Preamble We, the Communications Workers of America, believing that as an integral part of society we are entitled to an equitable share in the products of our labor and realizing that our welfare can best be protected and advanced through the united effort of all workers, do, through this Constitution, under God, seek to form a more perfect means of securing for ourselves and labor generally, full employment of the inherent rights and dignities which our institutions were ordained to preserve.
In the event of contending interpretations, the CWA Constitution shall govern.
Article I
Name and Affiliation
This organization shall be known as the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine, and Furniture Workers, IUE-CWA, AFL-CIO, Local 907 and shall be affiliated with the IUE-CWA and the State and Local AFL-CIO Councils.
Article II
Objects and Purposes
Section 1.
The objects and purposes of this Local are to represent, project, maintain and advance the interests of the workers within its jurisdiction; to improve their wages, hours and conditions of employment; to engage in legislative, political, educational, civic, welfare and other activities which further, directly or indirectly, the interests of the membership of this organization, of IUE, and of workers everywhere in the improvement of general economic and social conditions in the United States of America, and generally in the nations of the world.
Article II
Objects and Purposes
The objects of the Union shall be:
(a) To unite the workers within its jurisdiction in a single cohesive labor union for the purpose of collective effort;
(b) To improve the conditions of the workers with respect to wages, hours, working conditions and other conditions of employment;
(c) To disseminate information among the workers respecting economic, social, political and other matters affecting their lives and welfare;
(d) To advance the interests of the workers by advocating the enactment of laws beneficial to them and the defeat or repeal of laws detrimental to them;
(e) To do all things which may be necessary or proper to secure for the workers the enjoyment of their natural rights.
Section 2.
To achieve the objectives and purposes of this organization, the funds of this organization are authorized to be managed, invested, expended or used not only for the purposes and objectives expressly set forth in this and the IUE-CWA Constitutions, but also for any additional purposes and objectives not inconsistent therewith as may be contained at any time in the resolutions and programs adopted and/or ratified by conventions of IUE-CWA Executive Board, or by the membership of this Local.
Article IV
Officers
Section 1.
(c) All officers of the Local shall attend Executive Board meetings and their scheduled membership meetings. Any officer of the Local not attending six (6) or more Board and/or membership meetings in a twelve-month period, may be subject to discipline under the provisions and procedures of ART. XIV.
Determination of ineligibility under this section may be made on the basis of charges filed and heard in accordance with the regular trial procedures of the Local. The Trial body is empowered to consider any extenuating circumstances in determining eligibility of the person charged.
No officer, steward, or elected or appointed official of this Union shall meet with Industrial Relations Human Resources to set policy without another Union representative or member with him or her.
No officer, steward, or member of this Local shall make an agreement with the company contrary to the contract unless it is approved by the Executive Board and ratified by the membership.
Section 2. Duties of President
(d) Appoint, subject to the approval of the membership, all special committees when an election of same if is not called for.
Section 3. Duties of Vice-President
The Vice-President shall assist the President in the performance of all duties and act in his absence.
Section 3.
Duties of the Vice- President
(a) Serve as Chairperson of the second step grievance meetings.
(b) Shall examine and resolve any insurance issues presented by members of the Local.
(c) Shall assist the President in the performance of all duties.
(d) Shall act in the absence of the President.
(e) Shall assist the Financial Secretary-Treasurer-Benefits Representative with benefits issues presented by members of the Local.
Section 5.
Duties of the Financial Secretary-Treasurer-Benefits Representative
(a) Receive, receipt and account for all money paid to the Local.
(b) Furnish all supplies pertaining to the Local.
(c) Pay all bills authorized by the Local.
(d) Account for all Local expenditures.
(e) Furnish a monthly financial report of the Local.
(f) Furnish a report on the paymnet payment for per capita to the Secretary-Treasurer of the International Union not later than the 27th of the month following the month in which dues are collected.
(g) Send official notice in conjunction with the President to the Secretary-Treasurer of the International Union that the Local’s books and records have been audited and stating the condition of the books and records.
(h) Furnish a semi-annual report to the International Union.
(i) Perform all such other duties, with the approval of the Local Executive Board, as may be necessary for the proper and effective administration of the financial affairs of the Local.
(j) Sign checks in conjunction with the President.
(k) Deposit all money, as directed by the Local Executive Board, within five (5) business days after receiving such monies.
(l) Account for all money deposited.
(m) Assist the Vice-President in examining and resolving insurance issues presented by members of the Local.
(n) Chair joint Pension Committee and oversee and assist retirees with benefits issues.
Section 6.
