Be responsible for the Grievance procedure, work with the respective Vice Presidents and Stewards in assuring that the grievances are properly processed and presented.  Present a grievance report to the Executive Board and Membership.
  5. Be the chair of the Grievance Committee.
  6. Be responsible to appeal grievances at Staff level.
  7. Be bonded in accordance with the CWA Constitution and any State or Federal laws.
  8. Be responsible to perform those duties assigned by the President or approved by the Executive Board.

 Section 10.4          Duties of the Area Vice Presidents.  The Local Area Vice Presidents shall:

  1. Work under the direction of the Local President and perform such duties as assigned to them by the Local President, the Executive Board and the General Membership.
  2. Be bonded in accordance with the CWA Constitution and any State or Federal laws.
  3. Act as representative of the group from which they are elected as defined in Article IV, and exercise their responsibility as defined in Article VII.
  4. Be responsible for the processing of grievances within their groups working with the Executive Vice President.
  5. Develop and oversee the activities of Job Stewards within their group.
  6. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Executive Board.
  7. Attend all Executive Board Meetings, General and Special Membership Meetings, unless excused by the Local President.

Section 10.5          Duties of the Secretary-Treasurer.

  1. Maintain a record of the Local Membership and keep minutes of all Executive Board and Local Membership Meetings.
  2. Furnish the required number of copies to the appropriate governmental agencies and to the District Vice President of any changes in Local Bylaws, within ten (10) days after such changes are made.
  3. Be responsible for furnishing the District Vice President with all the proper forms signed by Local Officers, which are required by State and Federal laws, immediately upon their execution.
  4. Shall review incoming and outgoing correspondence and report to the Membership.
  5. Be responsible for proper distribution of correspondence.
  6. Be Custodian of all assets, books and records of the Local, and make available a Financial Report at regular Membership Meetings of the Local.
  7. Cause the payment of all bills properly approved by the Local President.
  8. Prepare an Annual Budget for presentation to and adoption by the Executive Board and the Local Membership.
  9. Collect all dues, fees, fines, assessments, per capita tax, and any other income, and deposit them in the name of the Local in the bank or banks designated by the Executive Board and the Local Membership.
  10. Be one of the three (3) signatories of the Local’s various bank accounts.
  11. Report to the Executive Board and Membership at least monthly.
  12. Be bonded in accordance with the CWA Constitution and any State or Federal law.
  13. Perform such other duties as assigned by the President, Executive Board and the Local Membership.

 Section 10.6          Duties of the Executive Board

  1. Work under the direction of the Local President and perform such duties as assigned to them by the Local President, and the general Membership.
  2. Attend monthly Executive Board, General and Special Meetings, unless excused by the Local President.
  3. Act as the direct representatives of the group from which they are elected, as defined in Article IV, and exercise their responsibility as defined in Article VII.
  4. Should discuss and approve the Presidents annual strategic plan.

 Section 10.7          Duties of the Stewards.  The Local Job Stewards shall:

  1. Work under the direction of the President, Local Officers and the Executive Board.
  2. Ascertain that the Company Representatives comply with the provisions of the contract.
  3. Sign new Members.
  4. Attend meetings and encourage Members to attend.

 Section 10.8          Duties of the Union Authorized Representatives as applies to Joint Activities:

  1. Work under the direction of the President, Local Officers and the Executive Board.
  2. Ascertain that the Company Representatives comply with the Provisions of the Contract.
  3. Utilize opportunities to sign new members.
  4. Attend Membership Meetings and encourage the work group to attend.
  5. Minimum oral or written Quarterly Report to the general Membership.
  6. Foster a diversified environment, encouraging participation by everyone.

 Article XI – Nomination and Election of Officers and Finance Committee

 Section 11.1          Nomination of Officers and Finance Committee

  1. Beginning in the month of September, 2002 then every third (3rd) year, nominations shall be opened at the Regular Membership Meeting, the Order of Nominations to be as indicated for the following offices:
  1. President
  2. Executive Vice President
  3. Secretary-Treasurer
  4. Six (4) Area Vice Presidents
  5. Finance Committee: Four (4) Area Representatives.  The contractual units shall elect four (4) one (1) Area Representatives to the Finance Committee from the same areas referred to in Article 4.2D.
  1. The Nominees for Officers and Finance Committee shall be Members in good standing.
  2. In the Month of September, in the third (3rd) year, nominations for the Executive Board and Finance Committee shall be opened at the Regular Membership Meeting, by the Chairperson of the Election Committee.
  3. The President, Executive Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer shall be nominated from the Membership-at-large.  Area Vice presidents and Finance Committee shall be nominated from the company they represent with the exception of the Printing, Publishing and Media Workers and the Independent units who shall be nominated from the area they represent.  The Officers, Vice Presidents and Finance Committee shall be elected by the Membership-at-large.
  4. Nominations shall be:
  1. From the floor of the Membership Meeting by any Member in good standing or by a signed letter of acceptance from the nominee. The letter must be signed by the Member nominated, stating his/her acceptance, and by the Member making the nomination, in order that the good standing of both can be ascertained.  Letters of nomination not signed by both parties cannot be accepted. 

 Section 11.2          Local Elections

  1. Election of Local Officers and Finance Committee shall be by secret ballot of the Membership in the month of October. 
  1. Balloting to be conducted by the use of established polling places and ballot boxes, or ballot to be conducted by the U.S. Mail.
  2. The method of balloting shall be decided by the Local Election Committee, with approval of the Membership.
  3. Absentee ballots shall be provided to those Members who are assigned duty outside the jurisdiction of Local 7901, will be on vacation outside the area, or are confined to a hospital or home due to illness during the election, provided application for such ballots is made to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Local at least fifteen (15) days prior to the election.
  1. The nominations and election of Local Officers and Finance Committee shall be conducted under the supervision of the Election Committee.
  2. The Election Committee shall also conduct any referenda submitted to the Membership.
  3. No candidate shall be permitted to serve on the Election Committee.
  4. All questions concerning the conduct and challenges of elections shall be determined by the Election Committee, subject to the Right of Appeal to the Membership of the Local.
  5. The Election Committee or the Secretary-Treasurer must preserve the ballots and election records for one (1) year.
  6. In the event that there is not at least one (1) candidate nominated for each office designated at the meeting, the Election Committee shall appoint a Nominating Committee of three (3) of its members to insure the nomination of at least one (1) nominee for each office open.

 Section 11.3          General Election Provisions.

  1. The Nominee for President, Executive Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer and Area Vice Presidents in an election with a majority of valid votes cast shall be declared elected.  If no one nominee has a majority of the first (1st) ballot, the vote shall be taken again and the two (2) nominees having the greatest number of votes on the first (1st) ballot shall be nominees on the second (2nd) ballot.
  2. The Finance Committee shall be elected on a plurality vote with no majority required.
  3. No elected Officer of the Local shall be qualified to take office unless and until he/she meets the qualifications and requirements set forth in the Bylaws, the Union Constitution or any State or Federal Laws.
  4. The term of office shall be for three (3) years.
  5. The Officers shall take office January 2nd.
  6. At least fifteen (15) days’ notice of each election must be mailed to each member at their last known address.   Bulletins shall be mailed to Stewards for posting at work locations.  General notification shall be inserted in any Local 7901 news publication and/or other labor publications.

G.            If all offices are uncontested, those candidates shall be considered as elected, without ballots, upon the approval of the Membership Meeting following nominations. If any office is contested, balloting shall occur for all positions.

 Section 11.4          Absences and Vacancies – Local Officers and Finance Committee Members.

  1. If a vacancy occurs in any elected position of Officer, that vacancy shall be announced at the current Membership Meeting.  The Election Committee shall conduct nominations as provided for in Article XI within thirty (30) days of the announcement.  The election of said office to be held within forty-five (45) days following nominations.
  2. In the event of a permanent vacancy in the Office of Local President, the Executive Vice President shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the President until an election can be held in accordance with these Bylaws within sixty (60) days.
  3. In the event of a permanent vacancy in both the Offices of President and Executive Vice President, the Executive Board shall elect from its members one who will serve as President, with full duties and responsibilities.  An election must be held within sixty (60) days to fill both unexpired terms.

D.            If there is only one candidate properly nominated for a vacancy, that candidate shall be considered as elected, without ballots, upon the approval of the Membership Meeting following nominations.

  1. If a vacancy occurs in any elected position of the Finance Committee, that vacancy shall be filled by a member in good standing from the vacated area, appointed by the President, subject to approval of the Executive Board and Membership.

 Section 11.5          Oath of Office.  A person elected to an Office of the Local, after meeting all other qualifications, shall be duly installed upon taking the following oath:

 I, (Give Name), hereby accept the Office of (Name of Office) of Local 7901, Communications Workers of America, with full knowledge of the responsibilities and duties of such Office.   I promise to faithfully discharge my duties according to the Bylaws and Rules of the Local and the Constitution and Policies of the Union.  I further promise to give my successor in Office all books and records in my possession.  I shall, at all times, endeavor to serve my Local and Union to the best of my abilities.  (So Help Me God.)

 Article XIII – Charges, Trials and Appeals

 Section 13.1          Charges.  Members of the Local may be fined, suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated in Article XIX of the Union Constitution.