Note: Section 6, definition of duties of the Social Action Committee will be moved to Article VIII, Section 3.
Section 6.
Duties of Chief Shop Stewards
(a) Shall help educate the stewards in their duties and chair steward council meetings for their respective shifts.
(b) Shall assume the same responsibilities as set forth as duties of stewards.
(c) Shall assist stewards in their duties.
(d) Shall monitor, audit and report to the Executive Board the time stewards spend on grievance handling.
Section 10.
Duties of Health and Safety Chairman
(a) Carry out the policy of the Union and enforce Article XII of the CBA by actively pursuing all Health and Safety related matters.
(b) Be available to advise and assist all officers, stewards and members, upon request, on all complaints and concerns made to the Local with respect to Health and Safety issues and concerns.
(c) Keep informed, and Inform the Executive Board and the membership on all current Local, State and Federal laws pertaining to workplace safety.
(d) Report at each monthly membership meeting on all Health and Safety activities and all corrective actions taken.
(e) Report at each monthly membership meeting on all upcoming Health and Safety training.
(f) Instruct other Health and Safety alternates in any new training provided.
Article VII
The Steward System
Section 1.
All Stewards shall be elected bi-annually at properly advertised meetings of the Local’s members in the departments or sections they are to represent. The number of Stewards and the method of filling vacancies occurring between bi-annual elections shall be determined by the Executive Board. Stewards shall be nominated at the regular monthly membership meeting in November of even numbered years, elected at the December meeting of even numbered years and take office effective January 1 of the following year.
Article VII
The Steward System
Section 1
(a) All stewards shall be elected biennially [every (2) two years]. Stewards shall be nominated at the regular monthly membership meeting in November of even numbered years, elected at the December meeting in even numbered years, and
take office effective January 1 of the following year. The number of stewards and the method of filling vacancies occurring between biennial elections shall be determined by the Executive Board.
(b) Members may vote for one (1) candidate only. That candidate must be in the current area of representation to which the member is assigned.
Section 2
Duties of the Steward Council
(a) The Stewards Council shall consist of all stewards.
(b) The Stewards Council receives reports on all the departments, on the status of membership of each department with reference to dues, new members, etc.
(c) The Council receives reports on all grievances successfully adjusted by them and keeps a record of same. (d) All stewards shall attend the Stewards Council meetings. Any steward missing three (3) two (2) or more Council meetings in a twelve (12) month period may be subject to discipline under the provisions and procedures of Article XIV of this Constitution.
(e) The Stewards Council shall meet on a minimal quarterly basis, but may meet more frequently as need arises to be determined by the Executive Board.
Article VIII
Standing Committees
Section 1
The standing committees of the Local shall be the Safety and Health Committee, the Ergonomics Committee, the Cope COPE Committee, and the Social Action Committee and the Joint Apprentice Committee.
Section 3
Duties of the Social Action Committee
The Social Action Committee shall:
(a) Carry out the policy of the Union by actively pursuing a policy of equal employment opportunities for minorities and women, and recommending appropriate action for correcting discrimination.
(b) Be available to advise Stewards, upon request, on all complaints made to the Local with respect to employment discrimination on account of race, sex, age, national origin or religion.
(c) Inform the Executive Board and membership on current Local, State and Federal legislation of concern to working people and encourage members to support candidates for public office whose political stands are in harmony with the policies of the International Union and working people generally.
Section 5.
The committees shall assume their functions immediately after appointment and shall make a report of their activities at each regular meeting of the Local.
Article IX
Meetings
Section 1.
Regular membership meetings shall be held on the first Wednesday of each month at appropriate times convenient for each shift. The regular monthly Executive Board meeting will be held prior to the monthly membership meeting. When special circumstances require, the Executive Board may change the date of the monthly meeting, provided at least a three (3) day notice is given to all members. Such notice may be given by posting a notice on bulletin boards in the plant or by any other manner which shall reasonably assure that the notice reaches all members. However, the monthly meeting at which nominations or election of officers are to be held shall not be changed on less than fifteen (15) days notice. Section 2.
Notice of special meetings shall be given by the President at least 48 hours prior to the meeting; such notice may be given by posting a notice on bulletin boards……
Section 5.
(b) Nominations for office shall be made from the floor at the regular meeting in July September.
(c) Elections of officers shall be held in September and they shall assume responsibilities on October 1st. From the September elections to October 1st, shall be a period of transition.

(c) Elections of officers shall be held in October and they shall assume responsibilities on November 1st. From the October elections to November 1st, shall be a period of transition, which shall include the training of newly-elected Officers by the outgoing Officers.