 Section 13.2          Trials.  Any accused Member or Officer of this Local shall be tried under the Provisions of Article XX of the Union Constitution.

 Section 13.3          Appeals.  A Member or Officer of this Local, upon being found guilty by a Local Trial Court, may appeal as provided in Article XX of the Union Constitution.

 Section 13.4          Local Trial Court

  1. A Trial Court of this Local shall be composed of five (5) persons who are Members of this Local and not parties of the proceedings.
  2. Members of the Trial Court shall be selected by the Members in a Membership Meeting of this Local.

 Article XIV – Election of Stewards

 Section 14.1

  1. Applicants for Steward will have their name published in the Grapevine after their written request is received by the Local 7901 Executive Vice President.
  2. If, at the Membership Meeting, there is a challenge of a particular applicant, the application will be held by the Executive Vice President to notify the applicant of the challenge before going back to the Membership for a vote.  In the event the Executive Vice President feels there maybe merit to the challenge, the recommendation will be referred to the Executive Board.  This process will take no more than two months to conclude.  At the next Membership Meeting, the Executive Vice President will give a recommendation to the Membership for a simple majority vote.
  3. After being accepted by vote of the Membership, each Steward must go through a Steward Training Class before they are authorized to act as Stewards.
  4. At the Membership Meeting following the publishing of the Steward Applicant(s)’ name(s) in the Grapevine, the Membership will vote to accept the applicant(s) as Steward(s) by a simple majority vote.
  5. In the case of a new bargaining unit, stewards’ training will occur as soon as possible after contract ratification.

 Article XV – Recall of Stewards

 Section 15.1          A Steward may be recalled by the following method:

  1. A written complaint by a member(s) in good standing will be addressed to the Executive Vice President.  A copy will be provided to the affected Steward within seven (7) days.
  2. The Executive Vice President will investigate the complaint and make a report and recommendation to the Executive Board within forty-five (45) days.
  3. The Complainant(s) and Steward will be notified in writing seven (7) days prior to the Executive Board Meeting.
  4. The Executive Board will vote to uphold or reject the request for removal after considering the Executive Vice President’s report and recommendation and testimony from the Steward and Complainant(s).
  5. The Steward or Complainant(s) may appeal the decision of the Executive Board to the Membership.  The request for an appeal must be received in writing by the Executive Vice President within fifteen (15) days after the Executive Board Action.
  6. The written appeal will be voted on at the next regularly scheduled Membership Meeting.  It will be rejected or upheld by a simple majority vote.

 Article XVI – Recall of Local Officers or Finance Committee Members

 Section 16.1          An elected Officer or Finance Committee Member of this Local may be recalled in conformity with the Provisions of Article XX and Article XXII of the Union Constitution by Members of the same group from which he/she was elected, or by two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Members voting on the question in a referendum.

 Article XVII – Amendments to Local Bylaws

 Section 17.1          After adoption, these Bylaws may be amended by either of the following methods:

  1. By a majority vote of the Members present in a Local Meeting, after the proposed amendment has been introduced at a previous Membership Meeting, or has been advertised to the Membership by use of bulletin boards or U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the meeting.
  2. By referendum of the Membership.

 Article XVIII – Referendum of the Local

 Section 18.1         

  1. The Local Election Committee shall submit any questions to a referendum of the Membership when directed to do so by action of a regular or Special Membership Meeting.
  2. Results of a referendum shall be determined by a majority vote of those voting on the question.

 Article XIX – Fiscal Year and Audit

 Section 19.1

  1. The Fiscal Year of this Local shall be from October 1st to and including September 30th of the succeeding year.
  2. The financial records of this Local shall be audited by a public accountant and by a committee selected by the Local Executive Board at the end of each fiscal year.  The results of such audit shall be available for inspection by any Member of the Local.

 Article XX – Strikes

 Section 20.1

  1. The calling, conduct, and termination of strikes affecting this Local shall, at all times, be carried out in compliance with the rules prescribed by the Union and Article XVIII of its Constitution.
  2. When strike action has been authorized in accordance with the Provisions of these Bylaws and the Constitution of the Union, it shall be the duty of each Member of this Local to proceed as follows:
  1. To find out what his/her own specific strike duty is.
  2. To perform that strike assignment at the time and place designated.
  1. A Member, not fulfilling his/her strike assignment, shall be penalized according to the Judgment of the Trial Court.