(d) The order of nominations shall be: President, Vice-President, Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, Health and Safety Chair, Chief Shop Stewards (day and night), and Delegates to Region 8. to District Council #8.
(f) In the event that a member in good standing would not be able to attend the meeting mentioned in ( c ) and ( e ) above or in Article VII, Section 1, said member would be able to vote by absentee ballot. An absentee ballot would be restricted to those members who are unable to vote only by reason of:
(1) Medical affliction, which would make the attendance at the above mentioned meeting impossible.
(2) Assigned to another location, i.e. training or schooling by the company or the Union.
(3) Fulfilling military or jury duty obligations.
Article X
Election of Officers
Section 1
(d) At the meeting at which nominations are made, an Election Committee shall be selected from the floor. A Chairperson of this committee shall be elected by a majority note vote of Election Committee members present.
(e) The date, hours, and place of the election shall be determined by the Executive Board in sufficient time for notice of this information to appear in the IUE News CWA News under Section 1 (g) below if such notice is to be used. If other forms of mailed notices are to be employed, the Executive Board shall determine the date, hours and place of such election in time for the mailing of such notice.
(g) The Recording Secretary shall notify the membership of the names of all candidates and the offices to which they have been nominated and the date, hours, and place of the election. Such notice shall be mailed to each member in good standing at his last known home address not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the election. In the alternative, the Recording Secretary may make arrangements to have a notice inserted in an issue of the IUE CWA News to be published and mailed not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the election for the offices at stake. In that event, it shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to forward to the IUE News CWA News, the most recent home address of each member which that the Local has. It is the obligation of each member to inform the Recording Secretary promptly of his home address and any changes thereto.
(h) It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to forward to the Secretary-Treasurer of the IUE CWA, the most recent home address of each member. If the election is postponed pursuant to Section (f) above, the written fifteen (15)-day notice must be mailed in a timely manner prior to the re-scheduled election.
(i) The Election Committee shall conduct and supervise the election, which shall be by secret ballot (which may include the use of voting machines), keep the polls open at the hours designated, determine in accordance with the Constitution the eligibility of members voting, distribute ballots, count ballots immediately after the closing of the polls, tabulate the number of persons who voted, and make any other election arrangements required. All members in good standing shall be eligible to vote in any election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes cast for any office shall be declared the winner of that office. However, in the election for any office which includes a seat on the Executive Board, the candidate getting the majority of the votes cast (50 (fifty)% plus (1) one) shall be declared elected to that office. The names of the nominees shall appear on the ballot in alphabetical order of their last names. Each nominee may have an observer at each polling place on election day, and an observer at each place or table at which ballots are counted, as per federal law. However, the candidate shall be responsible for lost wages of his or her observers. Any ballot on which names are written in or otherwise inserted by the voters shall be void. The Chairperson of the Election Committee shall post the results of the election within 72 hours after the completion of tabulations. In the event that no candidate for an office can be elected because of a tie vote or as elsewhere stated in this Constitution, the Election Committee shall immediately schedule a run-off election for said office, to be conducted within ten (10) days, between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes. The time and place of the run-off election shall be posted at the same time as are the election results. The Recording Secretary shall preserve for one year after the election the ballots and all other records pertaining to the election.
(m) Vacancies in office shall be filled by nominations and election no later than the second (2nd) regular meeting after the vacancy occurs. Nominations and elections to fill vacancies shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures of the appropriate Article insofar as applicable.
Section 2
Any member may challenge an election in the Local a local election on the grounds that its outcome may have been affected by a violation of the provisions of this Article or of applicable Federal law. The challenge shall be presented to the Chairman of the Election Committee, in writing, within forty-eight (48) hours after the results of the election are posted. The Election Committee shall conduct an investigation and render its decision within fourteen (14) days after the written challenge is submitted. Appeals from the decision of the Election Committee may be taken within seven (7) days thereof by the challenger or any nominee to the President of the International Union.
Any challenge to the conduct of an election must be filed in writing to the Chairperson of the Election Committee within ten (10) days of the tentative certification of the results. The election committee shall rule on any such challenges and shall within twenty (20) days of the tentative certification of the results make a final determination or certification. Such determination or certification shall be subject to the right of appeal to the governing body and to the membership of the Local. Any appellant must exhaust the remedies available within this section. If the appellant has attempted to exhaust such remedies without obtaining a final decision within 60 days of the tentative certification of the results, the appellant shall have the right to file an appeal in writing with the appropriate geographical Vice President. Such an appeal shall be filed within 70 days of the tentative certification of the results.