D.            All CWA members must fulfill two (2) consecutive weeks of approved Strike duty to be eligible for Members’ relief funds.  If a break in Strike duty occurs two consecutive weeks must be performed to again be eligible for Defense and Members’ funds.  (Unless excused by the Strike Director)

 E.            Approved Strike duty shall be eight (8) to ten (10) hours per week.  Strikers shall receive minimum wage for each authorized hour of Strike duty from CWA Local 7901 for the first fourteen (14) days of the strike. Approved Strike Duty Pay will not exceed minimum wage, paid from the McBride Account, to be reviewed as needed by the Finance Committee, Community Service Committee and Executive Board. Approved Strike Duty Pay from the McBride Account ends the 15th day of the strike, when the CWA Member Pay will not exceed minimum wage, paid from the McBride Account, to be reviewed as needed by the Finance Committee, Community Service Committee and Executive Board. Approved Strike Duty Pay from the McBride Account ends the 15th day of the strike, when the CWA Member Relief Fund begins.

 F.             In the event of a strike of a particular bargaining unit, any full-time Officer who may be on leave from that group will lose pay the same as a striking member, and will not be reimbursed by the Local.  They will receive Approved Strike Duty Pay for picket duty worked.

 G.            All Strikers must sign in with their Picket Captain when arriving at Strike duty and sign out with their Picket Captain at the end of their Strike duty.  Without signing in and out a Striker will not be authorized for financial Strike Assistance.

 Article XXI -- Financial Standards

 A.            No voucher will be paid unless signed and accompanied by documentation to prove the actual expense.  Acceptable documentation includes receipts, pay stubs, payroll sheet, schedules, or time cards.

 B.            Lost Time Wages will be reimbursed by the Local when approved by an officer and documented as in (A.).  Lost Time Wages means wages lost for time spent on union activities not paid by the employer during a regularly scheduled work day, including scheduled overtime.  All Lost Time Wages will be paid at the straight time hourly rate of the member.

 C.            The President will serve up to full time.  The President shall be reimbursed for Lost Time Wages, provided there is a signed voucher and documentation as in (A.).  While serving as a Full Time Officer, he/she is expected to charge his/her employer for any entitlement time, grievance and any other Employer-paid Union Activity time.  There will be buyback of up to one week of unused vacation, if vouchered and supported by documentation. If he/she exceed the number of hours in a year allowed for Union Activities, and must take a leave of absence from his/her employer, the Local shall reimburse the President for his/her health insurance premiums.  If the President is a member retired from a bargaining unit, he/she will be paid the wage they earned, or equitable wage scale, according to that contract in effect for up to 40 hours per week, as long as his/her dues are current (paid on or before the first of every month.)

 D.            The Executive Vice President will work a maximum of three days per week and the Secretary – Treasurer will work a maximum of six days per month.  The Executive Vice President and Secretary – Treasurer will be reimbursed for lost time wages, provided there is a signed voucher and documentation as in (A).  While serving as part – time Officers, they will be expected to charge their employer for any entitlement time, grievance and any other employer paid union activity time.  There will be buyback of up to one week of unused vacation, if vouchered and supported by documentation  If they exceed the number of hours in a year allowed for union activities and must take a leave of absence from their employer, the Local shall reimburse them for their health insurance premiums.  If they are members retired from a bargaining unit, they will be paid the wage they earned, or equitable wage scale, according to their contract(s) in effect for up to hours as determined as above, as long as their dues are current (paid on or before the first of every month).

 E.            Elected officers, other than those officers mentioned in Article XXI, paragraphs C and D will be paid for Lost Time Wages as in (B.)  If such officers are retired, and their dues are current, they will be allotted a stipend per month as income, to be funded in the approved annual budget. If any officer is suspended or fired, they also will be assigned the stipend as long as they remain members in good standing and fulfill their job duties as officers as described in Article 10.

 F.             Mileage paid by the Local will be the amount allowed by the IRS without taxable consequences.

 G.            Operating Account, Local Officers, Area Vice Presidents and Committee account expenses are limited to their budget without approval of the Executive Board or Membership.

 H.            Per Diem for out of town conferences will be the IRS rate per day.  In town conference expenses will be paid for if vouchered and documented by receipt; e.g., parking, bus fare, meals, etc., not to exceed $40 per day.

 I.              Lost Time Wages for approved or elected delegates to conferences and conventions will be at Lost Time Wages.  Any proposal to exceed the budgeted amounts from the Convention and Conference Fund, to be drawn from the Convention and Conference Fund, must be approved by a 2/3 majority of the Membership Meeting.

 J.             Income over budgeted “Income and Expenses” will be sent to the Finance Committee for recommendations for use monthly.

 K.            The Local shall rent meeting space to outside organizations after hours.  The Finance Committee will set the fee in the annual budget.  An officer or member in good standing will be available for opening, closing and safeguarding the Local during these rentals, with the approval of the Executive Board.  Monies from rentals will go to the Members and bargaining budget.

 L.             Removal of any money from the reserves requires a 2/3 majority vote of the Membership Meeting.