While a challenge to an election is pending, the officers certified by the election committee in its final determination shall be the elected officers of the Local. Those officers shall remain in office unless the election committee’s determination is reversed by the Executive Board of the International Union or a new determination is made pursuant to the results of a properly ordered rerun election.
Section 5
Installation of Local Officers shall be conducted as follows:
Installing Officer: “Brother (or Sister) do you accept the office to which you have been elected?”
Officer elected: “I do.” Installing Officer: “Raise your right hand and repeat after me: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) in the presence of the assembled members that I will faithfully execute the office to which I have been elected; and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, IUE-CWA, AFL-CIO and the Constitution of this Local Union. I further swear (or affirm) that I will make an accounting for and turn over all property to my successor in office. I further swear (or affirm) that I will adhere to and support all trade union policies determined upon or subscribed to by the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, Communication Workers of America, AFL-CIO.”
Article XI
Delegates
(e) All quarterly Conference Board Meetings will be attended by the President, Vice President, or their designees.
(f) Delegates of the Local will hold a three (3)-year term, to be elected in conjunction with Local officers.
Article XII
Dues and Assessments
Section 1.
(b) Members receiving wages (including payments received for time not worked, but excluding payments for sick benefits and worker’s compensation) for five (5) days one (1) day or more in any given week of the month shall pay full monthly dues.
Section 2.
(a) Initiation fees for all members shall be $20.00 no more than $5.00, but no less than $2.00 (of which $1.00 shall be forwarded to the International Secretary-Treasurer).
Section 3.
(a) The Convention shall establish per capita dues to the International Union. This Local shall be required to pay the per capita dues to the International Union within the time and in the manner set forth by the Convention or the International Executive Board.
Section 4.
(a) The Local may levy a special assessment in cases of emergency or when income from dues and initiation fees is inadequate to finance necessary expense of the Local, or to prepare for a foreseeable emergency.
(b) Before the Local may levy a special assessment it shall: (1) Give the reason for the assessment to the members subject thereto; (2) Obtain approval by majority vote by secret ballot of the members in good standing voting at a general or special membership meeting, after reasonable notice of the intention to vote upon such question, preferably at the next regularly scheduled union meeting, but in any case no sooner than one week after notices to members of the Local are posted on Union bulletin boards.
Section 3 5.
(a) A withdrawal card shall be issued by the Local upon application of a member in good standing leaving the jurisdiction of the Union. Upon resuming employment under the jurisdiction of the International Union, a person holding such card shall again be admitted to membership in this Local upon deposit of the withdrawal card and payment of the current month’s dues. Should the holder of a withdrawal card later return to the jurisdiction of the Union, that person shall not be required to pay an initiation fee if such card is presented to the Secretary of the Local within thirty (30) days of that person returning to the Union’s jurisdiction. Failure to present the card within the time limit specified herein shall void the rights and privileges granted by such withdrawal card.
(b) A transfer card must be issued to a member in good standing (with or without request) who has left the jurisdiction of the Local and obtains employment within the jurisdiction of a sister Local. The transferred member shall not be required to pay an initiation fee if the transfer is initiated not later than thirty (30) days after the effective date of the change in employment.
Article XIII
Section 2
All members shall be deemed to have pledged themselves to the following obligation upon admission to membership:
Member: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will abide by the Constitution of the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, IUE-CWA, AFL-CIO, and the rules and Constitution of the Local Union to the full extent of my ability. I hereby affirm the terms of my application for membership to this International Union. I further swear (or affirm) that I will bear faithful allegiance to the Local and International Union in their trade union policies and to my fellow members and the officers they elect.”
Article XIV
Charges, Trials and Discipline
Section 1
Any member or officer of this Local shall be subject to discipline after charges and a hearing thereon in accordance with the following provisions for any of the following offenses:
(A) Engaging in any conduct or committing any act forbidden by or in conflict with the IUE Code of Ethical Practices.
(B) Violating any provision of the International Union or the Constitution of the Local or the oath of Office or membership.
(C) Refusing to carry out the decision of the Local Union or the decision of the Executive Board of the International Union or the Convention.
(D) Engaging in any activity or course of conduct contrary or detrimental to the welfare or best interests of the Local or International Union.
(a) Making false material statements or withholding material information when applying for membership;
(b) Willfully refusing to pay dues or assessments properly established or fines properly imposed or other valid financial obligations to the Union, a sister Local, or this Local;
(c) Willfully violating the Constitution of the Union, Local Bylaws or Rules; (d) Disobeying or willfully failing to comply with any lawful decision or order of the Union or Local;
(e) Working without proper Union authorization, during the period of a properly approved strike or for an establishment which is being struck by the Union or Local;
(f) Instigating or knowingly participating in an unauthorized strike or slowdown; (g) Willfully violating the adopted standards as to wages, hours or working conditions; (h) Misappropriating money or property of the Union or Local; (i) For such other offenses, equally as serious, which tend to bring the Union or Local into disrepute.
Section 2
The term “discipline” when used in this Article, shall include but not be limited to a fine, removal from office, disqualification to run for office, or suspension or expulsion from membership. No discipline shall be imposed except as provided in this the Local and International Constitutions.
Section 3
Charges against a member, or officer or other elected official of the Local shall be in writing, and signed by signed and sworn to by the accuser and shall contain sufficient information to inform the accused of the alleged acts and offenses. The charges shall be filed with the Recording Secretary, who shall promptly send to the International Secretary-Treasurer a copy of the charges.
Section 4
The Recording Secretary shall promptly transmit a copy of the charges to the accused, together with written notice by certified mail of the time and place of the hearing thereon. Such notice shall give the accused no less than five (5) days, but no more than thirty (30) days notice in which to prepare a defense and appearance for trial.
Section 5
The charges shall be heard by the Local’s Executive Board or a Trial Board of no less than three (3) persons, but no more than seven (7) persons, chosen by the Executive Board at random
from among its members. In the event that the Executive Board designates a Trial Board, it shall be the function of the Trial Board to report its findings and recommendations to the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall in all cases make the decision subject to the rights of appeals as set forth herein.
Section 6
The accused and the accuser shall have the right to appear at the trial, present evidence and argument, produce and cross-examine witnesses who shall testify under oath, and be represented by a member of the Union in good standing. Neither the accused, the accuser, nor any member who is a witness at the proceeding shall sit on the Trial Board or participate on the Executive Board if it is hearing the charges.
Section 7
(a) The accused or the accuser shall have the right to appeal to the next membership meeting, within thirty (30) days from a decision of the Executive Board. After the decision of the membership, only the accused shall have the right of appeal to the District Council, the IUE’s Executive Board and the Convention. If the Local does not finally act within ninety (90) days after the charges have been filed, the accuser shall have the right to appeal to the District Council. Executive Board of the International within thirty (30) days after such final decision of the Local.
(b) The appeal to the Executive Board of the International shall be directed, in writing to the Secretary-Treasurer of the International, who shall obtain a record of the case. The Executive Board shall review the case and affirm or reverse the decision or reduce the penalty or return the case for a new trial.
(c) The accused shall have the right to appeal from the decision of the Executive Board of the International to the next Convention by giving a notice of appeal in writing within thirty (30) days after the decision to the Secretary-Treasurer of the International. If the Executive Board has failed to render a decision within thirty (30) days preceding the Convention, the accused may appeal directly to the Convention which may affirm or reverse the decision or reduce the penalty.
Article XV
Funds and Property
Section 2
(a) Officers and members of this Local shall not be loaned funds of the Local, nor shall they use funds of the Local for purposes not related to the Local’s official activities.
(b) Expenditures over $300.00, excluding expenses necessary for the normal operation of the Local, must be approved by the Executive Board. Article XVII
Strikes
(b) No strike may be called without the approval by a majority of the members present at a membership meeting. The members present at such meeting shall vote by secret ballot on the question of whether or not a strike should be called.
(c) Immediately after the calling of a strike, it shall be the duty of the Local President to see that all information pertaining to the strike is submitted to the International Secretary-Treasurer so that the Local may receive the appropriate dues exonerations and strike benefits.
(c) After a strike vote has been taken, the Local President shall notify those in the proper chain of Union command, as required for International approval, so that the financial, organizational, and other assistance of the International may be secured.
Article XX
Amendments Any part of this Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at any regular membership meeting, provided that the proposed amendment has been posted on the bulletin board at least five (5) days prior to such regular meeting and provided that such amendment does not conflict with the Constitution of the International Union. A copy of all amendments shall be submitted to the Executive Board of the International Union within thirty (30) days after adoption for the Board’s review as provided in Article XVI, Section A, of the International Constitution. If such amendments are not submitted to the Executive Board of the International Union within thirty (30) days after adoption, they shall automatically be invalid. Amendments timely submitted, but disapproved shall be invalid until such time they have been resubmitted and approved.
RULES.
Source of Rules: The Local shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, and the Constitution and Rules of the CWA, and if these do not specifically cover a matter, Robert’s Rules of Order shall apply.

 

IUE-CWA Local 907